Patent Description:
More particularly, the invention relates to a capsule, which can be installed inside a containment volume of a flask or container in general, and which can be used to keep a substance separate from the contents of the flask until it is used.

Similar containers have been known and commercially available for some time, and respond to the need to store two or more components of a mixture in the same container, but separate from each other, for more or less extended periods.

The need arises because these components, if mixed, would give rise to a product that would undergo rapid and unacceptable deterioration.

An example of this are the containers used in pharmaceuticals or - more generally - in the treatment of living organisms, in which the active ingredient is stored, in powder form, in a small sealed container, positioned at the top of a flask, which in turn houses a solvent, almost always a liquid.

When the active ingredient is to be administered, the mechanical action of the user on the flask, usually exerted on the cap when it is opened, breaks the walls of the container storing the powder component, allowing it to mix with the solvent.

Containers or cartridges of this kind are also naturally used in flasks for cleaning and/or sanitising products, which often have the same need to separate a component from the solvent contained in the flask volume, until it is used.

The containers used in all these applications necessarily include a dispensing system for the treatment liquid, for example of the spray or 'trigger' type.

The sprayer normally comprises a main body equipped with a dispensing spout; the body can be screwed to the top of the flask in place of the cap, and includes a pick-up for the liquid contained in the flask.

Inside the body are housed the mechanical components (springs, pistons, etc.) which, when the trigger is actuated by the user, draw the liquid from the flask via the pick-up tube and dispense it outside.

In the containers used in these types of flasks for storing the second component of the mixture, a through channel is necessarily cut to allow the dip-pipe to be housed.

This requirement must be combined with the need to accommodate, inside the separate container, the plunger or piston intended to break its walls when the spray is screwed completely into the flask.

Furthermore, these containers are positioned in the upper portion of the flask, which, being intended to be gripped by the user, should preferably have an elongated shape and a reduced width.

Consequently, the containers themselves possess an elongated shape, having one dimension in space greater than the other two, namely depth.

Document <CIT> discloses a capsule and piston combination according to the preamble of claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

The types of systems described here have a number of drawbacks, mainly related to bulk, arising from the structural criteria they must meet.

The presence of the channel for the passage of the dipstick through the container subtracts space from the volume that can be used to house the second component to be mixed.

Consequently, it is only possible to store a limited quantity of component without increasing the size of the cartridge; this, however, inevitably leads to a reduction in the main volume of the flask.

In addition, it must be considered that inside the container of the second component is also housed the piston used to break the bottom wall, which subtracts further volume from the component.

Furthermore, since the plunger is generally attached to the spray body, it overlaps with the piston, and must necessarily pass through the piston itself to reach the volume of the flask.

This necessitates additional efforts with regard to the design of the piston, to try to reduce its size as much as possible.

On the other hand, it is possible that pistons designed with a more compact design will not perform as well, being structurally weaker, and may cause problems with the cartridge bottom wall breaking.

The difficulty in piston design lies further in the fact that the presence of the plunger often does not allow an adequate seal to be achieved at the contact interface between the side walls of the cartridge and the surface of the piston itself.

Finally, another problem deriving from the encumbrance of the dipstick and piston within such a small space is the increased difficulty in filling the cartridge.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a capsule for containing and dispensing for flasks that can solve the aforementioned drawbacks, in particular relating to the size and operation of the capsule in the flask, and to the possible filling methods.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to realise a capsule for containing and dispensing for flasks which has a design which is at the same time efficient but simple for the user to operate.

In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a capsule for containing and dispensing for flasks that can be easily filled with the active ingredient of the mixture to be kept separate until it is used.

A further object of the invention is to provide a a capsule for containing and dispensing for flasks whose walls can be easily and efficiently broken when needed.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a capsule for containing and dispensing for flasks which is easy to assemble and manipulate, either by manual actions of an operator, or by automatic actions of a machine.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a capsule for containing and dispensing for flasks that is compatible with various types of sprays or dispensers, even if they have different positions for attaching the dipstick to the body.

The present invention will be now described, by way of non-limiting example, according to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and by means of the appended drawings, in which:.

Referring to <FIG>, a preferred embodiment of the capsule <NUM> for containing and dispensing according to the invention, within which a piston or plunger <NUM> is inserted.

