FLUID STORAGE AND DISPENSING CONTAINER AND LID FOR FLUID STORAGE AND DISPENSING CONTAINER

Abstract

The present invention is related to a container for storage and distribution of fluid comprising a body configured to hold a fluid, in which the body comprises an opening for the passage of the fluid configured so that the fluid packed in the body flows towards the opening in the resting position of the container; and a directional arm comprising a first end with an opening in communication with the opening for the passage of fluid from the body and a second end wherein a check valve is arranged, in which the fluid inside the directional arm is in direct contact with the fluid in the body. The invention is further related to a lid for a fluid storage and distribution container, which comprises an intermediate element that can be connected to a body of a fluid storage and distribution container, and a directional arm fitted to the intermediate element.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Brazilian Patent Application No. BR102023018685-8, filed Sep. 14, 2023, entitled Fluid Storage And Storage And Dispensing Container And Lid For Fluid Storage And Dispensing Container, which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is related to a container for the storage and distribution of fluid, especially for the storage and distribution of a viscous fluid, in which the lid is positioned at the bottom of the container.

DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

The distribution of viscous liquids, such as food condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, hygiene products like shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, and various cosmetics is a challenge due to the flow properties of the viscous liquid. Usually, the containers that hold these liquids have a lid on the upper face of the container and the liquid contained therein tends to remain at the bottom of the container. For particularly viscous liquids, even inverting the container is not enough to get the liquid to flow to the lid. Thus, the user often needs to shake the container every time they want to dispense the fluid stored therein, which is a major inconvenience of this type of container.

Configurations of containers equipped with an outlet at the bottom of the container with the intention of solving this inconvenience are known in the market. Conventionally, the container comprises a flexible plastic tube or bottle with a threaded cap that is adapted to act as a base to support the tube at its lower end. Once the container rests on the shelf in an inverted position with the lid down, the liquid inside it settles near the distribution outlet of the container. However, this solution also brings inconveniences to the user.

Lids for inverted position containers are usually of the flip-top type, disk top type, or even screw-on type. The use of this type of lid brings challenges to the user precisely because of its dual function as a liquid outlet and container support, so that the container must necessarily be lifted for the lid to be opened. Using as an example a food condiment such as ketchup, in the interest of serving the sauce contained in the container onto a sandwich held in one hand, the user must hold and lift the container with the other hand. Thus, the movement of opening and closing the lid is hindered because both hands are already occupied. Supporting the container on the surface in order to free one hand to open and close the lid can also be complex, as the container's support surface is precisely the lid. It is then up to the user to balance the container and close the lid with a single hand, which is challenging. In addition, this configuration of the lid at the bottom of the container does not allow the container to remain in the open position, so the user who uses the product must necessarily open and close the lid every time they serve themselves. In the given example where the product is ketchup, each time the user wants to enhance their food with sauce, the container must be lifted, the lid opened, the ketchup served, the lid closed, and the container supported again, all with a single hand.

Thus, the need arises for a liquid storage and distribution container that allows for simplified dispensing by the user.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

A first objective of the present invention is to provide a fluid storage and distribution container in which the fluid is naturally drained towards the fluid outlet and wherein the container can be easily stood in an open position without the fluid spilling out.

A second objective of the invention is to provide a container in which the fluid contained in the container does not dry out in the closed position.

A third objective of the invention is to provide a lid for a fluid storage and distribution container that allows the container to be stood in an open position without the fluid spilling.

A fourth objective of the invention is to provide a container lid in which the fluid contained in the lid does not dry out in the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the described objectives, a first aspect of the present invention consists of a container for the storage and distribution of fluid comprising a body configured to hold a fluid, wherein the body comprises an opening for the passage of the fluid configured so that the fluid stored in the body flows towards the opening in the resting position of the container, and a directional arm comprising a first end with an opening in communication with the opening for the passage of body fluid and a second end in which a check valve is arranged. In the container of the invention, the fluid located inside the directional arm is in direct contact with the fluid located in the body.

Optionally, the container comprises a clamping ring configured to secure the check valve to the directional arm.

Optionally, the directional arm is articulated. In this configuration, the fluid passage opening of the container body can be arranged on a lateral plane at a lower portion of the container body.

Alternatively, the directional arm is fixed. In this configuration, the container additionally comprises a lid arranged over the check valve.

Optionally, the container additionally comprises an intermediate element between the container body and the directional arm.

The invention further refers to a lid for a fluid storage and distribution container which comprises an intermediate element connectable to a fluid storage and distribution container body, and a directional arm fitted to the intermediate element. The directional arm comprises a first end provided with an opening for the passage of fluid and a second end in which a check valve is arranged.

On the lid of the present invention, the directional arm is articulated or fixed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention will be described in more detail below based on execution examples represented in the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment in the open position.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the open position.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention in the closed position.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the container of FIG. 3 in the closed position.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the closed position with indicative A-A cut line.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the indicative A-A line of FIG. 5 with the container empty and in the closed position.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the indicative A-A line of FIG. 5 with the container filled with fluid and in the closed position.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the closed position with an indicative B-B cut line.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the indicative B-B line of FIG. 8 with the container empty and in the closed position.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the indicative B-B line of FIG. 8 with the container filled with fluid and in the closed position.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the open position with an indicative C-C cut line.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the indicative C-C line of FIG. 11 with the container empty and in the open position.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the indicative C-C line of FIG. 11 with the container filled with fluid and in the open position.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention in the open position.

FIG. 15 shows a side view of the container of FIG. 14 in the open position.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the invention in the closed position.

FIG. 17 shows a side view of the container of FIG. 16 in the closed position.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment in the closed position with an indicative A-A cut line.

FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the indicative A-A line of FIG. 18 with the container empty.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the indicative A-A line of FIG. 18 with the container filled with fluid.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment in the closed position with indicative B-B cut line.

FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the indicative B-B line of FIG. 21 with the container empty and in the open position.

FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the indicative B-B line of FIG. 21 with the container filled with fluid and in the open position.

FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of the indicative B-B line of FIG. 21 with the container empty and in the closed position.

FIG. 25 shows a cross-sectional view of the indicative B-B line of FIG. 21 with the container filled with fluid and in the closed position.

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention in the open position.

FIG. 27 shows a side view of the container of FIG. 26 in the open position.

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of the third embodiment of the invention in the closed position.

FIG. 29 shows a side view of the container of FIG. 28 in the closed position.

FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of the third embodiment in the closed position with an indicative A-A cut line.

FIG. 31 shows a cross-sectional view of the indicative A-A line of FIG. 30 with the container empty in the closed position.

FIG. 32 shows a cross-sectional view of the indicative A-A line of FIG. 30 with the fluid-filled container in the closed position.

FIG. 33 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the directional arm.

FIG. 34 shows a cross-sectional view of an additional alternative embodiment of the directional arm.

FIG. 35 shows a cross-sectional view of an additional alternative embodiment of the directional arm.

FIG. 36 shows a frontal cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention in the closed position with the container empty.

FIG. 37 shows a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 36 in the open position with the container empty.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the present invention, a container is provided comprising a container body 2, a directional arm 1 coupled to the container body 2, and a check valve 3 arranged at the outlet end of the directional arm.

FIGS. 1 to 13 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of a container of the present invention.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, directional arm 1 of the first embodiment is an articulated and retractable arm, which can be rotated from an open position to a closed position. In the open position, directional arm 1 is positioned outwards from container body 2 so that the check valve 3 is unobstructed for the flow of the fluid contained in the container. In the closed position illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, directional arm 1 is shown in the retracted position, wherein the fluid outlet is accommodated inside the body of container 2, interrupting the contact of the fluid content with the outside air.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate cross-sectional views along the A-A cut line of FIG. 5, FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate cross-sectional views along the B-B cut line of FIG. 8, and FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate cross-sectional views along the C-C cut line of FIG. 11. The illustrated cross-sections detail the internal characteristics of the container of the present invention.

