Patent Publication Number: US-2007102306-A1

Title: Closure for Dispensing Additive

Description:
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/735,200 entitled BOTTLE CLOSURE WITH RESERVOIR(S) FOR DISPENSING ADDITIVE(S) and filed on Nov. 7, 2005, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/799,796 entitled BOTTLE CLOSURE WITH RESERVOIR(S) FOR DISPENSING ADDITIVE(S) and filed on May 12, 2006. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND  
      1. Field  
      The disclosed embodiments relate to dispenser vessels and, more particularly, to dispenser vessels for dispensing additive(s).  
      2. Brief Description of Related Developments  
      Conventional methods for storing and introducing an additive, such as flavoring into a beverage generally involves a capsule that is sealed within a beverage container, such as a can. An example of this type of capsule can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,444. These capsules operate through a differential in pressure between the inside of the can and the atmosphere that is produced when the can is opened. When the pressure inside the can drops upon opening, a sealing member of the capsule is torn open releasing its contents into the beverage.  
      However, where there is no pressure differential between the inside of the beverage container or when the pressure differential is minimal these capsules may be insufficient to release the additive into the beverage. It would be advantageous to have a release mechanism to introduce additive(s) into a container regardless of any pressure differential.  
      Other examples of devices for storing and adding additives can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,908,011; 6,935,493; 6,945,393; 6,959,841; 6,974,024; 6,994,211;, 7,070,046; 7,025,200.  
     SUMMARY  
      In one aspect, the disclosed embodiments relate to a method for introducing reservoir contents from a closure into a content of an attached container. In one embodiment, the method includes fracturing a frangible membrane of a base member of the closure with a protrusion of a top member of the closure and introducing the reservoir contents to the container contents through the fractured frangible membrane.  
      In another aspect, the disclosed embodiments relate to a method for introducing reservoir contents from a closure into a content of an attached container. In one embodiment, the method includes fracturing a frangible membrane of a top member of the closure with a protrusion on a spigot member of the closure, fracturing a frangible membrane of a base member of the closure with a protrusion of the top member of the closure and introducing the reservoir contents to the container contents through the fractured frangible membrane of the base member.  
      In a further aspect, the disclosed embodiments relate to a closure system. In one embodiment, the closure system includes a top member and a base member attached to the top member, where the top and base members form at least one reservoir for containing a substance. The top member is configured to move axially with respect to the base member.  
      In yet a further aspect, the disclosed embodiments relate to a closure system. In one embodiment, the closure includes a base member, a top member slidably engaged with the base member, the top member having a spigot member and a crown member slidably engaged with the top member. The base member and top member form at least one reservoir.  
      In another aspect, the disclosed embodiment relate to a method for releasing a content of a reservoir. In one embodiment the method includes rotating a top member of the reservoir relative to a bottom member of the reservoir, axially driving the top member of the reservoir so that a protrusion of the top member fractures a frangible membrane of the bottom member and releasing the content of the reservoir through the fractured frangible membrane. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The foregoing aspects and other features of the disclosed embodiments are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a closure assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;  
       FIG. 2  illustrates a sectional view of the closure assembly of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate a closure and container assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;  
       FIG. 4  illustrates a portion of the closure of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 5  illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the closure of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIGS. 6-8  illustrate an exploded view of a portion of the closure of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 9  illustrates a sectional view of the closure assembly of  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate isometric views of a closure assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;  
       FIG. 12  illustrates a sectional view of the closure assembly of  FIGS. 10 and 11 ;  
       FIG. 13  illustrates an exploded sectional view of a closure in accordance with an embodiment;  
       FIG. 14A  illustrates an isometric view of the closure of  FIG. 13  in an unassembled configuration;  
       FIG. 14B  illustrates an isometric view of the closure of  FIG. 13  in an assembled and un-actuated configuration;  
       FIG. 14C  illustrates an isometric view of the closure of  FIG. 13  in an actuated configuration;  
       FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate a closure assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;  
       FIG. 17  illustrates a sectional view of the closure assembly of  FIGS. 15 and 16  in a sealed configuration;  
       FIGS. 18-20  illustrate exploded sectional views of the closure assembly of  FIGS. 15 and 16 ;  
       FIG. 21  illustrates a sectional view of the closure assembly of  FIGS. 15 and 16  in an actuated and non-sealed configuration;  
       FIG. 22  illustrates a sectional view of the closure assembly of  FIGS. 15 and 16  in an actuated and sealed configuration;  
       FIGS. 23 and 24  illustrate sectional views of a closure and container assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;  
       FIG. 25  illustrates an exploded sectional view of a closure in accordance with an embodiment;  
       FIG. 26  illustrates an exploded isometric view of the closure of  FIG. 25 ;  
       FIGS. 27 and 28  illustrate flow diagrams in accordance with a method of exemplary embodiments;  
       FIG. 29  illustrates an closure container in accordance with an embodiment;  
       FIG. 30  illustrates a sectional view of the closure container of  FIG. 29 ;  
       FIG. 31  illustrates an exploded view of the closure container of  FIG. 29 ; and  
       FIG. 32  is a flow diagram in accordance with a method of an embodiment. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(s)  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a closure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Although aspects of the invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings and described below, it should be understood that these aspects could be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.  