As visible in <FIG>, the capsule <NUM> has a first wall or side wall <NUM> and a second wall or bottom wall <NUM>.

The bottom wall <NUM> is at least partially breakable, or at least partially removable with respect to the side wall <NUM>.

In particular, when the flask is used, the piston <NUM> exerts a pressure force on the bottom wall <NUM>, shattering it at least partially or causing it to detach at least partially.

Preferably, the capsule <NUM> has an elongated shape, to best fit the dimensions of the flask handle (not shown for simplicity) which is intended to accommodate the capsule <NUM> itself.

The walls <NUM>, <NUM> delimit a cavity <NUM> intended to accommodate a component C (e.g. liquid, powdered solid, etc.) separately from the main volume of the flask, which contains an appropriate solvent.

The side wall <NUM> accordingly comprises an inner face <NUM> and an outer face <NUM>.

An opening <NUM>, located at the top of the capsule <NUM>, allows access to the cavity <NUM>, and thus its filling with the component C.

The opening <NUM> is bounded externally by an upper margin <NUM>, substantially configured as a circular crown extending perpendicularly to the side wall <NUM>.

Inferiorly to the upper margin <NUM> is a lower margin <NUM>, substantially configured as a variation of section of the side wall <NUM>, which results in the division of the side wall into a first portion, facing towards the upper margin <NUM>, having a first outer diameter, and a second portion facing towards the opposite direction and having a second outer diameter smaller than the first section.

Once the capsule <NUM> is placed in position in the neck of a flask, the upper margin <NUM> contacts the dispensing device, preferably to adhere to a suitable gasket and make a seal with the latter, sealing the flask.

The lower margin <NUM>, on the other hand, is intended to contact the inner wall of the neck of the flask, so as to hold the capsule <NUM> in its position by interference. Such coupling between capsule and flask at the lower margin <NUM> ensures a seal between the aforementioned elements.

In a preferred embodiment, on the inner face <NUM> of the side wall <NUM> and in proximity to the margin <NUM> there is a first constriction <NUM>, i.e. a reduction in the cross-section of the cavity <NUM>, which results in a surface transverse to the inner face <NUM>, substantially parallel to the margin <NUM> of the opening <NUM> at a position slightly below the upper margin <NUM> itself.

In other words, the transverse surface of the first constriction <NUM> extends along the inner face <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>, preferably in a closed profile pattern.

Preferably, the lateral wall <NUM> has a second constriction, <NUM> on its inner face <NUM>.

The second contrisction <NUM> of the diameter of the wall <NUM> begins inferiorly to the first constriction <NUM> and at a distance substantially equal to the length of the head <NUM> of the piston <NUM>, as will be detailed below.

The second constriction <NUM> extends at least partially along the side wall <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, the second constriction <NUM> terminates at the intersection of the side wall <NUM> with the bottom wall <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>.

Further, on the top of the capsule <NUM>, substantially at the upper margin <NUM>, a hole <NUM> of smaller size than the opening <NUM> is formed.

Preferably, the hole <NUM> is located adjacent and contiguous to the upper margin <NUM>.

In particular, it may be advantageously tangent internally to the upper margin <NUM> and/or the bottom margin <NUM>, and lie in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of lying of the upper margin <NUM> and/or the bottom margin <NUM>, or of the opening <NUM>.

Accordingly, the hole <NUM> is in a centrally offset position; in other words: it is off-axis with respect to the shape of the opening <NUM> if this were represented in a plan view.

Said hole <NUM>, together with a recess <NUM> on the side wall <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>, in correspondence with the hole <NUM> itself, acts as a passage channel for the nozzle pickup (not shown), so as to allow its open end to reach the bottom of the flask.

The off-centre position of the hole <NUM> thus allows the dip-pipe to be accommodated externally to the capsule <NUM>.

Said recess <NUM> may advantageously extend along the entire length of the capsule <NUM>, starting from the hole <NUM> located at the top of the capsule <NUM> itself, near the opening <NUM>, to the bottom wall <NUM> opposite the latter.

In this way, the dipstick is accommodated laterally to the capsule <NUM>, within the recess <NUM> itself.

In other words, if one imagines viewing capsule <NUM> from above, both hole <NUM> and recess <NUM> appear to be contained within the perimeter of the upper margin <NUM>; hole <NUM> is contiguous to margin <NUM> itself, while recess <NUM> extends below hole <NUM> itself.

