CN112770982A

CN112770982A - Dispenser

Info

Publication number: CN112770982A
Application number: CN201980052597.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: V·西特韦尔; K·西特韦尔; L·K·J·范登布勒克
Original assignee: Dexos Drinks Ltd
Current assignee: Dexos Drinks Ltd
Priority date: 2018-06-08
Filing date: 2019-06-10
Publication date: 2021-05-07
Also published as: EP3802354A1; JP2021526487A; US20210253319A1; AU2019283683A1; GB202013027D0; CA3101112A1; GB2574480A; SG11202012034XA; WO2019234723A1; GB2583685B; GB2583685A; GB201809483D0

Abstract

A bottle closure with a liquid dispenser (100) relates generally to a liquid storage device for storing and dispensing liquids. The stopper is in the form of a hand holdable dispenser attachable to a bottle neck to close the bottle. The stopper is a composite device for storing and ejecting a first liquid, the composite device comprising a cap (300) and a dispenser (100) comprising a reservoir (118), wherein the cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close the passage of the first liquid from the reservoir into a socket (321) in the cap for capping a bottle (400).

Description

Dispenser

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a dispenser, and more particularly to a dispenser for storing and dispensing a liquid. The present invention is in the field of devices for use with bottles and other portable vessels for the storage of liquids, particularly beverages.

Background

Typically, bottles are used to store and dispense a single liquid. Typically, the two liquids mix together in use. For example, a beverage may be mixed with another liquid as desired by a person for a particular flavor or taste.

In the past, beverages and other liquids were stored in separate bottles and then mixed in a drinking cup, container, or third bottle. This process requires the use of three bottles or two bottles and one cup.

Prior Art

In the prior art, devices have been developed to carry and store a first substance in the cap of a vial and a second substance in the vial. Thus, the need to carry two bottles separately has been overcome. However, these devices lack applicability for conveniently mixing liquids at any time to achieve a flavor specifically tailored to a particular taste of a person.

Publications WO-A-2008/017891 (fruit) and WO-A-2017/174962 (fruit) disclose A closure device comprising A fluid chamber containing an additive. The closure device fits to an opening in the neck of a bottle. The additive is introduced to the liquid in the bottle by operation of the closure means.

Publication US-B1-7,055,685(Patterson et al) discloses a mixing lid that is pre-loaded with ingredients during manufacturing. The mixing cap may be coupled to the mouth of the bottle. The pre-loaded composition may be expelled into the bottle by depressing the outer housing.

The publications WO-a1-2014/196792(Kim et al) and WOA KR2013/0055951(Kim) disclose container stoppers comprising a lower cap coupled to an inlet portion of a container. The stopper further includes an upper cap having an additive-containing space therein. When the stopper is coupled to the inlet portion, the additive may be ejected from the space into the container.

Publication WO-a1-2004/005154(Williams-Lucas et al) discloses a device for dispensing material into a container. The device is attachable to the container and has a reservoir for holding the material.

Generally, the devices disclosed in the prior art can only pour all of the substance they store into the vial to which they are attached. The aforementioned devices do not allow for the precise metering of a flavoring or flavored liquid into a base liquid stored in a bottle to achieve a particular taste that a person wishes to drink at a particular time.

The use of existing devices can result in the waste of flavouring or flavour liquids and the mixing of the base liquids makes it difficult to store them after mixing has taken place if one does wish to drink them all at once. With the prior art, it is not convenient, if not impossible, to mix the substance stored in the device with any other substance, except for mixing the substance stored in the cap-type device with the substance in the attached bottle. Typical devices of the prior art are generally not suitable for storing and mixing liquids.

The invention is envisaged for mixing liquids which the user typically stores for a long period before and after mixing in a single bottle and meets the person's desire for a particular taste in an instant.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dispenser adapted to receive an improved cap and to be connected to a bottle, the dispenser having a reservoir which receives and stores a first liquid; the dispenser is manipulated into an operable configuration when the modified cover is displaced from a first position to a second position relative to the dispenser; and in the second position, a fluid pathway is defined from the reservoir and through the first passageway in the modified cap to dispense a user-selected amount of the first liquid into the bottle.

According to a second aspect of the invention, an improved cap for a bottle is adapted to be connected to a dispenser, the improved cap being manipulated to be displaced relative to the dispenser from a first position to a second position to configure the dispenser in an operable configuration in which a fluid pathway is defined from a reservoir in the dispenser and through a first passageway in the improved cap to dispense a user selected amount of a first liquid into the bottle.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a compounding device for storing and dispensing a first liquid connected to a bottle, the compounding device comprising: an improved cap and a dispenser adapted to receive the improved cap and to be connected to a bottle; the dispenser has a reservoir shaped to receive, store and dispense a first liquid; and the dispenser is configured in an operable configuration when the modified cap is displaced from the first position to the second position relative to the dispenser, wherein a fluid pathway is defined from the reservoir and through a first passageway in the modified cap to dispense a user-selected amount of the first liquid into the bottle.

The dispenser may include a sprayer for user manipulation to dispense a selected amount of the first liquid.

One advantage of the present invention is the flexibility it provides. The dispenser and improved cap may be incorporated on or off the bottle to serve as a composite device on or off the bottle.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of filling and capping a bottle and connecting the bottle to a compounding device for storing and dispensing a first liquid, the method comprising: filling the bottle with a liquid beverage or pourable substance; capping the bottle with an improved cap; and connecting the dispenser to the bottle by interlocking the dispenser and the modified cap, wherein the modified cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close the first passageway in the modified cap.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of filling a reservoir in a composite device connected to a bottle, the method comprising: the first liquid is filled through the opening into a reservoir arranged to be fitted to the ejector for ejecting the first liquid through the fluid pathway and the ejector is fitted to the opening to close the reservoir.

Various embodiments of a composite device are contemplated. For example, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite device for storing and ejecting a first liquid, the composite device comprising: modifying the cap and the reservoir in the dispenser; there is a first passageway through the modified cap that is closable to close the capped bottle; the reservoir is connectable to the bottle by a connector, with a modified cap displaceable relative to the dispenser between a first position and a second position to open and close a first passage through which the first liquid flows from the reservoir to a chamber, cavity, socket or channel in the modified cap which in use closes the bottle.

Once the dispenser and the modified lid are connected, the connector interlocks them together. Thus, the dispenser is connected to the capped bottle and the entire composite device is removable from the bottle upon improved cap removal.

Preferably, the dispenser is arranged to interlock with the modified lid and the implement when connected to the modified lid, the implement preventing removal of the modified lid from the dispenser. The means to prevent removal of the improved cap may be a tamper-evident means. The improved cover may be arranged to interlock with the dispenser when connected thereto to prevent disconnection of the dispenser from the improved cover.

In the first and second positions, the composite device may be said to be in either of the first or second configurations because there is a first and second arrangement of the dispenser relative to the modified cover, respectively.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a composite device for storing and dispensing a first liquid, the composite device comprising an improved cap and a dispenser, the dispenser comprising a reservoir, wherein the improved cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close a fluid pathway for the first liquid, the fluid pathway from the reservoir into a socket in the improved cap for capping the bottle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite device for storing and ejecting a first liquid, the composite device comprising: an improved cap for capping a bottle, and a dispenser comprising a reservoir; wherein the modified cover is displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close the fluid pathway for the first liquid, which escapes the reservoir.

Herein, the term bottle includes a flask, jug, jar or similar vessel having a neck around an opening for storing beverages or other pourable substances.

The bottle may be capped by the composite device because the modified cap connects the composite device to the bottle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of filling a bottle and connecting a compound device, the method comprising filling the bottle with a beverage or other pourable substance; and capping the bottle with a modified cap or modified cap unit comprising a stopper to close the modified cap. Advantageously, the dispenser may be filled with the first liquid at a different place or with a different device and then connected to the bottle. The method may further comprise connecting the dispenser to the bottle by interlocking the dispenser and a modified cap or modified cap unit with the connector, wherein the modified cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between a first position and a second position to open and close the first passageway or another part of the fluid pathway from the reservoir holding the first liquid.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of filling a reservoir in a composite device, the method comprising filling a first liquid into the reservoir through an opening, the reservoir being arranged to be fitted to an injector for ejecting the first liquid through a fluid pathway and fitting the injector to the opening to close the reservoir.

The method may further comprise closing a portion of the fluid pathway, the portion passing through the dispenser. This portion may be referred to as a second path. Advantageously, the dispenser comprising the filled reservoir may then be stored and transported to a machine in which the bottle is filled. The dispenser is connectable to the bottle by a connector, wherein the modified cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between a first position and a second position to open and close a fluid pathway of the first liquid from the reservoir to a chamber, cavity, socket or stopper in the modified cap, the stopper serving to close the bottle.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of filling a reservoir in a complex device when a dispenser is connected to a bottle, the method comprising filling a first liquid into the reservoir through an opening, the reservoir being arranged to fit to a sprayer for ejecting the first liquid through a fluid pathway and fitting the sprayer to the opening to close the reservoir. Advantageously, the dispenser on the bottle is displaceable to a position in which the fluid pathway is closed, so that the reservoir can be filled.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of filling a bottle and connecting a composite device, the method comprising: filling the bottle with a beverage or other pourable substance; capping the bottle with an improved cap; connecting the dispenser to the bottle by interlocking the dispenser and the modified cap with the connector, wherein the modified cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close the first passageway; and displacing the modified cover relative to the passageway relative to the dispenser to close the first passageway. Advantageously, the filled bottles may be stored prior to transport to the machine where the dispenser is filled on the bottles.

The first liquid may be stored in a reservoir. When the fluid pathway is closed, the first liquid stored in the reservoir cannot escape. The fluid pathway may pass through the reservoir and/or the modified cap. The passageway may also pass through another portion or section of the composite device.

When the fluid pathway is open, the first liquid may be ejected from the dispenser. When the modified cap is capped on a bottle, the liquid can be ejected directly through the open fluid path into the bottle capped by the compounding device. The fluid pathway may be opened and closed by opening and closing a first passageway through the modified lid or opening and closing another passageway comprised by the fluid pathway.

Preferably, the dispenser and the modified cap or modified cap unit are interlocked together when the dispenser is connected to the modified cap on the bottle. The compounding device may also be twisted off of the bottle. The modified cap and dispenser may be removable together from the bottle.

The composite device may remain on the user's hand when the composite device is removed from the bottle. Preferably, the dispenser is retainable on a user's hand above the bottle. The user ejects the first (flavored) liquid from the dispenser into a bottle or another container.

The second liquid or pourable substance may be stored in a bottle.

Preferably, the improved cap is a bottle cap and comprises a chamber, cavity, socket or stopper for closing the bottle opening.

Preferably, the modified cap forms an opening, in particular a bottle neck, for capping or plugging a vessel or bottle. The form may include a cavity, chamber, socket, stopper or stopper for receiving a portion of the bottle, wherein an opening into the bottle is provided. Preferably, the socket forms a bottle neck opening to receive a bottle. The improved cap covers the neck opening and the cap over the bottle neck covers the neck opening. Preferably, the bottle is thus closed with the closure. Preferably, the modified cover is of the twist-on and twist-off variety. Preferably, the socket is threaded for twisting onto and off of the neck of the bottle. The improved cap has an axis of rotation for twisting onto the neck of the bottle.

Herein, displacement refers to translation and/or rotation. Preferably, the modified cover is translatable and/or twistable relative to the dispenser, and vice versa. Advantageously, the user can handle and pull, push or twist the dispenser relative to a modified cap that can be attached to a bottle or other type of vessel. Preferably, the modified cover is displaceable to vary the distance from the dispenser to the modified cover. Preferably, the distance is from the reservoir to the modified lid.

Reverse displacement between the first and second positions, and preferably only between the first and second positions, may be permitted, such as translation and/or twisting of the dispenser and improved lid, which is translation, displacement or twisting or rotation in opposite directions. Preferably, the modified cover is twistable relative to the dispenser between a first position and a second position to open and close the fluid pathway, and preferably the first passageway. The first passageway may be opened by reverse twisting between the modified cap and the dispenser from a first position to a second position. Similarly, the first passageway may be closed by reverse twist reversal between the modified lid and the dispenser from the second position to the first position.

