Apparatus and method of dispensing fluid

Abstract

A method of pouring a fluid from a container (having a spout with a fluid outlet) tilts the container to at least one angle that causes fluid to enter the spout. As a result, fluid exits the spout through the fluid outlet. The fluid passing through the spout also causes the mechanical member to move. The method then correlates movement of the mechanical member with visual or other indicia showing the volume of fluid passing through the fluid outlet.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to fluid and other dispensers and, more particularly, the invention relates to determining volumes of fluid and other materials dispensed from fluid dispensers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluids often are sold to retail consumers in containers having removable lids. For example, liquid laundry detergent typically is packaged in a container having a removable cap. Accordingly, when washing a load of laundry, a person may remove the cap from the container and pour a measured amount of detergent into their washing machine.

There are a number ways of measuring the amount of detergent to use in a load of laundry. Among others, one method involves pouring the detergent into a graduated measuring cup. Although it is simple to do, this method often leaves some detergent in the measuring cup. As a result, this method both wastes some detergent and causes inaccurate amounts of detergent to be added to the washing machine. In addition, soiling an additional component (i.e., the measuring cup) further complicates to the overall laundering process.

The art has responded to the problem of requiring separate measuring cups by adding graduations directly to the laundry detergent caps themselves. The caps thus effectively become graduated measuring cups. Despite the benefit of eliminating an extra component, however, this solution still suffers from many of the same problems that arise when using a separate graduated measuring cup. For example, the cap still may have residual amounts of detergent left in it after use, consequently causing both the above noted waste and inaccuracy problems. In fact, this solution has an additional problem; namely, when re-attaching the cap to the container, residual detergent left in the cap often spills onto the outside surface of the container or on other nearby surfaces (e.g., on top of a working surface or on the floor). Accordingly, although this solution eliminates an additional component, it adds an additional complication and still suffers from many of the same problems.

In fact, this same problem is pervasive across a number of other consumer and commercial products and thus, is not limited to liquid laundry detergent, which is discussed above by example only.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of pouring a fluid from a container (having a spout with a fluid outlet) tilts the container to at least one angle that causes fluid to enter the spout. As a result, fluid exits the spout through the fluid outlet. The fluid passing through the spout also causes the mechanical member to move. The method then correlates movement of the mechanical member with visual or other indicia showing the volume of fluid passing through the fluid outlet.

In some embodiments, the mechanical member is within the spout. Among other ways, the mechanical member may move along a track. Moreover, the mechanical member may include a rotatable member that moves along the track, or a floating member that is substantially unconnected with the spout.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a spout has a housing forming an inlet, an outlet, and a channel between the inlet and the outlet. The housing has a housing volume between the inlet and the outlet. The spout also has indicia adapted to show the approximate volume of fluid that passes through the outlet in real time. The indicia includes indicia identifying at least one volume that is greater than the housing volume between the inlet and the outlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing advantages of the invention will be appreciated more fully from the following further description thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a fluid dispensing system incorporating illustrative embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a perspective, partially cut away view of a spout shown in FIG. 1 and configured in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a fluid dispensing system of FIG. 1 while pouring fluid through its outlet.

FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 in a rest position. This Figure is a cross-sectional view across an inlet to the indicating chamber.

FIG. 4B also shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 in a rest position. This Figure is a cross-sectional view across an inlet to the pour chamber.

FIG. 5A shows the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4A while pouring fluid through its spout.

FIG. 5B shows the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4B while pouring fluid through its spout.

FIG. 6 schematically shows an exploded view of the spout shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a bottom view of the spout shown in FIG. 2 with its covering lid removed.

FIGS. 8A and 8B schematically show interior and exterior sides of a covering lid, which is part of the spout shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 schematically shows a cross-sectional elevational view of a dispensing cylinder in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 schematically shows a cross-sectional side view of the dispensing cylinder shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 schematically shows a side view of the dispensing cylinder of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 schematically shows a perspective view of a dispensing system using the dispensing cylinder of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 schematically shows a cross-sectional elevational view of a dispensing cylinder in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 schematically shows a cross-sectional side view of the dispensing cylinder shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 schematically shows a side view of the dispensing cylinder of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 schematically shows a perspective view of a dispensing system using the dispensing cylinder of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 schematically shows a perspective view of a dispensing system using the dispensing cylinder of FIG. 13, with an extreme position in phantom.

