A dosing bottle cap with a hinged nozzle

Abstract

A dosing bottle cap 200 comprising: a cap body 210 including a cap body aperture 250; and a nozzle portion 220 attached to the cap body via a hinge 212. The nozzle portion including a nozzle inlet aperture 232 and a nozzle outlet aperture 234. Wherein the nozzle portion is moveable relative to the cap body about the hinge between a closed position in which the nozzle inlet aperture aligns with the cap body aperture, and an open position in which the cap body aperture is uncovered. Wherein the dosing bottle cap comprises a seal 242 positioned between the cap body and the nozzle portion when the nozzle portion is in the closed position. A dosing bottle and a method of mixing fluid in the dosing bottle is also provided.

Description

Field of the Disclosure The present disclosure relates generally to a dosing bottle cap, a dosing bottle and a method of mixing fluids with said dosing bottle and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in providing a dosing bottle with a hinged nozzle to allow an additive to be mixed with a fluid in a dosing bottle without requiring access to the bore of the bottle. Background There are many scenarios in which an additive must be mixed with a fluid prior to the fluid being dispensed, particularly in a controlled and precise manner. Typical devices that are intended for use with additives require the contents of a bottle or other vessel to be extracted into a mixing vessel, where the contents can be combined with the additive and transferred to a dosing bottle. Other typical devices include a dropper nozzle and require the complete removal of the dropper nozzle to enable additives to be introduced through the bore of the bottle. Typical devices therefore require access to the entire contents of the bottle, which presents user safety and contamination issues. Additionally, removeable parts such as dropper nozzles are typically small, meaning they are easily lost once removed from the bottle and present a choking hazard for small children. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a dosing bottle cap and dosing bottle that alleviates these problems with prior known devices. Aspects of the present disclosure provide such a dosing bottle cap and dosing bottle. Summary According to a first aspect, there is provided a dosing bottle cap comprising: a cap body including a cap body aperture; and a nozzle portion attached to the cap body via a hinge, the nozzle portion including a nozzle inlet aperture and a nozzle outlet aperture in fluid communication with the nozzle inlet aperture; wherein the nozzle portion is moveable relative to the cap body about the hinge between a closed position in which the nozzle inlet aperture aligns with the cap body aperture, and an open position in which the cap body aperture is uncovered; and wherein the dosing bottle cap comprises a seal positioned between the cap body and the nozzle portion when the nozzle portion is arranged in the closed position. In this way, the nozzle portion may be moved to the open position to expose the cap body aperture, and additives may be inserted in to a bottle or other vessel to which the dosing bottle cap is attached via the cap body aperture. Hinging the nozzle portion means that there is no need for the nozzle portion to be completely removed from the cap body, which prevents loss of the nozzle portion and a potential choking hazard for small children. Additionally, providing a seal between the nozzle portion and the cap body prevents leakage through the cap body aperture. The nozzle inlet aperture being in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet aperture may mean that fluid passing into the nozzle portion via the nozzle inlet aperture may exit the nozzle portion via the nozzle outlet aperture. The nozzle portion being moveable relative to the cap body about the hinge may mean that the nozzle portion rotates relative to the cap body, as the nozzle portion moves between the closed position and the open position. The nozzle portion may additionally translate relative to the cap body, as the nozzle portion moves between the closed position and the open position. A final portion of a movement of the nozzle portion from the open position to the closed position may be purely translational. For example, the nozzle portion may be a plug that translates into the cap body aperture, once the nozzle portion has at least partially rotated about the hinge from the open position towards the closed position. The nozzle portion being moveable relative to the cap body about the hinge between the closed position and the open position may mean that the nozzle portion is arrangeable in any one of a plurality of positions between the closed position and the open position. Alternatively, the nozzle portion may be biased into both the closed and open positions, such that there is no stable position between the closed and open positions. The seal may be or comprise any known sealing element. For example, the seal may be moulded to form a bore-seal as an integral part of the nozzle, or alternatively the seal may comprise a resilient O-ring such as a silicone, rubber or polymer O-ring. The seal may be positioned between the nozzle inlet aperture and the cap body aperture. The seal may be arranged such that, in use and with the nozzle portion in the closed position, all fluid passing through the cap body aperture is received by the nozzle inlet aperture. In this way, leakage from the cap body aperture may be prevented. In some examples, the bottle is squeezed to dispense a fluid therefrom. In prior known devices, this squeezing may result in such a leak. The nozzle portion may comprise a projection. The projection may be annular or any other desired shape. The projection may extend in a direction away from the nozzle outlet aperture. The projection may be configured to be received within the cap body aperture when the nozzle portion is positioned in the closed position. Accordingly, the projection may be considered to be a plug portion. The seal may be positioned between the projection and the cap body with the nozzle portion positioned in the