The modified cap may have a cap head to cover the opening of the bottle, with the first passageway passing through the cap head.

The composite device may include an occlusion instrument that is attached to both a portion of the dispenser and a portion of the improved cap. Thus, both the dispenser and the improved cap may include blocking means. Alternatively, the blocking means may be only a part of the dispenser or only a part of the modified cap.

The dispenser may include an obstruction means which is displaceable with the dispenser relative to the modified cover to obstruct the first passageway to configure the dispenser in the first position in the inoperative configuration. Preferably, the blocking means is a part of the dispenser which is connected to another part of the dispenser to form the reservoir. Another portion of the distributor may be the inner surface of the tubular body, or it may be a partition. Preferably, the blocking means comprises a partition.

The modified lid may include an occlusion device to close the first passageway. The blocking means may be connected to a portion of the modified cap, which portion comprises the first passage. The modified cover is connectable to the blocking means to be displaced with the dispenser relative to a portion of the modified cover, including the first passage, to block the first passage to configure the dispenser in the inoperative configuration in the first position. An improved cap comprising blocking means may have the blocking means fixedly connected to another part of the dispenser. Advantageously, the bottle can be filled and capped with a modified cap. The dispenser body may be attached to a modified cap on the bottle. With the body attached, the occlusion appliance is fixedly connected. This ensures that the blocking means is displaced together with the dispenser.

Once the blocking means comprised by the modified cap is connected to a part of the dispenser, the blocking means is also part of the dispenser.

The modified cover may be arranged such that a portion of the modified cover including the first passageway therein is connected to the dispenser. This connection arrangement allows the portion of the modified cover including the first passageway to be displaced relative to the dispenser. The dispenser may be adapted to interlock with a modified lid comprising a blocking means. Preferably, the connection is made by a lug on a modified cap in a slot of the dispenser.

The dispenser may be arranged wherein the blocking means comprises a plug sized to block the first passageway in the first position and unblock the first passageway in the second position. The plug may comprise a second passage and may be arranged to be coaxially displaced in the first passage.

The dispenser may be arranged wherein the blocking means comprises a plug arranged to be coaxially displaced in the first passage. Preferably, the stopper comprises a second passage through a wall of the reservoir, wherein the fluid pathway is defined from the reservoir and via the second passage and the first passage.

The improved cap may be arranged wherein the blocking means comprises a plug arranged to be coaxially displaced in the first passage. The stopper may include a second passageway through a wall of the reservoir, wherein the fluid pathway is defined from the reservoir and through the second passageway and the first passageway.

The improved cap may be arranged wherein the blocking means comprises a partition which is part of the reservoir and part of the container which the dispenser comprises to receive the improved cap. The divider may be a portion of the blocking means which is fixedly connected to another portion of the dispenser.

The modified cover may include an occlusion device to close the first passageway and connect to a portion of the modified cover that includes the first passageway. The improved cap may include blocking means such that the blocking means is fixedly attached. This prevents displacement of the blocking means relative to the portion of the modified cover comprising the first passageway. For example, the blocking means may comprise a foil covering the first passage, or the blocking means may comprise a plug in the first passage. Advantageously, the bottles can be filled with standard bottling equipment and then capped with a modified cap comprising a stopper. The filled bottle can then be stored and transported as the bottle is capped with its modified cap closing the first passageway.

The composite device may include: a first blocking means to an inlet of the passageway in the head of the improved cap to close the passageway; or a second blocking means to an outlet of the passageway in the chamber, cavity, socket or plug of the modified cap to close the passageway. The modified cap and the stopper may be assembled together into a unit for capping the bottle after filling. Advantageously, the bottle can be filled with a beverage or other pourable substance and then capped with a modified cap closed by the stopper means. A dispenser attached to the modified cap or unit can penetrate the blocking instrument. The first liquid is then ejected through the passageway when the passageway is opened as the modified cover is displaced relative to the dispenser between the first position and the second position. The blocking means may be arranged to open and close the first passage or another part of the fluid pathway. The blocking means may be a valve. The blocking means may be a stopper or means to block the passage. The blocking means or valve may be operable by displacing the dispenser relative to the modified cap between a first position and a second position. The blocking means may be a component attachable to the improved cap and/or the dispenser.

Preferably, the blocking means progressively retracts and opens the passageway as the dispenser is displaced from the first position to the second position relative to the modified cover. The displacement from the second position to the first position progressively closes the passageway. Preferably, the progressive restriction is from fully open to fully closed, and the progressive opening is from fully closed to fully open.

To reduce the cost of filling the bottles, they can be filled using standard bottling equipment and then capped with a closed modified cap. The modified cap may block the implement for closure, such as a first membrane glued to the cap head and covering the inlet to the passageway in the head. A second blocking means (such as a second membrane) may be glued over the lid pin hole outlet. The first or second septum may be used to seal the passage through the modified cap. The septum may be penetrable by a portion of the dispenser when the dispenser is coupled to the modified cap. Thus, the passageway is unblocked by the septum, and the occlusion means may act as described to facilitate the opening and closing of the passageway by the user.

Preferably, the dispenser has a second passageway through a wall of the reservoir, wherein the fluid pathway is defined from the reservoir via the second passageway and the first passageway. The first and second passages may have complementary shapes.

Preferably, the first passageway is displaced with the modified cap and the second passageway is displaced with the dispenser such that the first passageway is displaced relative to the second passageway.

The user may displace the dispenser relative to the modified cover to displace the first passageway relative to the second passageway. This may facilitate opening and closing the fluid pathway.

The dispenser may comprise an occlusion device or a part thereof. The portion of the blocking means comprised by the dispenser may be arranged to block and unblock the second portion of the passageway through the modified cap. Preferably, the blocking and unblocking of the passageway is achieved by displacement of the dispenser relative to the modified cap.

The second portion of the passageway through the modified lid may lead to an implement for closing or stopping the opening of a vessel or bottle. For example, the second portion of the passageway may lead to a cavity, chamber. When the passageway is open, the first liquid may be dispensed from the reservoir in the dispenser into a first portion of the passageway, then into a second portion of the passageway, and then to or through the cavity, chamber or socket. Advantageously, the first liquid may be poured or drawn from the cavity, chamber or socket, or the first liquid may be dispensed through the cavity, chamber, socket and thereby into the capped bottle.

The first and second portions of the passageway may be contiguous when the passageway is open. When the passageway is closed, the first portion of the passageway may be blocked from the second portion of the passageway.

The composite device for storing and ejecting the first liquid may comprise, or according to another aspect of the invention, a composite device comprising: an improved cap and a dispenser comprising a reservoir, wherein the improved cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close a passage for a first liquid from the reservoir into a socket in the improved cap for capping the bottle.

Preferably, a person may manipulate the dispenser relative to the modified lid to bring the first and second portions of the passageway into abutment to open and/or close the passageway.

The dispenser may cover the modified cap when the device is attached to the bottle by the modified cap. Advantageously, the dispenser is manipulable by a person whilst the device is on the bottle, thereby covering the bottle opening.

Preferably, the user can easily open and close the passageway by pulling and pushing the dispenser relative to the modified cover. Preferably, the first and second portions of the passageway cooperate to open and close the passageway as they are displaced relative to one another. Preferably, the modified cap and dispenser cooperate for displacement in a direction parallel to the common axis of the modified cap and dispenser. When the improved cap closure is applied over the neck opening, the common axis may be the axis of the neck.

Preferably, the user can easily open and close the access by twisting the modified cover relative to the dispenser. Preferably, as the first and second portions of the passageway are twisted relative to each other, they cooperate to open and close the passageway.

The modified cover and the dispenser may include complementary shapes by which the modified cover is displaced relative to the dispenser as the modified cover is twisted relative to the dispenser. Preferably, the first and second portions of the passageway are displaced by relative displacement of the modified cover and dispenser to open and close the passageway. Thus, the user's torque easily opens and closes the passage. Preferably, the displacement is parallel to the torsion axis.

The dispenser is displaceable relative to the modified cover. Preferably, the dispenser urges the modified cover to be axially displaced relative to the modified cover as the dispenser is rotated relative to the modified cover between the first position and the second position. Preferably, the axial displacement operates an occlusion device. The dispenser and the modified cover may cooperate to be axially displaceable and only relatively displaceable between the first position and the second position. With such an appliance, the passageway is opened only by relative displacement of the dispenser relative to the modified cover between the first and second positions.

In use, the modified cap is on the bottle neck so the user can grasp the dispenser and bottle to displace and/or twist the dispenser relative to the modified cap.

The dispenser may include a container shaped and dimensioned to receive the modified lid. The divider may separate the container from the reservoir. The partition may be part of the container and reservoir.

The reservoir may be defined by a wall of the dispenser, a partition, and a sprayer for user manipulation to dispense a selected amount of the first liquid. The partition may include a second passageway through a wall of the reservoir.

The container may be integrally formed with the dispenser or a separate part which is assembled with the other to form the dispenser, preferably also the reservoir.

The volume of the reservoir may be ten times, five times, three times, or two times the volume of the container, or it may be substantially the same as the volume of the container.

The blocking means may be a separate part of the modified cap and the dispenser body. The blocking means may be joined to a portion of the modified cap to form a cap unit, the portion comprising the first passageway. The portion of the modified cap including the first passageway may also include a socket to attach the modified cap to the bottle. The improved lid may include blocking means, when attached, making the improved lid a modified lid unit.

Preferably, the blocking means is displaceable relative to a portion of the modified lid, the portion including the first passage, to close and open the first passage through the modified lid. Advantageously, the bottles can be filled with beverages or other pourable substances in standard bottling equipment and then capped closed with a closure cap unit for storage or transport before the tubular body of the dispenser is connected to the stopper appliance.

The modified cap and/or modified cap unit may be connected to the dispenser by blocking the connection of the appliance to the dispenser.

The blocking means may be connected to the dispenser or a part thereof to secure the blocking means, the blocking means being immovable relative to the dispenser. The portion of the dispenser to which the blocking means is immovably connected may be a partition that separates the reservoir from the container.

The blocking means may be part of another component, such as a partition. The component may be a single part, such as a moulded or injection moulded part or a 3D printed part. The member may be connected to the dispenser to secure the member, the member being immovable relative to the dispenser.

The modified cover unit may be connected to the dispenser by connection of a portion of the modified cover (including the first passageway) to the dispenser or a portion of the dispenser. The connection of the modified cover to the dispenser may allow the portion of the modified cover including the first passageway to be displaced relative to the dispenser only between the first position and the second position. The portion of the modified cover comprising the first passageway may be displaceable relative to the dispenser between a first position and a second position to open and close the passageway through the modified cover by displacing the portion of the modified cover comprising the first passageway relative to a blocking instrument fixed to the dispenser.

The complementary shapes of the modified cap and dispenser may be connectors for modified cap and/or modified cap unit to dispenser connection. The container of the dispenser may be one of complementary shapes. The coupling connector may be or may include a torque transmitting portion. The modified lid or modified lid unit may thus be interlocked to the dispenser or a portion thereof, such as a container.

The composite device may include: an improved cap, a dispenser (including a reservoir), a fluid pathway (for the first liquid to escape the reservoir) and blocking means (which may be coupled to the cap to close the fluid pathway and which may be secured to the dispenser), a connector of the cap to the dispenser through which the improved cap is displaced relative to the dispenser; wherein the cover is displaceable relative to the dispenser between a first position and a second position to open and close the fluid pathway. Preferably, the portion of the closed fluid pathway is a first passageway through the modified lid.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite device for storing and ejecting a first liquid, the composite device comprising: dispensers, improved caps and occlusion devices; the dispenser comprising a reservoir through which the passage of liquid passes, the blocking means being engageable to the modified cap to close the passage; wherein the dispenser is securable to the blocking implement and interlockable with a modified cover that is displaceable relative to the dispenser between a first position and a second position to open and close the passageway. Because the modified cover is displaced relative to the dispenser and the blocking instrument is secured to the modified cover, a person can manipulate the dispenser to open and close the passageway. Preferably, there is also provided a fountain through which liquid can be ejected from the reservoir through the passageway.

