Pouring Spout

Abstract

A device may include a first portion that is generally tubular having a first end configured to attach to a container and configured as a fluid input. A device may include a second portion that is generally tubular having a second end configured as a fluid outlet. A device may include an inflection point between the first portion and the second portion. A device may include a vent line arranged at least within an internal space defined by the first portion and extends beyond the fluid input.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a vented pouring adaptor assembly configured to attach to bucket lids, containers, and the like to guide the flow of a liquid from the bucket or container.

2. Description of the Related Art

Paint buckets, commercial oil containers, and the like, are cumbersome because of their size and weight. These buckets are sold with a large generally flat circular lid that includes a smaller circular opening positioned in the lid, near the edge of the lid or a screw top. In most cases, users pour from the large bucket into a smaller container for use. Due to the weight of a filled bucket, pouring may be difficult to control as well as the dripping down a side of the container.

A pouring adaptor or spout is useful to control the timing and amount of liquid being poured. However, known pouring spouts or adaptors, require excess parts and are not effective in certain circumstances.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,027,798 discloses a pouring adaptor assembly compatible with multiple bucket lid types includes a pouring tube and a threaded adaptor. The pouring tube includes an opening and an angled proximate end for steadily pouring a liquid. The threaded adaptor includes an inner thread and an outer thread, the two threads for connecting to bucket lid openings of varying widths. The pouring tube includes a tapered lower ridge for snap connecting to a bucket lid having a non-threaded opening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improvement of the known spouts includes a vent to assist in a steady pouring.

According to one aspect of the invention, the pouring adaptor assembly is tubular and has a first fluid path between a first end configured to attach to a container, a second end spaced apart from the first end, wherein the first end and the second end are connected to one another via an obtuse angle. A second fluid path is provided from at least a first location between the first end and the second end and to a location beyond the first end.

According to one aspect of the invention, the pouring adapter extends a first length configured to be substantially perpendicular to a container top surface. The first end is configured to mate with a container lid, threaded connection, or the like.

According to one aspect of the invention, the pouring adapter extends a second length configured at an obtuse angle from the first length. The second end is configured to mate with a screw on top, snap on top, or similar sealing element.

According to one aspect of the invention, the second fluid path is configured as a corrugated straw. The corrugated straw is preferably arranged within the tubular structure of the pouring adapter. A first internal end of the second fluid path is mounted proximate to a location where the first length meets the second length.

A first portion of the second fluid path can be molded with the pouring adapter. A second portion of the second fluid path can be a corrugated straw. Alternatively, the entire second fluid path is molded. The entire pouring adapter is preferably polypropylene.

In use, before the pouring adapter is affixed to the container from which liquid will be poured, the corrugated straw is extended and preferably bent so that it extends along the inside of the container, along the top inside of the container. Once installed and pouring commences, liquid from the container exits through the second end of the pouring adapter and environmental atmosphere enters the container via the second flow path, embodied as the corrugated straw.

The pouring adapter is easy to attach and can be left on the container in between use. A cap is provided to keep the air out during storage. The pouring adapter avoid drips down the side of a container to prevent spills.

According to one aspect, the pouring adapter can swivel, to assist in pouring from an awkward direction or angle.

The pouring adapter is configured to fit 1, 17.5, and 35 gallon bulk oil containers.

Food industry approved foam seals are provided to prevent leaks and the pouring adapter is configured to swivel so that oil can pour freely in any direction.

According to one aspect of the invention, an identifier is provided to discern different container contents.

According to one aspect of the invention, the pouring adapter is washable, sealable, and reusable.