FIG. 18 schematically shows a perspective view of a dispensing spout in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 schematically shows a perspective view of specific components of the spout shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 schematically shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the spout shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a proportional hole dispenser.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In illustrative embodiments, a fluid dispensing spout identifies, in real time, the approximate cumulative amount of fluid passing through it during a single pour. For example, if it is part of a laundry detergent container, the spout may identify the approximate amount of detergent poured into a washing machine at a given time. Accordingly, a user does not need to use a measuring cup or other apparatus to ensure that the proper amount of detergent has been dispensed. Details of various embodiments are discussed below.

Initial Embodiments

In illustrative embodiments, a spout may be considered to sample a portion of fluid entering it, and identify substantially the total volume of fluid passing through its outlet as a function of the sampled fluid.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a fluid dispensing system 10 incorporating illustrative embodiments of the invention. More specifically, the fluid dispensing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a laundry detergent container 12 for containing laundry detergent, and a spout 14 that dynamically identifies, in real time, the cumulative amount of fluid passing through it during a single pour.

In a manner similar to conventional laundry detergent containers, the container 12 may be formed from injection molded or blow-molded plastic and have an integrated handle to facilitate use. Moreover, the spout 14 may connect to the container 12 in a wide variety of ways. For example, the spout 14 may be integrated into the neck 16 of the container 12, or adhered to the container 12 by an adhesive or conventional ultrasonic welding process.

Alternatively, the spout 14 may be removably connected to the container 12. Among other ways, the spout 14 may have threads 18 (see FIG. 2) that screw into a mating portion of the container 12. Of course, those skilled in the art should understand that a variety of conventional means may be used to removably connect the spout 14 to the container 12. In addition, although shown at the top of the container 12, the spout 14 may connect with the container 12 at any other reasonable location. For example, the spout 14 may be connected to the side of the container 12, or even to what appears to be the bottom of the container 12 (e.g., via a specially molded container 12 that permits the nozzle to be mounted in such a manner). Valving devices (not shown) also may be used to more carefully control fluid flow.

It should be noted that discussion of a laundry detergent container 12, laundry detergent, and a laundry detergent system is for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of all embodiments of the invention. In fact, various embodiments can be implemented with a wide variety of containers containing many different types of fluids. Moreover, discussion of liquids, such as liquid laundry detergent, also is for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of all embodiments of the invention. For example, some embodiments may dynamically measure volumes of motor oil flowing through the spout 14. In fact, fluids flowing through the spout 14 may include liquids, such as liquid laundry detergent, or powders, such as laundry detergent or bleach in powder form.

FIG. 2 shows a partially cut away, perspective view of the spout 14 shown in FIG. 1. In particular, the spout 14 has a bottom portion 20 that screws onto the neck 16 of the container 12, a main body 22 for both identifying fluid volumes and permitting fluid to flow therethrough, and a top portion 24 that forms a fluid outlet 26. All portions illustratively are formed from plastic by conventional injection molding processes.

The top portion 24 also includes a cap 28 formed as living hinge that provides a snap-fit closure for the fluid outlet 26. Accordingly, prior to pouring fluid through the spout 14, a user pivots the cap 28 rearwardly to open the fluid outlet 26. A corresponding manner, after pouring fluid through the spout 14, the user may pivot the cap 28 back toward the fluid outlet 26 to prevent inadvertent fluid leakage.

To permit fluid flow through the spout 14 and measure fluid volumes substantially simultaneously, the main body 22 respectively has a pour chamber 30 that channels fluid to the outlet 26, and an indicating chamber 32 for identifying cumulative amounts of fluid passing through the outlet 26 during a single pour. In illustrative embodiments, the indicating chamber 32 has an indicating inlet 34 at its bottom end for receiving a sample amount of fluid, and a closed opposite end 36. Accordingly, the indicating inlet 34 is the only port for permitting fluid in or out of the indicating chamber 32. It thus acts as a fluid outlet in certain instances (e.g., when turned upright after pouring fluid through the pour chamber 30). In addition, the indicating chamber 32 also has a transparent or translucent side wall 38 with visual indicia 40 identifying the approximate volume of fluid flowing through the fluid outlet 26.