Advantageously compared to the prior art, which involves a hole and a channel placed centrally in the capsule, in the capsule <NUM> according to the invention the dipstick does not pass through the cavity <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> to reach the bottom of the flask.

In a preferred embodiments of the invention, moreover, the hole <NUM> may have an elliptical or oval shape so as to be compatible with multiple positions of the dipstick in the flasks in which the capsule <NUM> is intended to be housed.

In fact, the capsules <NUM> of the invention are produced in different plants than those that produce the flasks for dispensing the final mixture. For this reason, and a certain tolerance in the position of the dipstick must always be taken into account in order for it to fit precisely within the hole <NUM>, as this position is determined by various different factors.

This translates into a number of advantages, such as:.

Considering a plan view, the capsule <NUM> roughly assumes a "U" shape, with the recess <NUM> forming the hollow of the "U" itself.

The "U" shape substantially coincides with the shape of the bottom wall <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>, which therefore has a first tip <NUM> and a second tip <NUM>.

The capsule <NUM> has a thinner thickness of material at the intersection of the side wall <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM>, to facilitate the breaking action of the plunger <NUM>.

Preferably, the first and second tips <NUM>, <NUM> are designed to function as anchor points of the bottom wall <NUM> to the capsule <NUM> when the same is broken by the action of the plunger <NUM>, as will be better described below.

In further embodiments of the capsule <NUM>, there is at least one anchor point alternative to or additional to those described, positioned along the intersection of the side wall <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a piston or plunger <NUM>, intended to be housed within the cavity <NUM>.

The piston <NUM> comprises a head <NUM> and a stem <NUM>.

The head <NUM> possesses a first side surface <NUM>, configured to at least partially contact a portion of the inner face <NUM> of the first wall <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>, sealing the opening <NUM> and making an airtight seal.

Preferably, contact with the first surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> of the plunger <NUM> is made at the portion of the capsule <NUM> comprising the first constriction <NUM>.

Advantageously, the head <NUM>, preferably its side surface <NUM>, may comprise a first rim <NUM> on its top, configured to contact the first striation <NUM> of the inner face <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>.

Optionally, the head <NUM> may comprise a second rim <NUM> placed inferiorly and at a certain distance from the first rim <NUM>; the second rim <NUM> contacts the second striation <NUM> of the lateral face <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>, in order to obtain the maximum possible tightness.

Accordingly, when the head <NUM> is inserted into the cavity <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>, its travel is limited by two limit switches formed in the capsule <NUM> itself, namely the second constriction <NUM> and the first constriction <NUM>.

The first constriction <NUM> acts as the end stop for the first rim <NUM> when the head <NUM> is completely inserted into the cavity <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>.

On the other hand, the height of the side surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> defines the distance from the first constriction <NUM> at which the second constriction150 of the side wall <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> begins.

The stroke of the head <NUM> stops when the second rim <NUM>, as mentioned above, comes into contact with the second constriction <NUM>.

The constriction150 thus functions as both a seal and a limit stop.

In a preferred embodiment, the side surface <NUM> of the head <NUM> has an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>, which correspond to two respective horizontal bands identified on the surface <NUM> itself.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper portions <NUM> and lower portions <NUM> have a smaller cross-sectional area than the first rim <NUM> and/or the second rim <NUM>.

Preferably, the lower portion <NUM> has a smaller cross-sectional area than the upper portion <NUM>.

Advantageously, when the head <NUM> is inserted into the cavity <NUM>, the reduction in cross-sectional area of the portions <NUM> and <NUM> makes it possible to decrease the sliding surface between the head <NUM> and the inner face <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>, reducing friction and facilitating its insertion into the cavity <NUM> itself; moreover, part of the contained air can flow into the cavity between the upper portion <NUM>, and/or the lower portion <NUM>, and the side wall <NUM>, facilitating the insertion of the head <NUM> itself.

The head <NUM> is shaped to have a groove <NUM> along its entire height, which follows the recess <NUM>.

Further, the head <NUM> comprises, in a preferred embodiment thereof, handling or grasping means <NUM> placed on its top and in protrusion therefrom.