closed position. The seal may be arranged on the projection. Alternatively, the seal may be arranged on the cap body. The projection and / or cap body may comprise a groove or depression configured to receive a sealing element and retain the sealing element in a preferred position. For example, the seal may comprise a resilient O-ring that is retained within a groove on the projection. The cap body portion may comprise a flange surrounding the cap body aperture. With the nozzle portion in the closed position, the seal may act to seal a gap between the flange and the projection. Accordingly, in some examples, the seal may be compressed between the projection and the flange. Such an arrangement may prevent leakage through the cap body aperture, in use. In some arrangements, the seal may be a multi-part seal. A first portion of the multi-part seal may be arranged on the projection, and a second portion of the multi-part seal may be arranged on the cap body. The first and second portions of the multi-part seal may mutually engage to provide a seal between the projection and the cap body. Alternatively, the first portion of the multi-part seal may provide a first seal between the projection and the cap body at a first position, and the second portion of the multi-part seal may provide a second seal between the projection and the cap body at a second position spaced from the first position. A cross-sectional area of the nozzle outlet aperture may be less than a cross-sectional area of the cap body aperture. Accordingly, the nozzle outlet aperture may be relatively small to allow for fluid to be dispensed in a precise and controlled manner, whilst the cap body aperture may be relatively large to allow for additives to be conveniently introduced into a bottle via the cap body aperture. The dosing bottle cap may further comprise retaining means configured to releasably retain the nozzle portion in the closed position. For example, the dosing bottle cap may comprise a clip or other retaining means configured to retain the nozzle portion in the closed position. The nozzle portion may comprise a first portion of the clip and the cap body portion may comprise a second portion of the clip. With the nozzle portion in the closed position, the first portion of the clip and the second portion of the clip may mutually engage to retain the nozzle portion in the closed position. For example, when moving the nozzle portion to the closed position, the first portion of the clip may ride over the second portion of the clip and be retained. To move the nozzle portion from the closed position, the user may cause the first portion of the clip to again ride over the second portion of the clip. The first portion of the clip may be resilient. The cap body may comprise one or more attachment means configured to, in use, attach the dosing bottle cap to a bottle or vessel. In this way, the cap body may be attached to a bottle or vessel. The attachment means may comprise a threaded portion. The threaded portion may mutually engage with a threaded portion on the bottle or vessel. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment means may comprise a clip portion. The clip portion may allow for the cap body to be clipped onto the bottle or vessel. The dosing bottle cap may be attached to a bottle or vessel such that an aperture, opening or bore of the bottle or vessel is covered by the dosing bottle cap. The cap body, the nozzle portion and the hinge may be monolithic. In some examples, the cap body, the nozzle portion and the hinge may be a single moulded component. The seal may be a separate component, or may also be integral with the cap body, the nozzle portion and the hinge. The hinge may be an elongate portion connected at one end thereof to the cap body and connected at a second end thereof, opposite to the first end, to the nozzle portion. Alternatively, the hinge may comprise a first hinge portion connected to the cap body and a second hinge portion, distinct from the first hinge portion, connect to the nozzle portion. The first hinge portion and the second hinge portion may mutually engage to allow the nozzle portion to hinge relative to the cap portion. The hinge may be configured to urge the nozzle portion into the open position. In this way, when the user releases the retaining means holding the nozzle portion in the closed position, the nozzle portion may be urged into the open position and be held away from the cap body aperture. The user may then have free access to the cap body aperture, so that they may introduce one or more additives into the bottle without interference from the nozzle portion. The hinge may comprise biasing means, such as a spring, and / or be resiliently biased towards the open position. The retaining means may hold the nozzle portion in the closed position against the action of the hinge an / or biasing means. The nozzle portion may comprise an elongate conduit between the nozzle inlet aperture and the nozzle outlet aperture. Fluid may be dispensed along the conduit. The elongate conduit may allow a user to precisely dispense fluid. The nozzle portion may comprise a one-way valve, a non-return valve, or any other component capable of preventing flow via the conduit from the nozzle outlet aperture to the nozzle inlet aperture, while allowing flow via the conduit from the nozzle inlet aperture to the nozzle outlet aperture. The dosing bottle cap may further comprise a nozzle cap. The nozzle cap may be attachable to the cap body such that the nozzle portion is enclosed between the nozzle cap and the cap body. In this way, the nozzle cap may prevents the movement of the nozzle portion from the closed position to the open position. Such an arrangement may prevent accidental spillage via the cap body aperture. Alternatively or additionally, the nozzle cap may be attachable to the nozzle portion. Such an arrangement may allow for the nozzle portion to be moved to the open position, so that additives may be introduced into the bottle via the cap aperture, without touching nozzle portion thereby preventing potential contamination of the nozzle. The nozzle cap may be configured to seal the