As illustrated in the cross-section of the first exemplary embodiment, the body of container 2 features a first portion in which the viscous fluid is stored, and a second portion configured as a base for supporting the container and accommodating directional arm 1. However, alternative configurations of the body are equally applicable to promote a container capable of remaining at rest with the fluid outlet facing downwards. Directional arm 1 is articulated between the open and closed positions by rotating around an axis 10. Axis 10 is exemplified vertically in relation to the support plane of the container, but the angle thereof can vary without impairing operation according to the designed configuration of the container and directional arm 1.

In the first exemplary embodiment, directional arm 1 is sealed to a fitting 6 directly at the bottom of the liquid storage portion of container body 2, so that a bottom opening of container body 2 is in direct contact with the opening of directional arm 1, thus forming a clear path for fluid 7 between container body 2 and directional arm 1 both in the open position and in the closed position of the container, as can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 13. This configuration of the present invention, which does not interrupt the contact of fluid 7 in different elements of the container, is especially advantageous, as it prevents fluid 7 located in directional arm 1 from drying out.

In the closed position wherein control arm 1 is retracted, the outlet end of control arm 1 is blocked, for example, by container body 2 to prevent fluid 7 from being distributed.

In addition, check valve 3 is configured to prevent the viscous fluid 7 contained in the container from being dispensed at rest, even in the open configuration of directional arm 1. In the preferred embodiment, the container further includes a clamping ring 4 for securing check valve 3 to directional arm 1.

Preferably, check valve 3 is a silicone valve, such as a silicone cross-slit valve, but any other element that functions as a valve for preventing the liquid contents from spilling when the container is at rest in the open position is equally applicable. In order for fluid 7 to pass through check valve 3, pressure must be exerted inside the body of container 2, for example, by a tightening movement of said body of container 2. At the moment when the pressure is interrupted, the container body returns to its initial configuration and the flow of fluid 7 is also interrupted.

In the preferred execution of the first embodiment of the invention, check valve 3 is attached to directional arm 1 by a clamping ring 4 for fixing check valve 3. Optionally, a recess 11 is provided in container body 2 for fitting the clamping ring of directional arm 2 when the directional arm is retracted into the closed position of the container.

In order to facilitate the flow of fluid 7 to directional arm 1, the bottom surface of the storage portion of container body 2 can optionally be configured in an inclined manner.

The configuration of the body of container 2 is exemplarily illustrated in block form, but various geometries can equally be used to promote a container capable of remaining at rest with the fluid outlet facing downward. In addition, the geometry of illustrated directional arm 1 is also exemplary, and alternative configurations can be used without departing from its function of directing fluid 7 from the bottom of the body of container 2 to the side of the container.

Preferably, in the closed position of the container, directional arm 1 is accommodated in the body of container 2 so as not to create protrusions in the container, facilitating transport and storage of said container.

Moreover, the filling of the container with fluid can be carried out through the opening itself at the bottom of container body 2, thus providing a simple and practical configuration in the production phase.

As an alternative to the first exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 13, a second exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 25.

The second embodiment of the invention is distinguished from the first embodiment by the fact that directional arm 1 is configured in a fixed manner in the body of container 2.

In this second embodiment, directional arm 1 is sealed into the fitting 6 located at the bottom of the storage portion of container body 2 and is configured to direct fluid 7 from inside the container body to the side of the container without interruption of fluid 7. Because this second embodiment has a fixed directional arm, fitting 6 does not need to have an articulated configuration, whereby it can be done through thread connection or any other type of connection.