      The container closure assembly  1  of  FIG. 1  includes a top member  5  and a base or bottom member  10 , which together form at least one reservoir  2  in which at least one additive or reservoir content  3  is held. In alternate embodiments, the container closure assembly  1  may have more or less than two members and any suitable numbers of reservoirs.  FIGS. 6-8  illustrate exemplary reservoir  2  configurations. Although three reservoir configurations are shown, the reservoirs may have any suitable configuration. The additive(s)  3  may be any suitable additive such as, for example, nutriceutical, pharmaceutical, purification, flavorant or other compounds. The additive(s)  3  may be released in liquid, granular, powder, tablet, capsule or other suitable form into the contents of an attached container  4  (See  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) generally immediately prior to consumption or use. The container  4  may be any suitable container such as, for example, a beverage or detergent container. In this example, the container closure assembly  1  is to be removed from the container  4  to allow egress of the container contents. It is noted that while the embodiments described herein are described with reference to a beverage or detergent container, the disclosed embodiments may be equally applied to non-beverage/detergent applications. For example, the disclosed embodiments may be employed in the personal hygiene industry (e.g. mouthwash, shampoo, etc.), the home and auto industry (e.g. cleaning products, air fresheners, medications, etc.) and the food industry (e.g. condiments, sauces, spices, seasonings, etc). The closure may have any suitable shape corresponding to, for example, the mouth or opening of an attached container. In alternate embodiments, the closure may be of unitary construction with the attached container to form a reservoir vessel in the form of, for example, a packet, cylinder, box, etc.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , the base member  10  of the closure assembly  1  may include a longitudinal skirt portion  12  extending in a direction from the top of the assembly  1  to the bottom of the assembly  1 . The skirt portion  12  may have an opening  13  to be removably engaged on a container  4 , and contact portions  14  to substantially seal between the closure  1  and the container  4 . In alternate embodiments, the top member  5  may be removably engaged to the container  4  while the base member  10  remains affixed to the container  4 . In other alternate embodiments, the base member  10  may have a tamper evidence feature, such as a band or ring, that would separate from the base member  10  when the base member  10  is removed from the container  4 . Base member  10  may include a disc portion  15  opposite the container engagement opening  13 . The disc portion  15  may prevent egress of the additive(s)  3  into the attached container  4 . In alternate embodiments, egress of the additive(s) may be controlled in any suitable manner.  
      The disc portion  15  may have one or more partially-frangible segments  9  to be initially pierced along frangible pathways  113  by a ram  8  of the top member  5  and further split by the continued advancement of the top member  5 . Split segments  9  of the disc  15  may remain attached to the bottom member  10  via a living hinge  60  (See  FIG. 9 ) while not interfering with the release of the additive(s)  3 . In alternate embodiments, the partially-frangible segments  9  may be contained from being released into the contents of the container  4  in any suitable manner. The base member  10  may also have an annular skirt portion  17  extending above the disc portion  15 . The skirt  17  may contact the ram portion  8  or other alignment portion of the top member  5  and provide retention and guidance of the top member  5  before, during and after actuation. In this embodiment the skirt  17  is shown as having a circular cross-section, but in alternate embodiments the skirt  17  may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc.  
      The top member  5  of the container closure assembly  1  includes a top surface  6  with an outer frangible or deformable skirt portion  7 . In this embodiment the skirt  7  is shown as having a circular cross-section, but in alternate embodiments the skirt  7  may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. The outer skirt portion  7  may be attached to the top  6  of the top member  5  via a frangible web  61 . The skirt portion  7  along with features  18  (See  FIG. 5 ) on the bottom member  10  of the container closure assembly  1  may prevent or minimize unintentional actuation of the top member  5 . The skirt portion  7  may also substantially abut, for example, section A of the bottom member  10  to minimize unintentional actuation of the top member  5 . In alternate embodiments, unintentional actuation of the top member  5  may be minimized in any suitable manner. In alternate embodiments, the skirt  7  may include a tamper evidence feature, such as a band or ring, that would separate from the skirt  7  if the top member  5  and the bottom member  10  are disassembled.  
      The top member  5  may include a ram portion  8  that extends from the underside of the top member  5 . The ram portion  8  may include one or more projections, which may pierce and open the frangible portion  9  of the bottom member  10 . The outer surface  11  of the ram portion  8  may be engaged with the skirt portion  17  of base member  10  in such a way and with such mechanisms as necessary to minimize the risk of tampering and make tamper evident. Such engagement may also provide an adequate seal to protect and preserve the contents  3  of the closure reservoir  2  from ingress or egress of substances. In alternate embodiments, ingress or egress may be controlled in any suitable manner.  
      The top member  5  may act as a ram that is manually actuated longitudinally or axially to pierce the partially-frangible segment  9  of the base member  10  (Block  2700 ,  FIG. 27 ). The top member  5  may be actuated by impacting or “slamming” (e.g. providing either a sudden or steady force sufficient to move the top member and to fracture the frangible membrane(s)) the top  6  of the top member  5  on a suitable surface so the top member  5  is driven longitudinally towards the bottom member  10  in the direction of arrow A (See  FIG. 3B ). When the top member  5  is driven in the direction of arrow A, the frangible web  61  may break allowing the skirt portion  7  to deform. The deformation of the skirt  7  allows the ram  8  to move in the direction of arrow A and to pierce the segments  9 . Beyond initial piercing of the segments  9 , the further actuation of the top member  5  increases the opening in the membrane  9  when the ram  8  abuts the edges of the frangible membrane in area B (See  FIG. 9 ) so that the additive(s)  3  may be fully released into the attached container  4  (Block  2710 ,  FIG. 27 ). Upon actuation, the top member  5  may remain in a fully-engaged position and provide an adequate seal with the base member  10  to prevent ingress/egress through the closure with respect to the attached container. Upon release of the additive(s)  3  into the attached container  4 , the user may manually agitate the package composed of the assembled closure  1  and the container  4 . The contents of the container  4  may be released by removing the closure assembly  1  from the container  4 .  
      In this example, the additive(s)  3  are released by impacting or slamming the top  6  of the top member  5  against a surface. In alternate embodiments, the bottom of the container opposite the closure  1  may be impacted or slammed on a surface so that the inertia of the top member  5  causes the longitudinal movement of the top member thereby piercing the membrane  9 . In other alternate embodiments, the top member  5  may be actuated in any suitable manner.  
