Fluid-dispensing cap for a container

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a fluid-dispensing cap (100) for a container. The fluid- dispensing cap comprises an outlet (106) and a first part (102) having a fixing portion (202) for attaching to a neck of the container. The first part comprises a first opening (214) and a second opening (216) located inwardly of the outlet. The fluid-dispensing cap also comprises a second part (104) moveably mounted to the first part and having a blocking member (218). The second part is moveable between: a first position in which the blocking member blocks the second opening and the first opening is in fluid communication with the outlet for dispensing of fluid from the container, and a second position in which the blocking member is spaced from the second opening such that the first opening and the second opening are in fluid communication with the outlet for dispensing of fluid from the container.

Description

FLUID-DISPENSING CAP FOR A CONTAINERBACKGROUND

[0001] Fluid-dispensing caps are used on squeezable containers for dispensing fluids. For example, a condiment container, such a container for ketchup or mayonnaise, has a fluiddispensing cap through which the condiment is dispensed when the container body is squeezed to apply pressure to the fluid within the container. Such fluid-dispensing caps typically include a valve, such a flap valve, that provides some resistance to the fluid being dispensed so that the fluid is dispensed under pressure. The fluid dispensing rate of the container is determined by the valve and by the pressure applied to the container.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0002] According to the present invention there is provided a fluid-dispensing cap for a container, the fluid-dispensing cap comprising: an outlet, a first part having a fixing portion for attaching to a neck of the container, the first part comprising a first opening and a second opening located inwardly of the outlet, and a second part moveably mounted to the first part and having a blocking member, wherein the second part is moveable between: a first position in which the blocking member blocks the second opening and the first opening is in fluid communication with the outlet for dispensing of fluid from the container, and a second position in which the blocking member is spaced from the second opening such that the first opening and the second opening are in fluid communication with the outlet for dispensing of fluid from the container.

[0003] The fluid-dispensing cap advantageously provides an adjustable fluid dispensing rate by allowing a user to open and close the second opening by moving the second part relative to the first part. By opening the second opening the fluid dispensing rate will be increased relative to the fluid only being able to flow through the first opening.

[0004] In examples, the second part is rotatable relative to the first part to move between the first position and the second position. In examples, the second part and / or the first part may comprise a gripping pattern formed on an outer surface to allow a user to more easily grip the second part and / or the first part for rotating the second part relative to the first part. In examples, the second part and / or the first part may comprise an indicator, such as arrow or a marker or a scale. The indicator may be arranged to align with a corresponding indicator on the other of the first part or the second part in one or more predetermined rotational positions. The one or more rotational positions may correspond to the first position, the second position, and / or an intermediate rotational position.

[0005] In examples, the first part is coupled to the second part by a thread such that rotation of the second part relative to the first part moves the second part in an axial direction relative to the first part. In examples, the second part is rotatable relative to the first part about a maximum angle of between about 30 degrees and about 180 degrees, preferably between about 30 degrees and about 100 degrees, preferably about 90 degrees. Preferably, a first end of the rotational movement of the second part relative to the first part corresponds to a minimum fluid dispensing rate in which the second opening is completely covered by the blocking member. Preferably, a second end of the rotational movement of the second part relative to the first part corresponds to a maximum fluid dispensing rate in which the second opening is uncovered and permits fluid flow therethrough.

[0006] In examples, the fluid-dispensing cap further comprises one or more intermediate detents defining one or more intermediate rotational positions. Each detent may be formed by a protrusion on one of the first part and the second part and a recess on the other of the first part and the second part.

[0007] In examples, the first part comprises a conical portion having a base and a tip. The first opening is formed at the tip of the conical portion and the second opening is formed in a side wall of the conical portion. In examples, the base of the conical portion is arranged to abut against the neck of the container when the fluid-dispensing cap is attached to the container. The base of the conical portion may seal against the top of the neck of the container. In examples, the side wall of the conical portion comprises a plurality of second openings. In examples, the side wall of the conical portion comprises two, three, four, five, six, seven or eight second openings.

[0008] In examples, the blocking member of the second part is arranged such that in the first position it covers the or each second opening. The blocking member may comprise an annular surface that abuts against the side wall of the conical portion, over the or each second opening, in the first position. The annular surface may be partially conical and may match the conical angle of the side wall of the conical portion.

