阅读说明：本技术 用于浓缩再填充囊的盖系统 (Cap system for concentrated refill pouch ) 是由 S·W·J·邓博尔 M·L·布克尔曼 S·B·兹瓦特克鲁伊斯 于 2020-05-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明描述了一种用于浓缩清洁流体的容器的再填充囊的盖系统。盖系统包括盖组件(200),盖组件包括由封闭构件(208)密封的导管(203),封闭构件易碎地连接至导管(203)的内表面。易碎连接件在第一平面中延伸,该第一平面与导管(203)的纵向轴线(A)正交。盖系统还包括至少部分地设置在导管(203)内的塞子(300),塞子包括用于抵靠封闭构件(208)以破坏易碎连接件(210)的邻接表面(305)。邻接表面(305)在第二平面中延伸,该第二平面平行于易碎连接件(210)所延伸的第一平面。(A cap system for a refill pouch for a container of concentrated cleaning fluid is described. The cap system includes a cap assembly (200) comprising a conduit (203) sealed by a closure member (208) frangibly connected to an inner surface of the conduit (203). The frangible connection extends in a first plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis (a) of the conduit (203). The cap system further comprises a stopper (300) disposed at least partially within the conduit (203), the stopper comprising an abutment surface (305) for abutting against the closure member (208) to break the frangible connection (210). The abutment surface (305) extends in a second plane that is parallel to the first plane in which the frangible connection (210) extends.)

1. A lid system, comprising:

a cap assembly (200) comprising:

an inner wall (202) defining a conduit (203) through the cap assembly (200), the conduit (203) extending from an upstream end to a downstream end; and

an outer wall (204) surrounding the inner wall (202) and spaced apart from the inner wall (202) to define a circumferential void (214a, 214b) between the inner wall (202) and the outer wall (204);

wherein the cap assembly (200) further comprises a closure member (208) configured to seal the conduit (203), the closure member (208) comprising an upstream side (208a) and a downstream side (208b) and a bearing surface (220) on the downstream side (208b) of the closure member (208);

wherein the closure member (208) is sealed to the inner wall (202) via a frangible connection (210) between the proximal and distal ends of the catheter (203),

wherein the frangible connection (210) extends in a first plane, the first plane being orthogonal to a longitudinal axis (A) of the catheter (203); and wherein the system further comprises a plug (300) comprising:

a tubular body (302) having an open proximal end and an open distal end, wherein the open proximal end is surrounded by a first rim (304), and wherein the rim (304) further comprises a proximal abutment surface (305) extending in a second plane for abutting against the bearing surface (220) of the closure member (208),

wherein the stopper (300) further comprises an outwardly extending flange (310) comprising a distally facing abutment surface (312) for abutting a rim (406) of a refillable container (400), and

wherein the stopper (300) is movable between a first position in which the proximal abutment surface (305) is downstream of the frangible connector (210) and a second position in which the proximal abutment surface (305) is upstream of the frangible connector (210) to thereby break the frangible connector (210) and

wherein an abutment surface (305) is configured to abut against the bearing surface of the closure member when the stopper is moved from the first position to the second position such that a net force is applied to the closure member along the longitudinal axis A and perpendicular to the first and second planes.

2. The cap system of claim 1, wherein the proximal abutment surface of the stopper has at least two degrees of folding rotational symmetry relative to the longitudinal axis a.

3. The cover system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the closure member (208) is hollow and tapers from a downstream base (219) to an upstream peak (218).

4. The cover system of claim 3, wherein the base (219) includes an opening, and wherein the support surface (220) surrounds the opening.

5. The cover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conduit (203) has a first cross-sectional diameter at the upstream end and a second cross-sectional diameter at the downstream end, and wherein the first cross-sectional diameter is greater than the second cross-sectional diameter.

6. The closure system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stopper further comprises a skirt wall (306), the skirt wall (306) being disposed coaxially with the tubular body (302) and extending around the tubular body (302), the skirt wall (306) being spaced apart from the tubular body (302) in a radial direction to form a stopper groove (308) between the skirt wall (306) and the tubular body (302).

7. The cover system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner wall (202) comprises a protrusion or ridge (216) extending radially inward from an inner surface of the inner wall (202).

8. The cap system of any one of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the outer wall of the cap assembly (200) comprises at least one thread on an inner surface of the outer wall, and wherein the skirt wall (306) of the stopper (300) comprises at least one radially outwardly extending claw configured to engage the thread.

9. The cap system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular body (302) comprises a protrusion or ridge extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the tubular body (302).

10. The cover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abutment surface (305) is provided by one or more protrusions (307) extending proximally from the rim (304), the protrusions (307) terminating in a proximal surface extending in a plane (P) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (a).

11. The cover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more protrusions (307) comprise a plurality of protrusions equally spaced circumferentially around the rim (304).

12. The cover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abutment surface (305) is provided in the same plane as the rim (304).

13. The cover system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the rim (304) further comprises a cut-out (316) to form a discontinuity in the rim (304).

14. The closure system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the free proximal end of the skirt wall (306) further comprises at least one claw (320) extending radially outward from the skirt wall (306).

15. A refill system comprising a cap system according to any one of the preceding claims, the refill system further comprising:

a capsule body (100) for containing a concentrated cleaning product, wherein the capsule body (100) is engaged with the cap assembly (200), and wherein an interior volume (102) of the capsule body (100) is in fluid communication with an upstream end of the conduit (203).

16. The refill system of claim 15, further comprising a shrink wrap cover extending around at least a portion of the bladder body (100) and at least a portion of the cap assembly (200).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cap system for a concentrated cleaning product refill pouch system. The cap system includes a cap assembly including a frangible seal and a stopper movably mounted within the cap assembly and configured to break the frangible seal.

Background

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

WO2007/145773 describes a mixing unit comprising a sealed container coupled to a second container.

JP2012-158361 describes a refill container capable of facilitating the refilling work.

Liquid cleaning and hygiene products, such as multi-purpose surface cleaners, glass cleaners or degreasers, are usually supplied in ready-to-use concentrations in various containers and are provided with various dispensing systems. Typically, such liquid cleaning products comprise one or more active ingredients diluted with water (or other solvent) to a concentration suitable for use in a domestic or commercial environment.

Cleaning products supplied in ready-to-use concentrations are advantageous because they can be supplied in safe and effective concentrations and can be appropriately labeled. Ready-to-use products are also more convenient for the user, as they do not need to be diluted or reconfigured before use.

One example of a container system that is widely used for cleaning products is a spray bottle that includes a trigger actuator. Such systems typically include a bottle including a body and a neck configured to engage a removable nozzle. The spout is typically secured to the neck of the bottle by complementary threads on the neck and the spout. After use, the container or vessel used to supply the cleaning product is typically discarded and a replacement is obtained.

Although spray bottles for supplying cleaning products typically have a life that exceeds the point of exhaustion of the cleaning product, in a domestic environment, refilling the spray bottle with cleaning product is not common.

In commercial or industrial environments, spray bottles are sometimes refilled for reuse by diluting a predetermined volume of concentrate with water. The concentrated cleaning fluid may be contained in a bottle, which is typically larger in volume than spray bottles used by professional cleaners, as the concentrated containers are not carried along throughout the cleaning process.

However, although it is known to supply concentrated cleaning fluids for dilution prior to use, it is not common to refill spray bottles with water and concentrated cleaning fluids because of many challenges in safely and effectively managing the concentrated product, especially in a domestic environment.

The handling of concentrated cleaning fluids requires careful attention during refilling of the spray container and during storage of the concentrated fluid. To avoid even greater health risks than diluted cleaning fluids, concentrated cleaning fluids should be safely transported and stored and placed in places where children and animals do not come into contact.

Furthermore, concentrated (undiluted) cleaning fluids may damage surfaces in the home, and therefore spillage should be avoided to avoid damage to clothing and household items.

Further difficulties may be encountered in ensuring that the concentrated cleaning product is diluted to a safe and effective concentration. Over-dilution of the concentrated cleaning fluid with water may result in poor cleaning. Underdilution of the concentrated cleaning fluid can create health hazards, damage to household items and result in excessive consumption of the concentrated cleaning fluid.

Although it is desirable to reduce the plastic waste generated by the disposal of empty bottles, and to reduce the cost and resources required to transport and store ready-to-use cleaning products, refill systems that are suitable and convenient for use in domestic and professional environments are not widely available.

The present inventors have been able to solve many of the problems associated with conventional cleaning product dispensing systems and have been able to develop a refill pouch system for use with spray bottles (and other cleaning product containers) that overcomes many of the above-mentioned problems.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a refill pouch and associated cap assembly which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages associated with current cleaning products, thereby allowing the container or vessel for the cleaning product to be reused.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refill system including a cap assembly that allows a user to safely and reliably deliver a predetermined volume of concentrated cleaning fluid into a spray bottle or similar container for dilution.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refill pouch and associated cap assembly that allows for safe and reliable delivery of concentrated cleaning fluid into a refillable container.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a refill pouch and associated cap assembly that can be simply and reliably coupled to a refillable container to discharge concentrate into the refillable container.

These and other objects are achieved by the invention described below and in the accompanying drawings.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect of the invention, a cap system is provided that includes a cap assembly having a frangible seal and a stopper configured to break the frangible seal. The cap assembly according to the present invention is described in the appended claims. Optional features are described in the dependent claims.

The cap system according to the present invention allows for safe and convenient storage and transport of a volume of concentrated cleaning fluid. The system may be engaged with the refillable container, for example by a threaded engagement. The frangible seal is configured to rupture when the system is engaged with the refillable container, thereby releasing the concentrated cleaning fluid contained in the bladder to flow into the refillable container.

