SPOUT PROTECTOR AND SYSTEM

Abstract

A spout protector for protecting a neck or a spout of a container. In embodiments, the spout protector includes a substantially circular outer wall portion; a bottom portion that extends radially inwardly from a lower portion of the outer wall portion; and a raised portion that extends vertically upwardly from the bottom portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to neck or spout protectors (e.g., covers, over-caps, or spout shields or guards) and systems that may be used in connection with the stacking and/or transportation of plastic articles, such as plastic containers, and that may provide protection for a portion of a neck or spout associated with such articles.

BACKGROUND

Plastic containers are used to hold a variety of contents. Plastic containers may be comprised of various polymers and may have various neck and/or spout configurations. Such containers may be grouped and stacked, such as in connection with shipping and/or transportation. Some containers include extended neck portions or spouts, which may extend upwardly beyond portions of the neck and/or shoulder of such containers. With containers that have spout or neck portions that extend upwardly, such portions may be the contact or support portions to support loads that may be provided upon or above the articles, such as upper layers of stacked articles. However, such upwardly extending spout or neck portions can sometimes be vulnerable when supporting weight and encountering loads or forces.

It can be desirable to provide a spout protector or guard and systems to protect upwardly extending neck portions or spouts and/or to re-distribute a load or force (e.g., weight) to other portions of the articles that may, among other things, be better suited to support such loads or forces.

SUMMARY

Aspects and features of the present disclosure may address one or more challenges associated with the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages, features and details of the disclosure result from the following description of embodiments as well as from the drawings.

While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, an appreciation of various aspects may be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and embodiments are not restricted to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplary illustrations are described in detail by referring to the drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a spout protector according to teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a spout protector, such as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rotated side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a spout protector, such as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top view generally illustrating an embodiment of a spout protector, such as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is another rotated side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a spout protector, such as shown in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C generally illustrate top, side, and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an embodiment of a side view of a spout protector;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view generally illustrating an embodiment of a spout protector, such as shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are side, top, side cross-sectional, and bottom views, respectively, generally illustrating another embodiment of a spout protector according to teachings of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are side views generally illustrating an embodiment of a container and spout protector according to teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a rear view generally illustrating an embodiment of a container with a spout;

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are rear views generally illustrating embodiments of one or more spout protectors in connection with an embodiment a container such as shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of an upper portion of a neck of a container, including threads and support flange;

FIG. 13 is a side view generally illustrating nested spout protectors;

FIG. 14 is a rear view generally illustrating similar containers with embodiments of spout protectors;

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional representation of portions of an embodiment of nested spout protectors;

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional representation of portions of another embodiment of nested spout protectors;

FIG. 17 is a rear view of an embodiment of a container with a spout and a partial cross-sectional representation of a portion of a spout protector;

FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional representation of an embodiment of a spout protector;

FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional representation of an embodiment of a spout protector similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a number of different embodiments of containers of various sizes with spouts;

FIG. 21 generally illustrates top, front, and side views of a process for applying spout protectors to a series of containers;

FIG. 22 generally illustrates top, front, and side views of a process for removing spout protectors from a series of containers;

FIG. 23A generally illustrates a side view of a process for applying spout protectors to a series of containers;

FIG. 23B generally illustrates a front view of a process for applying spout protectors to a series of containers;

FIG. 23C generally illustrates a top view of a process for applying spout protectors to a series of containers;

FIG. 23D generally illustrates a system, with an unscrambler, of a process for applying spout protectors to a series of containers;

FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, and 24D generally illustrate views of a process and system, similar to those shown in FIGS. 23A-23D, for applying spout protectors to a series of containers;

FIG. 25A is a front elevation view of an embodiment of an arrangement or configuration of stacked containers having spout protectors;

FIG. 25B is a top view of the arrangement or configuration shown in FIG. 25A;

FIG. 25C is a side elevation view of an embodiment of an arrangement or configuration of stacked containers having spout protectors;

FIG. 25D is a top view of the arrangement or configuration shown in FIG. 25C; and

FIGS. 26, 27, and 28 generally illustrate top views of containers with different arrangements or configurations of spout protectors;

FIG. 29 generally illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a spout protector according to teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a top view of the spout protector shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the spout protector shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional side view of the spout protector shown in FIG. 29; and

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional side view representation of spout protectors of the type shown in FIG. 29 shown in a nesting configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 generally illustrates an embodiment of a spout protector 10, shown in a somewhat inverted orientation. FIGS. 2-7 generally illustrate different views of a spout protector 10, such as shown in FIG. 1. A spout protector 10 may comprise an outer wall portion 20, a bottom portion 30, and a raised portion 40. In embodiments, the outer wall portion 20 may be substantially circular and may include a lower portion 22; a bottom portion 30 may extend radially inwardly from a lower portion 22 of the outer wall portion 20; and a raised portion 40 may extend vertically upwardly from the bottom portion 30. The raised portion 40 may include a generally circular sidewall 42 and an upper portion 44 connected to the sidewall 42. In embodiments, the upper portion 44 may optionally include one or more apertures, which may include a centrally positioned aperture 50. If included, such apertures may serve to help avoid the creation of a vacuum effect associated with nesting or stacking of two or more spout protectors.

In embodiments, the spout protector 10 may be comprised of a polymer or plastic material; although, other non-polymer materials may be used in lieu of or in addition to a polymer. For example and without limitation, a spout protector may be comprised of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or various other polymers. The polymer include, or may even be entirely comprised, of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic material. With some embodiments, the plastic material may be sourced in whole or in part from reground material. The selection of material and/or structural parameters of a spout protector can be, at least in part, based on the intended use or environment. For instance, the anticipated loads, the anticipated longevity of the spout protector (e.g., reus), and/or expected temperature range for an intended environment may somewhat dictate choices of material composition and/or structure. In less strenuous applications or environments, less expensive materials and/or simpler structural configurations may be contemplated.

In embodiments, the spout protector 10 may be formed by a molding process, such as injection and/or compression molding, and may be formed as single unitary piece or component. Although, for some embodiments, the spout protector may be formed in two or more pieces, which may be combined or used in combination.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C generally illustrate top, side, and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an embodiment of a spout protector 10. The following are examples of some possible dimensions associated with a spout protector 10. However, those of skill in the art will understand that the disclosure is not limited to such dimensions, and various other dimensions may be used to different containers, applications, and/or environmental factors. Also, as used in this disclosure, the R #designation generally references a radius, the H #designation generally references a height or vertical distance, the D #designation generally references a diameter or a horizontal distance, the T #designation generally references a thickness.

• • R1—0.5 inches (12.7 mm)
  • R2—0.5 inches (12.7 mm)
  • H1—1.260 inches (32.00 mm)
  • H2—1.008 inches (25.6 mm)
  • D1—3.001 inches (76.22 mm)
  • D2—3.076 inches (78.13 mm)
  • D3—3.140 inches (79.76 mm)
  • T1—0.071 inches (1.80 mm)
  • T2—0.081 inches (2.06 mm)
  • T3—0.081 inches (2.06 mm)
  • T4—0.71 inches (1.80 mm)
  • T5—0.71 inches (1.80 mm)
  • H3—1.189 inches (30.21 mm)

The above dimensions may, for example and without limitation, be about +/−0.0625 inches (1.59 mm). Additionally, with embodiments, an outermost diameter of a base portion 30 will be greater than a diameter of the neck finish of the associated container, an outermost diameter of the spout protector 10 will be less than an outermost width of the container, and/or the height (e.g., separation distance) of the spout protector will be a minimum of 0.125 inches (3.18 mm) above the height of the spout.

FIGS. 8A and 8B generally illustrate embodiments of a spout protector 10 positioned on a container 100. The container 100 may comprise a plastic container. As illustrated, a container 100 may include a neck portion 110 and a spout 120. As used herein, the term “spout” is meant to include (i) dispensing spouts, such as associated with containers; and (ii) nozzles, stems, or extended dispensing features, such as used in connection with sprays or aerosol containers. As generally shown, a portion of the spout protector 10 (e.g., bottom portion 30) may be positioned or disposed on a portion of the neck portion 110, and a raised portion 40 of a spout protector 10 may enclose or cover the spout 120.

As generally shown the outer wall portion 20 of the spout protector 10 may have different configurations. For example and without limitation, FIG. 8A generally illustrates an outer wall portion 20 that is generally straight and may be disposed at a taper or slight downward angle. An offset distance OFD1 associated with the angle or taper is shown. For example and without limitation the offset distance OFD1 may be about 0.115 inches. However, with other embodiments the offset distance OFD may instead range from about 0.0525 inches (1.33 mm) to about 0.1775 inches (4.51 mm). It is noted that the inclusion of an angle or taper with the walls can, among other things, help to facilitate nesting of spout protectors.

However, other embodiments may have different configurations of an outer wall portion 20. For example and without limitation, FIG. 8B generally illustrates an outer wall portion 20 that includes an upper portion 20a and a lower portion 20b that is radially offset (e.g., an offset distance OFD2) from the upper portion 20a. For example and without limitation the offset distance OFD2 may be about 0.125 inches. However, with other embodiments the offset distance OFD may instead range from about 0.625 inches (1.59 mm) to about 0.1875 inches (4.76 mm).

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D generally illustrate another embodiment of a spout protector (referred to as 10′). The illustrated spout protector 10′ is similar in many respects to spout protector 10. However, spout protector 10′ may have a more “doughnut”-like configuration and may or may not include a raised portion 40 such as associated with spout protector 10. With reference to FIG. 9C, the following are examples of some possible dimensions associated with a spout protector 10′. However, those of skill in the art will understand that the disclosure is not limited to such dimensions, and various other dimensions may be used to adapt to different containers, applications, and/or environmental factors.

• • H4—1.250 inches (31.75 mm)
  • H5—0.630 inches (16.00 mm)
  • H6—0.620 inches (15.75 mm)
  • D4—1.423 inches (36.14 mm)
  • D5—2.865 inches (72.77 mm)
  • D6—3.115 inches (79.12 mm)
  • T6—0.071 inches (1.80 mm)

The above dimensions may, for example and without limitation, be about +/−0.0625 inches (1.59 mm).

FIG. 10 generally illustrates an embodiment of a container 100 with a spout 120. In embodiments, a spout 120 may extend upwardly above the neck portion a height H7 and a sidewall of the spout 120 may extend upwardly at an angle θ1. By way of example and without limitation, H7 may be about 0.987 inches (mm) and θ1 may be about 5.0 degrees.

FIGS. 11A and 11B generally illustrate embodiments of spout protectors that may be provided in a nested configuration. FIGS. 11C and 11D generally illustrate how outwardly radial extending portions (e.g., offset portions in FIG. 11C) or features (e.g., flange in FIG. 11D) may be associated with an outer wall portion 20 of a spout protector 10 and may be used to help facilitate the removal of a spout portion 10 from a container (e.g., in preparation for filling). In embodiments, the outward radial extension or overhang of the lip, step, flange associated with the outer wall portion 20 of the spout protector 10 will generally be at least 0.080 inches (2.03 mm). It is noted that the inclusion of some features may be employed to prevent nesting, which in some applications can make unscrambling of spout protectors easier.

FIG. 12 generally depict a neck portion 140 of a container (which may be a bottle). As illustrated, a neck portion may include a circular opening 142, threading (which may be comprised of one or more threads 144), and a support flange 146.

FIG. 13 generally illustrates embodiments of spout protectors 10 that may be nested or have a portion of one spout protector 10 provided within a portion of another spout protector 10. One embodiment has generally angled/tapered outer wall portion, while the other embodiment has more of a stepped outer wall portion. The overall height H8 and H9 associated with two separate pairs of nested combined spout protectors may, for example and without limitation, be about 1.933 inches (49.10 mm) or about 1.972 (50.09 mm), respectively. FIG. 14 generally illustrates a plurality of containers 100—in a side-by-side arrangement or configuration. The spouts 120 of the containers are each shown under or protected by a spout protector 10. As generally illustrated, and for example and without limitation, a diameter D7 associated with a spout protector 10 may be about 2.8650 inches (72.77 mm), a height H10 associated with a segment of the spout protector (from a bottom portion to a bottom of a raise portion) may be about 1.174 inches (29.83 mm), and a thickness T7 associated with a portion of the raised portion may be about 0.076 inches (1.93 mm).

FIG. 15 generally illustrates a partial sectional view of portions of two spout protectors with stepped outer wall portions 20 in a stacked or nested configuration. In embodiments, an overall height H11 of two nested spout protectors 10 may, for example and without limitation, be about 1.793 inches (45.54 mm). Further, with some embodiments-such as generally shown in FIG. 15, an outer wall portion may be comprised of an upper portion 24 and a lower portion 26 that is offset radially inwardly from the upper portion 24. Moreover, with some embodiments, such as shown, in a stacked or nested configuration the upper portions 24 of two nested spout protectors may be generally in alignment with one about the other (e.g., with one upper portion resting on or supported by at least a portion of the other).

FIG. 16 generally illustrates a sectional view of two spout protectors with tapered or angled outer wall portions 20 in a stacked or nested configuration. In embodiments, an overall height H12 of two nested spout protectors 10 may, for example and without limitation, be about 1.907 inches (48.44 mm) and another height H13 (e.g., from a bottom of the lower spout protector to a bottom surface of a raised portion of an upper spout protector) may be about 1.773 inches (45.03 mm). The embodiment generally illustrates several angles or angled portions associated with a spout protector 10—such as illustrated angles θ2, θ3, θ4, and θ5. By way of example and without limitation, angles θ2, θ3, θ4, and θ5 may all be about 6 degrees±6 degrees.

As generally illustrated in FIG. 17, a raised portion 40 of a spout protector 10 (which may comprise a sidewall 42 and an upper portion 44) may cover or protect a spout 120 of a container 100. Further, as generally shown, with embodiments, a spacing or offset distance O_DIST may be provided between the spout 120 and some or all of the surfaces of the spout protector 10 provided about the spout. An offset distance O_DIST does not need to be entirely constant around the entire outer surface of a spout. However, for embodiments, there may be a minimum offset distance. For example and without limitation, in an embodiment, a minimum offset distance O_DIST may be about ¼ inch (6.35 mm). With other embodiments, a minimum offset distance O_DIST may be about ⅛ inch (3.18 mm). With yet further embodiments, a minimum offset distance O_DIST may be about 1/16 inch (1.59 mm). With embodiments, an offset distance O_DIST may be sufficient to provide a “safe” space to protect a spout from loads and transportation, but yet provides sufficient bottom portion 30 surface area for support and weight distribution with respect to a portion of a container 100.

FIGS. 18 and 19 generally illustrate cross sectional views of embodiments of spout protectors 10. With reference to FIG. 18, the following are examples of some possible dimensions associated with a spout protector 10. However, those of skill in the art will understand that the disclosure is not limited to such dimensions, and various other dimensions may be used to adapt to different containers, applications, and/or environmental factors.

• • H14—0.620 inches (1.57 mm)
  • H15—1.250 inches (31.75 mm)
  • Hup—0.630 inches (16.00 mm)
  • R3—1.557 inches (39.55 mm)
  • D8—3.115 inches (79.12 mm)
  • D9—2.990 inches (75.95 mm)
  • D10—1.423 inches (36.14 mm)
  • D11—2.865 inches (72.77 mm)
  • OFD—0.125 inches (3.175 mm)
  • T8—0.0625 inches (1.59 mm)

The above dimensions may, for example and without limitation, be about +/−0.0625 inches (1.59 mm).

With reference to FIG. 19, the following are examples of some possible dimensions associated with a spout protector 10. However, those of skill in the art will understand that the disclosure is not limited to such dimensions, and various other dimensions may be used to adapt to different containers, applications, and/or environmental factors.

• • H16—1.250 inches (31.75 mm)
  • H17—1.187 inches (30.15 mm)
  • D12—3.115 inches (79.12 mm)
  • D13—1.423 inches (36.14 mm)
  • D14—2.865 inches (72.77 mm)
  • OFD—0.125 inches (3.175 mm)
  • T9—0.063 inches (1.60 mm)
  • θ6—6.0 degrees

The above dimensions may, for example and without limitation, be about +/−0.0625 inches (1.59 mm).