      The top and base members  5 , 10  may be formed in any suitable manner such as, for example, by injection or compression molding. The top and base members  5 ,  10  may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials such as, for example plastic, which may provide adequate mechanical functionality and seal characteristics for the closure reservoir  2 , and which are non-reactive with the additive(s)  3 , the container  4  or the container contents. The material(s) of the top member  5  may differ from that of the base member  10 .  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 10-12 , a container closure assembly  149  is shown in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. The container closure  149  includes an upper member  150  and a base member  102 , which when assembled form at least one reservoir  124 . The base member  102  may include an outer longitudinal skirt portion  165  with an opening  153  to be removably engaged with a container  164  (See  FIGS. 23-24 ). The base member may also have contact portions  154 , which may provide a seal between the closure assembly  149  and the container  164 . In alternate embodiments, the base member  102  may include a tamper evidence feature, such as a band or ring, that would separate from the base member  102  when the base member  102  is removed from the container  164 .  
      Reservoir base member  102  may have an inner longitudinal skirt portion  155  that engages the inside of the container  164  opening. In this embodiment, the skirt  155  is shown as having a circular cross-section, but in alternate embodiments the skirt  155  may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. The skirt  155  may form the lower walls of the reservoir  124 . The lower reservoir region may be closed with a disc portion  151 . The disc portion  151  may have one or more partially-frangible segments  152 . Disc portion  151  may be initially pierced by a ram  118  of the top reservoir member  150  and further split by the continued advancement of the reservoir skirt  117  of the top member  150 . Split segments  152  of the disc  151  may remain attached to the skirt  155  by means of a flexible shoulder  115 , while not interfering with the release of the additive(s)  163 . In alternate embodiments, segments  152  may be retained in any suitable manner. Sealing features  116  may be present on the reservoir surface of the base member  102  for engaging complementary features  119  on the reservoir top member  150 . In alternate embodiments, a tamper evidence ring similar to the ring  1370  shown in  FIG. 13  may be attached to the base member  102 .  
      The top reservoir member  150  may include an outer skirt  156  with features  122  on the outside to facilitate gripping. The features  122  are shown in the figures as raised bars or ribs, but in alternate embodiments the features  122  may be any suitable feature such as knurling, dimples, recesses, or bosses. The top member  150  may also include a multiplicity of paired raised pads  120 ,  121  on an internal surface. Pads  120 ,  121  may interact with pads  107  of the bottom reservoir member  102  to provide a mechanical interlock between the components. A flat portion  157  connects the outer skirt  156  and inner skirt  117 . The flat portion  157  may provide a mechanical stop during the longitudinal or axial advancement of the top member  150  in the direction of arrow A during release of the additive(s)  163 . The internal skirt  117  may engage the base member  102  to complete the walls of the reservoir  124 . The sealing features  116 ,  119  may prevent egress of the additive(s)  163  when the top and base members  150 ,  102  are assembled.  
      Upon initial assembly, ram  118  extending from the flat portion  158  of the reservoir top member  150  may be engaged with recess  112  of the reservoir base member  102 . The inner skirt  117  of the top member  150  may extend above the flat portion  157  to accommodate reservoir  124  capacity, and the extended portion  159  may be closed at the top by a surface  158  of appropriate thickness and form to withstand prescribed static and dynamic loads.  
      As described above, the exterior surface of the outer skirt  165  may have a multiplicity of pads  107  used to secure the top  150  and base  102  reservoir members together upon assembly, and provide mechanical guidance features for the actuation of the components required to release the additive(s)  163  into the attached container  164 . The security/guidance pads  107  may include segments substantially similar to segments  1510 ,  1511  in  FIGS. 19A and 20  which are separated by a membrane  1509  of adequate thickness to resist unintentional low-range torque while allowing a breach beyond an intended torque value. The ends  1508  ( FIG. 19A ) of the pads  107  should be of adequate thickness to resist unintentional high-range torque and provide guidance for the axial advancement of the top reservoir member  150 . During initial assembly, the first pad  120  of the top reservoir member  150  will ride over the first segment  1510  of pad  107  of the base member  102 , bringing the second pad  121  into contact with the flat top portion of the first segment  1510 , thereby forming a mechanical lock between the two members.  
      To release the contents  163  of the reservoir  124 , appropriate torque may be applied to the top reservoir member  150  by rotating it with respect to the bottom member  102  to a prescribed angle to shear membrane  1509  of the bottom reservoir member  102  and allowing the second pad  121  to engage the angled surface of the second segment  1511 . A longitudinal or axial force applied to the top member  150  in the direction of arrow A drives the top pad  121  over the second segment  1511  and secures the two members  102 ,  150  together so that they may not be easily separated. The axial force may be an impact force between the top  158  of the top member  150  and any suitable surface. In alternate embodiments, the axial force may be any suitable force. As the top member  150  is driven in the direction of arrow A, the ram portions  117 ,  118  pierce disc portion  151  and separate the segments  152  along integrally molded or mechanically formed frangible pathways  113 ,  114  (Block  2700 ,  FIG. 27 ). Segments  152  may be held open by the skirt  117  upon further advancement of the top member  150  to release the contents  163  into the container  164  (Block  2710 ,  FIG. 27 ).  
      Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 A-C, a container closure  1300  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The container closure includes an upper member  1350  and a base member  1302 , which when assembled form at least one reservoir substantially similar to the reservoir  124  shown in  FIG. 12 .  