Advantageously, with standard bottling equipment, the bottles can be filled and capped with a modified cap unit comprising modified cap blocking means closing the passage through the modified cap. The dispenser may then be attached to the bottle by interlocking means which interlock the improved cap and dispenser. The dispenser may comprise a fixture; the securing means secures the blocking means relative to the dispenser when the modified cover and dispenser are attached and/or interlocked. The interlocking means may be located at the location of the securing means as the dispenser and the cover unit combine to effect both securing and interlocking. Preferably, the dispenser comprises a first break-away ring attached to the rim of the container in the dispenser by a frangible stringer for receiving the modified lid. Preferably, the first fracturing ring includes a lip inwardly into the container. The lip may hook onto a corresponding protrusion of the bottle. Preferably, twisting the dispenser to remove it from the bottle displaces the dispenser axially along the axis of the bottle neck or the axis of the bottle opening. The frangible stringers tear by stretching axially. Advantageously, the tear stringer proves that the bottle has opened and the access to the reservoir has opened.

Preferably, the modified cap includes a second fracture ring attached to the rim of the modified cap socket or cavity by a frangible rib. Because the dispenser and the modified cap interlock, they can be disengaged from the bottle together. As the dispenser is unscrewed from the first position to the second position, the second break ring and preferably the gripping means (if included) prevent the modified cap from being unscrewed together. Thus, the first breaking ring may break from the dispenser, thereby proving that the passageway has been opened. As the dispenser is unscrewed after reaching the second position, the modified cap needs to be unscrewed with the dispenser. Thus, the second breaking ring may break away from the modified cap, thereby evidencing that the bottle has been opened. An advantage of including a gripping means is that the combination device can be returned to tighten the bottle to store the remaining material in the bottle. Even if the second breaking ring breaks, the holding means will continue to function so the passage can be opened and closed securely.

Some standard bottles are equipped such that the diameter of the corresponding protrusion on the bottle is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the thread on the bottle neck. The tamper-proof/break ring on the dispenser may have a diameter that is too large to hook behind a corresponding protrusion of the bottle. However, the two break rings described herein overcome this problem because after assembly of the dispenser on the improved cap, the two break rings (the break ring of the dispenser and the improved cap) will now serve as one of: the broken ring on the modified cap hooks behind the protrusion of the bottle and because the broken ring on the dispenser has a tight connection of such broken ring of the modified cap, the tamper evidence feature on the dispenser will break simultaneously with the tamper evidence feature of the modified cap. The consumer can now see that the dispenser and/or bottle is open.

The composite device may comprise first and second tamperproof appliances connected to the dispenser and the improved cap by a rib portion, respectively, wherein the first and second tamperproof appliances are each arranged to be secured to the bottle when the composite device is in the first configuration. The ribs of the first security device are adapted to tear when the dispenser is twisted. The ribs of the second security device are adapted to tear when the dispenser is twisted.

The modified lid may be located in the dispenser, and preferably in the container of the dispenser. The improved cap is between the dispenser and the neck of the bottle when the composite device is tightly threaded onto the neck of the bottle.

Twisting the composite device tightly onto the neck opening acts to close both the bottle and the reservoir. Since the dispenser cooperates with the modified cap to twist the modified cap when the first position is reached, the bottle is closed because the modified cap closes the bottle opening. Twisting the dispenser relative to the modified cover from the second position to the first position; the reservoir is closed because the dispenser cooperates with the modified lid to close the passageway. The blocking instrument and/or the first portion of the passageway may cooperate with the second portion of the passageway to close the passageway. Advantageously, the first liquid is thus stored in the closed reservoir and the second liquid or substance is stored in the closed bottle.

Preferably, the passageway comprises a pin hole for dispensing droplets of the first liquid from the reservoir into the socket. Advantageously, a precisely discrete amount of the first liquid in the reservoir may be ejected through the passageway.

Both the improved cap and the dispenser may be twisted about the axis of rotation of the cap. The axis of rotation of the container of the cap may coincide with the axis of rotation of the cap to twist the cap about the bottle. The container of the dispenser may constrain the cap to twist about the axis of rotation of the socket. Preferably, the dispenser is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the socket about the axis of rotation of the cap. Thus, the dispenser and the cover have a mutual axis of rotation about which they are twisted relative to each other.

Preferably, the amount by which the cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between the first and second positions is or includes a preselected angle of rotation.

Preferably, the cover is twistable by a preselected degree of rotation between a first position and a second position relative to the dispenser to open and close the passageway. The preselected angle may be five, ten, twenty, thirty, sixty, one hundred twenty, three hundred sixty, or seven hundred twenty degrees.

Preferably, the dispenser is twistable forwardly (clockwise) and rearwardly (counterclockwise) relative to the closure between the first and second positions. With the dispenser twisted clockwise to the first position, further clockwise twisting of the dispenser requires that the cap also be twisted clockwise.

Preferably, the cap includes threads arranged to cover the cap to seal closed the bottle opening as the dispenser is twisted clockwise by another clockwise amount of five, ten, twenty, thirty, sixty, one hundred twenty, three hundred sixty, or seven hundred twenty degrees from the first position. With the cover tape to the seal, a rotating fixture is engaged.

Similarly, with the dispenser twisted counter-clockwise to the second position, further twisting of the dispenser counter-clockwise requires that the cover also be twisted counter-clockwise.

Preferably, the compound device includes a torque transmitting portion. The torque transmitting portion urges the cap to twist together with the dispenser. The torque transfer portion transfers a torsional moment from the distributor to the cover and vice versa.

In the case where the modified cap and dispenser rotate together, they twist in the same direction, preferably without any relative displacement between them.

Preferably, the modified cover and dispenser are rotated forward (clockwise) together from the first position. The modified cover and dispenser may be rotated together only forward (clockwise) from the first position. The modified cap and dispenser are twisted together clockwise relative to the bottle so that the modified cap tightly closes the bottle. The modified lid and dispenser are then in a first position relative to each other.

The dispenser is twisted clockwise relative to the modified cover from the second position to a first position closing the passageway before the modified cover and dispenser can be rotated together. Only when the first position is reached, it is possible that the torque transfer section transfers torque clockwise from the dispenser to the modified cap to twist the modified cap tightly onto the bottle. The order may also be switched: the modified cap is first twisted tightly onto the bottle and then the dispenser is closed on the modified cap. In both cases, the consumer twists the dispenser clockwise onto the bottle, resulting in a closed bottle and dispenser.

The torque transmitting portion may limit a preselected angle of rotation of the modified cover relative to the dispenser between the first position and the second position to open and close the passageway. Preferably, the dispenser is twisted counter-clockwise from the first position independently of the modified cover. Thus, when the dispenser is twisted counterclockwise from the first position, there is a relative twist between the modified cover and the dispenser.

Preferably, the modified cover and dispenser together rotate counterclockwise from the second position. Preferably, the modified cover and dispenser together rotate only counterclockwise from the second position. The modified cap and dispenser are simultaneously twisted counter-clockwise relative to the bottle such that the modified cap is loosely twisted from the bottle. The dispenser is twisted counterclockwise relative to the modified cover from the first position until the second position is reached, before the modified cover and the dispenser are simultaneously twisted. Relative rotation from the first position to the second position opens the fluid path. Which may open a passageway in the dispenser and/or may open a first passageway in the modified lid.

Preferably, from the second position, the dispenser is twisted clockwise independently of the modified cap or a portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket). Thus, when the dispenser is twisted clockwise from the second position, there is a relative twist between the modified cover and the dispenser.

Preferably, the transfer portion is only engaged in the first and second positions. Thus, the modified cover or portions of the modified cover (including the first passageway and the socket) may be twisted forward and backward relative to the dispenser between a first position and a second position to open and close the passageway, wherein the modified cover or portions of the modified cover (including the first passageway and the socket) engage the dispenser to twist synchronously from the first position and the second position.

The torque transmitting portion may be a connector which is connectable and displaceable relative to the dispenser. Preferably, the torque transmitting portion is formed by a complementary shaped dispenser and modified cap. There may be a dispenser torque transmitting portion on the dispenser that has a complementary shape to the modified cap torque transmitting portion on the modified cap or on a portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket).

Preferably, the modified cover torque transmitting portion is exposed to be operable by a user to open and close the passageway. The user can easily open and close the passageway with the dispenser removed from the bottle by manipulating the exposed torque transmitting portion.

Alternatively, the dispenser stop portion may cover the modified cover torque transmitting portion such that the modified cover or modified cover unit is covered and inaccessible to the user for manipulation. Thus, the user is encouraged to open and close the bottle and access together, while opening and closing the modified cap on the bottle. Preferably, the torque transmitting portion comprises first and second complementary forms to stop relative twisting of the dispenser and the modified cap or portions of the modified cap (including the first passage and socket) in opposite twisting directions. Preferably, the first and second complementary forms are in and/or engaged in the first and second positions. Thus, the modified cap or a portion of the modified cap (including the first passage and the socket) is twistable relative to the dispenser between the stops at the first and second positions to open and close the passage of the first liquid from the reservoir to the socket in the cap. The opposite twisting of the dispenser and the modified cap or portions of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) is only permitted between the stops.

Preferably, the torque transmitting portion comprises a complementary form of cap and dispenser. The first form on the cover may be complementary to the first form on the dispenser. The second form on the cover may also be complementary to the second form on the dispenser. Thus, the complementary form may limit a preselected angle of rotation of the cover relative to the dispenser between the first and second positions to open and close the passageway.

The first and second complementary forms may be or may comprise first and second stops, respectively, which are separated by a separation angle about the mutual rotational axis of the cap and the dispenser. The dispenser is twistable relative to the cap between the first and second complementary forms. The separation angle may be equal to the preselected rotation angle.

Preferably, the dispenser stop portion on each of the stops has a complementary shape or form to the cap stop portion on the cap. Preferably, the dispenser stop portion of the first stop is separated from the dispenser stop portion of the second stop by the separation angle.

Preferably, the torque transmitting portion interlocks the complementary form of dispenser and cap to couple the cap to the dispenser. The composite device is an assembled unit of the dispenser and the cover that can be held together by the interlocked cover and the dispenser. As the cap is displaced relative to the dispenser, the dispenser and cap are held together by the torque transmitting portion. The dispenser and the cap may be held together by the torque transmitting portion as the composite device is attached to and removed from the bottle.

Preferably, the complementary form transmits torque from the cap to the dispenser in the event that the cap and dispenser of the complementary form are twisted until they stop against each other. The cap and dispenser are then twisted together synchronously by this torque, which is transmitted through the complementary form. Once engaged, there is no relative twisting between the synchronizing cap and the dispenser, such that they rotate together as a unit.

A complementary form of torque transmitting portion of the cover may protrude through the dispenser to be exposed. There may be a slot through the dispenser. A cover in the form of a torque transmitting portion may protrude through the slot to be exposed such that a user may manipulate the cover torque transmitting portion. Thus, the user may apply a torque to the lid to open and close the passageway.

Preferably, the dispenser has a body which may be tubular and which defines at least one slot therein to receive a lug on the modified cap to interlock the modified cap in the dispenser. The modified lid may include a first lug that is received in a slot of the body of the dispenser to interlock the modified lid and the dispenser.

Preferably, the dispenser comprises two or more slots. The improved cap may include a second lug. Each slot may be arranged to receive one of two or more corresponding lugs on the modified lid. There may be one lug per slot.

The second lug may be located on a generally diametrically opposite side of the modified cap relative to the first lug. The slots may be located on generally diametrically opposite sides of the tubular body.

The slot may be disposed on a helical path defined in the body. Thus, as the modified cap is rotated relative to the dispenser, it is displaced axially as the lugs must follow the helical slots.

Preferably, the dispenser has a container shaped and dimensioned to receive the modified lid, wherein the container includes one or more slots.