nozzle outlet aperture. The nozzle cap may press against, and / or be received within, the nozzle outlet aperture. The nozzle cap may include a seal, such as a resilient plug, that is configured to be received within the nozzle outlet aperture to seal the nozzle outlet aperture. The nozzle cap may comprise one or more child-proof features. For example, the nozzle cap may be configured such that, to remove the nozzle cap, a user must squeeze and / or push down upon the nozzle cap before unscrewing or otherwise removing the nozzle cap. According to a second aspect, there is provided a dosing bottle comprising the dosing bottle cap of the first aspect and a vessel. The dosing bottle cap may be attached to, or may be attachable to, the vessel. The dosing bottle cap may be fixed on the vessel. In this way, removal of the dosing cap from the vessel may be prevented. Alternatively, the dosing bottle cap may be releasably attached to the vessel. The vessel may comprise a vessel aperture. The dosing bottle cap may be configured to cover the vessel aperture. The dosing bottle cap may be configured to seal the vessel aperture. The vessel may comprise a flange and the dosing bottle cap may abut the flange. In some examples, the dosing bottle may include a seal between the dosing bottle cap and the vessel. A cross-sectional area of the cap body aperture may be less than a cross-sectional area of the vessel aperture. In this way, a user may be able to introduce an additive into the vessel via the cap body aperture, without being exposed to the entirety of the contents of the vessel via the vessel aperture. The vessel aperture may be a bore of a bottle or other vessel. The vessel may be flexible. In this way, a user may dispense a fluid from the vessel by squeezing the vessel. The vessel may be transparent or translucent. In this way, a user may be able to see contents of the vessel and determine or estimate a volume. A user may also be able to visually verify that additives have been correctly mixed. The vessel may comprise one or more volume indicators. For example, the vessel may include one or more markings indicating millilitres or cubic centimetres of contents. In some examples, the vessel may include one or more fill lines. A fill line may indicate a volume level to which a content, such as an additive, should be filled. Accordingly, a user may accurately dispense a volume of fluid from the vessel, or accurately introduce a volume of additive to the vessel. According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of mixing fluids with the dosing bottle of the second aspect, the method comprising: positioning the nozzle portion in the open position; introducing one or more fluids into the vessel via the cap body aperture; and positioning the nozzle portion in the closed position. In this way, a fluid including an additive may be prepared. The vessel may contain one or more fluids. In particular, the vessel may contain one or more fluids, and the step of introducing one or more fluids into the vessel via the cap body aperture may introduce one or more additional fluids to the one or more fluids already in the vessel. In this way, a user may add one or more additives to a fluid already present in the vessel. The method may further comprise agitating the dosing bottle. Agitating may comprise shaking, swirling, or otherwise mixing a fluid within the vessel. Brief Description of the Drawings The disclosure will be further described with reference to examples identified in the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a dosing bottle; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the dosing bottle shown in Figure 1 with the nozzle portion in the open position; and Figure 3 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the dosing bottle shown in Figure 1. Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the aspects described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples have been shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims. Detailed Description The following description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the disclosure. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the examples, since variations will be apparent to a skilled person and are deemed also to be covered by the description. Terms for components used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. In some cases, alternative terms for structural features may be provided but such terms are not intended to be exhaustive. Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of" such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, “upper” and “lower” are used for convenience of explanation usually with reference to the illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension, orientation and / or direction. The description herein refers to examples and embodiments with particular combinations of features, however, it is envisaged that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible features between examples and embodiments will be possible. Indeed, isolated features may function independently as an invention from other features and not necessarily require implementation as a complete combination. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective viewof a dosing bottle 100. The dosing bottle 100 includes a dosing cap 200 and a vessel 300. The dosing cap 200 is attached to a neck of the vessel 300 such that the dosing cap 200 covers a bore of the vessel 300. The dosing cap 200 includes a cap body portion 210 and a nozzle portion 220. The cap body portion 210 is the portion of the dosing cap 200 that is attached to the vessel 300. In this regard, the cap body portion 210 includes attachment means, such as a thread or clip, that allows the cap body portion 210 to attach to the vessel 300. In some examples, the vessel 300 also includes attachment means, such as a thread or clip, that mutually engage with the attachment means of the cap body portion 210. In further examples, the cap body portion 210 is fixed to the vessel 300 such that removal of the dosing cap 200 from the vessel 300 is prevented. The nozzle portion 220 includes a nozzle 230. The nozzle 230 includes an elongate conduit that is arranged to extend away from the cap body portion 210 in the arrangement shown in Figure 1. The nozzle 230 includes a nozzle outlet aperture 232, through which contents of the vessel 300 may be expelled. The elongate arrangement of the nozzle 230 and the relatively small size of the nozzle outlet aperture 232 allow for precise and controlled dosing. The nozzle portion 220 is attached to the cap body portion 210 via a hinge, discussed in detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The hinge allows the nozzle portion 220 to be arranged between a closed position, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3, and an open position, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the dosing bottle 100 shown in Figure 1 with the nozzle portion 220 in the open position. As shown in Figure 2, the nozzle portion 220 is attached to the cap body portion 210 via a hinge 212. In the example shown in Figure 2, the hinge 212 comprises a flexible portion attached at one end to the cap body portion 210 and at the opposite end to the nozzle portion 220. In some examples, the hinge 212 may be resilient and may resiliently bias the nozzle portion 220 into the open position as shown in Figure 2. The nozzle 230 includes a nozzle inlet aperture 234 at an opposite end thereof to the nozzle outlet aperture 232. Accordingly, fluid may be passed along the nozzle 230 from the nozzle inlet aperture 234 to the nozzle outlet aperture 232. The nozzle portion 220 includes an annular projection 240 surrounding the nozzle inlet aperture 234. The annular projection 240 extends away from the nozzle portion 220 in a direction away from the nozzle 230. The nozzle portion 220 further comprises a seal 242 positioned to encircle the annular projection 240. In some examples, such as that shown in Figure 2, the seal 242 comprises an O-ring. The cap body portion 210 includes a cap body aperture 250. The cap body aperture 250 allows access to an interior of the vessel 300, when the nozzle portion 220 is positioned in the open position as shown in Figure 2. The cap body aperture 250 is larger than the nozzle outlet aperture 232 but is smaller than a bore of the vessel 300. With the nozzle portion 220 in the open position, a user may pass one or more additives through the cap body aperture 250 and in to the interior of the vessel 300, without being exposed to the entire contents of the vessel 300. The cap body portion 210 includes a flange 252 surrounding the cap body aperture 250. When the nozzle portion 220 is positioned in the closed position, as shown in Figure 1, the annular projection 240 is received within the cap body aperture 250. The seal 242 seals the gap between the annular projection 240 and the flange 252. Accordingly, with the nozzle portion 220 in the closed position, all contents of the vessel 300 leaving the vessel 300 via the cap body aperture 250 must pass into the nozzle inlet aperture 234, along the nozzle 230, and out of the nozzle outlet aperture 232. The cap body portion 210 includes a depression 260 in an upper surface thereof. The depression 260 is shaped and sized such that, with the nozzle portion 220 in the closed position as shown in Figure 1, the nozzle portion 220 fits snugly within the depression 260. Accordingly, an upper surface of the nozzle portion 220 is coplanar with an upper surface of the cap body portion 210. The nozzle portion 220 further includes a clip 270 on an edge thereof opposite to the edge on which the hinge 212 is attached. The clip 270 includes a lip 272. The cap body portion 210 includes a mutually shaped clip portion 280 including a mutually shaped lip 282. The clip 280 is on an edge of the cap body portion 210 that is opposite to the edge on which the hinge 212 is attached. With the nozzle portion 220 in the closed position, the clip 270 of the nozzle portion 220 is received within the clip 280 of the cap body portion 210. The lip 272 of the nozzle portion 220 engages with the slip 282 of the cap body portion 210 to retain the nozzle portion 220 in the closed position. In other examples, alternative means for retaining the nozzle portion 220 in the closed position may be provided. Figure 3 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the dosing bottle 100 shown in Figure 1. The dosing cap 200 is attached to a flange 310 of the vessel 300. A seal may be provided between the dosing cap 200 and the flange 310 of the vessel 300. As shown in Figure 3, the seal 242 seals a gap between the annular projection 240 and the cap body portion 210. Accordingly, contents of the vessel held within an interior 320 of the vessel 300 may only leave the vessel 300 through the bore 330 of the vessel 300, through the cap body aperture 250, into the nozzle 230 via the nozzle inlet aperture 234, and finally out of the nozzle outlet aperture 232. The seal 242 prevents leakage through the cap body aperture 250. In use, a user may position the nozzle portion 220 in the open position, as shown in Figure 2. The user may then pass on or more additives into the interior 320 of the vessel 300 via the cap body aperture 250. The vessel 300 may contain one or more fluids prior to the user adding the one or more additives. Alternatively, the vessel 300 may be empty prior to the user adding the one or more additives. The user may then position the nozzle portion 220 in the closed position, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3 to seal the cap body aperture 250. The user may agitate the dosing bottle 100 to mix the contents of the vessel 300. Finally, the user may apply or dose the contents of the vessel 300 via the nozzle outlet aperture 232. In some examples, a further cap (not shown) may be provided to cover and / or seal the nozzle outlet aperture 232 during agitation and storage. The further cap may include one or more child-proof features as discussed herein to prevent undesired access to the contents of the vessel 300, and to prevent unsupervised removal of the further cap which may present a choking hazard. The further cap may attach to the nozzle 230, to the nozzle portion 220, and / or to the cap body portion 210.

Claims

1. A dosing bottle cap comprising:a cap body including a cap body aperture; anda nozzle portion attached to the cap body via a hinge, the nozzle portion including a nozzle inlet aperture and a nozzle outlet aperture in fluid communication with the nozzle inlet aperture;wherein the nozzle portion is moveable relative to the cap body about the hinge between a closed position in which the nozzle inlet aperture aligns with the cap body aperture, and an open position in which the cap body aperture is uncovered; andwherein the dosing bottle cap comprises a seal positioned between the cap body and the nozzle portion when the nozzle portion is arranged in the closed position.

2. The dosing bottle cap of claim 1, wherein the seal is positioned between the nozzle inlet aperture and the cap body aperture, further wherein the seal is arranged such that, in use and with the nozzle portion in the closed position, all fluid passing through the cap body aperture is received by the nozzle inlet aperture.

3. The dosing bottle cap of claim 2, wherein the nozzle portion comprises a projection configured to be received within the cap body aperture when the nozzle portion is positioned in the closed position; andwherein the seal is positioned between the projection and the cap body with the nozzle portion positioned in the closed position.

4. The dosing bottle cap of claim 3, wherein the seal is arranged on the projection.

5. The dosing bottle cap of claim 3, wherein the seal is arranged on the cap body.

6. The dosing bottle cap of any preceding claim, wherein a cross-sectional area of thenozzle outlet aperture is less than a cross-sectional area of the cap body aperture.

7. The dosing bottle cap of any preceding claim, further comprising retaining means configured to releasably retain the nozzle portion in the closed position.

8. The dosing bottle cap of any preceding claim, wherein the cap body comprises one or more attachment means configured to, in use, attach the dosing bottle cap to a bottle.

9. The dosing bottle cap of claim 8, wherein the attachment means comprise a threaded portion.

10. The dosing bottle cap of claim 8 or 9, wherein the attachment means comprise a clip portion.

11. The dosing bottle cap of any preceding claim, wherein the cap body, the nozzle portion and the hinge are monolithic.

12. The dosing bottle cap of any preceding claim, wherein the hinge is configured to urge the nozzle portion into the open position.

13. The dosing bottle cap of any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle portion comprises an elongate conduit between the nozzle inlet aperture and the nozzle outlet aperture.

14. The dosing bottle cap of any preceding claim, further comprising a nozzle cap attachable to the cap body such that the nozzle portion is enclosed between the nozzle cap and the cap body.

15. The dosing bottle cap of claim 14, wherein the nozzle cap is configured to seal the nozzle outlet aperture.

16. The dosing bottle cap of claim 14 or 15, wherein the nozzle cap comprises one or more child-proof features.

17. A dosing bottle comprising the dosing bottle cap of any preceding claim and a vessel.

18. The dosing bottle of claim 17, wherein the dosing bottle cap is fixed on the vessel.

19. The dosing bottle of claim 17, wherein the dosing bottle cap is releasably attached tothe vessel.

20. The dosing bottle of any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the vessel comprises a vessel aperture and the dosing bottle cap is configured to cover the vessel aperture.

21. The dosing bottle of claim 20, wherein the dosing bottle cap is configured to seal the vessel aperture.5 22. The dosing bottle of claim 20 or 21, wherein a cross-sectional area of the cap bodyaperture is less than a cross-sectional area of the vessel aperture.

23. A method of mixing fluids with the dosing bottle of any of claims 17 to 22, the method comprising:10 positioning the nozzle portion in the open position;introducing one or more fluids into the vessel via the cap body aperture; and positioning the nozzle portion in the closed position.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the vessel contains one or more fluids.1525. The method of claim 23 or 24, further comprising agitating the dosing bottle.14

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