      The base member  1302  may include an upper surface  1303  with an inner longitudinal skirt  1355  and an outer longitudinal skirt  1365  which extend away from the upper surface  1303  towards the bottom of the closure  1300  in the direction of arrow A. The inner skirt  1355  of the base member  1302  may engage the inside of the container  164  opening. In this embodiment the inner skirt  1355  has a circular cross-section, but in alternate embodiments the inner skirt  1355  may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, oval, etc. The inner skirt  1355  may be connected at the bottom to a frangible member  1351  by a flexible shoulder  1315  to form the bottom half  1304  of the reservoir. The frangible member  1351  may have one or more partially-frangible segments  1352 . The inner skirt  1355  may also include sealing features  1316  on the reservoir surface of the base member  1302  for engaging complementary features  1319  on the upper member  1350  to prevent the additive(s) from escaping the reservoir.  
      The outer skirt  1365  of the base member  1302  may form an opening  1353  that may be removably engaged with a container  164  (See  FIGS. 23-24 ). The outer skirt may include thread members  1305  for engaging corresponding threads on the container  164 . In alternate embodiments, the outer skirt  1365  may be removably affixed to the container  164  in any suitable manner such as by, for example, snaps and the like. In other alternate embodiments the base member may be permanently affixed to the container. The outer skirt  1365  and the upper surface  1303  may also form contact portions  1354 , which may provide a seal between the closure  1300  and the container  164 .  
      The outer skirt  1365  may include openings  1387  for engaging attachment arms  1390  of the upper member  1350 . The openings  1387  may include a multiplicity of pads  1385 ,  1386  used to secure the top  1350  and base  1302  members together upon assembly, and provide mechanical guidance features for the actuation of the components required to release the additive(s)  163  into the attached container  164 . The security/guidance pads  1385 ,  1386  may be separated by a retaining membrane  1306  of adequate thickness to resist unintentional low-range torque while allowing a breach beyond an intended torque value. A tamper evidence ring  1370  may also be connected to the outer skirt  1365  by frangible members  1371  which will allow the ring  1370  to separate from the outer skirt  1365  if the closure  1300  is removed from the container.  
      The top reservoir member  1350  may include an outer skirt  1356  with recessed features on the outside to facilitate gripping. In alternate embodiments, the features may be substantially similar to features  122  shown in the  FIG. 11  and described above. The top member  1350  may also include attachment arms  1390  to facilitate assembly of the closure  1300  and for guiding a rotation and longitudinal movement of the upper member  1350  during actuation. The attachment arms  1390  extend from a flat portion  1357  of the top member  1350  and may include a multiplicity of paired raised pads  1391 ,  1392 . Pads  1391 ,  1392  may interact with pads  1385 ,  1386  of the bottom member  1302  to provide a mechanical interlock between the components. The flat portion  1357  may connect the outer skirt  1356  and inner skirt  1317  of the top member  1350 . The flat portion  1357  may provide a mechanical stop during the longitudinal or axial advancement of the top member  1350  in the direction of arrow A during release of the additive(s)  163 .  
      The inner skirt  1317  may engage the base member  1302  to complete the walls and top  1358  of the reservoir. The inner skirt  1317  of the top member  1350  may extend above the flat portion  1357  to accommodate reservoir capacity, and the extended portion  1359  may be closed at the top by a surface  1358  of appropriate thickness and form to withstand prescribed static and dynamic loads. A ram member  1318  may extend from the surface  1358  of the reservoir to facilitate the egress of the additive(s) as will be described below.  
      Upon initial assembly, as shown in  FIG. 14B , the attachment arms  1390  may be inserted into the openings  1387  of the base member  1302  so that pads  1391  move over pads  1385  of the base member  1302 . The interaction of the upper surface of pads  1391  and lower surface of pads  1385  prevents the closure from being disassembled. Pads  1392  come into contact with the flat top portion of pads  1385 , thereby forming a mechanical lock between the two members. The upper member is prevented from rotating because the attachment arms are retained by the membrane  1306  described above. The ram  1318  extending from the top  1358  of the reservoir of the top member  1350  may be engaged with recess  1312  of the reservoir base member  1302 .  
      In operation, adequate torque is applied to the upper member  1350  in, for example, the direction of arrow B to rotate the upper member  1350  so that the attachment arms  1390  break the retaining membrane  1306 . Upon rotation the attachment arms are aligned with pads  1386 . To release the additive(s) contained in the reservoir the surface  1358  and/or surface  1357  is pushed or impacted against a suitable surface such as a table or a user&#39;s hand so that the upper member  1350  moves longitudinally relative to the base member  1302  in the direction of arrow A. Upon the longitudinal movement of the upper member  1350 , the pads  1392  pass over the angled upper surfaces of pads  1386 . The interaction of the upper surface of pads  1392  and the flat lower surface of pads  1386  prevent the upper member  1350  from returning to its original position. The disc portion  1351  may be initially pierced by a ram  1318  of the top reservoir member  1350  and further split along frangement pathways  1313  by the continued advancement of the reservoir skirt  1317  of the top member  1350 . Split segments  1352  of the disc  1351  may remain attached to the skirt  1355  by means of a flexible shoulder  1315 , while not interfering with the release of the additive(s). In alternate embodiments, segments  1352  may be retained in any suitable manner.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 15-24 , a resealable pull-up style container closure  1501  is shown. The closure  1501  includes a base member  1502 , a top member  1503 , a spigot member  1504  and a crown member  1505 .  