[0009] In examples, the first part is coupled to the second part by a thread such that rotation of the second part relative to the first part moves the second part in an axial direction relative to the first part. In such examples, the first part may further comprise a cylindrical portion surrounding the conical portion and extending in the axial direction. The second part may comprise a recess arranged to slidably receive the cylindrical portion such that the cylindrical portion is received in the recess in the first position and in the second position. The cylindrical portion and the recess may help to maintain alignment between the first part and the second part, and also may act to block flow of fluid along an unwanted path within the fluid-dispensing cap during use.

[0010] In examples, in the second position a flow path is defined from the or each second opening, between the conical portion and the second part, to the outlet.

[0011] In examples, in the first position the blocking member abuts the first part and covers the second opening, and in the second position the blocking member is spaced from the second opening creating a flow passage in fluid communication with the outlet.

[0012] In examples, the blocking member and / or the first part comprises a seal, for example an elastomeric seal, arranged to seal the second opening when the second part is in the first position. The elastomeric seal may comprise a silicone material.

[0013] In examples, the second part comprises the outlet. The outlet may comprise a valve, for example a flap valve. The flap valve may comprise a membrane having one or more slits that define one or more flaps.

[0014] In examples, the fluid-dispensing cap further comprises a lid. The lid may comprise a plug arranged to plug the outlet. The plug may clip into the outlet to hold the lid in a closed position. The lid may be hingedly mounted to the second part.

[0015] In examples, the first part comprises a thread for attaching the fluid-dispensing cap to a threaded neck of the container.

[0016] In examples, the fluid-dispensing cap, in particular the first part and the second part and optionally the third part, are made from the same material, in particular a polymer such as polypropylene.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a container for dispensing fluid, the container comprising a container body for holding a fluid, the container body having a neck, and the fluid-dispensing cap described above attached to the neck. In examples, the container body is squeezable for dispensing fluid through the fluid-dispensing cap. In examples, the container is a condiment container.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Aspects of the invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a fluid-dispensing cap for a container.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the fluid-dispensing cap in a first position.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of the fluid-dispensing cap in a second position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid-dispensing cap 100 comprises a first part 102 and a second part 104. The second part includes an outlet 106. A lid 108 is hingedly attached to the second part and includes a plug 110. The lid 108 is illustrated in an open position, and when the lid 108 is closed the plug 110 plugs the outlet 106 so as to seal the outlet 106. The outlet 106 may include a valve, for example a valve comprising a membrane having one or more flaps that close unless pressure is applied to them. The valve may comprise a membrane having one or more slits that define the flaps.

[0023] The fluid-dispensing cap 100 is intended for use with a container, in particular a container that holds a fluid, particularly a viscous fluid. The container may be a container of foodstuffs, for example condiments such as ketchup or mayonnaise or similar. The container may be a squeezable container that is can be squeezed to dispense the fluid through the outlet 106.

[0024] As described below, the first part 102 and the second part 104 are rotatable relative to each other in order to open / close an opening within the fluid-dispensing cap 100 and to change a fluid dispensing rate during use. The fluid-dispensing cap 100 can be used to change betweena low dispensing rate and a high dispensing rate, the high dispensing rate having a greater fluid flow for a given pressure applied to the container.

[0025] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show cross-sections of the fluid-dispensing cap 100. FIG. 2 shows the fluid-dispensing cap 100 with the first part 102 and the second part 104 in a first position. In the first position the fluid-dispensing cap 100 provides a low dispensing rate during use. FIG. 3 shows the fluid-dispensing cap 100 with the first part 102 and the second part 104 in a second position. In the second position the fluid-dispensing cap 100 provides a high dispensing rate during use. It will be appreciated that the low dispensing rate and the high dispensing are relative to each other, the high dispensing rate providing a fluid flow rate that is greater than the low dispensing rate for a given pressure applied to the container to dispense the fluid.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the first part 102 includes a thread 202 for attaching the fluid-dispensing cap 100 to a threaded neck of a container. The second part 104 includes the outlet 106. As shown, when the lid 108 is closed the plug 110 plugs the outlet 106. The second part 104 is hingedly attached to the second part 104 at hinge 226. The plug 110 may clip into the outlet 106 to hold the lid in a closed position.