According to one aspect of the invention, the pouring adapter is translucent to that the liquid can be seen as it is poured.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pouring adapter including: a first portion that is generally tubular having a first end configured to attach to a container and configured as a fluid input; a second portion that is generally tubular having a second end configured as a fluid outlet; an inflection point between the first portion and the second portion; and a vent line arranged at least within an internal space defined by the first portion and extends beyond the fluid input.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pouring adapter, wherein the inflection point is an angle of between 40° and 180°.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pouring adapter, wherein the vent line extends at least partially into an internal space defined by the second portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pouring adapter, wherein the vent line is configured as a corrugated straw.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pouring adapter, wherein the vent line is integrally molded with the pouring adapter.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pouring adapter, wherein the vent line extends at least partially into an internal space defined by the second portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pouring adapter, further including a mount arranged within one of the first portion and the second portion and configured to hold the vent line.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pouring adapter, further including a mount arranged within an internal space defined by the pouring adapter at the inflection point and configured to hold the vent line.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pouring adapter, further including a coupling nut arranged at the first end of the first portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pouring adapter, further including a removable cover arranged at the second end of the second portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pouring adapter, wherein the removable cover is configured to snap onto or screw onto the second end of the second portion. is tubular and has a first fluid path between a first end configured to attach to a container, a second end spaced apart from the first end, wherein the first end and the second end are connected to one another via an obtuse angle. A second fluid path is provided from at least a first location between the first end and the second end and to a location beyond the first end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description references the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pouring adapter;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are a perspective end view of the pouring adapter;

FIG. 4 is a perspective end view of the pouring adapter;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pouring adapter;

FIG. 6 is a perspective end view of the pouring adapter;

FIG. 7 is a pouring adapter attached to a container;

FIG. 8 is a pouring adapter attached to a bucket lid;

FIG. 9 is a mating end of the pouring adapter; and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart regarding the use of a pouring adapter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pouring adapter 100. The pouring adapter 100 is generally tubular having a first portion 102 and a second portion 104. The first portion 102 is preferably configured to receive a cap 106. The cap 106 can be a screw-on or snap-on cap. According to one aspect of the invention, the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are arranged at an angle α with respect to one another. Preferably, the angle α is about 40°. However, the angle can be 180°, so that the pouring adapter 100 is straight. The angle α can be between 30° and 180° for ease of use. The second portion 104 is configured to mate with a container with a snap-ring 108. The second portion 104 includes a lip 110 that is configured to act as a stop when mating the second end 104 with a hole-type mount as typically found on a bucket lid. According to one aspect, a seal or gasket is provided to help effect a seal with the container to prevent leaks.

A first fluid path M is provided to empty a container to which the pouring adapter 100 is attached. A second fluid path V is provided by vent line 114. Preferably, the vent line 114 is embodied as a corrugated straw. As shown, the vent line 114 terminates proximate to an inflection point 116 between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104. A mount 200 is arranged inside the pouring adapter 100, to retain the vent line 114. The vent line 114 is preferably flexible so that it can be arranged above a liquid level in the container to which the pouring adapter 100 is attached.

According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the vent line 114 is a molded integrally with the second portion. Alternatively, the entire vent line 114 is molded with the first portion 102 and the second portion 104.

The pouring adapter 100 includes a hang adapter 118. The hang adapter can be used to display the pouring adapter 100 in a store or to store it when not in use.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are a perspective first end view of the pouring adapter 100, looking into an inside of the pouring adapter 100 from an opening of the second portion 104. In one embodiment, the mount 200 is configured as a circular mount with an internal diameter that is configured to create a friction fit with the vent line 114. Preferably, the mount 200 is molded on an internal surface of the pouring adapter 100 at the inflection point 116. Preferably, the vent line 114 extends beyond the mount 200 towards the outlet of the first portion 102.

FIG. 4 is a perspective second end view of the pouring adapter 100, looking into an inside of the pouring adapter 100 from an opening of the first portion 102. In one aspect, an end of the first portion 102 has a threaded section or snap end section 410. The end section 410 provides a manner by which the cap 106 is removably attached to the pouring adapter 100. A dashed line is shown that represents the vent line 114, whether a corrugated straw or an integrally molded line.

According to one aspect of the invention, the pouring adapter 100 is used for pouring from a container into something like a fryer or a mixing vat. The pouring adapter 100 provides a wider mouth that directs the flow of oil or other liquid. The pouring adapter 100 guides the liquid flow to avoid splatters and drips down the side of the container. The cap 106 seals the container, so that if only a portion of the contents of the container are used, the remainder is protected from oxygen and particles in the air.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second portion 104 has a coupling nut 112. The coupling nut 112 is internally threaded and configured to mate with a threaded spout of an oil container or the like. The coupling nut 112 is provided in standard industry sizes such as 63 mm and 70 mm, although other sizes can be used dependent on the mating coupling on the container. Preferably, the snap-ring 108 retains the coupling nut 112 on the second end 104.

FIG. 6 is a perspective first end view of the pouring adapter 100, looking into an inside of the pouring adapter 100 from an opening of the second portion 104. In one embodiment, the mount 200 is configured as a circular mount with an internal diameter that is configured to create a friction fit with the vent line 114. Preferably, the mount 200 is molded on an internal surface of the pouring adapter 100 at the inflection point 116. Preferably, the vent line 114 extends beyond the mount 200 towards the outlet of the first portion 102.

The vent line 114 is shown as a corrugated straw so as to be flexible. Alternatively, the vent line can be molded so that it has a substantially 90° bend with respect to a longitudinal axis of the second portion 104. The vent line extends radially beyond an opening of the second portion so that it is situated inside the container, above a liquid level in the container.

An inside surface of the coupling nut 112 is threaded to be threadingly attached to a container. A seal or gasket 120 is provided to form a seal with the container to prevent leaks. The seal or gasket 120 can be foam, silicon, rubber, an O-ring, or the like.

A pouring adapter 100 comprises:

• • a generally tubular structure including:
  • a first portion 102 configured to receive a cap 106;
  • a second portion 104 arranged at an angle α with respect to the first portion, wherein the angle α is between 30° and 180°;
  • a lip 110 on the second portion configured to act as a stop when mating with a hole-type mount on a container;
  • a vent line 114 provided as a second fluid path terminating proximate to an inflection point 116 between the first and second portions, the vent line being flexible and arranged above a liquid level in the container;
  • a mount 200 arranged inside the pouring adapter to retain the vent line, wherein the mount is configured as a circular mount with an internal diameter creating a friction fit with the vent line; and
  • a hang adapter 118 for display or storage purposes.

The pouring adapter 100 has at least a portion of the vent line 114 is integrally molded with the second portion 104 or entirely molded with the first and second portions.

The first portion 102 of the pouring adapter 100 includes a threaded or snap end section to removably attach the cap 106 to the pouring adapter.

The second portion 104 of the pouring adapter 100 includes a coupling nut 112 that is internally threaded and configured to mate with a threaded spout of a container, the coupling nut being retained by a snap-ring 108.

The pouring adapter 100 further comprising a seal or gasket 120 provided to form a seal with the container and prevent leaks.

FIG. 7 is a pouring adapter 100 attached to a container 720 using coupling nut 112. The container 720 is typically configured as a 5 Gallon High-density polyethylene (HDPE) Tight Head Container with 70 mm Cap, 2½ Gallon HDPE Tight Head Container with 63 mm Cap, a 5 gallon Hi-Combat Class A Fire Fighting Foam container, a 128 oz. Black HDPE F-Style Jug, and the like. While several specific examples are provided, these examples are nonlimiting because the pouring adapter 100 can be configured for mounting to various containers with a screw on adapter by varying the coupling nut 112 to mate with the thread connection of the container.

FIG. 8 is a pouring adapter 100 attached to a bucket lid 740 of a 5 gallon bucket. It should be noted that the pouring adapter 100 can be used with other bucket sizes or with other containers with similar connection configurations. Generally, a seal 120 is provided that is compressed between the lip 110 and the bucket lid 740 or other container section to which the pouring adapter is affixed.

The mating end of the pouring adapter 100 in FIG. 9 shows the snap-ring 108, which has a wedge-shaped profile. A space 122, which generally corresponds to the container or lid thickness provides a mounting location between a base of the snap-ring 108 and the lip 110. The wedge shape of the snap-ring 108 serves to aid installation of the pouring adapter to the container and once installed, help retain the pouring adapter in its installed position. A seal or gasket 120 is provided for a better seal.

