Diffusing device

The present invention relates to a capsule (11) for diffusing a substance in a liquid within a receptacle (50). The capsule comprises an expandable element and, in a first state the capsule has a first width and in a second state the capsule has a second width. The width of the capsule in the second state is greater than that of the first state.

This application is a national phase of International Application No. PCT/GB2016/050529 filed Mar. 1, 2016 and published in the English language, which claims priority to United Kingdom Patent Application No. 1503477.0 filed Mar. 2, 2015, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for diffusing a substance into a liquid contained within a receptacle, particularly a receptacle with a narrow opening, such as a bottle.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There is a desire to disperse, diffuse and/or dissolve substances in liquids and this may be particularly desirable with liquids contained in bottles. Although dissolvable items may be dropped into a bottle containing liquid, for example, a bottle of water, in some circumstances, the substance can degrade over time. Therefore, there is a desire to dissolve the substance just before use or consumption. Additionally, some substances are used to impart a flavour to a liquid rather than dissolving itself in the liquid. However, where the substance does not dissolve, it is desirable to prevent it being poured back out of the opening to the bottle, particularly, where a substance imparts a flavour and it is not desirable to consume the substance. Thus, there is a need to allow it to mix with the liquid but for the substance to remain in the bottle so that it is not consumed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a capsule for diffusing a substance in a liquid within a receptacle, wherein the capsule comprises an expandable element and, in a first state the capsule has a first width and in a second state the capsule has a second width, wherein the width of the capsule in the second state is greater than that of the first state.

The capsule contains a substance that, when the capsule is put into a liquid, comes into contact with the substance. This allows the substance to be diffused and/or dispersed into the liquid. The capsule has means for expanding its diameter so that when it passes through an opening, it can expand beyond the diameter of the opening to prevent it coming back out. The capsule comprises a one way mechanism to allow it to enter into a receptacle, for example, a bottle, and to be retained therein whilst liquid is poured from the bottle.

The capsule has a first state, arrangement or position in which it can pass through an opening or aperture relatively easily, and a second state, arrangement or position in which the diameter is increased to make passage through the opening or aperture more difficult or impossible.

In one embodiment, the expandable element comprises a material that expands upon contact with liquid. This might be a hydro-expandable material that expands significantly upon contacting liquid to swell. It may expand upon contact with water or another liquid. When the capsule is dropped into a bottle through the opening, and the expandable material has expanded, the diameter of the capsule is then too large for the capsule to pass back through the opening.

Preferably, the expandable material is arranged about the periphery of the capsule and, more preferably, the expandable material is arranged as a continuous band about the periphery of the capsule. The expandable material may be arranged radially around the capsule and/or it may be continuous or discrete portions arranged on the capsule.

In an alternative embodiment, the capsule comprises at least one resilient section that extends beyond the periphery of the capsule when the capsule is in the second state. The resilient section provides a plastically deformable, or resiliently yieldable, portion that can be deformed in a first state to reduce the diameter of the capsule, and then it may expand upon releasing the deforming force to allow it to increase the diameter of the capsule.

It is advantageous that the resilient section comprises a resilient protrusion that, in the first state, is compressed and in the second state is released. Such an arrangement allows for the internal surfaces of an opening to compress the resilient protrusion as the capsule passes through the opening and for the resilient protrusion to return to its expanded state once the capsule has passed through the opening and no further force acts upon the section.

It is preferable that the resilient section comprises an arm, which, in the second state, forms a barb. By employing an arm, which may be formed from resilient material or may be hinged with a bias towards a position with one end directed away from the capsule, a barb can be formed that allows the arm to yield as the capsule passes through an opening. The arm then returns to the extended position in the second state of the capsule and the barb reduces the risk of the capsule coming back through the opening.

It is preferable that the resilient section comprises an elastically deformable plastics material. Plastics material provides a cost-effective and elastically deformable material that will form an expandable section.

