SMOOTH POUR DIRECTIONLESS LIQUID DISPENSER

Abstract

A liquid dispenser (10) for a container of liquid, comprises a spout (12) and a liquid uptake structure (18) aligned to provide liquid to the spout from a container. The liquid uptake structure has first openings (20) radially distributed at the spout end, second openings radially distributed around the container end and a third opening centrally located at the container end. The liquid uptake structure provides an airflow path through the second openings and a principle liquid flow path separate from the airflow path through the third opening, thus separating the two flow paths and providing a smooth pour.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a smooth pour directionless liquid dispenser and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to such a dispenser that is easy to mould and which can be fixed onto cans or bottles using legacy machinery.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,994 to the present inventor, describes a retractable spout assembly for application to the neck of a bottle to be closed by a cap. The assembly includes a sleeve-like housing fixedly receivable within the bottle neck, and a spout movable within the housing from a retracted position, when the housing is fixed within the bottle neck and the bottle neck closed by the cap, to an extended position projecting outwardly of the housing and the bottle neck for pouring out contents of the bottle. To make the spout automatically extendible upon removing the cap, the assembly further includes a spring biasing the spout to its extended position. Such a spring could be omitted, whereupon the spout would be manually movable to its extended position upon removal of the cap.

In either case, the retractable spout assembly further includes an air-return passageway for returning air into the bottle when its contents are being poured out through the spout.

Prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,610, also to the present inventor, describes improvements in the construction of that retractable spout assembly which not only make the assembly more compact in construction and more reliable in operation but, by including a connector disc, also enable the assembly to be accommodated by existing bottle-capping machines so that virtually no change is required in such expensive machines to enable them also to be used for applying caps incorporating retractable spout assemblies.

There are many flowable materials, however, that are provided not in bottles, but rather in cans or other similar type containers, such as those including cylindrical sidewalls closed at their opposite ends by end walls. In order to dispense contents from the container, it is necessary to puncture one of the end walls. For this purpose, the end walls to be punctured is generally provided with a tab which is to be grasped and forcibly moved in order to puncture the end wall. Previously, such tabs were forcibly pulled out of the end wall to form the opening, but for health and safety purposes at the present time such tabs are merely pivoted to puncture the end wall and remain attached to the end wall. In either case, considerable force is needed in order to puncture the end wall, and moreover, when the end wall has thus been punctured, the container can no longer be reclosed.

A can spout that allows the can to be reclosed, is discussed in International Patent Application No. PCT/IL2014/050415. A spout is typically positioned near the periphery of the end wall (off-center) to facilitate smooth, continuous and controlled flow from the spout. The off-center position improves air inflow through the spout when the can is tilted for pouring. A can-type spout assembly which includes an integrated air inflow tube circumferentially offset from the pouring end of the spout is described. The spout assembly can be rotated within an opening in an end wall of the can to position the pouring end of the spout while maintaining the offset between the spout and air return passageway thereby maximizing air inflow into the container during pouring. The reason for making the spout rotatable is that the air intake needs to be above the liquid level when pouring, and current machinery is unable to guarantee an orientation of the spout when placing the spout on the can.

However the end user may not realize that the spout needs to be oriented before pouring, or may find it inconvenient or difficult to reorient the spout or may not choose the correct direction. Nevertheless, cans are generally shaped so that pouring can only be successful from a certain direction.

Also for a smooth pour, especially with a viscous liquid, the end of the spout needs to be a certain distance from the body of the container, otherwise the liquid spreads to the body of the container instead of pouring.

The present embodiments address the above issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiments provide a structure that separates air flow from liquid flow as the liquid is poured out of the container and air flows back to take the place of the outgoing liquid. Separation of the air flow may provide management of bubble formation.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a liquid pourer for a container of liquid, comprising:

a spout; and

a liquid uptake structure aligned to provide liquid to the spout, the liquid uptake structure having a first end towards the spout and a second end towards a depth of the container, the structure comprising:

first openings radially distributed around the structure at the first end;

second openings radially distributed around the structure at the second end; and

a third opening centrally located at the second end, the liquid uptake structure thereby to provide an airflow path through the second openings and a principle liquid flow path separate from the airflow path through the third opening.