Hereinafter, it should be noted that the term "comprising" encompasses the terms "consisting essentially of …" and "consisting of …". Where the term "comprising" is used, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive and may include additional steps or features. As used herein, the indefinite article "a" or "an" and its corresponding definite article "the" mean at least one or more, unless stated otherwise.

The terms "upstream" and "downstream" as used herein refer to the direction of fluid flow through the refill system during use, wherein fluid flows from an upstream end to a downstream end. In the context of the present invention, fluid flows from an upstream refill bladder system into a downstream refillable container. The proximal direction is an upstream direction and the distal direction is a downstream direction.

In specifying any range of values or amounts, any particular upper value or amount can be associated with any particular lower value or amount.

Various features of the invention mentioned in the above sections may be applied to other sections, where appropriate, mutatis mutandis. Thus, features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections as appropriate. Headings for adding any portion are for convenience only and are not intended to limit the disclosure in any way.

The invention is not limited to the examples shown in the drawings. It is therefore to be understood that when features recited in the claims are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and shall not be intended to limit the scope of the claims in any manner.

The present invention relates to a cap system for refilling a capsule. The cap system includes a cap assembly configured to enclose the capsule body and a stopper configured to break a frangible seal disposed in the cap assembly when the capsule body is engaged (threaded, push-fit, etc.) to the refillable container. The frangible seal is provided by a frangible connection between the closure member and the catheter. The frangible connection extends in a first plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis a of the catheter.

As used herein, the term "refill pouch" refers to a pouch body for containing a fluid (e.g., a concentrated cleaning product).

A stopper is disposed within the cap assembly and is configured to move from a first position to a second position when the system is engaged with the refillable container. The frangible connection is configured to break as a result of movement of the stopper such that fluid contained within the bladder body can flow through the cap assembly and into the refillable container.

The cap assembly includes a conduit extending from an upstream end configured to be in fluid communication with the interior volume of the bladder body to a downstream end configured to discharge fluid from the bladder body into the refillable container. The conduit is sealed by a closure member that is connected to the inner wall of the conduit by a frangible connection.

The plug includes a tubular body that also defines an internal passage or conduit extending from an upstream end to a downstream end. The stopper includes a proximally facing abutment surface configured to contact a corresponding bearing surface of the closure member.

The stopper further comprises a distally facing abutment surface against which, for example, the rim of the refillable container may abut if the cap system is engaged with the refillable container. The distally facing abutment surface may be provided on a flange extending radially from the tubular body of the stopper. Alternatively, the stopper may comprise a circumferential skirt at least partially surrounding the tubular body, and the distally facing abutment surface may be provided on the skirt.

In the assembled system, the stopper is disposed within the cap assembly and is configured to move (under the influence of an externally applied force) between a first position in which the proximal abutment surface is positioned downstream of the frangible connection and a second position in which the proximal abutment surface is positioned upstream of the frangible connection. By moving the stopper from the first position to the second position, the abutment surface of the stopper abuts against the bearing surface of the closure member and breaks the frangible connection between the conduit and the closure member. As the frangible connection between the closure member and the conduit is broken, fluid contained in the capsule body can flow through the conduit of the cap assembly and the tubular body of the stopper into the refillable container located therebelow.

The closure member is sealed within the conduit by a frangible connection extending around the periphery of the closure member. A frangible connection connects the closure member to the inner wall of the conduit. The connecting portion is configured to break when a force is applied to the closure member by proximal movement of the stopper.

The abutment surface is configured to contact the bearing surface of the closure member in a manner that produces a net force applied to the closure member along the longitudinal axis a and perpendicular to the plane of extension of the frangible connection.

Preferably, therefore, the abutment surface of the stopper has at least two folding rotational symmetries with respect to the longitudinal axis a. For example, the abutment surface of the plug may be provided by a continuous circumferential rim of the tubular body, terminating in a plane Q. Alternatively, the abutment surface may comprise a discontinuous rim comprising a plurality of projections equally circumferentially spaced around the rim of the tubular body, wherein the projections terminate in a plane Q. The projections may take the form of teeth equally spaced around the circumference of the rim. For example, in case the abutment surface comprises two teeth, the teeth may be arranged diametrically opposite each other.

Advantageously, by including protrusions equally spaced around the circumference of the tubular body, the surface area of the proximally facing abutment surface in contact with the seal to be broken may be reduced. This increases the pressure applied to the support member (due to the reduced area of force applied to the seal) and, in turn, may improve the reliability of seal failure. The equidistant spacing of the projections ensures that the frangible connection is broken, rather than being asymmetrically peeled, while reducing the surface area of the abutment surface. Such an arrangement may allow the thickness of the frangible connection to be increased (thereby increasing manufacturing tolerances) without significantly increasing the force required by the user to move the stopper from the first position to the second position (e.g. by screwing the cap system onto the neck of the refillable container).

By providing a rotationally symmetric abutment surface configured to apply a net force along the longitudinal axis a and perpendicular to the plane in which the frangible connection extends, the frangible connection can be configured to break, fail around its circumference, rather than peel away from the initial split around the seal. Such circumferential failure of the seal can produce an audible click or click that can be heard by the user, providing positive feedback that the frangible connection has been successfully broken and that the liquid contained in the capsule body can escape.

Preferably, the cap assembly is moulded to form at least the closure member, the connecting portion and the conduit as a continuous moulded piece. The connection portion may be configured as the thinnest portion of the cap assembly. The thickness of the connecting portion may be between 0.05 and 0.2mm, more preferably between 0.1 and 0.2 mm. The cap assembly may be formed from a molded polymer material, such as a polypropylene material. The polymeric material may be injection molded.

For convenience, the tubular body of the plug and the conduit of the cap assembly may have a circular cross-section. This may make manufacturing and assembly easier. However, it should be understood that other cross-sectional geometries are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, a polygonal cross-section is also possible, and an elliptical cross-section is also possible.

In addition to the advantages described above, the cap assembly and plug assembly may provide further advantages.

For example, the closure member may be hollow and taper from a downstream base to an upstream peak. The downstream base may include an opening, and the support surface may surround the opening. By providing an inverted hollow closure member as described above, the likelihood of the closure member settling (occluding) and occluding the conduit after a seal has been broken may be reduced, as the closure member may be configured to float within the fluid contained in the capsule body.

The conduit may have a first cross-sectional diameter at the upstream end and a second cross-sectional diameter at the downstream end, wherein the first cross-sectional diameter is greater than the second cross-sectional diameter.

The frangible connection may be formed between the closure member and the conduit in a region of the conduit having the second, smaller cross-sectional diameter. The stopper may be configured such that it pushes the closure member into a region of the conduit having a larger diameter when the stopper is advanced in the upstream direction. In other words, the system may be configured such that when the stopper is in the second position, the proximally facing abutment surface of the stopper is disposed in the wider portion of the catheter.

By providing a conduit region with a cross-sectional diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the closure member, the likelihood of the closure member blocking fluid flow through the conduit is reduced.

Optionally, the cover assembly may comprise an outer wall surrounding at least a portion of the wall forming the conduit. Thus, the wall forming the conduit will be referred to as inner wall in the following. The outer wall may surround and be spaced apart from the inner wall to form a circumferential void. The inner wall and the outer wall may be interconnected by a connecting wall.

Depending on the location of the connecting wall, the circumferential void may be configured as an upstream void having an upstream end configured to receive the opening of the neck portion of the bladder body, or as a downstream void having a downstream end configured to receive the opening of the neck portion of the refillable container and/or at least a portion of the stopper. It will be appreciated that a single connecting wall may provide both the upstream and downstream voids, with the connecting wall separating both.

By providing an upstream void, the safety against leakage between the cap assembly and the bladder body may be improved, as the neck of the bladder body may be received in the void between the inner wall and the outer wall. For example, the outer wall may be configured with threads on an inner surface thereof that are configured to engage threads on an outer surface of the neck of the bladder body to form a sealing engagement between the outer wall of the cap assembly and the outer surface of the neck. The inner wall may be configured as a barrel seal configured to form a seal with an inner surface of the neck of the capsule body. Finally, a third sealing relationship may be formed between the rim of the bladder body and the connecting wall of the lid assembly. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any combination of these sealing arrangements may be implemented to provide improved security against leakage.

In addition to or as an alternative to the upstream voids, the downstream voids may provide additional alternatives. For example, the downstream void may completely surround the plug to prevent accidental contact with the plug, which could result in accidental breakage of the frangible connection. Further, the downstream void may receive a distally facing abutment surface of the stopper and be configured to receive a neck of the refillable container. The downstream void may receive a skirt wall provided on the plug, as will be described in more detail below.

In addition to the tubular body, the plug may also include a skirt wall at least partially surrounding the tubular body. The skirt wall is spaced from the tubular body to form a plug recess therebetween. The skirt wall extends from a first end connected to the tubular body to a free end.

The plug groove is configured to receive a downstream end forming an inner wall of the cap assembly conduit. This securely locates the plug in the correct position within the cap assembly and guides its movement. The depth of the plug recess also determines the maximum travel of the plug within the cap assembly because once the plug reaches its second position, the inner wall abuts the closed end of the plug recess preventing further inward travel of the plug.

The free end may include a flange on which the distally facing abutment surface is disposed, and may further include additional features configured to engage the cap assembly to more securely hold the stopper in place within the housing.

For example, the free end of the skirt may comprise a radially outwardly extending flange providing a distally facing abutment surface for engaging the rim of the refillable container. The free end of the skirt may further include at least one radially outwardly extending detent configured to engage at least one thread on an inner surface of the outer wall of the cap assembly. The pawl is configured to override the thread when the stopper is pushed from the first position to the second position. However, the detents may prevent or limit the extent to which the stopper may be dislodged from the cap assembly during shipping.

Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to improve the security of the plug remaining in the first position during transport and/or storage by providing a circumferential ridge or protrusion on the inner surface of the cap assembly conduit and/or on the outer wall of the tubular body.

To further improve the flow of fluid through the cap system, the plug may comprise one or more cut-outs to form a discontinuity in the rim of the tubular body. The one or more discontinuities may ensure that a flow path through the cap assembly is possible even if the closure member settles (seat) on the rim of the tubular body.

To further prevent leakage between the bladder body and the lid system, a shrink wrap may be provided that extends around at least a portion of the bladder body and at least a portion of the lid assembly.

The invention will now be further illustrated by the following non-limiting figures and examples.

Drawings

For example, the invention is described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional perspective view of a refill bladder system comprising a refill bladder, a stopper and a cap assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 2A shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the refill system prior to rupture of the frangible seal;

FIG. 2B shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the refill system after the frangible seal has been broken;

FIG. 3A illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cap assembly including a frangible seal according to a first configuration;

FIG. 3B shows an enlarged view of the frangible seal of FIG. 3A according to a first configuration;

FIG. 3C shows an enlarged view of the frangible seal of FIG. 3A according to a second configuration;

figure 4A shows a longitudinal section of the plug according to a first configuration;

FIG. 4B shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the plug according to a second configuration;

FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of the plug of FIG. 4B;

fig. 5 shows an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the proximal end of a refill system including the cap system of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

In the detailed description of the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like features of various exemplary devices according to the present invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates a refill system for containing a concentrated cleaning fluid and configured for use with a refillable container. Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an assembled refill system comprising a bladder body 100, a cap assembly 200 and a stopper 300.

As shown in fig. 1, the capsule body 100 includes a generally hollow receptacle configured to receive a volume of concentrated cleaning fluid. The concentrated cleaning fluid is contained within the interior volume 102 of the bladder body 100. The capsule body 100 includes a neck 104, the neck 104 including an open end surrounded by a rim 108. Neck 104 includes bladder threads 106, bladder threads 106 configured to engage corresponding threads on cap assembly 200.

As shown in fig. 1, a longitudinal axis a extends from the closed end of the bladder body 100 through the open end of the bladder body 100, through the cap assembly 200 and the plug 300.

The cap assembly 200 is configured to seal the capsule body 100 and extends from an upstream end to a downstream end. When the system is in use, the upstream direction is the direction towards the capsule body 100 and the downstream end direction is the direction towards the refillable container.

The cap assembly 200 defines a conduit 203 through the cap assembly 200 through which fluid can flow to exit the bladder body 100. A conduit 203 extends through the cap assembly 200 from the open upstream end to the open downstream end. The closure member 208 seals the conduit 203 to prevent fluid communication between the upstream and downstream ends of the conduit 203. The closure member 208 is sealed to the inner wall of the conduit by a frangible connection 210 which can be broken by applying pressure to the closure member 208.

A stopper 300 is disposed within cap assembly 200 and is configured to abut closure member 208 to break frangible connection 210 when cap assembly 200 is screwed onto (or otherwise engaged with) the refillable container. The plug 300 includes a tubular body having an internal bore through which cleaning fluid may escape once the plug 300 is used to break a seal in the cap assembly 200.

Advantageously, the refill system may be packaged in a shrink-wrap enclosure. The shrink wrap cover may cover the entire cap assembly 200 and bladder body 100, or it may cover only a portion of the bladder body 100 and bladder assembly 200. Advantageously, the shrink wrap may extend around the lid system such that the connection between the bladder body 100 and the lid assembly 200 is surrounded by the shrink wrap. By shrink-wrapping bladder body 100 and lid assembly 200 together, the likelihood of lid assembly 200 being inadvertently removed from bladder body 100 is further reduced.

Use of the System

The use of the system will now be described in more detail with reference to fig. 2A and 2B.

Fig. 2A and 2B show enlarged views of a refill system including a cap assembly 200 and a stopper 300. The bladder body 100 is omitted for clarity. Fig. 2A and 2B also show the upper portion of the refillable container 400 having a neck 402, the neck 402 defining an opening in fluid communication with the interior volume of the refillable container 400.

Fig. 2A shows the system prior to use, with the closure member 208 sealed within the conduit 203. As shown in fig. 2A, the refill system is equipped with a plug 300 disposed within the cap assembly 200. In the configuration shown in fig. 2A, the plug 300 occupies a first position in which it is spaced apart from (i.e., not in direct contact with) the closure member 208.

The stopper 300 is mounted within the cap assembly 200 such that the stopper is secured in place from accidental movement (e.g., during shipping or storage). However, the stopper 300 and cap assembly 200 are configured such that the stopper 300 can be axially urged toward the closure member 208 by bearing on distally facing abutment surfaces provided on the stopper 300.

The stopper 300 may be fixed or installed in the cap assembly 200 in various manners. An exemplary plug and cap assembly combination will be discussed in further detail with reference to fig. 3A-5.

The cap assembly 200 includes one or more first threads 230 (or other engagement means) that the threads 230 are configured to engage corresponding container threads on the refillable container 400. The threads 230 allow the cap assembly 200 to be screwed onto the neck 402 of the refillable container 400. The first threads 230 are disposed on the inner surface of the cap assembly 200 and the container threads 404 of the refillable container 400 are disposed on the outer surface of the refillable container 400. Thus, when the cap assembly 200 is screwed onto the neck 402 of the refillable container 400, the neck 402 of the refillable container 400 and the rim 406 at which the neck 402 terminates are guided into the cap assembly 200.

Referring now to fig. 2B, the stopper 300 is disposed within the cap assembly 200 such that the neck 402, when introduced into the cap assembly 200, tends to abut the stopper 300, urging the stopper 300 in an upstream direction toward the bladder body 100 and into contact with the closure member 208.

As shown in fig. 2B, as the rim 406 advances within the cap assembly 200, the plug 300 first abuts the closure member 208 and then begins to exert a force on the closure member 208 as the rim 406 forces the plug to advance further relative to the cap assembly 200. When the plug 300 abuts the closure member 208, the force exerted on the closure member 208 increases to the point that the frangible connection between the closure member and the conduit 203 fails, and the closure member 208 is urged in the upstream direction, thereby no longer sealing the conduit 203. Thus, fig. 2B shows the second position of the plug 300.

Once the seal provided by the closure member 208 is broken, the concentrated cleaning fluid may flow out of the interior volume 102 of the bladder body 100, through the conduit 203 of the cap assembly 200, through the internal bore of the plug 300, and into the underlying refillable container 400.

Once bladder body 100 is emptied, cap assembly 200 may be unscrewed from neck 402 of refillable container 400 and safely discarded.

By providing a refill system as described above, it is possible to provide a safe, convenient and efficient way of delivering a controlled amount of concentrated cleaning fluid into a refillable container.

The system described herein may provide a number of advantages, which may result in an improved refill system.

Improved cover assembly

The cap assembly 200 will now be described in more detail with reference to fig. 3A-3C. Fig. 3A illustrates a sectional view of the cap assembly 200 described above. Fig. 3B shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the frangible connection 210 according to a first exemplary configuration. Fig. 3C shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the frangible connection 210 according to a second exemplary configuration. The plug 300 is omitted from fig. 3A-3C for clarity.

The lid assembly 200 described herein includes a number of improvements that can provide enhanced performance. The cap assembly 200 may include improved wall structures, improved frangible connections, enhanced safety features, and improved audible and tactile feedback to the user. Each of these improvements will be described in greater detail below. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the features described hereinafter may be incorporated in the refill system alone or in combination with other features to provide a further improved product.

As shown in fig. 3A, the cap assembly 200 includes an inner wall 202, the inner wall 202 defining a conduit 203 extending from an upstream end of the opening to a downstream end of the opening. The blocking member 208 is positioned within the conduit 203 and has an upstream side 208a and a downstream side 208 b. The closure member 208 is sealed to the inner wall 202 around its periphery by a frangible connection 210. A frangible connection 210 is located between the upstream open end and the downstream open end of the conduit 203 and will be described in more detail with reference to fig. 3B and 3C.

An outer wall 204 extends around the inner wall 202. The outer wall 204 is connected to the inner wall 202 via a connecting wall 212. A connecting wall 212 extending between the inner wall 202 and the outer wall 204 prevents fluid from flowing through the cap assembly 200 in the space between the inner wall 202 and the outer wall 204. Thus, when the frangible connection 210 is broken, the only path through which fluid may flow through the cap assembly 200 is via the conduit 203.

The inner wall 202 is coaxially disposed within the outer wall 204 to form a circumferential gap 214 between the inner wall 202 and the outer wall 204. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3A, the connecting wall 212 is connected to each of the inner wall 202 and the outer wall 204 along a portion of their lengths. This forms an upstream gap 214a between the inner wall 202 and the outer wall 204 upstream of the connecting wall 212 and a downstream gap 214b between the inner wall 202 and the outer wall 204 downstream of the connecting wall 212.