Advantageously, the capsule further comprises an inner chamber with at least one aperture therein. The chamber allows for a substance, which may be a solid, liquid or a gas, to be released into liquid contained within a receptacle when the capsule is inserted therein. A solid may be contained within the capsule that will impart flavour, nutrients, electrolytes or other properties into the liquid. The solid may or may not dissolve into the liquid and, where it does not dissolve, it can be retained within the capsule.

Preferably, the capsule comprises a plurality of apertures/perforations. The use of a plurality of apertures and/or perforations allows for the liquid within the receptacle to mix more readily and more rapidly with the contents of the capsule, once the capsule has been inserted into the receptacle.

In an advantageous construction, the capsule comprises a weighted section. Using a weighted section in the capsule reduces the risk of the capsule becoming stuck in the neck of a bottle and also reduces the risk of the capsule floating in the liquid contained within the receptacle, thus allowing the substance to contact the liquid more readily.

The invention extends to a diffusing device comprising a carriage and a detachable capsule according to any preceding claim, wherein respective parts of a releasable connection mechanism are provided on the carriage and the capsule. A carriage being provided for the capsule can assist with the packing and dispensing of the capsule. For example, the carriage may be provided with locating means to attach it to the opening of a bottle, which automatically aligns the capsule with the bottle opening. Additionally, the top of the capsule may be open and the carriage may provide a lid to keep the contents within the capsule until it is dispensed into the receptacle.

In such an arrangement, the connection mechanism may comprise a threaded section, in which case it may be preferable that each of the carriage and the capsule are provided with a release protrusion, wherein the release protrusions are arranged such that when the carriage and capsule are rotated relative to one another, the protrusions abut one another. Having threaded sections to attach the capsule to the carriage provides a simple and readily releasable connection to keep the parts together. The release protrusions assist with holding the carriage and the capsule stationary relative to one another such that the threaded section engages and releases the capsule.

Alternatively, the capsule may comprise a lip about at least part of its perimeter at the intended top of the capsule and the carriage comprises a clip mechanism arranged to engage the lip of the capsule and retain it thereupon. The lip may be radial and/or axial. By clipping the capsule to the carriage, the parts can be quickly and easily engaged and disengaged from one another, thereby making the arrangement simple to use.

Advantageously, the clip mechanism of the carriage is attached internally to the intended upper surface of the carriage and it comprises two spaced apart extensions each having at least one inwardly protruding tooth, and wherein the upper surface between the two spaced apart extensions is resiliently flexible. By having a resilient material between the two parts of the clip mechanism, the distance between the two parts can be increased by pressing on the resilient section. This bends the resilient material, flexing the upper surface and increasing the distance between the two parts of the clip mechanism. The two parts then disengage the lip portion of the capsule.

The invention extends to a bottle comprising a receptacle and an opening to which is connected a diffusing device substantially as described herein.

The invention further extends to a method of bringing two substances into contact, wherein the method comprises the steps of:providing a receptacle having an opening;providing a capsule as described herein, the capsule having a substance therein;inserting the capsule into the receptacle; whereinwhen the capsule has passed through the opening of the receptacle, at least one dimension of the capsule increases such that it becomes larger than the width, or diameter, of the opening of the receptacle.

The method provides for a way to mix two substances together within a receptacle, wherein the capsule enters the receptacle and cannot be readily removed therefrom due to the increase in the overall size of the capsule upon entering the receptacle.

Advantageously, the method comprises the use of a diffusing device as described herein to hold the capsule, and the further step of operating the diffusing device to detach the capsule from the carriage into the receptacle. The use of a carriage, assists in the accurate dispensing of the cartridge into the opening of the receptacle and may also assist with transporting the capsule.

Preferably, the receptacle contains a liquid prior to entry of the capsule therein, or alternatively, liquid may enter the receptacle after the capsule has been inserted. The point at which liquid is added to the receptacle may vary depending upon the products to be mixed/diffused and/or the circumstances of use of the capsule.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 4show a device10for diffusing, dispersing or dissolving a first substance into a liquid that is contained within a receptacle. The device10comprises a capsule11having a substance chamber12having a wall14, in which are provided apertures16across a latitudinal band. Above the band of apertures is a band of expandable material18and above the band18is an upper threaded section20. Below the band of apertures16is a lower threaded section22and beneath the lower threaded section22is an elastomeric O-ring seal24.