The slot may have opposite ends that act as a complementary shaped or form of dispenser, the opposite ends being the dispenser torque transmitting portions. The opposite ends of the slot may stop the cap torque transmitting portion, thereby stopping the cap and dispenser in the first and second positions.

Preferably the/each slot in the dispenser has an edge at an end arranged to abut the/each lug in the first and second positions to transfer torque from the dispenser to the modified cap. The modified lid may be arranged with the/each lug to abut an edge of the/each slot in the first and second positions to transfer torque from the dispenser to the modified lid. The edges of the slot in the dispenser and the lugs on the modified cap have complementary shapes.

The slot may simply be a depression in the dispenser such that the slot does not pass completely through the dispenser. The lid lugs in the slots are covered by the dispenser and are therefore unexposed and inaccessible for manipulation.

Preferably, the tamper evident cap is provided with the or each lug, the or each lug being tapered to facilitate improved connection of the cap to the body of the dispenser. The modified cap may be arranged with a maximum diametrical distance between the top ends of the lugs that exceeds the diameter of the body to "snap" into the slot and prevent removal of the modified cap from the dispenser.

The angular distance between the ends of the slot may be a preselected angle of rotation between the first and second positions relative to the dispenser to open and close the passageway.

The opposite ends of the slot in the lid torque transmitting portion and the dispenser may be bumpers. The slot may have a rim that acts as a bumper for the lid torque transmitting portion bumper.

The dispenser may be twistable relative to the bottle between a first position and a second position defined by complementary forms by a moment applied to the dispenser. The moment is a relative moment on the dispenser relative to the modified cap or the portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) because the dispenser and the modified cap or the portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) are free to twist relative to each other between the first position and the second position. Thus, a user may apply a torque to the dispenser to manipulate the dispenser to open and close the passageway.

However, in the event that the dispenser is twisted relative to the modified cover or portion of the modified cover (including the first passageway and the socket) to reach one of the first or second positions, then the corresponding complementary modified cover or portion of the modified cover (including the first passageway and the socket) and the dispenser grip each other, meet each other, stop each other, or otherwise engage together to transmit torque from the dispenser to the modified cover. The complementary form of engagement achieved forces the dispenser and the modified cover to twist together in unison as the dispenser is twisted further in the same direction.

Preferably, the engaged complementary forms prevent reverse twisting between the dispenser and the modified cover as the dispenser is twisted further in the same direction with the modified cover and dispenser synchronized.

In the event that the dispenser and modified cap are twisted relative to each other to the first or second position by a torque, the torque may be reversed to twist the dispenser relative to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and socket) towards the distal position. The reverse displacement disengages the engaged complementary form. In the distal position, the distal complementary forms grip, meet, stop, or otherwise engage together. The distally engaging complementary form transfers torque from the dispenser to the modified cap or a portion of the modified cap that includes the first passageway and the socket. This causes the dispenser and the modified cover to twist together in unison without opposing twists. There is no counter-twist between the dispenser and the modified cap or portions of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) unless the direction of the torque is reversed.

Preferably, in the event that the dispenser is twisted in a first direction relative to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) to one of the first or second positions, there is a complementary form on the modified cap or portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) which engages a complementary form on the dispenser. Preferably, the engaged complementary form only stops further twisting of the dispenser in the first direction relative to the modified cap or a portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket). Thus, twisting of the dispenser relative to the modified cap or portions of the modified cap (including the first passage and socket) outside the angle of separation between the stops is prevented by the engaged torque transmitting portions.

Preferably, the engaged torque transmitting portion disengages to allow displacement including twisting and/or displacement of the dispenser relative to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and socket) from the engaged complementary portion towards the distal complementary portion. Thus, relative twisting and/or displacement is permitted within the angular range of separation between the first and second positions. Thus, the engaged torque transmitting portion is disengaged by twisting the dispenser relative to the modified cap or portions of the modified cap (including the first passage and socket) from their engaged positions towards a distal position.

For example, a user may place the composite device on the bottle by placing the modified cap or a portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) such that it connects to the neck around the opening and covers or blocks the opening. The user may twist the dispenser axially about the mutual rotation to screw the composite device into or onto the neck, and/or the user may push or pull the dispenser to displace the composite device onto or onto the neck. The dispenser is twisted and/or displaced from the second position relative to the modified cover or portion of the modified cover (including the first passageway and the socket) until the first position is reached.

Preferably, in the first position, the first torque transmitting portion will engage. Advantageously, in case the first position is reached, the passage will also be closed. In the first position, the first torque transmitting portion will stop twisting of the modified cap or portions of the modified cap (including the first passageway and socket) relative to the dispenser as the dispenser continues to twist to screw the composite device onto the bottle neck. Thus, the first torque transmitting portion transmits torsional torque from the dispenser to the modified cap or a portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) to screw the modified cap onto the bottle. The dispenser can be twisted further in the same direction until the modified cap will not be screwed further onto the bottle. Advantageously, the first liquid in the reservoir will be securely stored in the reservoir while the composite device is attached to the bottle neck, as the passageway is closed.

The user may also twist off the bottle neck and/or push or pull the composite device. The user twists the dispenser in this direction to unscrew the improved cap from the bottle neck, and/or pushes or pulls the composite device away from the bottle neck and opening. The dispenser may be twisted about the mutual axis of rotation of the cap and the dispenser.

Initially, the modified cap or portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) may remain stationary relative to the bottle and seal over the opening as the displacement clamp holds the modified cap or portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) in place on the bottle. The first torque transmitting portion may be disengaged and then the dispenser may be translated from the first position to the second position relative to the modified cap or portions of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) while the modified cap or portions of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) remain stationary relative to the bottle and seal over the opening.

Advantageously, upon reaching the second position, relative movement of the dispenser and the modified cap or part of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) will have pushed the blocking means to unblock the passageway and thereby open the passageway.

Upon further manipulation of the dispenser to twist or pull away from the compound device from the second position, the second torque transmitting portion will stop the twisting of the modified cap or portions of the modified cap (including the first passageway and socket) relative to the dispenser as the dispenser continues to twist or pull to unscrew or pull the compound device from the bottle neck. Thus, the second torque transmitting portion transmits torque from the dispenser to the modified cap or a portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) to unscrew the modified cap from the bottle neck.

The dispenser may be twisted further in the same direction until the modified cap is clear of the bottle neck. The composite device is removable from the bottle with the cap as the cap is interlocked to the dispenser, preferably by a torque transfer device. Advantageously, the removed complex is ready to dispense liquid in the reservoir, as the first passage is open.

Thus, the bottle may translate to open and close the bottle, and to open and close the reservoir. The reservoir and bottle may be sealed closed simultaneously by a bottle cap. The complementary shapes of the lid and dispenser allow the lid to seal the closed reservoir. The complementary shape of the cap relative to the bottle neck allows the cap to seal the closed bottle.

A certain amount of rotational resistance or friction exists between the cap and the dispenser. This resistance to rotation or friction is significant where the dispenser is rotated relative to the cover between a first position and a second position.

If the friction between the cap and the dispenser is too high, the friction will prevent the modified cap or portions of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) and the dispenser as the dispenser pulls or twists away from the bottle. This will prevent the first passage from opening. To overcome this problem, it is preferred that the cap includes a displacement clamp which clamps the modified cap or a portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) to the bottle neck. The displacement clamp may push on the modified cap or a portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) to prevent both rotation and displacement relative to the bottle, while allowing the modified cap or the portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) to rotate and/or displace relative to the dispenser.

The displacement clamp may only prevent twisting of the modified cap or portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) away from the bottle neck, and thus may only be a rotation clamp that prevents rotation of the modified cap or portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) about the central axis of the bottle opening. The displacement clamp may only prevent displacement of the modified cap or a portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) along the central axis of the bottle opening, and thus may only be the displacement clamp.

The modified cap may include a sealing means to seal the cap around the bottle opening. Preferably, where the displacement clamp clamps the cap to the neck, the displacement clamp also seals the modified cap to the neck or urges the cap seal to maintain its seal around the bottle opening to prevent any substance in the bottle from escaping.

Preferably, the rotary clamp clamps only with the modified cap fully twisted on the bottle neck and in a maximum twist position.

Preferably, the modified cap is arranged to twist freely away from the bottle, except where the cap seals closed the bottle opening it covers. The translating or rotating clamp prevents the modified cap from twisting away from the bottle until sufficient torque is applied to the modified cap or a portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) to unseal the opening, after which the rotating clamp is released from the bottle. When the dispenser is twisted to the second position, sufficient torque may be applied to the modified cap or the portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) on the dispenser through the torque transmitting portion, wherein the dispenser engages the modified cap or the portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) via the torque transmitting portion. By this action, the blocking and unblocking means can be pushed to block the passage, thereby closing the reservoir holding the first liquid.

Advantageously, as the person displaces the dispenser from the first position to the second position, the passageway is opened. Then, the person can dispense the first liquid into the bottle by opening the passageway or twist the dispenser in the same direction and remove the composite device from the bottle to dispense the first liquid into another space of their choice by opening the passageway.

Displacing the clamp may prevent the modified lid seal from sealing around the bottle opening unless sufficient sealing and/or clamping force and/or torque is applied. The sealing and/or clamping force may be applied by manipulation of the dispenser. The sealing and/or clamping force may be applied to the displacement clamp via the torque transmitting portion. Preferably, the sealing and/or clamping force may be applied only if the dispenser engages the modified cap or a portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) in the first position.

Preferably, the rotating clamp is released when the modified cover is twisted in the twist-off direction for a limited angle.

The composite device for storing and ejecting the first liquid may comprise, or according to another aspect of the invention, a composite device comprising: an improved cap having a rotating clamp, a dispenser including a reservoir, and a torque transmitting portion that transmits torque from the dispenser clockwise to the improved cap or a portion of the improved cap (including the first passageway and the socket) to twist them together clockwise synchronously from a first position and/or to twist together counterclockwise synchronously from a second position; wherein the modified cover or a portion of the modified cover (including the first passageway and the socket) is displaceable relative to the dispenser between a first position and a second position to open and close the passageway.

Thus, one can twist the dispenser clockwise onto the bottle to close the passageway and seal to improve the bottle opening closed by the cap. Advantageously, the person in this movement stores the first liquid securely in the reservoir and any other liquid securely in the bottle.

A person can turn the dispenser on the bottle counter-clockwise to open the passageway and unseal the bottle; and, in the case of their choice, further twist the compounding device away from the bottle. Advantageously, with such movement, the person can position the dispenser to dispense the first liquid to the bottle or any other space they choose. In addition, they can also open the bottle.

Advantageously, in the event that the modified cap is fully twisted onto the neck, the rotating clamp causes the dispenser to twist relative to the stop before the modified cap begins to twist off the neck. Thus, as long as the dispenser is twisted in the direction of departure, the passage is opened. Therefore, the reliability of opening the via is improved.

Preferably, the rotating clamp engages with the modified cap sealed closed against the bottle. Preferably, the rotating clamp seals the modified cap to the bottle.

Examples of suitable rotating clamps include a portion of the modified cap, such as a thread in a socket arranged for frictional contact in the closed position, or a clamp ring arranged to clamp and seal in a socket to the rim of the bottle in the closed position, or another portion of a socket arranged to frictionally contact the neck of the bottle in the closed position.

The rotating clamp holds the modified cap secured to the bottle in a closed position such that between the first position and the second position, the dispenser rotates relative to the clamped modified cap as the composite device is initially twisted off the bottle neck. The passageway is opened by initial twisting of the dispenser with the cap still on the bottle. Advantageously, the user may eject the first liquid from the reservoir and through the socket directly into the bottle.

As a result of further twisting away from the compound device, the dispenser is twisted relative to the modified cover or a portion of the modified cover (including the first passageway and socket) to a position to reach the second position. Here, in the event of further twisting away from the compound device, the second torque transmitting portion will constrain the modified cover or portions of the modified cover (including the first passageway and socket) to twist with the dispenser.