By providing the upstream void 214a, the seal between the bladder body 100 and the lid assembly 200 may be improved, as the inner wall 202 may be particularly suitable for forming a seal between the lid assembly 200 and the bladder body 100 within the neck 104 of the bladder body 100, while the outer wall 203 may be particularly suitable for forming a seal between the lid assembly 200 and the bladder body 100 around the neck 104 of the bladder body 100

In at least some examples, the outer wall 204 can provide a child-resistant closure for the capsule body 100. For example, the outer wall 204 may include ratchet teeth (not shown) that cooperate with ratchet teeth on the bladder body 100 to allow the cap assembly 200 to be screwed onto the bladder body 100, but prevent the cap assembly 200 from being unscrewed from the bladder assembly. The child-resistant closure may prevent the cap assembly 200 from being completely unscrewed from the bladder body 100 (or at least without breaking the cap assembly 200), or it may be configured to prevent the cap assembly 200 from being unscrewed from the bladder body 100 unless a predetermined axial force is applied to the cap assembly 200 in a direction toward the bladder body 100.

Further, by providing an upstream void 214a to accommodate the neck 104 of the bladder body 100, the neck 104 may be used to provide structural reinforcement to the cap assembly 200, thereby minimizing the degree to which the frangible connections 210 will flex when pressure is applied to break. By minimizing the extent to which the cap assembly 200 can flex under pressure from the stopper 300, the frangible connection 210 is more likely to snap under pressure, creating a click or click sound, providing audible and tactile feedback to the user that the seal is broken and that the concentrate can be dispensed.

By providing the downstream void 214b, at least a portion of the plug 300 may be received between the inner wall 202 and the outer wall 204 downstream of the connecting wall 212. This provides a space in which the stopper 300 may be retained within the cap assembly 200 during shipping and storage, and held securely in place until the user screws the refill system onto the refillable container. By providing the plug 300 in the downstream void, the plug may be protected from accidental contact by an operator, thereby reducing the risk of accidental movement of the plug 300 between the first and second positions during transport or storage.

It should be appreciated that although the arrangement of upstream void 214a and downstream void 214b may combine to provide advantages over known systems, in at least some examples, lid assembly 200 may include only upstream void 214a or only downstream void 214 b.

The conduit 203 provided by the inner wall 202 of the cap assembly 200 may have a variable diameter along its length. For example, the diameter of the conduit 203 upstream of the frangible connection 210 can be greater than the diameter of the conduit 203 downstream of the frangible connection 210. By increasing the diameter of the conduit 203 upstream of the frangible connection 210, the closure member 208 can be pushed by the plug 300 into an area of the conduit 203 having a larger diameter than the closure member 208. This further reduces the likelihood that the closure member 208 blocks the conduit 203 from impeding the flow of cleaning fluid out of the bladder body 100 via the cap assembly 200 and the plug 300 when the plug has moved to the second position.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 3A, the inner wall 202 is shaped to have a barrel or spherical upstream end to provide a barrel seal for sealing with the neck 104 of the refill body 100. The inner wall 202 is configured to be positioned within the opening of the bladder body 100 and form a seal between the outer surface of the inner wall and the inner surface of the opening.

The upstream end of the conduit 203 may be barrel-shaped rather than comprising a cylinder with generally parallel sides, the cross-sectional diameter (i.e., the cross-section lying in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis a) of the upstream end of the conduit 203 gradually decreasing from the maximum diameter upstream of the frangible connection 210 toward the upstream edge of the inner wall 202. By varying the diameter of the conduit 203 at the upstream end, variations in manufacturing tolerances may be taken into account, and/or a tighter seal may be provided between the capsule body 100 and the cap assembly 200 as the narrower open end of the conduit 203 may be inserted into the neck 104 of the capsule body 100, and a tight seal may be formed between the drum sealing rim and the neck of the capsule body 100.

As shown in fig. 3A, the connecting wall 212 may further include a circumferential groove 234 or channel located on the upstream side and adjacent the inner wall 202. The groove 234 reduces the thickness of the connecting wall 212 at the point of connection of the inner wall 202 to the connecting wall 212. This may increase the degree to which the upstream portion of the inner wall 202 is bent inwardly to fit within the neck 104 of the bladder body 100 (as shown in fig. 5).

The inner wall 202 downstream of the closure member 208 has a generally cylindrical form with generally parallel walls. The downstream end of the inner wall 202 is configured to fit within the neck 404 of the refillable container 400.

As shown in fig. 3A, the inner surface of the inner wall 202 may include a radially inwardly projecting ridge or protrusion 216. The ridge or protrusion 216 may advantageously engage a corresponding protrusion on the plug 300, as will be described in more detail below with reference to fig. 5.

As shown in fig. 3A, a closure member 208 is positioned within the conduit 203 and closes the conduit to prevent fluid from passing therethrough unless the frangible connection 210 is broken.

The closure member 208 shown in fig. 3A includes a conical shape extending from a downstream base 219 to an upstream peak 218. For example, the closure member may comprise a conical or frusto-conical shape. Preferably, the base 219 is open to allow access to the hollow interior of the closure member 208 from the downstream side. By providing a hollow peak closure member 208, the likelihood of the closure member 208 settling (seat) on the opening formed through the innerduct after the seal has ruptured can be reduced. In contrast, the buoyancy provided by the hollow closure member 208 means that the closure member tends to float away from the conduit 203.

The base 219 of the closure member provides a bearing surface 220 against which the plug 300 can bear to apply pressure to rupture the frangible connection 210. Preferably, the bearing surface 220 extends in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis a. Preferably, the frangible connection 210 also extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis a. The frangible connection 210 may extend in the same plane as the support surface 220 or in a plane parallel to the plane R.

Fig. 3B and 3C each show an enlarged view of a frangible connection 210 formed between the closure member 208 and the inner wall 202 in accordance with the present invention.

As shown in fig. 3B and 3C, a frangible connection 210 extends between the inner wall 202 and the outer periphery of the closure member 208. The thickness of frangible connection 210 is preferably between 0.05mm and 0.2 mm. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other dimensions may be selected depending on the materials used and the dimensions of the cover system.

Preferably, the thickness (in the longitudinal direction) and width (in the radial direction) of the frangible connections are tightly controlled. By controlling the width and thickness of the frangible connection 210, the reliability of the failure of the frangible connection 210 may be more reliable. This may provide a more consistent user experience.

The thickness and width of the frangible connections can be controlled in different ways.

For example, in the exemplary configuration shown in fig. 3B, the frangible connection 210 is formed between two opposing grooves or recesses 222, 224. A cross-sectional view of the grooves or flutes 222, 224 is shown in fig. 3B. However, it should be understood that for closure members 208 having a circular cross-section, the grooves or recesses 222, 224 may be formed as circumferential channels or annular grooves.

A first groove 224 is formed upstream of the frangible connection 210 between the upstream side 208a of the closure member 208 and the inner surface of the inner wall 202. A second groove 224 is formed downstream of the frangible connection 210 between the downstream side 208b of the closure member 208 and the inner surface of the inner wall 202. By forming the frangible connection 210 between two opposing grooves or channels, the thickness (in the longitudinal direction) and width (in the transverse direction) of the frangible connection 210 can be controlled and minimized.

The grooves 222 and 224 (or channels) extend from the open end to the closed end, in each case the frangible connection 210 forming the closed end. The closed end of each groove or channel may advantageously have a rounded profile, as shown in fig. 3B. By positioning the frangible connection 210 between opposing circular grooves, the width of the thinnest portion of the frangible connection can be tightly controlled.

It should be understood that the transverse width of the thinnest portion of the frangible connection 210 can be controlled by varying the radius of curvature of the circular groove. The radius of curvature of the first groove or slot 222 may be selected to be substantially the same as the second groove or slot 224, or may be different.

The second (downstream) groove or channel 224 in the example shown in fig. 3B means that the frangible connection 210 extends in a different plane than the support surface 220. However, in alternative exemplary configurations, the second circumferential groove 224 may be omitted.

An alternative exemplary configuration is shown in fig. 3C. As shown in fig. 3C, there is a first (upstream) slot 222. In the illustrated configuration, the groove 222 includes a closed end having a flat lower surface 223. A flat lower surface 223 of the groove 222 extends between the inner wall 202 and the closure member 208 and forms an upper surface of the frangible connection 210.

The lower surface of frangible connection 210 extends in the same plane as, and is contiguous with, support surface 220. As shown in fig. 3C, the width of the frangible connection 210 at its thinnest portion can be controlled by forming the slot 222 such that the inner surface of the inner wall 202 immediately upstream of the frangible connection 210 is positioned radially outward of the inner surface of the inner wall 202 immediately downstream of the frangible connection 210. By offsetting the point of the inner surface of the inner wall 202 upstream of the frangible connection 210 relative to the inner surface of the wall downstream of the frangible connection, the width of the frangible connection 210 at its thinnest point can be reduced to a dimension less than the width of the groove 222. This allows the formation of a frangible connection 210 having a width dimension less than any component required to form the connection (e.g., in a mold). This may allow for a further improved frangible connection 210.

Referring again to fig. 3A, the frangible connection 210 preferably extends in a plane P that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis a of the cap assembly 200. By providing a flat seal (relative to longitudinal axis a), frangible connection 210 tends to break around its circumference at substantially the same time that stopper 300 (whose proximally facing abutment surface 305 is also oriented orthogonal to longitudinal axis a) abuts bearing surface 220. This is in contrast to the frangible connection 210, which extends in a plane extending at a non-perpendicular angle to the longitudinal axis a, which tends to peel away from the "lower" end (the portion of the frangible connection 210 that is first in intimate contact with the stopper 300) to the "upper" end (the portion of the seal furthest from the advancing stopper 300). Such peeling is often imperceptible to a user of the assembly and may result in the user prematurely removing the cap assembly from the refillable container with the seal partially intact.