The chamber12is integrally connected to a hollow base portion26such that the inside of the base portion is in fluid communication with the chamber12. At the junction between the chamber12and the base portion26is an integral radially outwardly extending release tooth, or release protrusion,30.

The base portion26comprises a plurality of spaced apart, radially extending, resilient plastics material arms28that each have a connecting section28aand an angled extension28b. There are two rows of arms28, which may in in-line with one another or the rows may be rotationally offset. The arms28extend from the external surface of the base portion26in a generally upwards direction (towards the chamber12) and diverge from the wall of the base portion26, thereby creating an internal angle is between the external wall of the base portion26and the inside of the arm28. The internal angle, A, may be between 15 and 85 degrees, but is preferably, between 25 and 60 degrees.

A carriage, or lid portion,31is provided. The carriage comprises a top portion32and a receiving section34integrally connected thereto and extending downwardly therefrom. The top portion comprises a downwardly extending lip33at its periphery, which is provided with a thread33aon its internal surface. The receiving section34has a diameter larger than that of the substance chamber12and it is provided with an internal upper threaded portion36arranged proximal to the junction between the top portion32and the receiving section34, and an internal lower threaded portion38distal from the top portion32and adjacent the end of the receiving section34.

A connector40is also provided, which comprises a tubular collar, or connector,41having an external threaded section42adjacent the upper end of the tubular collar41, and a reinforced rim46at its lower end. Within the tubular collar41is a second release tooth44extending radially inwardly.

To use the device10, a substance is put into the chamber12and it passes into the inside of the base portion26. The lid portion31is then positioned over the top of the chamber12and the internal lower threaded portion38of the lid31engages the lower threaded section22of the chamber12. Likewise, the upper internal threaded section36of the lid31, engages the external threaded portion20of the chamber12. The base portion26is then held still as the lid portion31is rotated to fully engage the two interlocking threaded sections. Because the lid portion has the receiving section34that surrounds the chamber12, the chamber12is held within the receiving section34upon tightening of the threaded sections. Additionally, due to the O-ring seal24, the substance is held within the chamber12and lid section31and it cannot leak therefrom.

Where the substance is a liquid the expandable material band18may be replaced with a second elastomeric O-ring seal.

To dispense the capsule11, a bottle50is provided, which comprises a main receptacle section52and an opening54, which has a narrower diameter than that of the main receptacle52. The connector40is positioned over the opening54of the bottle50and is held in place. The capsule11is placed into the top of the connector40and the internal threads33aof the lip33aof the lid section31engage the external threads42of the connector40. The top section31is then rotated and the external release tooth30of the chamber12rotates until it contacts the second internally facing release tooth44of the connector40. Upon the two release teeth30and40contacting, the internal lower threaded portion38and the lower threaded section22and the upper internal threaded section36and the external release tooth30, rotate relative to one another and disengage.

The capsule11is now free from the lid31and, due to its weight, it passes through the opening54of the bottle50. As the capsule11moves into the opening54, the arms28are compressed and yield to allow the capsule to descend into the bottle50. As the capsule11enters the main receptacle52of the bottle50, the arms, being plastically resilient, expand and extend once more and form barbs. As a result, the overall diameter of the capsule is increased to the extent that it is too large to pass back through the opening54of the bottle50. The capsule falls into the main receptacle52of the bottle50the substance contained within the capsule is able to mix with liquid within the bottle50to be diffused/dispersed/dissolved therein via the apertures16.

The capsule dispensing device68ofFIGS. 5 to 8comprises a capsule70having body portion72having an inner chamber74. The base76of the body portion72comprises a weight78to increase the mass of the device70. The base76comprises radially extending, resiliently yieldable, plastics material arms80that have a compressed position against the side of the body portion72, as shown inFIG. 6, and an extended, rest, position wherein the project radially outwards from the base76, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 5a.