      The base member  1502  may include an outer longitudinal skirt portion  1565  with an opening  1553  to be removably engaged with a container  164  (See  FIGS. 23-24 ). The base member may also have contact portions  1554 , which may provide a seal between the closure assembly and the container  164 . In alternate embodiments, the base member  1502  may include a tamper evidence feature, such as a band or ring, that would separate from the base member  1502  when the base member  1502  is removed from a container. Reservoir base member  1502  may also include an inner longitudinal skirt portion  1555  that engages the inside of the container  164  opening. In this embodiment the skirt  1555  is shown as having a circular cross-section, but in alternate embodiments the skirt  1555  may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. The skirt  1555  may form the lower walls of the reservoir  1524 . The lower reservoir region may be closed with a disc portion  1551 . The disc portion  1551  may have one or more partially-frangible segments  1552  that are split along frangible pathways  1513 . Disc portion  1551  may be initially pierced along a piercing pathway  1514  by a ram  1518  of the top reservoir member  1550  and further split by the continued advancement of the reservoir skirt  1517  of the top member  1550 . Split segments  1552  of the disc  1551  may remain attached to the skirt  1555  by means of a flexible shoulder  1515 , while not interfering with the release of the additive(s)  163 . In alternate embodiments, segments  1552  may be retained in any suitable manner. Sealing features  1516  may be present on the reservoir surface of the base member  1502 , engaging complementary features  1519  on the reservoir top member  1550 .  
      The top reservoir member  1550  may include an outer skirt  1556  with features  1522  on the outside to facilitate gripping. The features  1522  are shown in the figures as raised bars or ribs, but in alternate embodiments the features  1522  may be any suitable feature such as knurling, dimples, recesses, or bosses. The top member  1550  may also include a multiplicity of paired raised pads  1520 ,  1521  on an internal surface. Pads  1520 ,  1521  may interact with security/guidance pads  1507  of the bottom reservoir member  1502  to provide a mechanical interlock between the components. The security/guidance pads  1507  may include segments  1510 ,  1511  which are separated by a membrane  1509  of adequate thickness to resist unintentional low-range torque while allowing a breach beyond an intended torque value (See  FIG. 19A ). In one embodiment, the ends  1508  of the pads  1507  should be of adequate thickness to resist unintentional high-range torque and provide guidance for the axial advancement of the top reservoir member  1550 .  
      A flat portion  1557  may connect the outer skirt  1556  and inner skirt  1517  of the top member  1550 . The flat portion  1557  may provide a mechanical stop during the longitudinal or axial advancement of the top member  1550  in the direction of arrow A during release of the additive(s)  1524 . The internal skirt  1517  may engage the base member  1502  to complete the walls of the reservoir. The sealing features  1516 ,  1519  may prevent egress of the additive(s)  1524  when the top and base members  1550 ,  1502  are assembled.  
      The top  1558  of the reservoir  1524  of the resealable pull-up style closure  1501  may include semi-frangible segments  1526 . The segments  1526  may be pierced along frangement pathways  1569  and deflected about hinge features  1525  by a spigot member  1504 . Additionally in this embodiment, the skirt extension  1559  beyond the top  1558  of the reservoir  1524  may include outside beads  1523 ,  1533  and tooth projections  1531 ,  1532 . In this embodiment the skirt extension  1559  is shown as having a circular cross-section, but in alternate embodiments the skirt extension  1559  may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. The inner surface of the skirt extension  1559  above the top  1558  of the reservoir  1524  includes a ledge  1529  and rotation resistance features  1530  (See  FIG. 20 ) which may retain the spigot component  1504  until deliberate actuation. A longitudinal groove  1528  on the inner surface of the inner skirt  1517  guides the spigot  1504  during engagement and piercing of the reservoir top membrane  1558 . A groove  1527  on the skirt projection  1559  may retain the spigot flange  1536  upon actuation.  
      The spigot member  1504  may include a cylindrical wall  1534  which may be notched  1535  at the end engaging the top of the reservoir  1558  and is bridged  1548  at the opposite end with a stopper feature  1539  projecting above the bridge  1548 . In alternate embodiments, the spigot wall  1534  may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. A flange  1536  perpendicular to and positioned along the longitudinal axis of the spigot  1504  may be seated on ledge  1529  of the reservoir top member  1503  before actuation and retained after actuation in the groove  1527 . Tabs  1537  projecting radially from the flange  1536  may engage a rotation-resistance feature  1530  on the reservoir top member  1503  before actuation and engage longitudinal grooves  1528  in the top member  1503  when the spigot is advanced longitudinally in the direction of arrow A to puncture the top  1558  of the reservoir  1524 . Longitudinal ribs  1538  project upward from the flange  1536  to provide orientation and alignment of the crown member  1505  when opening the closure  1501  to release the container contents or when resealing the closure  1501 .  
      The closure crown  1505  includes a top disc portion  1560  from which an outer skirt  1561  and an inner skirt  1544  extend. The closure crown  1505  includes an orifice  1546  for container  164  content egress. The outer skirt  1561  may include externally protruding features  1547  which may improve grip and reduce choking hazard, and an integrally molded frangible tamper evidence feature  1506  which extends below the skirt  1561 . During assembly, the teeth  1542  of the frangible member  1506  engage complementary teeth  1531  of the top reservoir member  1503 . Tabs  1543  of the crown  1505  and contact pads  1532  of the top reservoir member  1503  may resist axial load before actuation. Longitudinal grooves  1545  on the inner surface of the inner skirt  1544  engage ribs  1538  on the spigot  1504  providing torque transfer to and alignment with the spigot  1504  during actuation of the resealable pull-up closure feature.  
      Upon initial assembly, ram  1518  extending from the flat portion  1558  of the reservoir top member  1550  may be engaged with recess  1512  of the reservoir base member  1502 . The inner skirt  1517  of the top member  1550  may extend above the flat portion  1557  to accommodate reservoir  1524  capacity, and the extended portion  1559  may be closed at the top by a surface  1558  of appropriate thickness and form to withstand prescribed static and dynamic loads.  
      As described above, the exterior surface of the outer skirt  1565  may have a multiplicity of pads  1507  used to secure the top  1550  and base  1502  reservoir members together upon assembly, and provide mechanical guidance features for the actuation of the components required to release the additive(s)  163  into the attached container  164 . During initial assembly, the first pad  1520  of the top reservoir member  1550  will ride over the first segment  1510  of pad  1507  of the base member  1502 , bringing the second pad  1521  into contact with the flat top portion of the first segment  1510 , thereby forming a mechanical lock between the two members.  