The user may apply another torque to overcome the friction of the rotating clamp and may twist the modified cap away from the bottle neck along with the dispenser. Thus, the bottle is opened and the passageway in the compounding device is also opened. Advantageously, the user may eject the first liquid from the dispenser into an open bottle or another vessel or reservoir.

The outer and/or inner diameters of the reservoir and the container may be substantially the same. Preferably, the dispenser comprises a tubular body, providing the reservoir and container to a modified cap having a tubular form. The tubular body may be cylindrical in external form. The internal form of the tubular body or part thereof may be cylindrical to provide a cylindrical shape to the container to receive the cap. Advantageously, the dispenser can be easily twisted around the modified cover to achieve the first and second positions. To receive the improved cap, the container may have a circular recess formed by the open end of the tubular body.

One or more slots in or through the tubular body may receive a pair of torque transfer portions on the modified cap or portions of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) to interlock the modified cap and the dispenser. The slots may be diametrically opposed and may be part of the torque transmitting portion of the dispenser. The counter-stress torque transmitting portion on the modified cap or portion of the modified cap (including the first passage and the socket) may be one or more ears extending diametrically outward from the rim of the modified cap or portion of the modified cap (including the first passage and the socket).

The inner diameter of the container from the container opening to the location where the slot is located may be less than the diametrical distance of the ear. The ears may protrude into the slots. The container or tubular body may be flexible or stretchable for inserting the improved lid into the container as the ears force the container to bulge until the ears click the slots. The container may be squeezable from a circular configuration to an oval configuration. In an elliptical configuration, the maximum diameter in which the slot is located may be greater than the diametrical distance between the ears. The minimum diameter may exceed the diameter of the circular skirt of the cap. The modified lid may then be inserted head-forward into the container. When the container returns to the circular configuration, the ears project into the slots. Thus, the improved lid and dispenser interlock.

The composite device for storing and ejecting the first liquid may comprise, or according to another aspect of the invention, a composite device comprising: improving the cover; a dispenser comprising a reservoir; and a sprayer, wherein the modified cap or a portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) is displaceable relative to the dispenser between a first position and a second position to open and close the passageway through the reservoir and the modified cap, and the sprayer is operable by hand to dispense the first liquid through the open passageway. Preferably, the improved cover comprises a rotating clamp. Preferably, the dispenser comprises a sprayer. Advantageously, a person can open and close the passageway to store or dispense the first liquid into any space desired to be included in the reservoir, the bottle or another space of their choice being determined solely by manipulation of the dispenser.

Preferably, a portion of the dispenser is adapted to be squeezed or displaced to displace the first liquid from the reservoir through the passageway. The portion of the dispenser adapted to be squeezed may be a resilient portion of the tubular body. The portion of the dispenser adapted for displacement may be a sprayer for a user to operate by hand to dispense the first liquid through the first passage or fluid pathway.

Preferably, the sprayer comprises a deformable and/or flexible and/or squeezable portion of the dispenser. The portion may include a spring or other resilient portion. Preferably, the sprayer comprises a resilient portion of the reservoir which resumes its form after dispensing the selected amount of the first liquid. This may be a deformable and/or flexible portion of the reservoir wall.

The present resilient portion of the reservoir wall may include a flexible flap extending diametrically inward from the tubular body of the dispenser. The flexible flap may extend radially inwardly from the tubular wall to the tubular centre only in a partial manner. At the tubular centre, the gap between the flexible flaps is a hole to fill the reservoir with the first liquid. The foil or flexible membrane may be heat glued or attached to the flexible flap to seal the first liquid inside the reservoir.

Preferably, the injector is a piston displaceable in the reservoir. The piston is slidable in the reservoir. Which is slidable inside the tubular body. Preferably, the piston is a unitary part, or comprises parts assembled into a single unit.

The reservoir may have an opening to receive or connect to the sprayer prior to assembly of the dispenser with the sprayer. The opening may be an open end of the tubular body. The opening may be opposite and/or remote from the divider. Which may be opposite or remote from the inlet to the passageway through which the first liquid may escape the reservoir.

Preferably, the opening is sized to receive the plunger for assembly and provide a finger access path to the deformable portion of the injector or the head of the plunger to operate the plunger. The reservoir may be enclosed by the piston when the dispenser is assembled.

Preferably, the piston is displaceable to access the rim of the opening such that a maximum volume of the first liquid is present in the reservoir. Preferably, the partition of the reservoir is shaped to fit the surface of the piston facing the reservoir. These mating surfaces have matching profiles for ejecting substantially all of the beverage from the reservoir. With the mating surfaces contacted by displacement of the piston, the volume of the interior of the reservoir is occupied to eject all of the first liquid out of the reservoir.

Advantageously, should the first liquid freeze and expand inside the reservoir, the piston will slide to increase the volume inside the reservoir to accommodate the volume of frozen beverage, while opening the passage without damaging the dispenser. Preferably, sealed storage of the first liquid in the reservoir will be maintained.

Preferably, the piston has a head with a rigidity provided by a thickness of material at the piston head or by a concave shape of the piston head or by ribs on the piston head reinforcing it, the piston head having a concave shape facing inwardly towards the reservoir. Advantageously, the rigidity helps to maintain the orientation of the piston in the reservoir and maintain the matching profile.

Preferably, the piston head has a soft deformable inner surface. Preferably, the piston head is flexible. Advantageously, by the soft deformable surface facing the interior of the reservoir, the piston head conforms to the separator contour when the separator is pressed.

In the first position, the passageway is sealed closed to the first liquid, and the passageway may also be sealed to block gas or air. The seal may be an occlusion device in which the modified cap or a portion of the modified cap (including the first passageway and the socket) is translated relative to the dispenser to reach the first position.

The sprayer may include a slide liquid-proof seal to prevent escape of the first liquid from the reservoir except through the fluid pathway and/or the first passageway. Preferably, it is a piston comprising a seal. Preferably, the first liquid or gas or air may bypass the piston. The first liquid in the reservoir may only escape the reservoir by being ejected through the passageway and only when the passageway is open.

The passage may include or narrow down to a nozzle or pin hole opening that restricts the passage. The pin holes may be capillary diameter. Only the first liquid may occupy the pin bore portion of the passage. Air or gas may not be able to bypass the first liquid in the pin bore portion. Even if the passageway is open, dripping of the first liquid from the passageway through the pin holding opening is prevented or impeded unless the user actuates the sprayer. Preferably, the injector is also gas and/or air proof. Thus, it is not possible for air to enter the reservoir via the ejector to facilitate escape of the first liquid in the reservoir through the open passageway. Advantageously, the first liquid only escapes from the reservoir when intentionally ejected.

Advantageously, the effervescent beverage may be stored in a reservoir. The effervescent gas may escape through the closed path or via the sparger.

Preferably, the sliding seal is formed from an elastomeric polymer.

Preferably, the sliding seal comprises a circumferential flap around the piston tubular portion or piston head. Preferably, the sliding seal comprises a pair of peripheral flaps. The flaps are axially spaced on the piston to form a sealed volume between the flaps and the piston of the tubular body comprising the reservoir.

Preferably, the head of the piston and the sliding seal are integrally formed, and are preferably formed from a single material.

Preferably, the sliding seal comprises a flexible O-ring circumferentially contacting a portion of the tubular body comprising the reservoir.

Preferably, the flexibility of the sliding seal is provided by a thickness of material proximal to the periphery of the piston head, which material is thin as a membrane, which membrane preferably forms a flexible flap.

Preferably, the sliding seal is a coupling between the piston and the tubular body of the dispenser. Preferably, the sliding seal provides a friction force; this friction holds the piston in place against its own weight when the passage is open. Advantageously, the weight of the piston cannot eject the first liquid in the reservoir through the passageway. The first liquid is ejected through the passageway only when the piston is pushed, such as by a user.

Preferably, the friction coupling maintains the weight of the piston itself and the weight of the first liquid in the reservoir, which fills the maximum volume inside the reservoir. This prevents unintentional dripping of the first liquid out of the passage even when the passage is open. Preferably, the reservoir wall is transparent or translucent and the position of the partition and/or the piston is visible through the wall for a user to determine the volume of the first liquid in the reservoir. Preferably, the liquid is also viewable through the reservoir walls.

Advantageously, the composite device is portable. The dispenser and the modified cap are held together and can be carried with the first liquid inside the reservoir.

The composite device according to the invention is also disclosed in the dependent claims.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

drawings

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a composite device for storing and ejecting a first liquid;

FIG. 2A shows a view of a reservoir of a dispenser in the compounding device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B shows an isometric view of the reservoir toward the dispenser;

FIG. 2C shows an isometric view toward a container for receiving a modified lid in a dispenser;

FIG. 2D shows a view of the container of the dispenser;

FIG. 3A shows a view of the top of the improved cover in the composite device of FIG. 1;

figure 3B shows an isometric view of the modified cap towards the top of the bottle cap;

FIG. 3C shows an isometric view toward a socket for receiving a bottle neck in the modified cap;

FIG. 3D shows a view of the socket of the improved cap;

FIG. 4A shows an isometric view of an outer piston head toward the injector of the compounding device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B shows an isometric view of the interior surface facing the injector;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of a composite device;

figure 6 shows a body of a dispenser with a flexible ejector flap;

FIG. 7 shows a modified lid having a foil to seal a first passageway of the modified lid;

figure 8 shows a second embodiment of the modified cap connected to a second embodiment of the divider and to a bottle to be capped;

FIG. 9 shows an assembled view and an exploded view of a second embodiment of the improved cover and divider;

FIG. 10 shows an assembled view and an exploded view of a second embodiment of the tubular portion of the dispenser and a second embodiment of the divider; and

figure 11 shows a view of a second embodiment of the improved lid, divider and dispenser tubular section assembled and arranged so that the access is closed and opened.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a composite device, which is a partial component, for storing and ejecting a first liquid 10. The composite device includes an improved cover 300 in the dispenser 100. In fig. 1, the modified cover 300 is visible inside the dispenser 100 because the dispenser has a transparent tubular wall.

Fig. 2 and 3 show the dispenser 100 and the modified cover 300 as separate parts, respectively.

The dispenser 100 includes

reservoirs

118, 119 of a first liquid. The modified cap 300 may be twisted relative to the dispenser.

The modified cover may be twisted between the

edges

128, 129 on the dispenser of the first and

second slots

124, 125. The slot is in the form of a torque transmitting portion of the stopper operation. The modified cap 300 may be twisted from the edge 128 of the first stop to the edge 129 of the second stop by twisting the dispenser 100 relative to the modified cap 300 and bottle 400 while the modified cap 300 is capped on the bottle 400. By twisting the modified cap 300 relative to the dispenser 100, the passageway 314 from the reservoir to the socket 321 in the modified cap is opened and closed. To close the passageway 314, the modified cover 300 is twisted from the edge 128 of the first stop to the edge 129 of the second stop. To open the passage, the modified cover 300 is twisted from the edge 129 of the second stop to the edge 128 of the first stop.

The angular distance from the edge 128 of the first stop to the edge 129 of the second stop is thirty degrees. The modified cap 300 may be twisted thirty degrees relative to the dispenser 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the dispenser 100 is tubular and includes a tubular wall 110.

The dispenser 100 includes a divider 112 through the interior of the dispenser 100. The divider 112 is connected to the tubular wall 110 and is a block that traverses the interior of the dispenser. The dispenser 100 includes a container in which the improved cap 300 is retained. The tubular wall 114 of the container is part of the tubular wall 110 of the dispenser. For ease of explanation, the portion of the tubular wall 100 that is the container is labeled 114. The portion of the tubular wall 114 that is the container extends from the divider 112 to the container tubular rim 115.

The container of the modified lid 300 is formed by the tubular wall 114 and the divider 112 of the container. The divider 112 forms a closed end of the container. The modified lid 300 is seated in the interior 116 of the container. The modified cap 300 has a tubular skirt 302, the tubular skirt 302 conforming within the tubular wall of the container 114 such that the modified cap 300 is twistable within the container.

A reservoir of the first liquid is on the opposite side divider 112 as the container for the modified lid 300. For ease of explanation, the portion of the tubular wall 100 that is the side of the reservoir is labeled 118. The portion of the tubular wall 118 that is the reservoir extends from the divider 112 to the reservoir tubular rim 121.