Such handling means <NUM> are intended to be gripped manually by an operator, or by an automatic machine using grippers or jaws, for example, to allow the plunger <NUM> to be inserted into position within the cavity <NUM>, after filling with the component C.

Advantageously, to facilitate manipulation of the piston <NUM> and offer the greatest possible versatility, the handling means <NUM> may have an H, I or U profile, with a core <NUM>, and a first wing <NUM> and a second wing <NUM> substantially perpendicular to the core <NUM>.

In fact, the presence of the substantially right angles ensures that gripping is centred and symmetrical by the automatic grippers.

When the plunger <NUM> is inserted and gripped within the capsule <NUM>, the stem <NUM> of the plunger <NUM> extends the full length of the capsule <NUM> itself.

A terminal end <NUM> of the stem <NUM> is located near the bottom wall <NUM>.

It may remain detached and not in contact with the bottom wall <NUM> until the moment when the capsule <NUM> is used, or it may come into contact with the bottom wall <NUM> even before the moment when the wall <NUM> is to be crushed or otherwise separated from the wall <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, the stem <NUM> of the piston <NUM> has a T-profile, and thus comprises an additional rib <NUM>.

This gives the stem better rigidity and increases the bending resistance resulting from the pressure action exerted by the plunger <NUM> when breaking the bottom wall <NUM>.

In an embodiment, one or more rebate profiles (not shown) for the stem <NUM> are formed on the bottom wall <NUM>, extending perpendicularly thereto and towards the inside of the cavity <NUM>.

In a further embodiment, such profiles correspond to an increased thickness of the bottom wall <NUM> in the central area, or in any case in the area of contact with the stem <NUM>.

Operationally, after the capsule <NUM> is filled with the chosen component C, the piston <NUM> is positioned, manually or with manipulator tools, in the cavity <NUM> through the opening <NUM>, orienting the groove <NUM> towards the hole <NUM>.

Insertion takes place until a seal of the side surface <NUM>, preferably of the second rim <NUM>, with the inner face <NUM> of the side wall <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> is achieved.

At this point, the capsule <NUM> with the piston <NUM> inside it is ready to be connected to a dispenser, of a known type itself, and to be inserted into a flask.

The dispenser will be of the type that can be screwed to the mouth of the flask so that, when screwed fully on use, it will cause the piston <NUM> to move towards the bottom wall <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>.

The insertion is completed when at least the sealing of the second rim <NUM> of the side surface <NUM> with the second constriction <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> is realised.

Optionally, and additionally, the contact of the first rim <NUM> with the first constriction <NUM> is also realised.

In addition, when the dispenser is fully screwed in, it makes a seal with the upper margin <NUM> of the capsule, preferably by means of an interposed gasket, so as to prevent liquid from escaping from the mouth of the flask and through the dispenser.

The terminal end <NUM> breaks the bottom wall <NUM>, releasing the component C into the solvent contained in the flask and allowing it to mix.

The T-shape of the stem <NUM> improves the pushing efficiency by concentrating the bulk of the breaking force exerted at three points.

Advantageously, the bottom wall <NUM> remains anchored to the capsule <NUM> by means of the tips <NUM>, <NUM>, avoiding dispersion in the mixture and possibly obstructing the dipstick, as shown in <FIG>.

The invention thus conceived and illustrated is susceptible to modifications and variations, all of which are within the inventive scope of the appended claims.

Furthermore, all details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

Finally, the components used, provided they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and state of the art.

Claim 1:
A capsule (<NUM>) for containing and dispensing a component (C), intended to be housed in a flask having a dispenser connected to a dip tube, comprising
a first side wall (<NUM>), a second bottom wall (<NUM>), which define
a cavity (<NUM>) intended to contain said component (C)
an opening (<NUM>) for access to the cavity (<NUM>) delimited by an upper margin (<NUM>),
wherein the second bottom wall (<NUM>) is at least partially removable or frangible to allow release of the component (C) within the flask, characterized in that
the capsule further comprises a hole (<NUM>) at a position adjacent and contiguous to the upper margin (<NUM>) to allow the dip tube to reach the bottom of the flask, and in that
the first side wall (<NUM>) comprises a first constriction or reduction in diameter (<NUM>) and/or a second constriction (<NUM>) located on an inner face (<NUM>) thereof and proximate to the upper margin (<NUM>).