      The resealable pull-up closure feature may be actuated by rotating the crown  1505  until stopped by the contact of the spigot tab  1537  with the top reservoir member groove  1528 , which action also orients the tabs  1543  with relieved surfaces  1566  over which tabs  1543  may longitudinally pass. The resistance of this rotation by engagement of the teeth  1542 ,  1531  subsequently shears the integrally molded or mechanically formed frangible webs  1541  which had connected the crown  1505  and the tamper evidence feature  1506 . The crown  1505  is depressed longitudinally in the direction of arrow A until physically stopped by the contact of the spigot  1504  flange  1536  with the membrane  1558  at the top of the reservoir. This action drives the detached band  1506  over the bead  1523  and the pads  1543  over the reliefs  1566  making both non-retractable to their original position. The spigot prongs  1562  are thereby driven through the membrane  1558  with the notch  1535  permanently holding open the partially-frangible membrane sections  1526  (Block  2800 ,  FIG. 28 ). The spigot prongs  1562  may be driven through the membrane  1558  in substantially the same manner as the rams  118  described above with respect to  FIGS. 10-12 . The force of driving the spigot prongs  1562  through the membrane  1558  may be transferred to the top member  1503  through, for example, flange  1536  and ledge  1529  so that the frangible segment  1552  of disc  1551  are separated in substantially the same manner as described above with respect to  FIGS. 10-12  (Block  2810 ,  FIG. 28 ) to release the contents  163  of the reservoir  1524  into the container  164  (Block  2820 ,  FIG. 28 ). It should be noted that the operation in Blocks  2810  and  2820  can also be performed in the reverse order of that described above.  
      The package contents  168  are released by axially retracting the crown  1505  until stopped by the contact of pads  1543  with the underside of the teeth  1531 , and the package is resealed by depressing the crown  1505  until stopped.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 25 and 26  a resealable pull-up style container closure  2500  is shown in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. The closure  2500  includes a base member  1302 , a top member  2503 , a shutoff member  2504  and a crown member  2505 . The base member  1302  is substantially similar to that described above with respect to  FIG. 13 .  
      The top reservoir member  2503  may include an outer skirt  2556  with features on the outside to facilitate gripping. The features may be substantially similar to the features  1522  shown in  FIG. 19A . A flat portion  2557  connects the outer skirt  2556  and inner skirt  2517 . The flat portion  2557  may provide a mechanical stop during the longitudinal or axial advancement of the top member  2503  in the direction of arrow A during release of the additive(s)  1524 . Attachment arms  2590  may extend from the flat portion  2557  to facilitate assembly of the closure  2500  and for guiding a rotation and longitudinal movement of the top member  2503  during actuation. The attachment arms  2590  may include a multiplicity of paired raised pads  2591 ,  2592 . Pads  2591 ,  2592  may interact with pads  1385 ,  1386  of the bottom member  1302  to provide a mechanical interlock between the components. The internal skirt  2517  may engage the base member  1302  to complete the walls of the reservoir. The sealing features  1316 ,  2519  may prevent egress of the additive(s) when the top  2503  and base members  1302  are assembled.  
      The top  2558  of the reservoir of the resealable pull-up style closure  2500  may include semi-frangible segments  2526 . The segments  2526  may be pierced along frangement pathways  2569  and deflected about hinge features  2525  by frangement wedges  2562  of the crown member  2505 . Additionally in this embodiment, the skirt extension  2559  beyond the top  2558  of the reservoir may include outside beads  1523 ,  1533  and tooth projections  1531 ,  1532  substantially similar to those described above with respect to  FIGS. 18 and 19 A. In this embodiment the skirt extension  2559  is shown as having a circular cross-section, but in alternate embodiments the skirt extension  2559  may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. The inner surface of the skirt extension  2559  above the top  2558  of the reservoir may include ledges  2529  and rotation resistance features  2530  which may retain the shutoff  2504  and/or the crown  2505  until deliberate actuation. Longitudinal grooves  2528  on the inner surface of the inner skirt  2517  guide the spigot  2504  during actuation while longitudinal grooves  2545  guide the crown  2505  during engagement and piercing of the reservoir top membrane  2558 . Spigot retainers  2527 A that form grooves  2527  on the skirt projection  2559  may retain the shutoff flange  2536  upon actuation.  
      The shutoff  2504  may include a stopper  2539  for plugging the fluid release orifice  2546  of the crown member  2505 . The stopper  2539  may be connected to flange  2536  in any suitable manner such as, for example, by members  2548 . Before actuation the spigot flange  2536  may rest against ledges  2529 . During actuation the shutoff  2504  and flange  2536  may be rotated via the crown member  2505  until the flange  2536  is stopped by and aligned with channels  2528 . The shutoff  2504  may be pushed in the direction of arrow A towards the surface  2557  of the top member  2503  by surface  2599  of the retaining channel  2535  and/or surface  2560 A of the crown member  2505 . As the shutoff  2504  is moved in the direction of arrow A, longitudinal grooves  2528  on the inner surface of the extension  2559  may guide the shutoff  2504 . The shutoff flange  2536  may move over the shutoff retainers  2527 A and be retained by the grooves  2527  to prevent further longitudinal movement of the shutoff  2504 . In alternate embodiments, longitudinal movement of the shutoff  2504  after actuation may be employed in any suitable manner.  
      The crown member  2505  may include a top disc portion  2560  from which an outer skirt  2561  and an inner crown guidance skirt  2544  extend. The crown  2505  may include an orifice  2546  for container content egress. The outer skirt  2561  may include externally protruding features  2547  which may improve grip and reduce choking hazard, and an integrally molded frangible tamper evidence feature  2506  which extends below the skirt  2561 . During assembly, the teeth  2542  of the frangible member  2506  engage complementary teeth  1531 ,  1532  of the top member  2503 . Tabs  2543  of the crown  2505  and projections  1532  of the top member  2503  may resist axial load before actuation. In alternate embodiments, the axial load may be resisted in any suitable manner such as, for example, by snaps, a frangible connection and the like.  