In an embodiment, the second openings comprise gaps between extensions radially distributed around the structure and extending towards the second end.

In an embodiment, the liquid uptake structure further comprises a ring radially inwards of the extensions to define a radial separation between the airflow path and the liquid path.

In an embodiment, the extensions are longitudinal fins arranged cylindrically and the airflow openings are slits between the fins.

In an embodiment, the first openings comprise slits in the cylinder towards the upper end.

In an embodiment, liquid flow into the spout is from some of the first openings, from between the extensions and the ring and from within the ring and bubble formation is outside of the extensions and between the ring and the extensions.

In an embodiment, liquid flow into the spout is from some of the first openings, from submerged ones of the second openings and from the third opening and bubble formation is outside of non-submerged ones of the second openings.

In an embodiment, the spout is a telescopic spout comprising at least two telescopic spout parts. In other embodiments the spout may be a single piece spout.

In an embodiment, the telescopic spout is tensioned to extend upon opening, for example with a tensioning means, in particular a coiled spring.

In an embodiment, an end of the telescopic spout is connected to a cap such as to be pulled to an extended position upon opening of the cap.

In an embodiment, the telescopic spout comprises a body for attaching to an opening in a liquid container, a first telescoping part and a second telescoping part, the body holding the telescoping spout parts in line with the liquid uptake structure and further comprising a rim for fitting onto an opening in the container.

In an embodiment, the rim comprises a snap fit structure.

In an embodiment, the snap fit structure comprises an upper rim part extending radially beyond the opening, a wall extending radially to fit tightly within the opening and a lower rim extending beyond the wall to fit past the opening in a snapping movement and to prevent easy removal from the opening.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a liquid pourer for smoothly dispensing liquid from a container via a single opening, the method comprising:

providing a liquid path for passage of liquid centrally through the pourer; and

providing an air path for passage of air and bubble formation radially outwardly of the liquid path.

The method may comprise providing a cylinder surrounding the liquid path and having airflow openings radially distributed in the cylinder.

The method may comprise providing a radial thickness between the air path and the liquid path.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a container having a liquid pourer of the kind described above, the container being an aluminium can, a jerrycan, a bottle, or any other kind of liquid container and/or may be square, rectangular, or cylindrical in cross section.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing a smooth pour liquid container comprising obtaining a liquid pourer manufactured as described above, and attaching the liquid pourer to a liquid container.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of smoothly pouring a liquid, comprising obtaining a liquid container having a liquid pourer as described above, opening the pourer and pouring the liquid.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A to 1F are simplified schematic views of a liquid pourer of the present embodiments with the spout in the closed position;

FIGS. 2A to 2F are simplified schematic views of a liquid pourer of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 1F with the spout in the open position;

FIG. 3 is a simplified exploded diagram of a liquid pourer according to the of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 1F;

FIG. 4 is a simplified flow chart of a process of manufacturing the pourer;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are simplified diagrams explaining bubble formation in a pourer according to the present embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram illustrating a pourer according to the present embodiments wherein the air openings are holes;

FIGS. 8A to 8F are simplified schematic views of a liquid pourer of a further embodiment of the present invention with the spout in the closed position;

FIGS. 9A to 9F are simplified schematic views of a liquid pourer of the embodiment of FIGS. 8A to 8F with the spout in the open position;

FIG. 10 is a simplified exploded diagram of a liquid pourer according to the embodiment of FIGS. 8A to 8F.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a smooth pour directionless spout and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to such a spout that is easy to mould and which can be fixed onto cans or bottles using legacy machinery.