FIG. 29 to FIG. 32 generally illustrate views of another embodiment of a spout protector 10′ according to teachings of the present disclosure. Such an embodiment of a spout protector 10′ may be useful, for example, in connection with a spray or aerosol container. As generally illustrated, an embodiment of a spout protector 10′ may comprise an outer wall portion 20 and a top portion 46. The top portion 46 may include a central protrusion 48. Alternatively, the top portion 46 may include an aperture that may be disposed at or about the position of the central protrusion 48. The outer wall portion 20 may be generally circular and may comprise an upper portion 21 and a lower portion 22, which may be radially offset outwardly from the upper portion 21. The lower portion 22 of the outer wall portion 20 may include a bottom surface 28 that may be configured to contact a portion of a container. In embodiments, such as illustrated, an upper portion 21 may be substantially straight and/or substantially perpendicular to the top portion 46. In embodiments, such as illustrated, the lower portion 22 may include a taper or an angled portion or segment. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional side view representation of spout protectors of the type shown in FIG. 29 shown in a nesting configuration.

With reference to FIGS. 31-33, the following are examples of some possible dimensions associated with a spout protector 10′. However, those of skill in the art will understand that the disclosure is not limited to such dimensions, and various other dimensions may be used to adapt to different containers, applications, and/or environmental factors.

• • H20—1.168 inches (29.67 mm)
  • H21—1.009 inches (25.63 mm)
  • H22—0.684 inches (17.37 mm)
  • H23—0.085 inches (2.16 mm)
  • H24—1.083 inches (27.51 mm)
  • H25—0.599 inches (15.21 mm)
  • H26—0.329 inches (8.36 mm)
  • D15—1.427 inches (36.25 mm)
  • D16—1.335 inches (33.91 mm)
  • D17—1.151 inches (29.24 mm)
  • D18—1.571 inches (39.90 mm)
  • D19—1.274 inches (32.36 mm)
  • D20—0.973 inches (24.70 mm)
  • D21—0.981 inches (24.92 mm)
  • D22—1.400 inches (35.56 mm)
  • T10—0.085 inches (2.16 mm)

FIG. 20 generally illustrates a number of different shapes and sizes of containers, which generally include spouts, that may be used in connection with spout protectors such as disclosed herein. Volumes associated with such containers may range from 28 ounces (or less) to 192 ounces (or more).

FIG. 21 generally illustrates top, front, and side views of an embodiment of a process and system for applying spout protectors to a series of containers. As generally indicated, a series of spout protectors may be presented and provided on neck portions (and over spouts) of a series of containers. FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C, and 23D and FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, and 24D generally illustrate embodiments similar to that shown in FIG. 21, of a process and system for applying spout protectors to a series of containers. As generally in FIG. 23A, a series of spout protectors to be applied may approach a neck portion of containers at an angle θ7. In an embodiment, angle θ7 may be about 6.0 degrees+4 degrees. As generally shown in FIG. 23D, a system may include an unscrambler unit/system.

FIG. 22 generally illustrates top, front, and side views of a process and system for removing spout protectors from a series of containers. In embodiments, such a system may, for example and without limitation, include a bin, a belt, and rails. As generally indicated, a series of spout protectors may be removed from neck portions of a series of containers. As generally in FIG. 22, a series of spout protectors to be removed from neck portions of containers at an angle θ8. In an embodiment, angle θ7 may be about 8.0 degrees±7 degrees. However, with other embodiments, an inversion of containers—which may be part of an associated handling/transportation process—may be utilized to have spout protectors drop from or off associated inverted containers. The spout protectors that drop from or off the containers may then be collected.

FIGS. 25A and 25B are front elevation and top views, respectively, of an embodiment of an arrangement or configuration of stacked containers having spout protectors. FIGS. 25C and 25D are side elevation and top views, respectively, of an embodiment of an arrangement or configuration of stacked containers having spout protectors. FIGS. 25A and 25C generally have an associated height from a bottom of a pallet or base of H18 and H19, respectively. For example and without limitations, in embodiments, H18 may be about 99.385 inches (2524.38 mm), and H19 may be about 105 inches (2667.00 mm).