      The inner crown guidance skirt  2544  may include longitudinal ribs  2590 , a retaining channel  2535  and frangement wedges  2562 . In this embodiment, the inner skirt  2544  is cylindrical (e.g. with a circular cross-section) but in alternate embodiments, the inner skirt  2544  may have any suitable cross-sectional shape such as square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. The longitudinal ribs  2590  may extend from the top surface  2560 A of the crown  2505  towards the bottom member  1302  of the closure  2500 . The ribs  2590  may have any suitable length for engaging the ledges  2529 , retaining recesses  2530  and/or grooves  2545  of the top member  2503 . Before actuation, the ribs  2590  may be seated on the ledges  2529  inside the retaining recesses  2530 . The recesses  2530  may prevent unintentional rotation of the crown member  2505 . In alternate embodiments, unintentional rotation of the crown  2505  may be facilitated by the flange  2536  of the shutoff  2504 , which is located in the channel  2535  of the crown member  2505 . The ribs  2590  may engage longitudinal grooves  2545  in the top member  2503  when the crown member  2505  is rotated and advanced longitudinally in the direction of arrow A (towards the surface  2557  of the top member  2503 ) to puncture the frangible member  2558 . The retaining channel  2535  may hold the broken frangible segments  2526  open after actuation to allow egress of the container contents. The retaining channel  2535  may also engage the shutoff flanges  2536  on the shutoff  2504  providing torque transfer to and alignment of the shutoff  2504  with grooves  2528  during actuation of the resealable pull-up closure feature. In alternate embodiments, torque transfer and alignment of the shutoff  2504  may be provided in any suitable manner such as, for example, by tabs, friction, ratchets, etc.  
      The closure  2500  operates substantially the same way as closure  1501  to release the contents of the reservoir. However, the crown  2505  rather than the shutoff  2504  breaks the frangible member  2558  as is described below.  
      The resealable pull-up closure  2500  may be actuated by rotating the crown  2505  until stopped by the contact of the ribs  2590  with the top member groove  2545  and/or the contact of the shutoff flange  2536  with the top member grooves  2528 , which action also orients the tabs  2543  with relieved surfaces  1566  over which tabs  2543  may longitudinally pass. The resistance of this rotation by engagement of the teeth  2542 ,  1531  subsequently shears the integrally molded or mechanically formed frangible webs  2541  which had connected the crown  2505  and the tamper evidence feature  2506 . The crown  2505  may be depressed longitudinally by, for example, a uniform motion, by impact force or the like in the direction of arrow A until physically stopped by the contact of the shutoff flange  2536  with the partially frangible member  2558 . This action drives the detached band  2506  over the bead  1523  and the pads  2543  over the projections  1531  making both non-retractable to their original position. The force of driving the crown  2505  in the direction of arrow A causes the frangement wedges  2562  to be driven through the partially frangible member  2558 . The retaining channel or notch  2535  may hold open the partially frangible member sections  2526 .  
      The frangement wedges  2562  may be driven through the partially frangible member  2558 , by for example, an impact force or uniform movement of the crown  2505 , so that the partially frangible member  2558  is pierced by the frangement wedges  2562  at frangement pathways  2569  and further split by the continued advancement of the inner skirt  2544  of the crown  2505 . Split segments  2526  of the partially frangible member  2558  may remain attached to the member  2558  by means of a living hinge  2525 , while not interfering with the release of the container contents. It should be realized that driving the detached band  2506  over the bead  1523  and piercing the partially frangible member  2558  may be performed in one motion.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 29-32  a vessel or container type closure  2900  is shown. The vessel closure may be a stand-alone vessel or a stopper/plug that may prevent contents from a separate container from escaping. In alternate embodiments, the vessel closure may be employed in any suitable manner. Although the vessel closure  2900  is depicted in the drawings as having a cylindrical shape, in alternate embodiments the vessel closure may have any suitable shape such as, for example, a cubic, a parallelepiped, a pyramid or ovoid shape. The vessel closure  2900  may contain a liquid, powder, granular, or flaky substance. In alternate embodiments, any suitable substance having any suitable consistency or composition may be contained within the vessel. Examples of substances that may be contained within the vessel closure  2900  include, but are not limited to chemical reagents and compounds, detergents or cleaning products, condiments, spices, drink mixes, air fresheners, medications, foodstuffs and/or components thereof, sauces, etc.  
      The closure  2900  may include a top member or portion  2901  and a bottom member or portion  2902  which when assembled form a reservoir  3050 . The top and bottom portions  2901 ,  2902  may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials such as, for example plastic, which may provide adequate mechanical functionality and seal characteristics for the reservoir  3050 , and which are non-reactive with the contents of the reservoir  3050 . The material(s) of the top member  2901  may differ from that of the bottom member  2902 .  