In contrast, one of the advantages of the frangible connection 210 breaking around the perimeter of the closure member 208 at the same time is that the frangible connection 210 can snap, causing a click or click when the frangible connection 210 breaks. A click or click failure of the frangible connection 210 may provide audible and/or tactile feedback to the user that the components of the sealed refill system have been broken and the concentrated cleaning fluid disposed within the capsule body 100 will be dispensed.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2A-5, the system is configured such that when the plug 300 is moved, the movable plug 300 abuts the bearing surface 220 of the closure member 208.

The plug 300 will now be described in more detail with reference to fig. 4A-4C.

The plug 300 described herein includes a number of improvements that may provide enhanced performance. The plug 300 may include improved wall structure, improved bearing surfaces for rupturing the frangible connection 210, enhanced safety features, and features that help provide improved audible and tactile feedback to the user. Each of these improvements will be described in more detail below. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the features described hereinafter may be incorporated in the refill system alone or in combination with other features to provide a further improved product.

Fig. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a stopper 300 including a proximally facing abutment surface configured according to a first exemplary configuration. Fig. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stopper 300 including a proximally facing abutment surface configured according to a second exemplary configuration. Fig. 4C shows a perspective view of the plug 300 of fig. 4B.

As shown in fig. 4A, the stopper 300 includes a generally tubular body 302, the body 302 defining an internal conduit therethrough, and a proximal rim 304 surrounding an upstream opening of the tubular body 302. Proximal rim 304 includes a proximally facing abutment surface 305 configured to abut bearing surface 220 of closure member 208 when stopper 300 is moved from the first position to the second position as described above.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4A, the stopper 300 further comprises a generally tubular skirt wall 306 disposed coaxially with respect to the tubular body 302 and surrounding the tubular body 302 along at least a portion of its length to provide a double-walled stopper 300. The skirt wall 306 is spaced apart (in a radial direction) from the tubular body 302 to form a plug groove 308 between the skirt wall 306 and the tubular body 302.

The skirt wall 306 is connected at its distal end to the distal end of the tubular body 302 and includes a free proximal end. The free proximal end of skirt 306 also includes an outwardly extending flange 310, flange 310 providing a distally facing abutment surface 312 for abutting a rim 406 of the refillable container 400 (see fig. 2A and 2B).

By providing a plug 300 that includes an inner tubular body 302 and an outer skirt 306, the plug 300 may be more securely retained within the cap assembly 200. For example, plug recess 308 may receive a component of cap assembly 200 (e.g., inner wall 202) to securely retain plug 300 within cap assembly 200 until a user screws the system onto refillable container 400.

The proximally facing abutment surface 305 may be configured in different ways, as will now be described with reference to fig. 4A and 4B.

As described above, the proximally facing abutment surface 305 of the stopper 300 is configured to contact the bearing surface 220 of the closure member 208 when the stopper 300 is moved between its first and second positions (see fig. 2A and 2B). When the proximally facing abutment surface 305 contacts the bearing surface 220 of the closure member 208 and is further advanced in the proximal direction, the frangible connection 210 breaks and the closure member 208 is lifted out of its position occluding the catheter 203.

The proximally facing abutment surface 305 of the stopper may be configured to evenly distribute the applied force around the circumference of the frangible connection 210. In other words, the proximally facing abutment surface 305 may be configured in a manner that generates a net force applied to the closure member 208 along the longitudinal axis a and perpendicular to a plane extending through the frangible connection 210. Thus, preferably, the proximally facing abutment surface 305 of stopper 300 has at least two degrees of folding rotational symmetry relative to longitudinal axis a.

In the exemplary configuration shown in fig. 4A, a proximally facing abutment surface 305 of stopper 300 is provided by a circumferential rim 304 of tubular body 302 and terminates in a flat surface. By providing a circumferential rim in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis a, the proximally facing abutment surface 305 is in simultaneous contact with the bearing surface 220 around the circumference of the closure member 208.

The rim 304 providing the proximally facing abutment surface 305 may be continuous or may include one or more cut-outs 316.

In an alternative shown in fig. 4B, the proximally facing abutment surface 305 may comprise a discontinuous rim comprising a plurality of protrusions 307 (extending in the proximal direction) equally circumferentially spaced around the rim 304 of the tubular body 302, wherein the protrusions 307 terminate in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis a. The projections may take the form of teeth equally spaced around the circumference of the rim. For example, in the case where the abutment surface comprises two teeth, the teeth may be arranged diametrically opposite each other. Fig. 4C shows a perspective view of the plug 300 including two diametrically opposed teeth.

By providing a rotationally symmetric abutment surface configured to apply a net force along the longitudinal axis a and perpendicular to the plane in which the frangible connection 210 extends, the frangible connection 210 can be configured to break, fail around its circumference, rather than asymmetrically peel away from the initial split around the seal. Such circumferential failure of the seal can produce an audible click or click that can be heard by the user, providing positive feedback that the frangible connection has been successfully broken and that the liquid contained in the capsule body can escape.

In addition to or as an alternative to the features described above, the plug configuration described above may include additional features to enhance the functionality of the plug 300. The following additional features may be combined with the abutment surface configurations described above with reference to fig. 4A-4C.

The distally facing abutment surface 312 at the free end of the skirt wall 306 may be configured to provide a number of additional advantages. For example, the free end of the skirt wall 306 may include a proximal seal 318 configured to seal against the connecting wall 212 of the cap assembly 200. The proximal seal 318 may include a circumferential ridge having a peak. The peak provides a smaller surface area in contact with the connecting wall 212, thereby improving the seal.

The free proximal end of the skirt wall 306 may also include one or more detents 320, the detents 320 configured to engage the threads 230 of the cap assembly 200. The engagement of the detents 320 with the threads 230 may provide additional security that the plug 300 will remain in place within the cap assembly 200.

The detents 320 may also retain the stopper 300 within the cap assembly 200 after use of the product. Since the plug 300 must be pushed into the cap assembly 200 to break the frangible connection 210, the jaws are preferably configured such that they can ride over the threads 230 of the cap assembly 200 as the plug 300 is pushed toward the closure member 208. Thus, the pawl 320 may include a distally facing concave surface and a proximally facing convex surface.

As shown in fig. 4, the plug 300 may also include a circumferential ridge or protrusion 314 on the outer surface of the tubular body 302. Ridges or protrusions 314 can be configured to engage with corresponding ridges or protrusions (e.g., ridges 216) on a complementary cap assembly 200. This may further improve retention of the stopper 300 within the cap assembly 200 prior to use (e.g., during shipping and storage).

As shown in fig. 4, the plug 300 may also include one or more cuts or slots 316 in the wall of the tubular body 302. Preferably, the cut or slot extends in a distal direction from the proximal edge 304 of the tubular body 302. The discontinuity in rim 304 formed by cut-outs or grooves 316 may advantageously improve the flow of fluid through cap assembly 200 and plug 300 by ensuring that closure member 208 cannot form a seal against rim 304 of plug 300 after frangible connection 210 is broken.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4A-4C, the plug 300 includes two diametrically opposed notches 316 (although only one is visible in the cross-sectional view shown in fig. 4). However, one slit may be provided in the tubular body 302, or three slits or more may be provided.

Providing a discontinuity in the proximal facing abutment surface 305 of the tubular body 302 may also provide the additional advantage of reducing the surface area of the proximal facing abutment surface 305 that is in contact with the bearing surface 220 of the closure member 208, thereby increasing the force per unit area exerted on the closure member 208.

Although not shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the closure member 208 may be modified (in addition to or instead of the plug 300) to facilitate the flow of cleaning fluid through the plug 300 and cap assembly 200 in a similar manner. For example, the closure member 208 may be modified to provide a discontinuity, such as a cut or groove, in the bearing surface 220 of the closure member 208 that prevents the closure member 208 from forming a seal with the plug 300 after the frangible connection 210 is broken.

It will be appreciated that when the closure member 208 is seated over the opening of the tubular member 302 of the plug 300, the plug 300 having the planar rim 304 and the closure member 208 having the planar bearing surface 220 will form a seal against each other. If the flat surfaces are aligned and in contact to form a seal around the periphery of rim 304, closure member 208 will prevent fluid from flowing out of bladder body 100 after frangible connection 210 is broken.

However, by providing one or more notches or grooves in either (or both) of the rim 304 or the bearing surface 220, when the closure member 208 abuts the tubular body 302 of the plug 300, fluid contained in the bladder body 100 can still flow through the tubular body 302 of the plug 300 through the openings formed by the grooves or notches.

As shown in fig. 4, the plug 300 may further include at least one barrier or beam 322 extending through the distal opening of the tubular body 302. The beam 322 may extend through a diameter of the distal opening, or multiple beams may extend through the opening. The beams are configured to allow fluid to flow through, but prevent or limit the insertion of objects (e.g., fingers) into the conduit formed by the tubular body 302. This minimizes the likelihood that the frangible connection 210 will be inadvertently or improperly broken by an object passing through the tubular body 302.

Refill system

As will now be described with reference to fig. 5, when assembled, the bladder body 100, cap assembly 200, and plug 300 may provide a system with further advantages.

Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of the distal end of the refill system. This figure clearly shows the neck 104 of the capsule body 100 and the rim 108 around the opening of the neck 104. The neck 104 of the capsule body 100 also includes one or more threads 106 extending around the neck 104 (on the outer surface), the threads 106 being configured to engage corresponding threads in the cap assembly 200.

The cap assembly 200 is also clearly shown. The cap assembly 200 includes the double wall structure described above with reference to fig. 3A and 3B. The inner surface of outer wall 204 includes one or more second threads 232, threads 232 configured to engage threads 106 on bladder body 100.

The cap assembly 200 is threaded onto the bladder body 100 such that the rim 108 of the neck 104 is disposed within the upstream void 214 a. Advantageously, the rim 108 of the neck 104 abuts the connecting wall 212 of the cap assembly 200. By engaging the bladder body 100 with the lid assembly 200 such that the rim 108 of the bladder body 100 abuts the connecting wall of the lid assembly 200, the neck 104 of the connecting wall 212 resists bending when the plug 300 abuts the closure member 208. Furthermore, by abutting the rim 108 of the capsule body 100 against the connecting wall 212 of the lid assembly 200, additional security against leakage of the capsule body 100 may be provided.

The cap assembly 200 is further configured such that the upstream end of the inner wall 202 (which, as noted above, is optionally configured as a barrel seal) is disposed within the neck 104 of the capsule body 100. The inner wall 202 thereby forms an additional seal with the neck 104 of the bladder body 100.

The engagement between the stopper 300 and the cap assembly 200 will now be described with reference to fig. 5 as well. As shown in fig. 5, the stopper 300 is disposed within the cap assembly 200. The plug 300 shown in fig. 5 is similar in structure to the plug 300 described with reference to fig. 4.

As shown, the plug 300 is disposed within the cap assembly 200 such that the distal end of the inner wall 202 of the cap assembly 200 is disposed within a groove 308 formed between the tubular body 302 and the skirt wall 306. During assembly, ridges 314 on plug 300 are pushed past corresponding ridges 216 on inner wall 202 of cap assembly 200. The engagement of ridges 216 and 314 may help to retain plug 300 within cap assembly 200 during shipping and storage of system 10.

The one or more claws 320 of the plug 300 may also help retain the plug 300 within the cap assembly 200 by engaging the threads 230 on the inner surface of the outer wall 204. Preferably, at least two claws are provided to securely engage the threads 230 on the cap.

The combination of the stopper 300 and cap assembly 200 described herein may be configured to prevent the closure member 208 from blocking fluid flow through the cap assembly 200 after the frangible connection 210 is broken.

For example, as shown in the embodiment of fig. 5, the inner wall 202 of the cap assembly 200 may be configured to have a first diameter downstream of the frangible connection 210 and a second, larger diameter upstream of the frangible connection 210. To ensure that the closure member 208 is pushed or lifted to a position that does not seal against the inner wall 202 of the lid assembly 200 after the frangible connection 210 is broken, the plug 300 may be configured such that the rim or abutment surface 304 may move upstream past the point where the frangible connection 210 connects the closure member 208 to the inner wall 202. This may be achieved by ensuring that the maximum travel distance of the plug 300 is not limited by the cap assembly 200 until the rim 204 has pushed the closure member 208 into the enlarged diameter portion of the conduit 203.

In the example shown in fig. 5, the maximum travel of the plug 300 toward the frangible connection 210 is the point at which the seal 318 on the skirt wall 306 abuts the connecting wall 212 of the cap assembly 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the rim 304 of the tubular body 302 and the seal 318 terminate in the same transverse plane. To ensure that the travel of the plug 300 is not limited until the closure member has been lifted off the narrower portion of the conduit 203, the frangible connection 210 is positioned downstream of the connecting wall 212.

Alternatively (or additionally), the rim or abutment surface 304 of the stopper 300 may extend proximally beyond the sealing surface 318 of the skirt wall 306.

Bladder body 100, cap assembly 200, and plug 300 may be made of any suitable material known in the art. For example, the capsule body 100, the cap assembly 200, and the stopper 300 may be made of polyethylene or polypropylene, and may be formed by an injection molding technique. Advantageously, the capsule body 100 may be made of polyethylene, while the cap assembly 200 and the stopper 300 may be made of polypropylene.

It should be understood that aspects of the present invention include embodiments in which the above-described features are provided alone or in combination with other features described herein. For example, the frangible connections described above may be provided in a refill system having a cap assembly that screws directly onto the neck of the refill container. In such a system, the cap may be configured such that the rim of the refillable container presses directly on the closure member to break the frangible connection and allow the concentrated cleaning fluid to flow through the cap assembly into the refillable container.

Further, the plugs described herein may be provided in cap assemblies having different sealing arrangements than those described herein. For example, the cuts and grooves in the plug assembly that prevent the closure member from sealing the opening of the plug may be used in cap assemblies having different structures and different closure members.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary or preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment or preferred embodiments or preferred features disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

The invention also includes a system according to the following clauses:

clause 1. a stopper (300) for use in a cap assembly for refilling a bladder, the stopper (300) comprising:

a tubular body (302) having an open proximal end and an open distal end, wherein the open proximal end is surrounded by a first rim (304), and wherein the rim (304) further comprises at least a first and a second protrusion (307) extending in a proximal direction from the rim (304), wherein a proximal surface of the protrusion provides a proximally facing abutment surface (305) for abutting against a bearing surface (220) of a frangible seal member of the cap assembly;

wherein the proximally facing abutment surface (305) extends in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (A) of the tubular body (302);

a skirt extending around the tubular body (302) and comprising a tubular skirt wall (306) coaxially arranged with respect to the tubular body (302), the skirt wall (306) being spaced apart from the tubular body (302) in a radial direction, thereby forming a plug groove (308) between the skirt wall (306) and the tubular body (302),

wherein the stopper (300) further comprises an outwardly extending flange (310) comprising a distally facing abutment surface (312) for abutting a rim (406) of a refillable container (400), and

wherein the proximally facing abutment surface (305) has at least two degrees of rotational symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis (A).

Clause 2. the stopper (300) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the free end of the skirt wall (306) further comprises a proximal sealing rim (318) for sealing against a sealing surface (212) of a cap assembly (200).

Clause 3. the stopper (300) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the proximal sealing rim (318) tapers to a peak.

Clause 4. the stopper (300) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the sealing peak (318) terminates in the same plane as the proximal abutment surface (305).

Clause 5. the plug (300) of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the tubular body (202) further comprises at least one cut-out (316) or groove located distally of the wall of the tubular body (302).

Clause 6. the plug (300) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a cut (316) extends in a distal direction from the rim to form a discontinuity in the rim (304) of the plug (300), preferably the rim (304) comprises two or more cuts, and preferably two diametrically opposed cuts (316).

Clause 7. the plug (300) of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the tubular body (302) includes a protrusion or ridge (314) extending around an outer surface of the tubular body (302).

Clause 8. the stopper (300) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the free proximal end of the skirt wall (306) further comprises at least one claw (320) radially outward from the distal abutment surface (312).

Clause 9. the stopper (300) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one prong (320) is curved away from the distal abutment surface (312) to provide a distal concavity and a proximal convexity.

Clause 10. the stopper (300) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one claw (320) comprises two claws, preferably three claws, more preferably four or more claws (320).

Clause 11. a cap system for refilling a pouch, the cap system comprising:

the plug (300) according to any of the preceding embodiments; and

a cap assembly (200) comprising:

an inner wall (202) defining a conduit (203) through the cap assembly (200), the conduit (203) extending from an upstream end to a downstream end;

an outer wall (204) surrounding the inner wall (202) along at least a first portion of the length of the inner wall (202), wherein the outer wall (204) is spaced apart from the first portion of the inner wall (202) to define a circumferential void (214b) between the inner wall (202) and the outer wall (204) extending from an open downstream end to a closed upstream end;

a connecting wall (212) extending between the inner wall (202) and the outer wall (204) to prevent fluid flow through a void (214b), the connecting wall (212) forming a closed upstream end of the void (214 b);

wherein the cap assembly (200) further comprises a closure member (208) configured to seal the conduit (203), the closure member (208) comprising an upstream side (208a) and a downstream side (208b),

wherein the closure member (208) is sealed to the inner wall (202) via a peripheral frangible connection (210) between the proximal and distal ends of the catheter (203),

wherein the frangible connection (210) extends in a plane P orthogonal to a longitudinal axis (A) of the catheter (203); and is

Wherein the plug (300) is disposed within the cap assembly (200) such that the outer wall (204) of the cap assembly (200) surrounds the plug (300) and the inner wall (202) of the cap assembly (200) extends into a plug recess (308), and

wherein a proximal abutment surface (304) of the stopper (300) is aligned with and opposes the bearing surface (220) of the closure member (208).

Clause 12. the system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the frangible connection (210) is disposed between a first peripheral groove (222) formed between the inner wall (202) and the downstream side (208b) of the closure member (208) and a second peripheral groove (224) formed between the inner wall (202) and the upstream side (208b) of the closure member (208).

Clause 13. the system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the support surface (220) extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (a) of the conduit (203).

Clause 14. the system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the closure member (208) is conical or frustoconical and extends from a base to a peak (218).

Clause 15. the system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the closure member (208) is hollow and open at the base, and preferably wherein the closure member (208) is oriented such that the peak (218) is in an upstream direction and the base is in a downstream direction.

Clause 16. the system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the outer wall (204) comprises engagement means, such as threads (230) on an inner surface of the outer wall, and wherein the pawl (320) is configured to engage with the engagement means (230).

Clause 17. the system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the inner wall (202) includes a protrusion or ridge (216) extending radially inward from an inner surface of the inner wall (202).

Clause 18. a refill system (10) comprising the system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the refill system further comprises a bladder (100) for containing a concentrated cleaning product, wherein the bladder (100) is engaged with the cap assembly (200), and wherein an interior volume of the bladder (100) is in fluid communication with an upstream end of the conduit (203).

Clause 19. the refill system (10) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bladder (100) comprises an opening surrounded by a rim (104), and wherein the rim (104) abuts the connecting wall (212) of the cap assembly (200).

Clause 20. the refill system (10) according to any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a shrink wrap cover extending around at least a portion of the bladder (100) and at least a portion of the cap assembly (200).