As shown, the indicia 40 simply are horizontal graduations with optional identifying symbols. The indicia 40 nevertheless can include a number of other means, including different visual markings, movable parts and/or audible signals. Details of illustrative movable parts are shown in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on even date herewith and entitled, “APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DISPENSING FLUID. Audible signals can be implemented in a number of manners. For example, a microchip (not shown) may be configured both to detect fluid volumes and emit a beep for every ounce of fluid it detects. Such a microchip may be positioned in the indicating chamber 32. In some embodiments, however, the indicating chamber 32 may be eliminated by positioning the microchip within the pour chamber 30. As another example, the venting could be tuned to provide audible signals indicating fluid volumes being poured.

When pouring (i.e., when the outlet 26 is tipped so that it faces at some angle downwardly relative to the horizontal, as shown in FIG. 3), gravity or some other force or pressure forces fluid through the pour chamber 30 and, ultimately, through the outlet 26. Fluid enters the pour chamber 30 via a pour inlet 30A. At the same time, fluid enters the indicating chamber 32 via the indicating inlet 34 and pools at the closed opposite end 36 of the indicating chamber 32. This fluid level progressively rises to show the total amount of fluid passing through the outlet 26.

By way of example, from the inverted position (i.e., when pouring), the bottom graduation (i.e., the graduation nearest the closed end 36 of the indicating chamber 32) may represent about a quarter cup of fluid (through the outlet 26), the next graduation may indicate about a half cup of fluid, the third graduation may indicate about three quarters of a cup of fluid, and the final graduation (i.e., nearest the indicating inlet 34) may indicate about a full cup. Accordingly, as discussed below, fluid is metered through the pour chamber 30 and the indicating chamber 32 in a manner that ensures the general accuracy of these readings. Of course, fluid flow may be controlled to provide graduations identifying any practical, desired level. For example, the sizes of the pour inlet 30A and the indicating inlet 34, as well as the interior geometry of the chambers, may be changed to increase or decrease fluid flow. The graduations discussed above therefore are exemplary and not intended to limit various aspects of the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, among others, the indicating chamber 32 also has vent holes 42 to facilitate fluid flow into and out of its interior. In illustrative embodiments, the vent holes 42 are substantially smaller than the indicating inlet 34. The material forming the vent holes 42 illustratively has hydrophobic qualities that, together with the small size of the vent holes 42, mitigate the likelihood of fluid flowing therethrough. The size of the vent holes 42 nevertheless are coordinated with the size of the indicating inlet 34, housing material, and anticipated flow properties of the fluid (e.g., surface tension and viscosity) to ensure appropriate fluid flow into and from the indicating chamber 32. The spout 14 has additional vents, discussed below, which have similar properties relative to other discussed ports.

FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically show cross-sectional views of the system 10 shown in FIG. 1 when upright (i.e., not pouring fluid). Specifically, FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view through the indicating inlet 34, while FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view through a fluid path leading to the pour inlet 30A. FIGS. 4A and 4B also have flow arrows showing the direction that fluid should flow when the system 10 is tilted for pouring fluid. In particular, the flow arrows in FIG. 4A show the path that fluid should take into the indicating chamber 32, while the flow arrows in FIG. 4B show the path that fluid should take into the pour chamber 30. Of course, when in the upright position, fluid does not follow the flow arrows, which are included simply for illustrative purposes. FIGS. 4A and 4B clearly show a number of the internal components, including the pour chamber 30, indicating chamber 32, and a dividing wall 44 between the two chambers. Various of these details are discussed below with regard to FIGS. 6, 7, 8A, and 8B (discussed below).

FIGS. 5A and 5B respectively show the views of FIGS. 4A and 4B while pouring fluid (corresponding to FIG. 3). As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, fluid follows the paths delineated by the flow arrows of FIGS. 4A and 4B.

The spout 14 may be produced in accordance with conventional processes. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the spout 14 may be considered to be formed by coupled first, second, and third separately moldable pieces. In particular, as shown in FIG. 6, the first piece 46 has the indicating chamber 32 and cap 28, while the second piece 48 has the pour chamber 30 extending upwardly from a base portion 50, and threads 18 extending downwardly from the base portion 50. The third piece 52 has a flow control apparatus 54, which comprises a vented lid 56 and a fluid handler 58 for directing fluid within the spout 14. The three pieces 46, 48, and 52 may be coupled in a conventional manner, such as by one or more of an adhesive or ultrasonic welding process. In some embodiments, however, rather than be a part of the second piece, the threads 18 may be formed as part of the third piece 52.

FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B show additional details of the third piece 52. In particular, FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the fluid handler 58 uncoupled from the vented lid 56 (shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B). This embodiment shown in FIG. 7 also includes the threads 18. The fluid handler 58 includes a number of integral components that cooperate with the vented lid 56 to direct fluid either to the indicating chamber 32 or the pour chamber 30 in a controlled manner. Specifically, the fluid handler 58 includes a flat surface 60 forming an inlet channel 62 leading to the indicating chamber 32, and the above discussed pour inlet 30A.

To ensure that fluid enters the pour inlet 30A in a controlled manner, the fluid handler 58 also includes a fluid redirector 64 extending from the flat surface 60. The fluid handler 58 illustratively is a large diameter, curved, concave wall from the perspective of the pour inlet 30A. Accordingly, when the system 10 is in a pouring mode, the convex surface of the fluid redirector 64 reduces the speed at which a fluid enters the pour inlet 30A. Consequently, fluid flow through the spout 14 should be smoother and more controlled.

The fluid handler 58 also includes vent holes 42 for the indicating chamber 32 and the pour chamber 30, as well as positioners 66 that facilitate attachment of the vented lid 56 to the fluid handler 58. The vented lid 56 therefore has indents 68 along its rim (see FIGS. 8A and 8B, discussed below) corresponding to the locations of the positioners 66.

FIGS. 8A and 8B respectively show exterior and interior views of the vented lid 56. When assembled, the interior side of the vented lid 56 and fluid handler 58 are considered to form an interior chamber 70 (see FIG. 4A) that leads to the pour inlet 30A of the pour chamber 30. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8A, the vented lid 56 may be considered to have a base 73 with five aligned fluid openings 72, and a vent hole 42 for venting the interior chamber 70. The center fluid opening (shown as 72A) is in intimate contact with and leads directly to the inlet channel 62 of the fluid handler 58 (i.e., leading to the indicating chamber 32), while the other openings generally lead to the interior chamber 70. During use, fluid flows from the exterior side of the vented lid 56, through the five fluid openings 72, and into either the indicating chamber 32 or the interior chamber 70. Fluid in the interior chamber 70 ultimately leads to the pour inlet 30A.

The vented lid 56 also includes a flange 74 extending partially about the five fluid openings 72. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the flange 74 extends approximately around three sides of the fluid openings 72. The flange 74 has a number of benefits, including having the effect of pooling fluid in the area of the fluid openings 72. By pooling fluid in this manner, fluid should flow through the outlet 26 in a more continuous manner.

FIG. 8B shows the interior side of the vented lid 56, which includes a pair of fluid guides 76 that extend inwardly of the base 73. In illustrative embodiments, each fluid guide 76 has a concave interior surface that redirects incoming fluid from the fluid openings 72 into the interior chamber 70 in a direction that is not substantially normal to the surface of the base 73. Stated another way, fluid exiting the terminal end of one of the fluid guides 76 should not be traveling in a direction that is normal to the base 73. Of course, is expected that fluid may be traveling substantially normal to the base 73 shortly after it exits the fluid guides 76. Among other benefits, the fluid guides 76 should have the effect of decreasing fluid flow rates, thus providing a smoother and more constant flow of fluid through the spout 14 in many anticipated instances.

The size, number, and geometry of the various discussed vented lid components are carefully controlled to ensure prespecified flow rates through the spout 14. For example, the vented lid 56 could have smaller fluid openings 72 or fewer fluid openings 72 to provide slower fluid flow rates through the spout 14. Accordingly, discussion of specific geometries and numbers, such as five substantially rectangular fluid openings 72, or the geometry of the flange 74, is for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit all embodiments of the invention.