      The top member  2901  may include an upper surface  2910  and an outer skirt  3030  extending from the top surface  2910 . The top surface  2910  and/or the outer skirt  3030  may include gripping members  3030 . The gripping members  2930  are shown in the figures as ridges but in alternate embodiments the gripping members may be any suitable features that provide grip for actuating the vessel closure  2900 . For example, the gripping features may be a knurled, dimpled or other textured surface that may be of unitary construction with the top member  2901  or attached to the top member  2901  with, for example an adhesive. The top member  2901  may also include a protrusion or piercing member  3020  extending from the top surface  2910  in the same axial or longitudinal direction as the outer skirt  2930 . In the figures the piercing member  3020  is shown as being a cylindrical rod but in alternate embodiments the piercing member  3020  may have any suitable shape. In addition any suitable number of piercing members may be utilized. The piercing member  3020  may have a suitable length so that when the top and bottom members  2901 ,  2902  are assembled the piercing member  3020  substantially contacts the frangible membrane  2960 . In alternate embodiments the piercing member may have any suitable length. The top member  2901  may also include a multiplicity of paired raised pads  3150 ,  3160  on the external surface of the outer skirt  3030 . Pads  3150 ,  3160  may interact with pads  3100 ,  3120  of the bottom member  2902  to provide a mechanical interlock between the components as will be described below. The top member  2901  may include sealing features located on the outer skirt  3030  such as, for example, slots or grooves  3010 A,  3010 B that may interact with, for example ridges  3000 A,  3000 B of the bottom member  2902 . The sealing features are shown as being located on the outside of the skirt  3030  but in alternate embodiments the sealing features may be located in any suitable location.  
      The bottom member  2902  may include a frangible membrane  2960  that forms the bottom surface of the bottom member  2902 , an outer skirt  3040 , gripping features  2940  and extended gripping features  2950 . The frangible membrane may include frangible wedges  2965  that are connected by frangement pathways  2920 . The outer skirt  3040  may extend axially or longitudinally from the surface formed by the frangible membrane. The gripping features  2940  may be located on the outer surface of the skirt  3040  and may be substantially similar to gripping features  2930  described above. The extended gripping features  2950  may extend away from the outer surface of the outer skirt  3040  and may provide a user of the vessel closure  2900  grip for actuating the closure  2900  as will be described below. The inner surface of the skirt  3040  may include an actuation resistance block  3100 , a frangible rotation resistance feature  3110 , an angled surface  3120 , a stop feature  3140  and a cavity  3180 .  
      Upon initial assembly, the pads  3150 ,  3160  are aligned with the actuation resistance block  3100 . The bottom surface  3165  of pad  3160  and the edge of block  3100  may be angled or radiused to assist in assembly. The top member  2901  and the bottom member  2902  may be pushed or otherwise forced together so that the pad  3160  slides over the actuation resistance block  3100  and into the cavity  3180 . The actuation resistance block  3100  may be angled or radiused  3130  to assist in assembly. The pads  3160  and  3150  may be spaced apart so that while pad  3160  is within cavity  3180  the bottom surface  3150 A of pad  3150  contacts the top surface of block  3100  to prevent any further unintentional axial or longitudinal motion of the top member  2901  relative to the bottom member  2902 . Interaction between the top surface  3166  of pad  3160  and the bottom surface  3100 A of block  3100  may prevent the assembly from coming apart. When assembled the top surface  2910  and outer skirt  3030  of the top member  2901  and the frangible membrane  2960  of the bottom member  2902  may form a reservoir for holding any suitable substance. When the top and bottom members  2901 ,  2902  are assembled the grooves  3010 A,  3010 B engage ridges  3000 A,  3000 B to seal the reservoir and prevent egress of the substance from the reservoir. Although two sets of sealing features  3010 A,  3000 A and  3010 B,  3000 B are shown in the drawings more or less than two sets of sealing features may be utilized. In alternate embodiments any suitable sealing feature or method may be utilized. The sealing features  3010 A,  3000 A and  3010 B,  3000 B may also assist in preventing unintentional actuation of the vessel closure  2900 . Unintentional rotation of the top member  2901  relative to the bottom member  2902  may be prevented by the rotation resistance feature  3110  which may be substantially similar to membrane  1509  described above (See e.g.  FIG. 19A ).  
      In operation a user may rotate the top member  2901  relative to the bottom member  2902  in, for example, the direction of arrow R (Block  3200 ,  FIG. 32 ). The gripping features  2930 ,  2940  and  2950  may provide adequate grip for actuation of the vessel closure  2900 . Upon rotation, the user may provide sufficient force to break resistance feature  3110  allowing the pad  3160  (and the top member  2901 ) to rotate until stopped by feature  3140 . Interaction between the top surface  3166  and surface  3120 A may prevent separation of the top  2901  and bottom  2902 . When stopped by feature  3140  the top member is aligned so that the pad  3150  is aligned with the angled surface  3120 . The user may apply adequate force to the top member  2901  to drive the top member axially in the direction of arrow A towards the bottom surface  2960  of the bottom member  2902  so that the pads  3150  slide over the angled surface  3120  and into the cavity  3180  (Block  3210 ,  FIG. 32 ). To effectuate the axial movement of the top member  2901  the user may employ the use of the extended gripping feature  3950  or any other suitable feature of the closure  2900 . Upon axial movement in the direction of arrow A, the sealing feature  3010 A may disengage feature  3000 A and engage feature  3000 B to maintain the seal between the top and bottom members  2901 ,  2902 . In alternate embodiments the sealing features  3010 A,  3010 B may disengage and move past features  3000 A,  3000 B. The piercing feature  3020  may penetrate and fracture the frangible membrane  2960  so that the frangible wedges  2965  are separated along frangement pathways  2920  (Block  3220 ,  FIG. 32 ). The frangible wedges may remain attached to the bottom member  2902  via living hinges as described above with reference to, for example,  FIG. 24 . The frangible wedges  2965  may be held open by the edge  3170 , and upon further axial movement the outer skirt  3030 , of the top member  2901  thereby allowing the egress of the reservoir contents (Block  3230 ,  FIG. 32 ). Interaction between the top surface of pads  3150  with the surface  3120 A may prevent separation of the top  2901  and bottom  2902  after actuation.  
      The vessel closure  2900  may be made in any suitable size to release a predetermined amount of substance. For example, the closure  2900  may contain a predetermined amount of sugar for a recipe or a dosage of medication.  
      It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the embodiments. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the embodiments. Accordingly, the present embodiments are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims.