Patent Application
20250066060
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of containers. More particularly, an embodiment relates to a container with improved fluid flow.
Some liquid dispenser containers utilize a pump or straw to extract fluid from the container during use. However, such container designs fail to extract all the liquid from a container when contents reach the bottom. In most cases, the straws simply can not reach the liquid still present in the container.
This leaves unused liquid in the containers, and without extreme solutions (such as having to tilt the container upside down or diluting the liquid), the remaining liquid goes to waste. In some cases, such liquids are expensive, and the negative impact can be economical and/or environmental.
The detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, various embodiments may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the particular embodiments.
Some embodiments relate to a novel container with improved fluid flow characteristics. In one embodiment, the bottom portion of a container is shaped to allow a more efficient flow of fluid towards at least one accumulation point. Such an approach allows the remaining liquid to flow to one location (e.g., using gravity) to allow for an extraction device (e.g., a straw, a pump, etc.) to extract the remaining liquid from the container. In an embodiment, the liquid being extracted is viscous. Various types of liquids may be extracted, including but not limited to, water, edible oil, motor oil, heating oil, gasoline, diesel, hair products (e.g., shampoo, conditioner, etc.), alcohol, cleaning liquids, syrup, personal lotions, etc.
Moreover, one or more channeled grooves or positive gravitational flow grooves 103 are also optional and are envisioned to assist in a smoother fluid liquid toward the accumulation point (e.g., a receiving or fulfillment plate portion 101 in
The shark toothed portion 106 of the extraction straw 105 may be provided at the entire base of the straw (i.e., 360 degrees) in at least one embodiment. In another embodiment, the shark toothed portion 106 may include teeth (as shown) and/or one or more holes to allow for fluid flow into the straw 105. The one or more holes may be provide on the sides of the straw 105 and not just the bottom of the straw in some embodiments.
The container wall (or lip) 504 is envisioned to provide a more stable base for the container when the container is standing. While some embodiments discussed herein include a base plate with a tiered design (e.g., to enhance fluid flow), embodiments are not limited to a tiered design, and the base plates discussed and/or shown herein may have no tiers (or otherwise a flat design), e.g., with a slope towards the end of an extraction straw to provide enhanced fluid flow by the base towards the extraction straw.
As shown in
In one embodiment, a rubber seal (such as a rubber or silicon O-ring) or glue may be provided at the circumference of the base plate insert 600 to seal the connection and restrict fluid flow in an existing container. In one example, the base plate insert 600 may be inserted into an existing container and sealed in place before pouring a liquid into the container. Furthermore, the diameter (606) of the base plate insert 600 is adjustable (e.g., in accordance with the size of the existing container in at least one embodiment.
As shown in
In one embodiment, a plastic (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, or similar) bottle/container holding viscous (or slightly viscous) liquids can have a spherical or rectangular shape. The base of the bottle, which may match the shape of the bottle body, is extended downwards to promote stability allowing for a concave shaped inner base.
In an embodiment, the container base plate shape is created through the blow mold processing technique or similar and may form a reverse funnel or concave shaped base, located inside of the container. The container may be constructed with a plastic or polyethylene terephthalate, or similar, distribution bottle for viscous fluids.
Furthermore, a concave shaped base, with or without grooved channels, may promote gravitational downward flow of viscous liquids towards at least one accumulation point.
In another embodiment, a concave shape, combined with distribution and/or grooved channeled base promotes unrestrictive flow of a viscous substance, resulting in ease of extraction.
The following examples, individually or in any combination, pertain to further embodiments:
References to “one example,” “an example,” etc., indicate that the example described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every example may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same example. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an example, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other examples whether or not explicitly described.
Moreover, in the various examples described above, unless specifically noted otherwise, disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” or “A, B, and/or C” is intended to be understood to mean either A, B, or C, or any combination thereof (i.e. A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B and C).
The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding. However, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described to avoid obscuring the details of the present embodiments.
Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, and/or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least an implementation. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification may or may not be all referring to the same embodiment.
Also, in the description and claims, the terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, may be used. In some embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical contact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements may not be in direct contact with each other, but may still cooperate or interact with each other.
Thus, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that claimed subject matter may not be limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as sample forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.
The present application is a non-provisional patent application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/597,292, filed Nov. 8, 2023, entitled “CONTAINER WITH INTERNAL CONCAVE BASE PLATE FOR IMPROVED FLUID FLOW,” which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety and for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63597292 | Nov 2023 | US |
