# How a Refillable Capsule Plug Seals Cleaning Concentrates

> A specialized plug design for refillable cleaning product capsules that ensures a secure, leak-proof seal when the capsule is attached to a bottle.

- **Patent:** US 11958662
- **Original title:** Capsule and plug for a concentrated refill capsule
- **Owner:** Conopco Inc
- **Granted:** 2024
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 2
- **Field:** consumer_electronics, mechanical

## What it does

This patent describes a mechanical plug used in a refillable capsule system, such as those for concentrated cleaning liquids. The plug features a tubular body with a specific rim and skirt design that creates a recess, allowing it to interface perfectly with a bottle's opening. It includes a frangible (breakable) seal that acts as a gatekeeper; when the capsule is pressed onto the bottle, the plug's abutment surface pushes against this seal to open the flow of concentrated liquid into the bottle. The design ensures that the connection is stable and aligned, preventing leaks during the mixing process.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover the chemical composition of the concentrated liquid inside the capsule.
- Does not cover non-frangible sealing mechanisms like screw-on caps or threaded closures.
- Does not cover the specific design of the refillable vessel itself, only the plug interface.
- Does not cover pump-action or spray-trigger mechanisms used to dispense the final product.

## The clever bit

The plug uses a specific 'frangible sealing component' that breaks only when the plug is correctly seated, ensuring the concentrate is released cleanly into the bottle without dripping or premature exposure to air.

## Real-world examples

1. Refillable concentrated cleaning spray systems
2. Household detergent refill capsules

## Why it matters

As consumer goods companies move toward sustainability, refillable systems are becoming the standard for reducing plastic waste. This patent protects the mechanical reliability of the interface between a concentrated refill and a permanent bottle, which is the most common point of failure for these products.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How a Refillable Capsule Plug Seals Cleaning Concentrates cover?

A specialized plug design for refillable cleaning product capsules that ensures a secure, leak-proof seal when the capsule is attached to a bottle.

### Who owns patent US 11958662?

Conopco Inc owns this patent, granted in 2024.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on April 16, 2044, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US 11958662 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 2 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

As consumer goods companies move toward sustainability, refillable systems are becoming the standard for reducing plastic waste. This patent protects the mechanical reliability of the interface between a concentrated refill and a permanent bottle, which is the most common point of failure for these products.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover the chemical composition of the concentrated liquid inside the capsule.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11958662/starlink-gen-3

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US11958662

---

_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._