The liquid stored in these containers include hazardous chemicals such as acid and chlorine, chemicals for cleaning, fuel such as kerosene, Class A Fire Fighting Foams, paint, paint thinner, liquid fertilizer, and the like.

To use the pouring adapter 100, the vent line 114 is attached to the mount 200, if the vent line 114 is not integrally formed or previously nonremoveably attached to the mount 200. If needed, the vent line is extended and arranged so that it is in a space above a liquid level of the container to which the pouring adapter 100 will be attached. A lip 110 or coupling nut 112 is used to attach the pouring adapter 100 to the container from which liquid will be poured. Once seated on the container, the cap 106 is removed and liquid can be poured from the container. As liquid pours from the container, air enters the container via vent line 114 to provide uninterrupted pouring due to air entering the container via the vent line 14. If any liquid remains in the container, the cap 106 is replaced for storage.

A method of using a pouring adapter 100 for pouring from a container into another vessel, comprising the steps of:

• • a. Attaching the vent line 114 to the mount 200 inside the pouring adapter 100;
  • b. Arranging the vent line so it will be above a liquid level in the container;
  • c. Attaching the pouring adapter to the container using a lip 110 or a coupling nut 112;
  • d. Removing the cap 106 and pouring liquid from the container while air enters the container via the vent line 114; and
  • e. Replacing the cap 106 for storage if any liquid remains in the container.

The pouring adapter 100 is utilized to direct the flow of liquid to avoid splatters and drips down the side of the container.

The cap 106 seals the container, protecting the remaining contents from exposure to oxygen and particles in the air.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example method for using a pouring adapter 100 configured to pour from a container into another vessel. At S110, a vent line 114 is attached to a mount 200 inside the pouring adapter 100. At S120, the vent line 114 is arranged to be above a liquid level in the container. At S130, the pouring adapter 100 is attached to the container using a lip or a coupling nut 112. At S140, a cap 106 is attached and liquid is poured from the container while air enters the container via the vent line 114. At S150, the cap 106 is replaced for storage if any liquid remains in the container.

Thus, while there have shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A pouring adapter comprising: a first portion that is generally tubular having a first end configured to attach to a container and configured as a fluid input;a second portion that is generally tubular having a second end configured as a fluid outlet;an inflection point between the first portion and the second portion; anda vent line arranged at least within an internal space defined by the first portion and extends beyond the fluid input.

2. The pouring adapter of claim 1, wherein the inflection point is an angle of between 40° and 180°.

3. The pouring adapter of claim 1, wherein the vent line extends at least partially into an internal space defined by the second portion.

4. The pouring adapter of claim 1, wherein the vent line is configured as a corrugated straw.

5. The pouring adapter of claim 1, wherein the vent line is integrally molded with the pouring adapter.

6. The pouring adapter of claim 1, wherein the vent line extends at least partially into an internal space defined by the second portion.

7. The pouring adapter of claim 1, further comprising a mount arranged within one of the first portion and the second portion and configured to hold the vent line.

8. The pouring adapter of claim 1, further comprising a mount arranged within an internal space defined by the pouring adapter at the inflection point and configured to hold the vent line.

9. The pouring adapter of claim 1, further comprising a coupling nut arranged at the first end of the first portion.

10. The pouring adapter of claim 1, further comprising a removable cover arranged at the second end of the second portion.

11. The pouring adapter of claim 10, wherein the removable cover is configured to snap onto or screw onto the second end of the second portion.

12. A method of using a pouring adapter configured to pour from a container into another vessel, comprising: attaching a vent line to a mount arranged inside the pouring adapter;arranging the vent line above a liquid level in the container;attaching the pouring adapter to the container using a lip or a coupling nut;removing a cap and pouring liquid from the container while air enters the container via the vent line; andreplacing the cap for storage if any liquid remains in the container.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the arranging the vent line above the liquid level in the container comprises bending the vent line.