In embodiments all or nearly all containers in a layer of containers may include spout protectors. However, with some embodiment, or even some layers of embodiments, less than al of the containers in a layer may include a spout protector. FIGS. 26, 27, and 28 generally illustrate top views of layers of containers with different arrangements or configurations of spout protectors. With respect to the layers, containers having a spout protector are generally designated by SP (blue color), and containers without spout protectors are generally designated as NSP (green color). As generally illustrated, containers with spout protectors may be spaced or offset from other containers that do not include spout protectors. Such containers with spout protectors may be provided in alternating or various other patterns (including those illustrated). Additionally, for example and without limitation, with some embodiments, lower layers in a stacked configuration of containers (e.g., FIG. 25A or 25C) may have a higher percentage of containers in a layer having spout protectors than higher layers—as the lower layers support more load or weight than layers above them.

Various embodiments are described herein for various apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such elements. Any directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of embodiments.

Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. The use of “e.g.” in the specification is to be construed broadly and is used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of “and” and “or” are to be construed broadly (e.g., to be treated as “and/or”). For example and without limitation, uses of “and” do not necessarily require all elements or features listed, and uses of “or” are intended to be inclusive unless such a construction would be illogical.

While examples of dimensions of certain components may be described herein, such dimensions are provided as non-limiting examples and the components may have other dimensions.

While processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in a different order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and/or with certain described steps omitted.

It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A spout protector for protecting a neck portion or a spout of a container, the spout protector comprising: an outer wall portion;a bottom portion that extends radially inwardly from a lower portion of the outer wall portion; anda raised portion that extends vertically upwardly from the bottom portion;wherein the outer wall portion is substantially circular.

2. The spout protector of claim 1, wherein the raised portion includes a generally circular sidewall and an upper portion connected to the sidewall.

3. The spout protector of claim 1, wherein the spout protector is comprised of a polymer or plastic.

4. The spout protector of claim 1, wherein the spout protector is comprised of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene (PE), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

5. The spout protector of claim 1, wherein the outer wall portion of the spout protector comprises a tapered or angled portion.

6. The spout protector of claim 1, wherein the outer wall portion includes an upper portion and a lower portion that is radially offset from the upper portion of the outer wall portion.

7. The spout protector of claim 1, wherein the spout protector is configured to be nested within a portion of an identical spout protector.

8. The spout protector of claim 2, wherein the upper portion of the raised portion includes an aperture.

9. The spout protector of claim 1, wherein the spout protector is formed as a single, unitary component.

10. The spout protector of claim 1, wherein the spout protector is formed in two or more pieces that are combined or used in combination.

11. The spout protector of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the spout protector is greater than an outer diameter of a neck finish of an associated container.

12. The spout protector of claim 1, wherein an outermost diameter of the spout protector is less than an outermost width of an associated container.

13. The spout protector of claim 12, wherein a diameter of the spout protector is smaller than an outer diameter of a neck finish of an associated container.

14. The spout protector of claim 1, wherein a height of the spout protector is a minimum of 0.125 inches (3.18 mm) above a spout height of an associated container.

15. An assembly comprising: a spout protector comprising an outer wall portion, a bottom portion that extends radially inwardly from a lower portion of the outer wall portion, and a raised portion that is disposed vertically upwardly from the bottom portion; anda container including a neck portion and a spout;wherein the raised portion of the spout protector extends above the spout of the container.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the raised portion encloses or covers the spout of the container.

17. The assembly of claim 15, wherein an outermost diameter of the bottom portion of the spout protector is greater than a diameter of a neck finish of the container.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein an overall diameter of the spout protector is less than an outer width of the container.

19. The assembly of claim 15, wherein a height of the spout protector will be a minimum of 0.125 inches (3.18 mm) above a height of the spout.

20. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the container is a spray or aerosol container and the spout comprises a nozzle.

21. A spout protector for protecting a neck portion or a spout of a container, the spout protector comprising: an outer wall portion; anda top portion;wherein the outer wall portion includes a lower portion having a bottom surface; the bottom surface is configured to contact a portion of a container; and the top portion is configured to be disposed over a spout of said container.

22. A plurality of layers of containers, comprising: a first layer including a plurality of containers;a second layer including a plurality of containers;wherein the second layer is provided above the first layer, and more than one of the plurality of the containers in the first layer include a spout protector that extends vertically above a spout of the respective container.