A lid, or carriage,82is provided that connects to the top of the capsule70. The lid is slightly larger than the opening in the bottle for which it is intended. The connection means between the capsule70and the carriage82are shown in Figures to13.

FIGS. 9 to 11show a first connection mechanism for releasably connecting the capsule70to the lid82. The capsule70comprises a radially extending lip84with an elastomeric coating86on its upper surface. The lid82comprises two downwardly protruding extension88, each provided with an inwardly directed wedge-shaped tooth90. The extensions88are separated on the lid by a yieldable section92. In a first position, the teeth90engage the lip84of the capsule70. Because the teeth90are angled, as they are forced inwards by the resilient nature of the plastics material from which they are formed, the capsule70is directed into the lid82. The elastomeric seal86seals the capsule against the lid82.

When the capsule70is to be release from the lid82, the resilient section92is pressed. Due to the flexible nature of the resilient section92, it flexes and the underside of the lid82bends to become convex. This pushes the two extensions88and respective teeth90apart and the teeth90disengage from the lip84of the capsule70. As such, the capsule70is dispensed from the lid82and can enter a receptacle.

The lid82may be provided with an outer rim94with internal threads, which can engage a bottle, for example, a water bottle, and can be held in place until the capsule70is dispensed. The lid82can then be removed from the bottle and liquid contained therein can be dispensed. Because the arms80flex out to create bards, the capsule70cannot come back through the opening without mechanical intervention.

Clearly, the elastomeric material86could be attached to the lid82rather than to the capsule70.

InFIGS. 12 to 14a second connection mechanism is shown, wherein the lid100is provided with a channel of gripping material102on its underside, which preferably comprises elastomeric material. The upper surface of the capsule70is pushed into the channel and the gripping material102yields to accept the capsule70and it grips the capsule70and holds it in the lid100. The capsule70can either be removed by pushing on yieldable material as shown inFIG. 11, or it may be either shaken off or the lid100may be removed to allow a user to manually remove the capsule70and insert it into the bottle. A skirt104with an internal thread is provided to allow the lid100to engage the threaded section of a bottle.

FIG. 15shows a further embodiment, wherein the capsule110is provided with a band of expandable material112and no resilient arms. Again, a weight114is provided in the capsule to reduce the risk of it becoming stuck in the opening of a bottle.

The substance chamber12may be tapered or may comprise a ledge, shelf or protrusion so that it is larger at the lower end than the upper end. This allows the threaded lid to fit around the upper threaded section and to engage the lower threads.

The base portion may comprise apertures and the substance may be contained therein, rather than in a separate chamber.

The connector may comprise a threaded section so that it can engage with the threads on a screw-top bottle. Alternatively, it may connect to the bottle by way of an elastomeric O-ring or other protrusion that aids in gripping the bottle.

The arms may be pivoted anus which are biased in an extended position but that are able to yield to allow the device to enter into the bottle.

The arms may be tapered to be wider at one end than the other. Such a wedge-shape helps the capsule enter the opening whilst making the capsule more difficult to remove from a receptacle.

Features and/or elements of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be used in addition to, or in place of, features and/or elements of any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

The present invention may be in the form of a capsule assembly for diffusing a substance in a liquid within a receptacle, wherein the assembly comprises a capsule and a carriage to which the capsule is releasably connected, wherein;the capsule comprises an expandable element and, in a first state the capsule has a first width and in a second state the capsule has a second width;wherein the width of the capsule in the second state is greater than that of the first state;wherein the capsule is connected to the carriage via a releasable connection mechanism that comprises a threaded section and respective parts of a threaded section are provided on the carriage and the capsule; and
wherein each of the carriage and the capsule are provided with a release protrusion and the release protrusions are arranged such that when the carriage and capsule are rotated relative to one another, the protrusions abut one another to enable the threaded sections to rotate and disengage.

Such a device may be used in the method described hereabove and may include other features described herein.

Features of one or more embodiment of the invention disclosed herein may be included in other embodiments herein disclosed. As such, where features are described in relation to one embodiment, they could, where practical, be included in other embodiments.