Clause 21. a cap assembly (200) for refilling a bladder, the cap assembly comprising:

an inner wall (202) defining a conduit (203) through the cap assembly (200), the conduit (203) extending from an upstream end to a downstream end;

an outer wall (204) surrounding the inner wall (202) along at least a first portion of the length of the inner wall, wherein the outer wall (204) is spaced apart from the first portion of the inner wall (202) to define a circumferential void (214) between the inner wall (202) and the outer wall (204);

a connecting wall (212) extending between the inner wall (202) and the outer wall (204) to prevent fluid flow through a void (214) between the inner wall (202) and the outer wall (204);

wherein the cap assembly (200) further comprises a closure member (208) configured to seal the conduit (203), the closure member (208) comprising an upstream side (208a) and a downstream side (208b) and a bearing surface (220) on the downstream side thereof;

wherein the closure member (208) is sealed to the inner wall (202) by a peripheral frangible connection (210) between the proximal and distal ends of the catheter (203),

wherein the peripheral frangible connection (210) extends in a plane P, preferably orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (A) of the conduit (203);

wherein an inner surface of the inner wall (202) immediately upstream of the closure member (208) is radially offset from an inner surface of the wall (202) immediately downstream of the closure member (208).

Clause 22. the cap assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the support surface (220) extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (a) of the conduit (203).

Clause 23. the cap assembly (200) of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the closure member (208) is hollow and tapers from a downstream base (221) to an upstream peak (218).

Clause 24. the cap assembly (200) of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the closure member (208) is open at the base.

Clause 25. the cap assembly (200) of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the support surface (220) is adjacent to the frangible connection (210).

The cap assembly (200) of any preceding clause, wherein the conduit (203) has a first cross-sectional diameter at the upstream end and a second cross-sectional diameter at the downstream end, and wherein the first cross-sectional diameter is greater than the second cross-sectional diameter.

Clause 27. the cap assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the void comprises a downstream void (214b) extending from an open downstream end and terminating at a closed end at the connecting wall (212).

Clause 28. the cap assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the void comprises an upstream void (214a) extending from an upstream end of the opening and terminating at a closed end at the connecting wall (214).

Clause 29. the lid assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the void comprises an upstream void (214a) and a downstream void (214b), and wherein the upstream void (214a) and the downstream void (214b) are separated from each other by the connecting wall (212).

Clause 30. the cap assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the outer wall (204) downstream of the connecting wall (212) comprises engagement means, such as threads (230), configured to engage corresponding engagement means (404) on a refillable container (400).

Clause 31. the cap assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the outer wall (204) upstream of the connecting wall (212) comprises engagement means, such as threads (232), configured to engage corresponding engagement means (106) on the refill pouch (100).

Clause 32. the cap assembly (200) of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the inner wall (202) includes a protrusion or ridge (216) extending radially inward from an inner surface of the inner wall (202).

Clause 33. the cap assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cap assembly (200) comprises polypropylene.

Clause 34. a cap system comprising a cap assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, and further comprising a stopper (300), wherein the stopper (300) is movably mounted within the cap assembly (200) to move in an axial direction, and wherein the stopper (300) is configured to abut against a bearing surface (220) of the closure member (208) to break the frangible connection (210).

Clause 35. the system of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the plug (300) comprises:

a tubular body (302) having an open proximal end and an open distal end, wherein the open proximal end is surrounded by a first rim (304) providing a proximal abutment surface for abutting against the bearing surface (220) of the closure member (208);

a skirt extending around the tubular body (302) and comprising a tubular skirt wall (306) coaxially arranged with respect to the tubular body (302), the skirt wall (306) being spaced apart from the tubular body (302) in a radial direction, thereby forming a plug groove (308) between the skirt wall (306) and the tubular body (302),

wherein the skirt wall (306) extends from a skirt distal end, where it is connected to the distal end of the tubular body (303), to a free proximal end,

wherein the free proximal end of the skirt comprises:

an outwardly extending flange (310) comprising a distally facing abutment surface (312) for abutting a rim (406) of a refillable container (400), and

wherein the plug (300) is disposed within the cap assembly (200) such that the downstream end of the inner wall (202) is disposed within the plug recess (308).

Clause 36. a refill system (10) comprising a cap system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the refill system further comprises a bladder body (100) for containing a concentrated refill fluid, wherein the bladder body (100) is engaged with the cap assembly (200), and wherein an interior volume of the bladder body (100) is in fluid communication with an upstream end of the conduit (203).

Clause 37. the refill system (10) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bladder (100) includes an opening surrounded by a rim (108), and wherein the rim (108) abuts the connecting wall (212) of the cap assembly (200).

Clause 38. the refill system (10) according to any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a shrink wrap cover extending around at least a portion of the bladder (100) and at least a portion of the cap assembly (200).

Clause 39. a cap assembly (200) for refilling a bladder, the cap assembly comprising:

an inner wall (202) defining a conduit (203) through the cap assembly (200), the conduit (203) extending from an upstream end to a downstream end;

an outer wall (204) surrounding the inner wall (202) along at least a first portion of the length of the inner wall, wherein the outer wall (204) is spaced apart from the first portion of the inner wall (202) to define a circumferential void (214a, 214b) between the inner wall (202) and the outer wall (204);

a connecting wall (212) extending between the inner wall (202) and the outer wall (204) to prevent fluid flow through a gap between the inner wall (202) and the outer wall (204);

wherein the cap assembly (200) further comprises a closure member (208) configured to seal the conduit (203), the closure member (208) comprising an upstream side (208a) and a downstream side (208b) and a bearing surface (220) on the downstream side thereof;

wherein the closure member (208) is sealed to the inner wall (202) via a peripheral frangible connection (210) between the proximal and distal ends of the catheter (203),

wherein the peripheral frangible connection (210) extends in a plane P orthogonal to a longitudinal axis (A) of the conduit (203);

wherein the frangible connection is disposed between a first peripheral groove (222) formed between the inner wall (202) and the downstream side (208b) of the closure member (208) and a second peripheral groove (224) formed between the inner wall (202) and the upstream side (208b) of the closure member (208).

Clause 40. the cover assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the support surface (220) extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (a) of the conduit (203).

Clause 41. the cap assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the closure member (208) is tapered, e.g., conical or frustoconical, and extends from a base (220) to a peak (218).

Clause 42. the cap assembly (200) of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the closure member (208) is hollow and open at the base.

Clause 43. the cap assembly (200) of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the closure member (208) is oriented such that the peak (218) is in an upstream direction and the base is in a downstream direction.

Clause 44. the cap assembly (200) of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the support surface (220) is adjacent to the frangible connection (210).

Clause 45. the cap assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the conduit (203) has a first cross-sectional diameter upstream of the frangible connection (210) and a second cross-sectional diameter downstream of the frangible connection (210), and wherein the first cross-sectional diameter is greater than the second cross-sectional diameter.

Clause 46. the cap assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the circumferential void comprises a downstream void (214b) extending from an open downstream end and terminating at a closed end at the connecting wall (212).

Clause 47. the cap assembly (200) of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the void comprises an upstream void (214a) extending from an upstream end of the opening and terminating at a closed end at the connecting wall (214).

Clause 48. the cover assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the void comprises an upstream void (214a) and a downstream void (214b), and wherein the upstream void (214a) and the downstream void (214b) are separated from each other by the connecting wall (212).

Clause 49. the cap assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the outer wall (204) downstream of the connecting wall (212) comprises engagement means, such as threads (230), configured to engage corresponding engagement means (404) on a refillable container (400).

Clause 50. the cap assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the outer wall (204) upstream of the connecting wall (212) comprises engagement means, such as threads (232), configured to engage corresponding engagement means (106) on the refill pouch (100).

Clause 51. the cap assembly (200) of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the inner wall (202) includes a protrusion or ridge (216) extending radially inward from an inner surface of the inner wall (202).

Clause 52. the cap assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cap assembly (200) comprises polypropylene.

Clause 53. a cap system comprising the cap assembly (200) according to any one of the preceding clauses, and further comprising a stopper (300), wherein the stopper (300) is movably mounted within the cap assembly (200) to move in an axial direction, and wherein the stopper (300) is configured to abut against a bearing surface (220) of the closure member (208) to break the frangible connection (210) upon advancement of the stopper (300) in a proximal direction.

Clause 54. the system according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the plug (300) comprises:

a tubular body (302) having an open proximal end and an open distal end, wherein the open proximal end is surrounded by a first rim (304) providing a proximally facing abutment surface for abutting against the bearing surface (220) of the closure member (208);

a skirt extending around the tubular body (302) and comprising a tubular skirt wall (306) coaxially arranged with respect to the tubular body (302), the skirt wall (306) being spaced apart from the tubular body (302) in a radial direction, thereby forming a plug groove (308) between the skirt wall (306) and the tubular body (302),

wherein the skirt wall (306) extends from a skirt distal end, where it is connected to the distal end of the tubular body (303), to a free proximal end,

wherein the free proximal end of the skirt comprises:

an outwardly extending flange (310) comprising a distally facing abutment surface (312) for abutting a rim (406) of a refillable container (400), and

wherein the plug (300) is disposed within the cap assembly (200) such that the downstream end of the inner wall (202) is disposed within the plug recess (308).

Clause 55. a refill system (10) comprising a system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the refill system further comprises a bladder (100) for containing a concentrated refill fluid, wherein the bladder (100) is engaged with the cap assembly (200), and wherein the interior volume of the bladder (100) is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the conduit (203).