In the second embodiment, fixed directional arm 1 is opened and closed by a flip top type lid 5 arranged to cover the outlet of directional arm 1 and prevent contact of fluid 7 stored inside the directional arm with the outside air.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the second exemplary embodiment further comprises a check valve 3 at the outlet of the directional arm to prevent fluid 7 from being spilled when the container remains at rest in the open position. Preferably, check valve 3 is attached to directional arm 1 by a clamping ring 4 for fixing check valve 3. Preferably, check valve 3 is a silicone valve, such as a silicone cross-slit valve, but any other element that functions as a valve for preventing the liquid contents from spilling when the container is at rest in the open position is equally applicable.

The body of container 2 of the second embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 25, having an indentation in the geometry thereof to accommodate lid 5 of directional arm 2 when open. However, alternative body configurations are equally applicable to promote a container capable of remaining at rest with the fluid outlet facing downward. In addition, the geometry of illustrated directional arm 1 is also exemplary, and alternative configurations can be used without departing from its function of directing fluid 7 from the bottom of the body of container 2 to the side of the container.

A third exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 26 to 32.

The third embodiment resembles the first embodiment in providing a directional arm 1 connected in a sealed and articulated manner to fitting 6 of the container body. On the other hand, this third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments by the fact that the exit opening of the body of container 2 is located on a lateral plane at a lower part of the body of container 2.

Directional arm 1 of the third embodiment is articulated between the open and closed positions by rotating around an axis 10. Axis 10 is exemplified in the Figures in a horizontal manner in relation to the support plane of the container, but its angulation may vary without prejudice to operation according to the designed configuration of the container and directional arm 1.

In this embodiment a free passage for the fluid is also maintained between directional arm 1 and the body of container 2, preventing the fluid inside the container from drying out.

In the open position, directional arm 1 of the third embodiment is articulated to the side of the container, so that the container can rest on the surface in this position. In addition, this embodiment further comprises a check valve 3 at the outlet of directional arm to prevent fluid 7 from being spilled when the container remains at rest in the open position. Preferably, check valve 3 is attached to directional arm 1 by a clamping ring 4 for fixing check valve 3. Preferably, check valve 3 is a silicone valve, such as a silicone cross-slit valve, but any other element that functions as a valve for preventing the liquid contents from spilling when the container is at rest in the open position is equally applicable.

In the closed position, directional arm 1 is articulated to a retracted position wherein the outlet end of directional arm 1 is blocked, for example, by container body 2 to prevent fluid 7 from being distributed. Optionally, a recess 11 is provided in container body 2 for fitting clamping ring 4 of directional arm 2 when the directional arm is retracted in the closed position of the container.

Optionally, in order to better direct the fluid 7 inside the container body to directional arm 1, the bottom of the storage portion of container body 2 is configured in an inclined manner.

Preferably, in the closed position of the container, directional arm 1 is accommodated in the body of container 2 so as not to create protrusions in the container, facilitating transport and storage of said container. Alternatively, different body configurations are equally applicable to promote a container capable of remaining stationary with the fluid outlet open on the side. In addition, the geometry of illustrated directional arm 1 is also exemplary, and alternative configurations can be used without departing from its function of directing fluid 7 from the bottom of the body of container 2 to the side of the container.

FIGS. 33, 34, and 35 illustrate alternative angles for the fluid exit from directional arm 1 of the described embodiments.

The container of the present invention, as defined in its various embodiments, is capable of providing a container for the storage and distribution of fluid that is placed in the inverted position, directing the fluid naturally to the outlet position, which prevents the drying out of the fluid inside the container, and which can be used repeatedly without having to open and close the container at each distribution of the fluid. Thus, only at the end of use, the container must be closed to better preserve the fluid contained in the container.

In a second aspect of the present invention, directional arm 1 is fitted into an intermediate element 12, thus forming a lid structure that can be connected, for example by thread connection, to a container 2 that stores a fluid, especially a viscous fluid. An embodiment of the lid according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 36 and 37.