To dispense fluid, a user therefore may tilt the container 12 to an angle that causes fluid to pass through the spout 14 (see FIG. 3). The user may continue to pour the fluid until the indicating chamber 32 shows that a desired amount of fluid has been dispensed. At that point, the user may orient the system 10 in an upright manner (see FIG. 1) for storage. The user therefore does not need additional cups to measure the fluid. In addition, the user also does not need to remove the spout 14 from the container 12. Instead, the user simply pours fluid in one step.

Accordingly, the indicating chamber 32 may be considered to “sample” a portion of fluid flowing into the spout 14. Because of the geometry and makeup of the spout 14, this portion of fluid should be substantially proportional to the amount of fluid flowing through the spout outlet 26. This portion of fluid entering the spout 14 thus cooperates with the visual indicia 40 to show approximate fluid volumes the system 10 dispenses. Moreover, different spout geometries can be used for different types of fluids having different flow characteristics. Empirical testing should suffice to predetermine the proportion of sampled fluid in the indicating chamber 32.

In a manner similar to many other fluid measurement devices, the accuracy of fluid readings may have an error factor. Accordingly, fluid readings should be considered an approximation and not necessarily an exact amount. For example, a reading of 0.5 cups could indicate that the spout 14 dispensed 10% more or 10% less than 0.5 cups of fluid. Testing has determined that fluid readings often are less accurate when the container 12 is almost empty or completely full. In controlled laboratory conditions, accuracy is enhanced, therefore mitigating the error factor. It nevertheless is anticipated that during use, human error will contribute to the error factor.

Additional Embodiments

Some other embodiments modify the spout of FIG. 1 to have other indicia for identifying fluid amounts passing through the spout. A number of those embodiments may keep or eliminate the indicating chamber 32. Various of the remaining figures show some such embodiments having mechanical means for identifying fluid volumes. In still other embodiments, indicia may be used in a single chambered spout. Details follow below.

FIGS. 9-12 show a dispensing cylinder for a paddle indicator of a fluid dispenser configured in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional elevation and FIG. 10 a cross-sectional side view of the cylinder showing the paddle indicator in two extreme positions. Dispenser 125 comprises a receptacle chamber 127 with a spout end 129, a spout 130, and a connecting end 131 communicating with a container 133. A drip cup 135 is disposed around the chamber 127 proximal end 131 for catching product/fluid flowing down outer walls of the chamber. Drain back opening 137 near a bottom of the drip cup 135 allows product dripping from the receptacle to drain back into the chamber 127. Opening 137 also controls aspiration and provides venting.

Drip cup 135 has free ends 139 allowing for a spring action motion for tightly fitting the cup and the dispenser in container 133. The dispenser may also be fitted in the container by overlying the free ends 139 with edges 141 of the container 133.

As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 12, the paddle indicator 145 rides in slot 143 on the receptacle 127. Slot 143 is preferably not cut all the way through the wall. Preferably, the indicator has semi-circular paddles 147 on axle 149. Generally, a pie-shaped semi-circular volume 151 is defined between each paddle 147. Axle 149 is the indicator quantifying the amount dispensed. For example, each revolution may account for about 1.79 ounces product when each pie-shaped volume is about 0.2984 ounces. For example, for dispensing 7 ounces of fluid, there may be about 3.911 revolutions of the paddle wheel. About 2.226 linear movement will result from a 32 pitch, 20 p.a. 6-tooth gear and rack arrangement.

The paddle indicator 145 comprises a gear and rack arrangement 153. Racks 157 attach to a semi-circular wall 155 along an end 131 of the receptacle 125. Wall 155 also acts as a dam to block off flow to upper sides of the paddles. Gear 159 on rack 157 allows movement of the axle along the slot when product/fluid is dispensed. When dispensing a product, the container 133 and dispenser 125 are tilted. Axle 149 rides 161 between extreme lower and upper positions in the slot 143 and in conjunction with the movement of the paddle, due to the flowing product, indicates the amount corresponding to markings 163 on the indicator as, for example, shown in FIG. 11. Axle 149 falls back to a lower position when the dispenser and container 133 are un-tilted.