Clause 56. the refill system (10) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bladder (100) includes an opening surrounded by a rim (108), and wherein the rim (108) abuts the connecting wall (212) of the cap assembly (200).

Clause 57. the refill system (10) according to any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a shrink wrap cover extending around at least a portion of the bladder (100) and at least a portion of the cap assembly (200).

Clause 58. a stopper (300) for use in a cap assembly for refilling a bladder, the stopper (300) comprising:

-a hollow tubular body (302) having an open proximal end and an open distal end, wherein the open proximal end is surrounded by a first rim (304) providing a proximal abutment surface for abutting against a frangible sealing member of a cap assembly;

-wherein the proximal abutment surface lies in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body and generally surrounds at least half of the proximal end of the opening;

-a skirt extending around the tubular body (302) and comprising a tubular skirt wall (306) coaxially arranged with respect to the tubular body (302), the skirt wall (306) being spaced apart from the tubular body (302) in a radial direction, thereby forming a plug groove (308) between the skirt wall (306) and the tubular body (302),

-wherein the skirt wall (306) extends from a skirt distal end to a free proximal end, the skirt wall (306) being connected to the tubular body (302) at the skirt distal end,

-wherein the free proximal end of the skirt comprises:

-an outwardly extending flange (310) comprising a distally facing abutment surface (312) for abutting a rim (406) of a refillable container (400).

Clause 59. the stopper (300) of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the free end of the skirt wall (306) further comprises a proximal sealing rim (318) for sealing against a sealing surface (212) of a cap assembly (200).

Clause 60. the stopper (300) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the proximal sealing rim (318) tapers to a peak.

Clause 61. the plug (300) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the sealing peak (318) terminates in the same plane as the rim (304).

Clause 62. the plug (300) of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the tubular body (202) further comprises at least one cut (316) or groove to form a discontinuity, preferably two or more cuts, and preferably two diametrically opposed cuts, in the first rim (304).

Clause 63. the plug (300) of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the tubular body (302) includes a protrusion or ridge (314) extending around an outer surface of the tubular body (302).

Clause 64. the stopper (300) of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the free proximal end of the skirt wall (306) further comprises at least one claw (320) radially outward of the distal abutment surface (312).

Clause 65 the stopper (300) of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one prong (320) is curved away from the distal abutment surface (312) to provide a distal concavity and a proximal convexity.

Clause 66. the plug (300) of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one jaw (320) comprises two jaws, preferably three jaws, more preferably four or more jaws (320).

Clause 67. a cap system for refilling a pouch, the cap system comprising:

the plug (300) according to any of the preceding claims; and

a cap assembly (200) comprising:

an inner wall (202) defining a conduit (203) through the cap assembly (200), the conduit (203) extending from an upstream end to a downstream end;

an outer wall (204) surrounding the inner wall (202) along at least a first portion of the length of the inner wall, wherein the outer wall (204) is spaced apart from the first portion of the inner wall (202) to define a circumferential void (214b) between the inner wall (202) and the outer wall (204) extending from an open downstream end to a closed upstream end;

a connecting wall (212) extending between the inner wall (202) and the outer wall (204) to prevent fluid flow through a void (214b), the connecting wall (212) forming the closed upstream end of the void (214 b);

wherein the cap assembly (200) further comprises a closure member (208) configured to seal the conduit (203), the closure member (208) comprising an upstream side (208a) and a downstream side (208b),

wherein the closure member (208) is sealed to the inner wall (202) via a peripheral frangible connection (210) between the proximal and distal ends of the catheter (203),

wherein the frangible connection (210) extends in a plane P orthogonal to a longitudinal axis (A) of the catheter (203); and is

Wherein the plug (300) is disposed within the cap assembly (200) such that the outer wall (204) of the cap assembly (200) surrounds the plug (300) and the inner wall (202) of the cap assembly (200) extends into the plug recess (308), and

wherein the proximal abutment surface (304) of the stopper (300) is aligned with and opposes the bearing surface (220) of the closure member (208).

Clause 68. the system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the frangible connection (210) is disposed between a first peripheral groove (222) formed between the inner wall (202) and the downstream side (208b) of the closure member (208) and a second peripheral groove (224) formed between the inner wall (202) and the upstream side (208b) of the closure member (208).

Clause 69. the system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the support surface (220) extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (a) of the conduit (203).

Clause 70. the system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the closure member (208) is conical or frustoconical and extends from a base to a peak (218).

Clause 71. the system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the closure member (208) is hollow and open at the base, and preferably wherein the closure member (208) is oriented such that the peak (218) is in an upstream direction and the base is in a downstream direction.

Clause 72. the system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the outer wall (204) comprises engagement means, such as threads (230) on an inner surface of the outer wall, and wherein the pawl (320) is configured to engage the engagement means (230).

Clause 73. the system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the inner wall (202) includes a protrusion or ridge (216) extending radially inward from an inner surface of the inner wall (202).

Clause 74. a refill system (10) comprising a system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the refill system further comprises a bladder (100) for containing a concentrated cleaning product, wherein the bladder (100) is engaged with the cap assembly (200), and wherein the interior volume of the bladder (100) is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the conduit (203).

Clause 75. the refill system (10) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bladder (100) comprises an opening surrounded by a rim (104), and wherein the rim (104) abuts a connecting wall (212) of the cap assembly (200).

Clause 76. the refill system (10) according to any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a shrink wrap cover extending around at least a portion of the bladder (100) and at least a portion of the cap assembly (200).

Clause 77. a closure system, comprising:

a cap assembly (200) comprising:

an inner wall (202) defining a conduit (203) through the cap assembly (200), the conduit (203) extending from an upstream end to a downstream end; and

an outer wall (204) surrounding the inner wall (202) and spaced apart from the inner wall (202) to define a circumferential void (214a, 214b) between the inner wall (202) and the outer wall (204);

wherein the cap assembly (200) further comprises a closure member (208) configured to seal the conduit (203), the closure member (208) comprising an upstream side (208a) and a downstream side (208b) and a bearing surface (220) on the downstream side (208b) of the closure member (208);

wherein the closure member (208) is sealed to the inner wall (202) via a frangible connection (210) between the proximal and distal ends of the catheter (203),

wherein the frangible connection (210) extends in a first plane, the first plane being orthogonal to a longitudinal axis (A) of the catheter (203); and wherein the system further comprises a plug (300) comprising:

a tubular body (302) having an open proximal end and an open distal end, wherein the open proximal end is surrounded by a first rim (304), and wherein the rim (304) further comprises a proximal abutment surface (305) extending in a second plane for abutting against the bearing surface (220) of the closure member (208),

wherein the stopper (300) further comprises an outwardly extending flange (310) comprising a distally facing abutment surface (312) for abutting a rim (406) of a refillable container (400), and

wherein the stopper (300) is movable between a first position in which the proximal abutment surface (305) is downstream of the frangible connector (210) and a second position in which the proximal abutment surface (305) is upstream of the frangible connector (210) to thereby break the frangible connector (210) and

wherein an abutment surface (305) is configured to abut against the bearing surface of the closure member when the stopper is moved from the first position to the second position such that a net force is applied to the closure member along the longitudinal axis A and perpendicular to the first and second planes.

Clause 78 the closure system of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the proximal abutment surface of the stopper has at least two degrees of folding rotational symmetry relative to the longitudinal axis a.

Clause 79 the cover system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the closure member (208) is hollow and tapers from a downstream base (219) to an upstream peak (218).

Clause 80. the cover system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the base (219) comprises an opening, and wherein the support surface (220) surrounds the opening.

The cover system of any of the preceding clauses 81, wherein the conduit (203) has a first cross-sectional diameter at the upstream end and a second cross-sectional diameter at the downstream end, and wherein the first cross-sectional diameter is greater than the second cross-sectional diameter.

Clause 82. the closure system of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the stopper further comprises a skirt wall (306), the skirt wall (306) being disposed coaxially with the tubular body (302) and extending around the tubular body (302), the skirt wall (306) being spaced apart from the tubular body (302) in a radial direction to form a stopper groove (308) between the skirt wall (306) and the tubular body (302).

Clause 83. the cover system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the inner wall (202) comprises a protrusion or ridge (216) extending radially inward from an inner surface of the inner wall (202).

Clause 84. the cap system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the outer wall of the cap assembly (200) comprises at least one thread on an inner surface of the outer wall, and wherein the skirt wall (306) of the stopper (300) comprises at least one radially outwardly extending claw configured to engage a thread.

Clause 85. the cover system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the tubular body (302) includes a protrusion or ridge extending radially outward from an outer surface of the tubular body (302).

Clause 86. the cover system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the abutment surface (305) is provided by one or more protrusions (307) extending proximally from the rim (304), the protrusions (307) terminating in a proximal surface extending in a plane (P) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (a).

Clause 87. the cover system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more protrusions (307) comprise a plurality of protrusions equally spaced circumferentially around the rim (304).

Clause 88. the cover system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the abutment surface (305) is disposed in the same plane as the rim (304).

Clause 89 the cover system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the rim (304) further comprises a cut-out (316) to form a discontinuity in the rim (304).

Clause 90. the closure system of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the free proximal end of the skirt wall (306) further comprises at least one claw (320) extending radially outward from the skirt wall (306).

Clause 91. a refill system comprising the cap system of any one of the preceding clauses, the refill system further comprising:

a capsule body (100) for containing a concentrated cleaning product, wherein the capsule body (100) is engaged with the cap assembly (200), and wherein an interior volume (102) of the capsule body (100) is in fluid communication with an upstream end of the conduit (203).

Clause 92. the refill system of any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a shrink wrap cover extending around at least a portion of the bladder body (100) and at least a portion of the cap assembly (200).