A liquid pourer, which can be attached to cans, jerry cans, bottles etc, comprises a spout and a liquid uptake structure aligned to provide liquid to the spout from a container. A liquid uptake structure is aligned to provide liquid from the container to the spout and has first openings radially distributed at the spout end, second openings radially distributed around the container end and a third opening centrally located at the container end. The liquid uptake structure provides an airflow path through the second openings and a principle liquid flow path separate from the airflow path through the third opening, thus separating the two flow paths and providing a smooth pour.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate a liquid uptake structure in an extended position from different angles and including a cross section. FIGS. 2A-2F show the same liquid uptake structure in a contracted state, and FIG. 3 is an exploded diagram of the liquid uptake structure. The same part numbers are used throughout the figures.

A liquid dispenser or pourer 10 is designed to be fixed into openings in cans or bottles, and is intended to direct liquid smoothly out of the container in a smooth pour without causing jumps or interruptions. The smooth pour may be achieved by the way in which air is introduced into the container to replace the exiting liquid.

The dispenser may comprise a telescopic spout 12 that includes two telescoping sections 14 and 16. Spring 15 may be located to tension the spout parts to separate. Alternatively upper flange 17 of upper spout section 14 may be engaged within cap 19 so that the spout is opened by removing the cap. As a further alternative the spout may be made of a single part.

A liquid uptake structure 18 is aligned with the spout to direct liquid from the container into spout 12, as will be described in greater detail below. The structure comprises airflow openings 20 radially distributed around the structure and extensions 22 radially distributed around the structure and extending towards the interior of the container to guide airflow and thus bubble formation away from the liquid path. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-3 the extensions 22 are in the form of teeth or fins and the airflow openings 20 are gaps or slits between the teeth. In other embodiments the extensions may be continuous around the structure, forming a cylinder, and the airflow openings may be openings or holes in the extensions.

The liquid uptake structure 18 may further include a ring 24 facing towards the interior of the container, located radially inward of the extensions. The ring 24 may be located adjacent to the ends of the extensions or inwardly towards the interior of the container or further out towards the spout. Ring 24 provides a barrier preventing bubbles forming over the extensions 22 from reaching and thus blocking the flow path inside the ring, and thus prevents the gurgling effect well known with pouring from bottles. The gurgling effect is generally caused by air entering to replace the poured liquid and forming bubbles which temporarily stop the pour and then burst.

That is to say, liquid flow into the spout is from whichever of the openings or slits are lower down, from the gap between the extensions and the ring and from within the ring. Air, on the other hand, flows through the slits or openings on the upper side, and forms bubbles away around the ends of the extensions. The bubbles try to extend towards the middle but encounter the ring, whose edge acts to limit further extension of the bubble. Thus bubble formation is restricted to the area radially outside of the extensions and between the ring and the extensions but is prevented from extending inside the ring.

Telescoping section 16 supports spout 12 in line with liquid uptake structure 18 and further includes a stepped construction 28 for fitting onto an opening in the container. The embodiment illustrated is designed for insertion into a can. The stepped construction includes an outer rim 30, a step 32 and a snap fit lip 34 which prevents the dispenser from being easily removed once fitted.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a simplified flow chart showing a method of smoothly dispensing liquid from a container via a single opening which comprises separating the opening into separate liquid and air return paths. The container with a single opening is provided 40, which is then divided 42 using a first circumferential divider into the separate paths, so that the air return path extends circumferentially around the liquid path, although of course air only flows on the side not occupied by the liquid. The air return path is liable to bubble formation, so that a second, radially separated inner ring is provided 44 concentrically inwardly of the circumferential divider to provide a bubble formation edge. The inner ring provides an inner extent beyond which the end of the bubble is prevented from passing. The outer edge of the bubble is rather caused to cling to the inner ring as a point of minimal energy, thus making sure that the bubbles do not interfere with the passage of liquid. As discussed, the outer cylindrical divider comprises a cylindrical extension surrounding the liquid path and having openings radially distributed around the ring, either as slits or as holes, to form part of the air passage.

FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically illustrate bubble formation between extension 22 of the first circumferential divider and edge 50 of ring 24.

In FIG. 5 air flowing in the direction of arrow 52 emerges from openings 20, and a bubble 54 begins to form, typically towards the end of the edge.

In FIG. 6 the bubble 54 grows outwardly towards the center of the flow path of the liquid, but bubble growth is arrested by edge 50, and does not substantially enter the region within the ring 24. The effect is to prevent the bubble from interfering with flow and thus does away with the familiar gurgling sound of liquid pouring from a container.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is a simplified diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention in which the airflow openings 20 for allowing the air to circulate are holes 60 in a continuous outer cylinder structure 62. The continuous outer cylinder structure replaces the extensions 22 of the previous embodiments. The remainder of the structure is the same as in the previous embodiments and is given the same reference numerals.

FIGS. 8A-8F illustrate a liquid uptake structure according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8A-8F in an extended position from different angles and including a cross section. FIGS. 9A-9F show the same liquid uptake structure in a contracted state, and FIG. 10 is an exploded diagram of the liquid uptake structure. The same part numbers are used throughout the figures.

A liquid dispenser or pourer 110 is designed to be fixed into openings in cans or bottles, and is intended to direct liquid smoothly out of the container in a smooth pour without causing jumps or interruptions. As with the previous embodiment, the smooth pour may be achieved by the way in which air is introduced into the container to replace the exiting liquid.

The dispenser may comprise a telescopic spout 112 that includes two telescoping sections 114 and 116. Spring 115 may be located to tension the spout parts to separate. Alternatively upper flange 117 of upper spout section 114 may be engaged within cap 119 so that the spout is opened by removing the cap.

A liquid uptake structure 118 is aligned with the spout to direct liquid from the container into spout 112, as will be described in greater detail below. The structure comprises basal liquid openings 120 which in the present embodiment are radially distributed around the base of the spout structure, typically in the form of slits. Either water or air can pass through the slits but the width of the slits is too small to allow for bubble formation. A main liquid entry opening 122 at the base of the structure leading centrally towards the interior of the container to guide liquid flow. As the basal liquid openings 120 are too narrow, bubbles are unable to pass through, and thus flow forward to bubble openings 124 distributed radially around the end of the spout that is at least partly immersed in the liquid being drawn. The bubble openings 124 are smaller than in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1F and thus the bubbles which escape through them are smaller and less prone to disrupt smooth liquid flow. The radial holes allow for the bubbles to escape towards the radial edge of the spout and thus the airflow and bubbles are kept away from the main liquid path.

The liquid uptake structure 118 may further include a radial thickness 125 located inward of the bubble openings 124 and defining a radial separation between central opening 122 and the bubble openings 124. The ring 125 may be located adjacent to the ends of the bubble openings. Ring 125 provides a barrier preventing bubbles forming over the extensions 22 from reaching and thus blocking the flow path inside the ring, and thus prevents the gurgling effect well known with pouring from bottles. The gurgling effect is generally caused by air entering to replace the poured liquid and forming bubbles which temporarily stop the pour and then burst.

That is to say, liquid flow into the spout is from whichever of the openings or slits are lower down, from the gap between the extensions and the ring and from within the ring. Air, on the other hand, flows through the bubble openings 124 and forms bubbles away around the main liquid flow through opening 122. The ring 125 acts as a barrier and although the bubbles can reach inward, they have little effect within the radius of ring 125. Thus bubble formation is restricted away from the main liquid flow.

Telescoping section 116 supports spout 112 in line with liquid uptake structure 118 and further includes a stepped construction 128 for fitting onto an opening in the container. The embodiment illustrated is designed for insertion into a can. The stepped construction includes an outer rim 130, a step 132 and a snap fit lip 134 which prevents the dispenser from being easily removed once fitted.