FIGS. 13-17 show a cylinder for a sliding rack indicator of the dispenser 165 with a cover 166. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional elevation and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the sliding rack indicator. Dispenser 165 comprises a receptacle chamber 167 with a spout end 169, a spout 170, and a connecting end 171 communicating with a container 173. A drip cup 175 is disposed around the chamber 167 proximal end 171 for catching product flowing down outer walls of the chamber. Drain back opening 177 near a bottom of the drip cup 175 allows any product dripping from the receptacle to drain back into the chamber 167. Opening 177 also controls aspiration and provides venting.

Drip cup 175 has free ends 179 allowing for a spring action motion for tightly fitting the cup and the dispenser in container 173. The dispenser may also be fitted in the container 173 by overlying the free ends 179 with edges 181 of the container 173.

As shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 16, and 17, the sliding rack indicator 185 rides in slot 183 on the receptacle 167. Slot 183 is preferably not cut all the way through the wall. Preferably the indicator has semi-circular paddles 187 on axle 189. Generally, a pie-shaped semi-circular volume 191 is defined between each paddle 187. The paddle wheel is stationary. For example, each revolution may account for about 1.79 ounces product when each pie-shaped volume is about 0.2984 ounces. For example, for dispensing 7 ounces there may be about 3.911 revolutions of the paddle wheel. About 2.226 linear movement will result from a 32 pitch, 20 p.a. 6-tooth gear and rack arrangement.

The rack indicator 185 comprises a gear and rack arrangement 193. Racks 197 attach to a disk 195 along an end 171 of the receptacle 165. Disk 195 shuts off flow after a desired and/or predetermined amount rotates the paddles 187 and flows out. For example, the predetermined shut-off amount for the bottom disk 195 may be set at 7 ounces. Preferably, a semi-circular wall 199 along end 171 acts as a dam to block off flow to upper sides of the paddles. Gear 201 on rack 197 allows movement of the rack 203 along the slot when product is dispensed.

When dispensing a product, the container 173 and dispenser 165 are tilted. Axle 189 remains stationary with the product rotating the paddles 187, while rack 197 rides 205 in the slot 183 between extreme lower and upper positions 202 (see FIG. 17) and in conjunction with the movement of the rack, due to the flowing product, indicates the amount corresponding to markings 207 on the indicator as, for example, shown in FIG. 15. Markings may also be provided on the rack arms 208. Rack 197 falls back when the dispenser and container 173 are un-tilted.

As noted above, some embodiments may use audible indicia to identify the volume of fluid dispensed. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 16, the dispenser may have a conventional integrated circuit 206 configured to emit a sound for specified volumes of fluid it detects passing through the dispenser. For example, the integrated circuit 206 may be programmed to emit a beeping sound for each ounce of fluid it detects. Among other things, the programmer should consider spout volume and geometry when programming the circuit 206.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a dispenser spout 209 with movable paddle indicator 211. FIG. 19 is perspective view of the movable paddle and attachment with marker 213, paddle drive 215 and tabs 217. FIG. 20 is a horizontal cross-section of the pour spout 209 with serrations or steps 219 on tracks 221. Marker 213 runs along stepped/serrated tracks 221 with steps/serrations 219 disposed along slit/slot 223 of spout 211.

The paddle indicator 211 has toggle or ticker tabs 217 with a generally horizontal portion 227 overlying generally vertical portions 229 having free ends 231. Detents 233 on the free ends 231 engage the steps/serrations 219 in track 221 of spout 209. Product flowing out of the container 173 through the dispenser spout 209 pushes the paddle 215 of paddle indicator 211 along the track 221. The product perpetuates the marker 213 along the tracks 221. Marker 213 of indicator 211 rides along the slit/slot 223 and rests on markings 225 along the slit/slot 223 indicating the amount dispensed. Track geometry allows the paddle indicator 211 with its marker 213 to fall back and reset along the slit/slot 223 when the container 173 with the dispenser is un-tilted and turned upright.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a proportional hole dispenser showing the visible measurement of product being poured. The dispenser 350 has a receptacle 351 with a chamber 353, base 355 and sleeve 357. Opening 359 on base 355 communicates with a container 361. The dispenser 351 has a pour spout 363. End 365 of the receptacle 353 may be a closure or closed end 367 with an opening 369.