The divider 112 is disc-shaped. The disc shape has opposing surfaces. One of the surfaces 119 forms a closed end of the reservoir. The opposite surface is the closed end of the container.

The tubular wall 118 of the reservoir forms the side of the reservoir. The reservoir may be shaped. The tubular rim 121 of the reservoir is remote from the partition. The first liquid is stored within the interior 120 of the reservoir until it is ejected from the dispenser 100.

The tubular wall 118 of the reservoir is translucent or transparent. The first liquid stored in the reservoir is visible to the user by looking through the tubular wall 118.

On the tubular wall is a volume marker 122 by which the user can ascertain the amount of first liquid held in the reservoir or that has been ejected. The volume markers are formed in the material of the tubular wall, or they are opaque markers in or on a transparent material. The level of the scale number or symbol relative to the first liquid in the reservoir can be observed. Such volume markers assist the user in ejecting a precise and discrete amount of the first liquid through the pin holes 320 of the passageway.

On the other side of the divider 112 of the tubular wall 110 of the dispenser 100 is a container within which the modified cap 300 may be twisted relative to the dispenser 100. As mentioned, the portion of the tubular wall 100 that is the side of the container is labeled 114. Because the tubular wall 114 of the container is part of the tubular wall 110 of the dispenser, the user can grasp and twist the entire dispenser 100 to twist the dispenser 100 relative to the modified cap 300.

A first slot 124 is present in the tubular wall 114 of the container. Opposite the first slot 124, one hundred eighty degrees, is a second slot 125 in the tubular wall 114 of the container.

The first slot 124 and the second slot 125 are elongated and aligned such that the longitudinal direction is generally parallel to, but skewed from, the direction of twisting the modified cap 300 about the axis of the tubular wall 114.

The two

lugs

326, 328 are similar ears that project radially from the skirt 302 of the improved cap 300. The first lug 326 protrudes into the first slot 124. The second lug 328 is diametrically opposed to the first lug 326 and projects into the second slot 125.

The modified cover 300 and the dispenser body 100 include complementary shaped

slots

124, 125 and

ears

326, 328 by which the modified cover 300 is displaced relative to the dispenser as the modified cover is twisted relative to the dispenser. The slots and ears are complementary forms of torque transmitting portions to stop relative twisting of the dispenser and improved cover in opposite twisting directions.

The longitudinal edge 126 of the first slot 124 is generally parallel to, but skewed from, the hoop direction about the tubular wall 114 of the container. The second slot has a correspondingly oriented longitudinal edge 127.

As the modified cap 300 is twisted relative to the dispenser 100, the first and

second lugs

326, 328 slide along the longitudinal edges of the first and

second slots

124, 125. As the modified cover 300 is twisted, the modified cover 300 is axially displaced by the beveling of the

longitudinal edges

126, 127.

The length of the

slots

124, 125 is defined by the edges and longitudinal ends. The length of the first slot 124 is the distance from the edge 128 to the distal edge 129. The length of the second slot 125 is the same as the length of the first slot 124.

The first lug 326 is slidable within the first slot 124 between the

edges

128, 129 at the longitudinal ends. The

edges

128, 129 stop the first lug 326 from traveling beyond the first slot. The second lug 328 stops traveling beyond the second slot 125 in the same manner. Thus, the modified cap 300 stops twisting beyond the point where the first and

second lugs

326 and 328 meet the longitudinal ends of the first and

second slots

124 and 125, respectively.

The first slot 124 in the tubular wall 114 of the container is the first stop and it is on the dispenser. The first slot 124 has a shape complementary to the first lug 326 of the modified lid. The second slot is a second stop portion and is on the modified lid.

The first and second stop portions, which act as the first slot 124 and the first lug 326, respectively, interlock to couple the improved cap 300 to the dispenser. The second slot 125 and the second lug 328 also interlock in the same manner to couple the improved cap 300 to the dispenser. Thus, the modified cap 300 and the dispenser body 100 interlock through the torque transmitting

portion slots

124, 125 and the first and

second lugs

326, 328.

The first slot 124 and the second slot 125 are shown penetrating the tubular wall 114 of the container. However, the slots do not have to penetrate the tubular wall, as the first lug 326 and the second lug 328 will only slide and interlock in the groove of the tubular wall that does not penetrate the tubular wall.

The skirt 302 of the modified cap 300 is cylindrical. The inner surface of the tubular wall 114 of the container is also cylindrical so that the modified cap 300 can be twisted within the container. The outer surface of the tubular wall 114 of the container is not necessarily cylindrical. The inner and outer surfaces of the tubular reservoir are not necessarily cylindrical. For simplicity of construction, the tubular wall of the reservoir and the tubular wall of the container are both formed, in some embodiments, from a simple cylindrical tube having inner and outer cylindrical surfaces. Such an embodiment is shown in fig. 1 and 2.

Divider 112 includes a circular band-like cushioning ring 130 proximal to the tubular wall of the container. The cushion ring 130 extends into the interior of the container a distance that does not reach the

slots

124, 125. The bumper 130 is flexible due to the thickness of the band.

When the modified cap is twisted and stopped by contacting the first and

second lugs

326 and 328 closest to the ends of the first and

second slots

124 and 125 of the divider 110, the edge of the buffer ring 130 presses the modified cap 300 due to the slope of the slots.

Although the valve tube 132 is located at the center of the divider, the valve tube 132 does not have to be located at the center of the divider. The valve tube penetrates the partition 132 from the interior 116 of the container to the interior 120 of the reservoir. The valve tube protrudes into the interior 116 of the container beyond the distance that the cushion ring 130 protrudes, but does not extend into the interior 120 of the reservoir.

A pin 138 at the inner center of the valve tube 132 is supported by spokes 134 connected to the valve tube 132. The pin 134 extends further into the interior of the container than the valve tube. Passages 136 exist between the spokes 134.

The blocking pin 138 and pin bore 320 of the passage are precisely located with respect to the torque transmitting portion location and the helical slope of the

slots

124, 125 and lugs 326, 328. Thus, with the complementary shaped torque transmitting portions by which the dispenser and the modified cover 300 interlock, access is opened and closed by manipulation of the dispenser.

The modified cap 300 has a step 304 radially inward from the skirt 302, the frustum 306; the frustum 306 forms a cover portion 310 over the bottle opening when the modified cap 300 is capped on the bottle 400.

The edge of the cushion ring 130 presses against the step 304. The weight stacked on top of the dispenser is transferred down through the tubular wall 118 of the reservoir, then to the cushion ring 130, and then to the modified cap 300 screwed onto the bottle. Thus, convenient stacking of the bottles closed by the composite device is possible without damaging the

delicate portions

132, 134, 136, 138, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 of the passageways. The weight transfer path can be seen most clearly in the cross-section of fig. 5.

The cylindrical skirt 302 of the modified cap 300 fits within the cylindrical inner surface of the tubular wall 114 of the container. Thus, the modified lid 300 is centered in the container.

A valve recess 312 is present in the cover portion 310 of the modified cap 300. The valve recess 312 is located in the center of the cover portion. The base 316 of the valve recess 312 is a valve hollow mortise 314, the valve hollow mortise 314 extending deeper than the base. The bottom of the hollow mortise is a valve pin bore 320.

The valve recess 312, mortise 314 and base 316 are formed in a valve nozzle 318, the valve nozzle 318 extending into the interior 321 of the improved cap 300. The valve nozzle 318 is centered in the interior 321 and protrudes from an interior surface of the cover portion 310.

The valve nozzle 318 has a shape complementary to the valve tube 132 and the pin 138 of the dispenser 100. The valve tube 132 and pin 138 fit inside the valve nozzle 318 when the modified cap 100 is in the container. Access is made from the reservoir in the dispenser 100 to the socket 321 in the modified cap 300.

The passageway flows through the valve tube 132 of the container, then through the passageways 136 between the spokes 134 in the valve tube, then to the valve recess 312 in the cover portion 310, on to the valve hollow mortise 314, and thereafter to the valve pin bore 320.

When the modified cap 300 is twisted so that the

lugs

326, 328 abut the ends of the slots 124, 125 (which are furthest from the divider 112), the pins 138 on the dispenser 100 retract from the valve mortises 314 of the modified cap. A clearance space is provided between the pin 138 and the valve mortise 314 so that access is opened from the reservoir in the dispenser 100 to the socket 321 in the modified cap 300.

When the modified cap 300 is twisted so that the

lugs

326, 328 abut the ends of the slots 124, 125 (which are closest to the divider 112), the pin 138 on the dispenser 100 is pressed into the valve mortise 314 of the modified cap. The interstitial space is filled by the pin so that access from the reservoir in the dispenser 100 to the socket 321 in the modified cap 300 is closed.

Thus, the recesses 312, mortises 314, and bases 316 of the improved cap 300 are portions having shapes complementary to the tubes 134, the spokes 134 between the channels 136, and the pins 138 of the dispenser 100. These portions of the modified cover and dispenser cooperate, respectively, as the modified cover and dispenser translate relative to each other to open and close the passageway.

The modified cap 300 includes a resilient clip ring 324 proximal to the skirt 302. The clamp ring 324 extends into the interior of the socket a distance that is less than the distance that the valve nozzle 318 extends into the socket. A circular channel exists between the skirt 302 and the clamp ring 324.

The clamp ring 324 is of the rotary clamp type that engages the improved cap 300. The rim of the bottle neck is clamped in the circular channel between the skirt 302 and the clamp ring 324. The rim of the bottle neck reaches only the maximum twist position of the modified cap on the bottle neck in the circular channel. Thus, the rotating clamp engages where the modified cap closes against the bottle seal.

As the modified cap 300 is twisted off the bottle neck, the rim of the bottle neck is drawn out of the channel and the rotating clamp is disengaged. The user need only twist the bottle clamp a limited angle relative to the socket threads 322 to axially displace the modified cap far enough to withdraw the rim of the bottle from the channel and release the clamp.

The clamp ring 324 prevents the modified cap 300 from twisting off the bottle neck without twisting the modified cap relative to the dispenser between stops.

With the rim of the bottle neck clamped inside the circular channel between the skirt 302 and the clamp ring 324, the friction of the clamp ring 324 prevents rotation of the modified cap relative to the bottle 400. Thus, when the user twists the dispenser to twist the composite device away from the bottle (with the modified cap in the maximum twist position on the bottle neck), the dispenser 100 is first twisted relative to the modified cap 300 from the first stop 128 toward the second stop. Thus, access is opened from the interior 120 of the reservoir to the socket 321. As the composite device is twisted away from the bottle neck, the reliability of the open access is improved.

Upon reaching the second stop, the second stop transmits a torque from the dispenser 100 in that direction to the modified cap 300 to twist the modified cap off of the bottle 400. Thus, the other twists twist the modified cap to withdraw the rim of the bottle neck from the channel of the clamp ring 324. The composite device is then easily twisted off the bottle.

In the same manner, the rotating clamp is disengaged until the modified cap 300 sealingly closes the bottle when the composite set is twisted onto the bottle. Thus, the passageway is securely closed when the composite device is twisted into a position in which the modified cap closes the neck of the bottle.

The dispenser 100 includes a break-away ring 140, the break-away ring 140 being attached to the container annular rim 115 by a frangible stringer 142. The broken ring includes ratchet teeth to allow it to be twisted onto the bottle neck. However, when the composite device is twisted away, the ratchet teeth engage complementary teeth on the bottle, causing the frangible stringer to tear. The fracturing ring 140 has a lip that faces inwardly toward the center of the ring. The bottle has a corresponding ring. The lip on the broken ring of the dispenser hooks over the corresponding ring of the bottle. As the dispenser is twisted away from the bottle, the cap top axially displaces the dispenser. The lip of the broken ring is hooked around the neck of the bottle onto the ring. Thus, the frangible stringers stretch axially until they break. The broken ring remains on the bottle as the rest of the dispenser is twisted away. Thus, the broken ring 140 serves to demonstrate that the dispenser has been twisted off of the bottle 400.

An injector in the form of a piston 200 is located within the reservoir of the dispenser 100. The piston head has a user operable surface 202 for a user to push and eject the first liquid in the reservoir through the open passageway. On the opposite side of the piston head is the interior surface 204 of the reservoir.

Around the circumference of the piston head are axially spaced first and second ring seals 206, 208. The ring seal is a sliding seal that allows the piston to slide along the tubular wall 116 of the reservoir. The ring seal is formed as a leak-proof seal between the tubular wall 118 and the piston 200. Thus, the tubular wall 118 and the piston 200 combine to a leak-proof blocking appliance for the first liquid in the reservoir. Thus, the first liquid can only escape from the reservoir through the passageway.

The user operates the piston 200 by hand to dispense the first liquid out of the reservoir through the passageway and into the socket 321 of the modified cap 300.

The injector need not include a piston. The dispenser body or reservoir walls may be flexible to eject liquid from the reservoir. Fig. 6 shows an example. The flexible flap 152 extends inwardly from the reservoir wall 156. After filling the reservoir interior 158 by passing through the central hole 160 of the flap 152, the flap is covered with a flexible membrane. The user may squeeze the septum to eject the liquid through the

central passage

136, 636 in the

partition

112, 612.

The divider 154 and the flexible flap 152 enclose an interior 158 of the reservoir, which makes it difficult to remove the injection molding tool from the interior 158. To reduce manufacturing costs, the divider 612 may be formed as a separate part 600, and the separate part 600 may then be connected to the dispenser body 800 and the cover 700. In particular, it may be connected to a tubular wall 810, as shown in fig. 10. The flap 152 may be formed as a separate part and then connected to the dispenser body 800.

To reduce the cost of filling the bottles, they can be filled with standard bottling equipment and then capped with a closed cap. Figure 7 shows a modified cap 300 closed with an occlusion means, a first septum 330, the first septum 330 glued to the cap head and covering the entrance to the passageway in the head. The second membrane 332 is glued to the lid pin hole outlet. The first or second septum may be used to seal the first passageway through the modified cap. The

diaphragms

330, 332 are frangible. The septum will be penetrated by the occlusion pin 138 on the top end of the tube 132 of the passageway; the blocking pin 138 protrudes from the divider when the dispenser 100 is coupled to the modified cover 300.

Figures 8-11 illustrate a second embodiment of a modified lid comprising a portion of the modified lid having a first passageway 700, a divider 600 having an obstructing means 638 and a dispenser tube portion 900. The first embodiment is similar to the first embodiment of the modified lid 300, the first embodiment of the partition 112 between the reservoir and the container, and the dispenser tubular section wall 110.

These second embodiments are assembled to a second embodiment of a composite device. The access in the second embodiment of the composite device may be opened and closed by similar manipulations and functions of the components by the user, as the access in the first embodiment of the composite device.

The first and second embodiments of the compound device allow different processes to fill the reservoir with a first liquid and fill the bottle with a second liquid or other pourable substance.

Fig. 8 shows a bottle 400, the bottle 400 representing a flask, a jug, a jar, or similar vessel having a neck around an opening. Figure 8 also shows a second embodiment of a divider 600, the divider 600 being connected to a portion of the modified cover that includes the first channel 700. In preparation for capping a bottle, the divider 600 is connected to the portion of the modified cap including the first passageway 700 to block the

passageways

712, 720 through the portion of the modified cap including the first passageway 700.

In a standard bottling plant, there is a standard machine to automatically fill the bottle 400 with the second liquid or other pourable substance. Standard machinery also exists to close the filled bottle 400. The connected portion of the modified cover including the first channel 700 and the divider 600 the second embodiment is a unit 500 handled by a standard machine.

The unit 500 capped on the filled bottle 400 closes the bottle opening. Because the

passageways

712, 720 are blocked, the vial is closed. The bottle filled with the second liquid may be transported to the location of other machines that complete the assembly of the composite unit on the bottle 400. This is convenient as the machinery to complete the assembly of the composite unit may be in a different factory than standard bottle filling and capping machinery.

Figure 9 shows how the cell 500 is prepared by connecting a portion of the modified cover comprising the first passage 700 and a second embodiment of the partition 600. On the left side of fig. 9, the portion of the modified cover including the first channel 700 and the partition 600 are connected to form the unit 500. In the centre of fig. 9, an exploded view is shown of the head looking into the part of the modified cap comprising the first passage. On the right side of fig. 9, an exploded view looking into the chamber, cavity or socket 721 for receiving the neck of the bottle is shown.

The portion of the modified cover including the first passageway 700 is similar to the first embodiment of the modified cover 300. The second embodiment has a lid cylinder wall 702 around the socket 721. There are diametrically

opposed ears

726, 728 projecting outwardly from the cylindrical wall 702. The

ears

726, 728 are part of the torque transmitting portion, as explained for the first embodiment of the modified cover 300.

The top of the head 710 of the portion of the modified cover comprising the first channel is shaped to receive the second embodiment of the spacer 600. The top of the head 710 is an annulus with a central circular entrance into the entrance 712 of the second portion of the passageway. The outer diameter of the annulus is formed by the lid cylinder wall 702. The circular groove at the top edge of the head 700 provides a circular groove having a head cylindrical wall 706 only diametrically inward from the cap cylindrical wall 702.

The second embodiment of the divider 600 is disc shaped to conform to the top of the head 710 of the portion of the modified cover that includes the first channel 700. The spacer 600 has opposing ring-shaped

surfaces

612, 614. When the divider 600 and the portion of the modified cover comprising the first channel 700 are connected, one of the surfaces 612 faces the top of the head 710 of the portion of the modified cover comprising the first channel 700. The opposing surface 614 is the top of the head of the cell 500 and surrounds the entrance to the first portion of the passage 636 through the partition.

The divider 600 has a circular rim 650 around the perimeter of the disc-shaped

surfaces

612, 614. The diameter of the circular rim 650 of the divider 600 and the diameter of the portion of the circular wall 702 to the modified lid including the first passage 700 are the same. Thus, when the separator 600 is connected to the head 710 of the portion of the modified cover including the first passage 700, the cell 500 is formed with a single cylindrical diameter.

The circular flange extends axially away from surface 614 from circular rim 650, surface 614 facing cover 700. The flange has an inner cylindrical surface 646, the inner cylindrical surface 646 having a diameter only slightly larger than the cap circular groove cylindrical wall 706 at the head of the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passageway 700. The flange has a circular edge 648. The distance from the circular edge 648 to the surface 614 is slightly less than the distance from the circular groove step 604 to the cylindrical wall 702 of the portion of the modified cover comprising the first passage 700, the surface 614 facing the portion of the modified cover comprising the first passage 700. The divider 600 is connected to the head of the portion of the modified cover that includes the first passage 700 by placing the flange of the divider in the circular groove.

When the spacer 600 is attached to the head of the portion of the modified cover comprising the first passage 700, the cylindrical surface 646 of the flange surrounds the cylindrical groove cylindrical wall 706. The divider 600 is guided by the recessed cylindrical wall 706 to twist about the central axis of the portion of the modified cover that includes the first passage 700.

The

tubular ducts

630, 632 protrude from the surface 614, the surface 614 facing the top 712 of the head of the portion of the modified cover comprising the first passage 700. The

tubular conduits

630, 632 of the second embodiment of the divider are similar to the tubes 132, with the tubes 132 protruding from the divider 112 of the first embodiment of the divider 112.

A tubular conduit end 632 connected to a disc-shaped surface 614 projects away from this surface, the disc-shaped surface 614 facing the top of the head of the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage. It extends further away through a portion 630 of the tubular conduit having a free end. There is an inlet 636 through the disc-shaped surface 612 to face the reservoir. The inlet 636 is an outlet in the first portion of the passageway from the reservoir to through the partition.

The

tubular conduits

630, 632 are coaxial with the central axis of the divider disc rim 650. The outer diameter of the

tubular conduits

630, 632 is only slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the second part of the central recess 713 and the access entrance 712 comprised in the centre of the head 710 of the modified cover part of the first access 700. The

tubular conduits

630, 632 of the divider 600 fit coaxially into the central recess 713 through the second portion of the passage inlet 712, when the divider 600 is connected to the portion of the modified cover that includes the first passage. Thus, a first portion of the passageway through the

tubular conduits

630, 632 of the divider is continuous with a second portion of the passageway through the central depression 713 of the portion of the modified cover comprising the first passageway.

The blocking means to open and close the passageway is a pin 638, which pin 638 is axially retained by spokes from the free end 630 of the tubular catheter. The pin 638 has a diameter less than the inner diameter of the free end 630 of the tubular catheter. The first portion of the passageway 636 through the partition 600 comprises the space between the pin 638 and the free end 630 of the inner diameter tubular catheter.

The pin 638 extends from the free end further from the disc-shaped surface 614 to face the portion of the modified cover comprising the first passage 700 when attached to the spacer 600. The diameter of the pin 638 is slightly larger than the diameter of the pin bore exit 720 in the otherwise closed end of the cylindrical recess 713 in the cap head 710. When the spacer 600 is placed on the portion of the modified cover including the first channel 700, the pin 638 blocks the pin hole 720 with the disc-shaped surface 614 facing the cover head contacting the cover head 710. The passageway is shown closed in the left hand side cross-sectional view of fig. 11. To unblock the passage, the spacer 600 is moved axially away from the cap head 710 until the pin bore is unobstructed. The passageway is shown open in the right hand side cross-sectional view of fig. 11.

As shown in fig. 10, the divider 600 may be inserted separately into the tubular portion 800 of the dispenser. The circular annulus 844 and the gripping portion of the wall surface 846 are each smaller in diameter than the separator disc shaped rim 650 to capture and grip the separator 600 in a preselected position. In this position, the partition 600 separates the reservoir tubular wall 810 from the container tubular wall 814. The tubular portion of the distributor 800 connected to the divider 600 may be used in the same manner as described for the first embodiment of the composite device 100, wherein the tubular walls of the distributor 110 and the divider 112 are integrally formed.

Yet another option is to first connect the second embodiment of the divider 600 to a portion of the modified cover comprising the first passageway 700 to form a single unit 500 in which the passageway is closed. The bottle 400 is filled with a drinking liquid or other pourable substance using standard bottling equipment. The bottle opening is closed by capping the bottle opening with a single unit 500 using standard bottling equipment. The tubular portion of the dispenser 800 is then connected to the capped vial which connects the tubular portion of the dispenser 800 to the entire unit 500. This process assembles the composite device extremely efficiently using standard bottling machines.

While most of the assembled composite is on the bottle, the reservoir 920 is filled with the first liquid through the open end of the reservoir distal to the divider disk surface 612. The reservoir 920 is then closed by covering the open end with the piston 200 or other type of ejector (such as a flexible portion). These processes may be performed by different equipment in the second plant. Filled bottles 400 capped and closed with unit 500 may be stored and then transported to a second facility at a convenient time by the most convenient mode of transportation.

The slots 824, 825 through the container wall 814 of the tubular portion of the dispenser 800 are similar to the

slots

124, 125 through the wall of the first embodiment of the dispenser 100. The slots 824, 825 interlock the unit 500 and the dispenser because the

ears

726, 728 of the portion of the modified cover that includes the first passageway 700 are inserted into the slots. The position and helical slope of the slots 824, 825 are precisely positioned relative to the ring 844 to capture the divider 600. The end and length of the blocking pin shaft 638 is precisely selected relative to the disc-shaped surface 614 to face the cap head 710. The location of the pin bore passage exit 720 is precisely selected relative to the cap head 710. The shape and size of the divider 600, including the portion of the modified cover of the first passageway 700, and the tubular portion of the dispenser 800 are complementary. These complementary shapes ensure that the unit 500 interlocks to the dispenser tubular portion 800 via the torque transmitting portions of the

ears

726, 728 and slots 824, 825, and that the passageways can be opened and closed by twisting the dispenser now to the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passageway on the bottle. In particular, the complementary shapes also ensure that the dispenser can be twisted clockwise relative to the portion of the modified cover including the first passageway to a first position in which the

ears

726, 728 contact the ends of the slots 824, 825 and the blocking pin shaft 638 blocks the passageway pin bore 720. The complementary shapes also ensure that the dispenser can be twisted counterclockwise relative to the portion of the modified cover including the first passageway to a second position in which the

ears

726, 728 contact the distal ends of the slots 824, 825 and the blocking pin shaft 638 does not block the passageway pin bore 720. Further, the cap may be twisted off the bottle by a counter-clockwise moment applied to the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passageway by the complementarily shaped moment transmitting portion ears and slots, wherein the passageway is opened by operation of the dispenser.

The divider 600, the portion of the modified cover comprising the first passageway 700, and the tubular portion of the dispenser 800 are molded or injection molded. The tools and processes used to mold or injection mold the second embodiment of the divider 600 and the tubular portion of the dispenser 800 are simpler than those used to mold or injection mold the first embodiment of the dispenser body 100, wherein the tubular wall 100 and the divider 112 are integrally formed. This is because the divider 112 is located between the open ends of the tubular wall 110, which complicates removal of the tool after moulding.

Indexing of labeled features in a graph

Composite device for storing and ejecting a first liquid 10

100 dispenser

110 tubular wall of dispenser

112 divider between reservoir and container

114 tubular wall of a container

115 container tubular rim

116 interior of the container

118 tubular inner wall for a reservoir of a first liquid in a dispenser

119 closed end of reservoir

120 interior of the reservoir

121 reservoir tubular rim

122 reservoir volume marker

124 first slot in the tubular wall of the container

125 second slot in the tubular wall of the container

126 to guide the edge of the first slot of the lug as the cover is twisted between positions

127 to guide the edge of the second slot of the lug as the cover is twisted between positions

128 first stop at a first position at an end of the first slot

129 second stop at second position at distal end of first slot

130 buffer ring

132 to a first portion of a passageway in the container

134 valve tube to center pin access blocking device spoke

136 valve tube

138 passage blocking instrument center pin in valve tube

140 break-off ring of dispenser

142 frangible stringer connecting broken loops

150 alternative embodiment of the dispenser body

152 flexible flap of a jet

156 wall of a storage vessel

158 reservoir interior

Injector in the form of a 200-piston

202 piston head user operable surface

204 piston head surface as an interior surface of the reservoir

206 piston first annulus seal

208 piston second annulus seal

300 improved cover

302 skirt of cap

304 skirt step

306 inclined wall of step

310 bottle cover part above opening

312 covers a central depression in a portion

314 through the mortise valve second portion passage

316 valve support from recess to mortise

318 valve nozzle and mortise for passage blocking pin

320 passage pin bore and second portion

321 socket in the cap

322 to the neck of the bottle opening

324 clamp ring for receiving the rim of a bottle neck

326 cover first lug or ear

328 cover a second lug or ear

330 septum for covering the access entrance of the head

332 to cover the exit of the pin hole passage

400 bottle

500 improved lid closed by connection with a partition

600 individual separator

612 reservoir-facing disk-shaped surface

614 dish-shaped surface facing the container of the lid and the top of the head

630 free end of tubular catheter

632 is connected to the disc-shaped surface to face the end of the tubular conduit of the reservoir

634 external threads on tubular catheter

636 through the first portion of the passageway of the partition

638 passage closing and opening pin

646 disc rim inner cylindrical surface

648 disc-shaped rim cylinder edge

650 disc shaped rim

700 portion of modified cover including first passageway

702 cover cylinder wall

704 cover circular groove step

706 cover round groove cylinder wall

710 cover head

712 second portion of the passageway inlet

713 center recess in the head

715 to receive a gland to open and close the passageway

720 second portion of the passageway outlet

721 Chamber, Cavity or socket for receiving the neck of a bottle

722 Cap threads to engage the neck of a bottle opening

726 cover torque transfer section ears

728 covering the opposite ears of the torque transmitting portion

800 tubular section of a dispenser

810 reservoir tubular wall

814 tubular wall of the container

824 torque transfer portion first slot

825 torque transmitting portion second slot

844 to capture rings of individual dividers

846 tubular wall surface for gripping individual divider edges

900 tubular section of a dispenser connected to a separate divider

920 interior of the reservoir

916 interior of container

920 interior of the reservoir

1000 bottle sealing washer

The invention has been described by way of example only. Accordingly, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A dispenser adapted to receive a modified cap and to connect to a bottle, the dispenser having a reservoir that receives and stores a first liquid; the dispenser is manipulated into an operable configuration when the modified cover is displaced from a first position to a second position relative to the dispenser; and in the second position, a fluid pathway is defined from the reservoir and through a first passageway in the modified cap to dispense a user selected amount of the first liquid into the bottle.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, arranged to interlock with the improved cap and an implement when connected to the improved cap, the implement preventing removal of the improved cap from the dispenser.

3. The dispenser of claim 2 having a body defining at least one slot therein to receive a lug on the modified cap to interlock the modified cap in the dispenser.

4. The dispenser of claim 3, comprising two slots, each slot arranged to receive one of two corresponding lugs on the improved cap.

5. A dispenser according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the or each slot is disposed on a helical path defined in the body.

6. The dispenser of claim 4 or 5, wherein the slots are located on generally diametrically opposite sides of the tubular body.

7. The dispenser of claim 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the or each slot has an edge at an end thereof arranged to abut the or each lug in the first and second positions to transfer torque from the dispenser to the improved cap.

8. A dispenser according to any preceding claim, comprising a sprayer for user manipulation to dispense a selected amount of the first liquid.

9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the eductor comprises a piston displaceable in the reservoir.

10. The dispenser of claim 8 or 9, wherein the sprayer comprises a resilient portion of the reservoir that resumes its form after dispensing the selected amount of liquid.

11. The dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the reservoir is defined by a wall of the dispenser, a partition and a sprayer for user manipulation to dispense a selected amount of the first liquid.

12. A dispenser according to any preceding claim having a second passageway through a wall of the reservoir, wherein the fluid pathway is defined from the reservoir and via the second passageway and the first passageway.

13. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the first passageway is displaced with the modified cover and the second passageway is displaced with the dispenser such that the first passageway is displaced relative to the second passageway.

14. The dispenser of any preceding claim, comprising a container shaped and dimensioned to receive the improved cap.

15. The dispenser of claim 14 when dependent on claim 3, 4, 5,6 or 7, wherein the container comprises one or more of the slots.

16. The dispenser of claim 14 or 15, comprising a divider that is part of the container and the reservoir.

17. The dispenser of claim 16 when dependent on claim 12 or 13, wherein the partition comprises the second passageway.

18. The dispenser of any preceding claim, comprising an obstructing means which is displaced with the dispenser relative to the modified cover to obstruct the first passageway to configure the dispenser in the first position in an inoperable configuration.

19. The dispenser of claim 18, wherein the blocking implement is a portion of the dispenser that is connected to another portion of the dispenser to form the reservoir.

20. A dispenser according to claim 18 or 19 adapted to interlock with a modified cap comprising the blocking means.

21. The dispenser of claim 18, 19 or 20 when dependent on claim 16 or 17, wherein the blocking means comprises the partition.

22. The dispenser of claim 18, 19, 20 or 21, wherein the blocking means comprises a plug sized to block the first passageway in the first position and unblock the first passageway in the second position.

23. The dispenser of claim 22 when appended to claim 12 or 17, wherein the plug comprises the second passageway and is arranged to be coaxially displaced in the first passageway.

24. An improved cap for a bottle and adapted to be connected to a dispenser, the improved cap being manipulated to be displaced relative to the dispenser from a first position to a second position to configure the dispenser in an operable configuration in which a fluid pathway is defined from a reservoir in the dispenser and through a first passageway in the improved cap to dispense a user selected amount of the first liquid into the bottle.

25. The improved lid of claim 24, arranged to interlock with the dispenser when connected thereto to prevent disconnection of the dispenser from the improved lid.

26. The improved cap of claim 24 or 25, comprising a first lug received in a slot of a body of the dispenser to interlock the improved cap and the dispenser.

27. The improved cap of claim 26, wherein a second lug is located on a generally diametrically opposite side of the improved cap relative to the first lug.

28. The improved cap of claim 26 or 27, wherein the or each lug is tapered to facilitate connection of the improved cap to the body.

29. The improved cap of claim 27 or 28, wherein the maximum diametrical distance between the tips of the lugs exceeds the diameter of the body to "snap" into the slot and prevent removal of the improved cap from the dispenser.

30. The improved lid of claim 26, 27, 28 or 29, wherein the/each lug is arranged to abut an edge of the/each slot in the first and second positions to transmit torque from the dispenser to the improved lid.

31. The improved cap of any one of claims 24 to 30 having a cap head to cover an opening of the bottle, wherein the first passageway passes through the cap head.

32. The improved lid of any one of claims 24-31, comprising an occlusion device to close the first passageway.

33. The improved cap of claim 32, wherein said blocking means is connected to a portion of said improved cap, said portion including said first passageway.

34. The improved cap of claim 33, wherein the blocking means is fixedly connected to prevent displacement relative to a portion of the improved cap, the portion including the first passageway.

35. The improved cap of claim 34, wherein said blocking means comprises a foil covering said first passageway, or said blocking means comprises a plug in said first passageway.

36. The improved cap of claim 32 or 33, wherein the blocking means is displaced with the dispenser relative to a portion of the improved cap including the first passageway to block the first passageway to configure the dispenser in the first position in an inoperable configuration.

37. The improved cap of claim 36, wherein the blocking means is fixedly connected to another portion of the dispenser.

38. The improved lid of claim 36 or 37, wherein the portion of the improved lid comprising the first passageway is connected to the dispenser.

39. The improved cap of claim 36, 37 or 38, wherein the blocking means comprises a plug arranged to be coaxially displaced in the first passage.

40. The improved lid of claim 39, the stopper comprising a second passageway through a wall of the reservoir, wherein the fluid pathway is defined from the reservoir and through the second passageway and the first passageway.

41. The improved lid of claim 36, 37, 38, 39 or 40, wherein the blocking means comprises a partition that is part of the reservoir and part of a container, the dispenser comprising the container to receive the improved lid.

42. The improved cap of claim 41 when appended to claim 38, wherein the divider is a portion of the blocking means that is fixedly connected to another portion of the dispenser.

43. The improved cap of any one of claims 21-42, comprising a clamp on the bottle opening to resist twisting the improved cap off the bottle.

44. A compound device for storing and dispensing a first liquid connected to a bottle, the compound device comprising: an improved cap and a dispenser adapted to receive the improved cap and connect to the bottle; the dispenser having a reservoir shaped to receive, store and dispense the first liquid; and the dispenser is configured in an operable configuration when the modified cap is displaced from a first position to a second position relative to the dispenser, wherein a fluid pathway is defined from the reservoir and through a first passageway in the modified cap to dispense a user-selected amount of the first liquid into the bottle.

45. The compounding device of claim 44, comprising first and second tamper-evident appliances connected to the dispenser and the improved cap by ribs, respectively, wherein the first and second tamper-evident appliances are each arranged to be secured to the bottle when the compounding device is in the first configuration.

46. The composite device of claim 45, wherein the ribs of the first security apparatus are adapted to tear when the dispenser is twisted.

47. A composite device according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the ribs of the second security device are adapted to tear when the dispenser is twisted.

48. A method of filling and capping a bottle and connecting the bottle to a compounding device for storing and dispensing a first liquid, the method comprising: filling the bottle with a liquid beverage or pourable substance; capping the bottle with a modified cap; and connecting a dispenser to the bottle by interlocking the dispenser and the modified cap, wherein the modified cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between a first position and a second position to open and close the first passageway in the modified cap.

49. A method of filling a reservoir in a composite device connected to a bottle, the method comprising: filling a first liquid into the reservoir through an opening, the reservoir being arranged to fit to an ejector for ejecting the first liquid through a fluid pathway, and fitting the ejector to the opening to close the reservoir.