As well as aluminum or tin cans, the pourer is suitable for any liquid container that requires pouring, including jerrycans, bottles, liquid dispensers and the like. The pourer provides a clear path for the liquid being poured and a clear path for the air that needs to replace the poured liquid, wherein the liquid and the air paths do not interfere with each other. The pourer may provide a smooth pour with minimal splashing or dripping, and prevention of gurgling.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant liquid containers and liquid feeding systems will be developed and the scopes of the corresponding terms are intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment, and the above description is to be construed as if this combination were explicitly written. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention, and the above description is to be construed as if these separate embodiments were explicitly written. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

1. A liquid pourer for a container of liquid, comprising: a spout; anda liquid uptake structure aligned to provide liquid to said spout, said liquid uptake structure having a first end towards said spout and a second end towards a depth of said container, the structure comprising:first openings radially distributed around said structure at said first end;second openings radially distributed around said structure at said second end; anda third opening centrally located at said second end, the liquid uptake structure thereby to provide an airflow path through said second openings and a principle liquid flow path separate from said airflow path through said third opening.

2. The liquid pourer of claim 1, wherein said second openings comprise gaps between extensions radially distributed around said structure and extending towards said second end.

3. The liquid pourer of claim 1, wherein said liquid uptake structure further comprises a ring radially inwards of said extensions to define a radial separation between said airflow path and said liquid path.

4. The liquid pourer of claim 2, wherein said extensions are longitudinal fins arranged cylindrically and said airflow openings are slits between said fins.

5. The liquid pourer of claim 1, wherein said first openings comprise slits in said cylinder towards said upper end.

6. The liquid pourer of claim 2, wherein liquid flow into said spout is from some of said first openings, from between said extensions and said ring and from within said ring and wherein bubble formation is outside of said extensions and between said ring and said extensions.

7. The liquid pourer of claim 2, wherein liquid flow into said spout is from some of said first openings, from submerged ones of said second openings and from said third opening and wherein bubble formation is outside of non-submerged ones of said second openings.

8. The liquid pourer of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said spout is a telescopic spout comprising at least two telescopic spout parts.

9. The liquid pourer of claim 8, wherein said telescopic spout is tensioned to extend upon opening.

10. The liquid pourer of claim 8, wherein an end of said telescopic spout is connected to a cap such as to be pulled to an extended position upon opening of said cap.

11. The liquid pourer of any preceding claims, wherein said telescopic spout comprises a body for attaching to an opening in a liquid container, a first telescoping part and a second telescoping part, said body holding said telescoping spout parts in line with said liquid uptake structure and further comprising a rim for fitting onto an opening in said container.

12. The liquid pourer of claim 11, wherein said rim comprises a snap fit structure.

13. The liquid pourer of claim 12, wherein said snap fit structure comprises an upper rim part extending radially beyond said opening, a wall extending radially to fit tightly within said opening and a lower rim extending beyond said wall to fit past said opening in a snapping movement and to prevent easy removal from said opening.

14. A method of manufacturing a liquid pourer for smoothly dispensing liquid from a container via a single opening, the method comprising: providing a liquid path for passage of liquid centrally through said pourer; andproviding an air path for passage of air and bubble formation radially outwardly of said liquid path.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising providing a cylinder surrounding said liquid path and having airflow openings radially distributed in said cylinder.

16. The method of claim 14 or claim 15, comprising providing a radial thickness between said air path and said liquid path.

17. A container having a liquid pourer according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

18. A method of providing a smooth pour liquid container comprising obtaining a liquid pourer manufactured according to any one of claims 14 to 16, and attaching said liquid pourer to a liquid container.

19. A method of smoothly pouring a liquid, comprising obtaining a liquid container having a liquid pourer according to any one of claims 1 to 13, opening said pourer and pouring said liquid.