FIG. 36 illustrates a container similar to that of the first embodiment, wherein the fluid outlet opening of the container is at the bottom of the body of container 2 and wherein directional arm 1 is articulated and retractable around a vertical axis. Unlike the first embodiment described, directional arm 1 of the embodiment in FIGS. 36 and 37 is articulated with a fitting 14 in intermediate element 12, and the intermediate element in turn is fitted, for example, to a thread 13, in the body of container 2. The intermediate element 12 also preferably comprises sealing flaps 15 configured to keep the liquid contents inside the container only. In this way, the sealing flaps 15 prevent the contents of the container from migrating to the junction with the container body 2, in particular the thread 13.

In this embodiment, a free passage for the fluid is also maintained between directional arm 1 and the body of container 2 to be connected, preventing the fluid inside the container from drying out. Additionally, this embodiment further comprises a check valve 3 at the outlet of the directional arm to prevent fluid from being spilled when the container remains at rest in the open position. Preferably, check valve 3 is attached to directional arm 1 by a clamping ring 4 for fixing check valve 3.

In the closed position, directional arm 1 is articulated to a retracted position where the exit end of directional arm 1 is blocked by intermediate element 12 in order to prevent the fluid from being distributed. Optionally, recess 11 is provided in intermediate element 12 for the fitting of clamping ring 4 of directional arm 1 when directional arm 1 is retracted in the closed position of the container.

Preferably, in the closed position of the container, directional arm 1 is accommodated in intermediate element 12 so as not to create protrusions in the container, facilitating the transport and storage of said container.

The described configuration of intermediate element 12 and directional arm 1 forming a lid allows the coupling thereof to conventional thread containers such as condiment tubes, shampoo bottles, moisturizer, detergent, among others, bringing greater flexibility to the application of the invention.

Different configurations can be made for the lid so that intermediate element 12 can be included in any of the previously described embodiments. For example, the directional arm of the lid can be fixed as described for the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 25. Another possible configuration of the lid is to fit into a container with a side exit opening, so that the articulation axis of directional arm 1 is configured horizontally, as described for the third embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 26 to 32.

In an alternative embodiment not illustrated of the present invention, the lid of the fluid storage and dispensing container makes all contact with the support surface.

The lid, according to the second aspect of the present invention, as defined in its various embodiments, is capable of providing a distribution of fluid wherein the container attached thereto is rested in the inverted position, directing the fluid naturally to the outlet position. The lid also prevents the fluid inside the directional arm from drying out in the closed position and allows the container to be stood in its open position so that it can be used repeatedly without having to open and close the container with each fluid dispensing. Only at the end of use, the lid should be closed in order to preserve the fluid contained in the container.

Claims

1. Container for storage and distribution of fluids, characterized by the fact that it comprises: a body (2) configured to hold a fluid, wherein the body (2) comprises an opening for fluid passage configured so that the fluid contained in the body (2) flows toward the opening in the container's resting position; anda directional arm (1) comprising a first end provided with an opening in communication with the body's fluid passage opening (2) and a second end wherein a check valve (3) is arranged,wherein the fluid located inside the directional arm (1) is in direct contact with the fluid located in the body (2).

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises a clamping ring (4) configured to fix the check valve (3) to the directional arm (1).

3. Container according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the directional arm (1) is articulated.

4. Container according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the opening for fluid passage from the container body (2) is arranged on a lateral plane at a lower portion of the container body (2).

5. Container according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the directional arm (1) is fixed.

6. Container according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises a lid (5) arranged over the check valve (3).

7. Container according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises an intermediate element (12) between the container body (2) and the directional arm (1).

8. Lid for fluid storage and distribution container, characterized by the fact that it comprises: an intermediate element (12) connectable to a container body for fluid storage and distribution, anda directional arm (1) fitted to the intermediate element (12),wherein the directional arm (1) comprises a first end with an opening for the passage of fluid and a second end with a check valve (3).

9. Lid according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the directional arm (1) is articulated.

10. Lid according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the directional arm (1) is fixed.

11. Container according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the directional arm (1) is articulated.

12. Container according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the directional arm (1) is fixed.