[0027] The second part 104 is attached to the first part 102 by a thread 204 so that the second part 104 is rotatable relative to the first part 102 about axis 224. The axis 224 extends in a longitudinal direction of the fluid-dispensing cap 100, which may also be a longitudinal direction of the container. The first part 102 and the second part 104 can be rotated relative to each other but are not detachable. The thread 204 permits 90 degrees of rotation of the second part 104 relative to the first part 102.

[0028] The first part 102 includes a conical portion 206 having a conical side wall 208 and tip 210. When the fluid-dispensing cap 100 is attached to a container by thread 202 a base 212 of the conical portion 206 abuts the top of the neck of the container. A first opening 214 is formed at the tip 210 of the conical portion 206. The first opening 214 is aligned with the outlet 106. Therefore, during use fluid from the container passes through the neck and can be dispensed via the fluid-dispensing cap 100 through the first opening 214 and the outlet 106.

[0029] The first part 102 also includes one or more second openings 216a, 216b. The second openings 216a, 216b are formed in the side wall 208 of the conical portion 206. The second openings 216a, 216b are spaced from the tip 210. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, two second openings 216a, 216b are visible and the first part 102 includes four second openings 216a, 216b (theother two being non-visible in the illustrated cross-section). However, it will be appreciated that any number of second openings 216a, 216b may be provided.

[0030] As also illustrated, the first part 102 includes a cylindrical portion 220. The cylindrical portion 220 extends in an axial direction (parallel to the axis 224) and surrounds the conical portion 206. The second part 104 includes a recess 222 arranged to receive the cylindrical portion 220. The cylindrical portion 220 is slidably received in the recess 222 so that as the second part 104 is rotated and moved axially relative to the first part 102 the cylindrical portion 220 moves into and out of the recess 222.

[0031] The second part 104 includes a blocking member 218. As shown in FIG. 2, when the second part 104 is in the first position the blocking member 218 covers the second openings 216a, 216b and prevents fluid flow through the second openings 216a, 216b. The blocking member 218 and / or the conical portion 206 may include a seal, for example an elastomeric (e.g., silicone) seal so that the blocking member 218 seals over the second openings 216a, 216b.

[0032] Accordingly, in the first position, illustrated in FIG. 2, fluid can only be dispensed from the fluid-dispensing cap 100 via the first opening 214 and the outlet 106 when the lid 108 is opened. The size of the first opening 214 thereby restricts the dispensing rate of the fluid to a first dispensing rate.

[0033] In FIG. 3 the second part 104 has been rotated relative to the first part 102 through 90 degrees relative to the first position shown in FIG. 2. During rotation the thread 204 has moved the second part 104 axially relative to the first part 102, in the direction of axis 224. The cylindrical portion 220 has slid partially out of the recess 222, although a part of the cylindrical portion 220 is still received in the recess 222. The sliding arrangement of the cylindrical portion 220 and the recess 222 maintains alignment between the first part 102 and the second part 104 and prevents fluid flow between the first part 102 and the second part 104 via the recess 222.

[0034] As shown, the blocking member 218 has moved away from the conical portion 206 so that the second openings 216a, 216b are uncovered. In this position, a flow path 302 is created between the conical portion 206 (in particular the side wall 208) and the blocking member 218 towards the outlet 106. The first opening 214 is still open in the same way as described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0035] Accordingly, in the second position, illustrated in FIG. 3, fluid can be dispensed from the fluid-dispensing cap 100 via the first opening 214 and via the second openings 216a, 216b and the outlet 106 when the lid 108 is opened. This provides an increased fluid dispensing rate compared to the first position illustrated in FIG. 2

[0036] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, respectively, illustrate the minimum and maximum relative axial positions of the first part 102 and the second part 104. However, it will be appreciated that in an intermediate position the flow path 302 will be narrower (the blocking member 218 will be closer to the conical portion 206), providing an intermediate fluid dispensing rate. Accordingly, rotation of the second part 104 relative to the first part 102 can provide a continually adjustable fluid dispensing rate.