The proportionality of openings/holes 359 and 369 is designed such that hole 359 is larger than hole 369. Product 373 passes through the large hole 359 on the base 355 through the chamber 353 and to the smaller hole 369 proximal the pour spout 363 and lip 364. Markings/indicia or demarcations 371 indicate amount dispensed. In illustrative embodiments, the markings 371 may be positioned as shown. In other embodiments, however, the markings are positioned near the surface identified as 399.

The chamber 353 fills through hole 359 faster than the product exits from hole 369 allowing users to read the markings/demarcations corresponding to the flow line 375 to ascertain how much product has been dispensed. Un-tilting the container and dispenser drains the remaining product back into the container. Vents 377 may be provided on the dispenser/base to vent the chambers. Alternative embodiments use audible indicia rather than visual indicia. Yet other embodiments may use mechanical means as the visual indicia, among other things.

Although the above discussion discloses various exemplary embodiments of the invention, it should be apparent that those skilled in the art can make various modifications that will achieve some of the advantages of the invention without departing from the true scope of the invention. For example, rather some mechanical means may have a floating mechanism that changes its level within the spout interior as a function of the fluid passing therethrough.

Claims

1. A method of pouring a fluid from a container having a spout with a fluid outlet, the method comprising: tilting the container to at least one angle that causes fluid to enter the spout, tilting causing the fluid to exit the spout through the fluid outlet, the fluid passing through the spout causing the mechanical member to move; and correlating movement of the mechanical member with visual indicia showing the volume of fluid passing through the fluid outlet.

2. The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the mechanical member is within the spout.

3. The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the mechanical member moves along a track.

4. The method as defined by claim 3 wherein the mechanical member includes a rotatable member that moves along the track.

5. The method as defined by claim 1 further including a drip cup.

6. A spout comprising: a housing forming an inlet, an outlet, and a channel between the inlet and the outlet, the housing having a housing volume between the inlet and the outlet; and indicia adapted to show the approximate volume of fluid that passes through the outlet in real time, the indicia including indicia identifying at least one volume that is greater than the housing volume between the inlet and the outlet.

7. The spout as defined by claim 6 wherein the indicia includes movement of a mechanical member.

8. The spout as defined by claim 6 wherein the indicia include graduations formed on the housing.

9. The spout as defined by claim 6 wherein the housing includes a pour chamber having a pour inlet and a pour outlet, the housing also including an indicating chamber having an indicating inlet for receiving fluid, the indicating chamber including the indicia.

10. The spout as defined by claim 6 wherein the indicia includes an audible sound.

11. The spout as defined by claim 10 further including a sensor adapted to produce the audible sound as a function of fluid flowing through the housing.

12. The spout as defined by claim 6 wherein the housing includes an indicating chamber in fluid communication with the channel, the indicating chamber having the indicia and receiving an amount of fluid generally proportional to fluid passing through the outlet.

13. A spout comprising: a housing forming an inlet, an outlet, and a channel between the inlet and the outlet, the housing having a housing volume between the inlet and the outlet; and means for showing the approximate volume of fluid that passes through the outlet in real time, the showing means including means for identifying at least one volume that is greater than the housing volume between the inlet and the outlet.

14. The spout as defined by claim 13 wherein the showing means includes indicia.

15. The spout as defined by claim 13 wherein the showing means includes movement of a mechanical member.

16. The spout as defined by claim 13 wherein the showing means includes graduations formed on the housing.

17. The spout as defined by claim 13 wherein the showing means includes an audible sound.

18. The spout as defined by claim 13 wherein the housing includes means for receiving an amount of fluid that is generally proportional to the fluid flowing through the outlet.

19. The spout as defined by claim 18 wherein the receiving means includes an indicating chamber in fluid communication with the channel.

20. A method of dispensing fluid from a container, the method comprising: providing a dispenser having a chamber with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid inlet being larger than the fluid outlet, the chamber having indicia for identifying fluid levels within the chamber when fluid exits the fluid outlet during a single pour; permitting fluid to begin filling the chamber; and correlating the level of the fluid with the indicia to identify the volume of fluid passing through the fluid outlet.