[0037] In some examples, one or more detents are provided between the first part 102 and the second part 104. The one or more detents may define intermediate rotational positions of the first part 102 and the second part 104. For example, one detent may correspond to a 45 degree rotation of the first part 102 relative to the second part 104. Each detent may be formed by a protrusion on one of the first part 102 and the second part 104 and a recess on the other of the first part 102 and the second part 104. If multiple detents are provided, there may be one protrusion or recess, and multiple of the other of the protrusion or recess. At the or each intermediate position a protrusion and a recess align at a predetermined rotation position and create a resistance to further rotation of the second part 104 relative to the first part 102. A user can thereby sense the intermediate rotational position, and can overcome the resistance by applying greater torque to the second part 104 to continue rotation. In some examples the one or more detents are provided within the thread 204. In other examples, the one or more detents are provided between the cylindrical portion 220 and the recess 222, or between the first part 102 and the second part 104 in another position. As shown in FIG. 1, an indicator 112 may be provided on the second part 104, which may align with a corresponding indicator on the first part 102 in one or more predetermined rotational positions that may correspond to the first position, the second position, and / or an intermediate rotational position.

[0038] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiment(s) have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed designs as described above are possible.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fluid-dispensing cap for a container, the fluid-dispensing cap comprising: an outlet, a first part having a fixing portion for attaching to a neck of the container, the first part comprising a first opening and a second opening located inwardly of the outlet, and a second part moveably mounted to the first part and having a blocking member, wherein the second part is moveable between: a first position in which the blocking member blocks the second opening and the first opening is in fluid communication with the outlet for dispensing of fluid from the container, and a second position in which the blocking member is spaced from the second opening such that the first opening and the second opening are in fluid communication with the outlet for dispensing of fluid from the container.

2. The fluid-dispensing cap of claim 1, wherein the second part is rotatable relative to the first part to move between the first position and the second position.

3. The fluid-dispensing cap of claim 2, wherein the first part is coupled to the second part by a thread such that rotation of the second part relative to the first part moves the second part in an axial direction relative to the first part.

4. The fluid-dispensing cap of claim 2 or 3, wherein the second part is rotatable relative to the first part about a maximum angle of between about 30 degrees and about 180 degrees, preferably between about 30 degrees and about 100 degrees, preferably about 90 degrees.

5. The fluid-dispensing cap of claim 4, further comprising one or more detents defining one or more intermediate rotational positions.

6. The fluid-dispensing cap of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first part comprises a conical portion having a base and a tip, wherein the first opening is formed at the tip of the conical portion and the second opening is formed in a side wall of the conical portion.

7. The fluid-dispensing cap of claim 6, wherein the base of the conical portion is arranged to abut against the neck of the container when the fluid-dispensing cap is attached to the container.

8. The fluid-dispensing cap of claim 6 or 7, wherein the side wall of the conical portion comprises a plurality of second openings.

9. The fluid-dispensing cap of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the blocking member of the second part is arranged such that in the first position it covers the or each second opening.

10. The fluid-dispensing cap of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the first part is coupled to the second part by a thread such that rotation of the second part relative to the first part moves the second part in an axial direction relative to the first part, wherein the first part further comprises a cylindrical portion surrounding the conical portion and extending in the axial direction, and wherein the second part comprises a recess arranged to slidably receive the cylindrical portion such that the cylindrical portion is received in the recess in the first position and in the second position.

11. The fluid-dispensing cap of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, in the second position a flow path is defined from the or each second opening, between the conical portion and the second part, to the outlet.

12. The fluid-dispensing cap of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein in the first position the blocking member abuts the first part and covers the second opening, and wherein in the second position the blocking member is spaced from the second opening creating a flow passage in fluid communication with the outlet.

13. The fluid-dispensing cap of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the blocking member and / or the first part comprises a seal, for example an elastomeric seal, arranged to seal the second opening when the second part is in the first position.

14. The fluid-dispensing cap of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second part comprises the outlet.

15. The fluid-dispensing cap of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a lid.

16. The fluid-dispensing cap of claim 15, wherein the lid comprises a plug arranged to plug the outlet.

17. The fluid-dispensing cap of claim 15 or 16, wherein the lid is hingedly mounted to the second part.

18. The fluid-dispensing cap of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first part comprises a thread for attaching the fluid-dispensing cap to a threaded neck of the container.

19. The fluid-dispensing cap of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the outlet comprises a valve.

20. A container for dispensing fluid, the container comprising a container body for holding a fluid, the container body having a neck, and the fluid-dispensing cap of any one of claims 1 to 19 attached to the neck.

21. The container of claim 20, wherein the container body is squeezable for dispensing fluid through the fluid-dispensing cap.

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