CA2482538A1

CA2482538A1 - Dispenser spout

Info

Publication number: CA2482538A1
Application number: CA002482538A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Jean-Luc Dery
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-10-21
Filing date: 2004-10-21
Publication date: 2006-04-21
Also published as: US20060086764A1

Abstract

A multi-position and multi-function dispenser spout connected to an opening of a wall of container intended for liquid or granular materials, such as a milk cartons, a juice cartons or bottles, salt containers for example. The dispenser spout is a one-piece element, comprising a semi-rigid foldable part and a rigid part molded as a one-piece element, the rigid part being connected to a wall of the container vis-à-vis an opening thereof, the semi-rigid foldable part allowing hermetically closing the container in a closed position and pouring the material in an open position.

Description

TITLE OE THE INVENTION
~ispenser spout (FIELD OE THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to dispenser spouts. More specifically, the present invention is concerned ~nrith a mufti-position multi-function dispenser spout.
BAC~CGROUND OF' THE INVENTION

[0002] ~evices for closing milk or juice cartons often include screw top covers provided with a peeiable seal ensuring non-alteration of the content of the container. Other devices used in the case of v,alt or dish soap containers generally allow a leak-free closing of the container. t.)sualiy, the fast time, a pre-cut section in the waft of the container r~nust be opened, arid then the device is operative. However, it commonly suffers from leakage or lack of hermeticity.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a dispenser spout obviating the shortcomings of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] More specifically, there is provided a mufti-position and multi-function dispenser spout.

[0005] Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE D LIVINGS

[0006] In the appended drawings:

[0007] Figure 1 shows a~ a cross-sectional view and b) a top view, of a dispenser spout according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the dispenser spout of Figure 1, a) in an opened position and b) in a closed position, after an opening; and [0009] Figures 3 to 6 illustrate different errabodiments of a dispenser spout according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF E11ABODIiVIENTS OF THE INrIEN'1'ION

[0010] There is generally provided a mufti-~aosition and mufti-function dispenser spout connected to an opening of a wall of container intended for liquid or granular materials, such as a milk cartons, a juice cartons or bottles, salt containers for example. The dispenser spout is a one-piece element, which allows hermetically closing the container in a closed position and pouring the material in an open position.

[0011] The dispenser spout comprises a semi-rigid foldable part and a rigid part, molded as a one-piece element, the rigid part being connected to a wall of the container vis-a-vis an opening thereof. The semi-rigid foldable part allows closing and opening the opening of the container, and pouring a material from the container. The container may be made in a waxed carton, plastic, metal or any material as known in the art. The semi-rigid foldable part of the pouring spout may be made in a plastic material for Example.

[0012] The pouring spout may be in an open position, wherein the semi-rigid foldable part forms a pouring lip guiding the material to be poured out of the container, and in a closed position, wherein the semi-rigid foldable part is folded back against the rigid part so as to provide an hermetic sealing. The transition from the open position to the closed positiorv and vice-versa is allowed by the flexibility of the semi-rigid foldable Dart. In both positions, the dispenser spout is secured to the container and tl7e semi-rigid foldable part maintains its shape.

[0013] The dispenser spout may be provided with a tamper-proof membrane in an outer wall of the semi-rigid part, and with a sealing membrane in an inner wall of the rigid part to ensure hermet.icity and protection of the content of the container while in a closed position, prior to a first opening thereof (see Figure 1 ~. The ferst time the dispenser spout is opened, the tamper-proof membrane is pealed off and the sealing membrane automatically peels of from the wall of the semi-rigid foldable part.

[0014] once the tamper-proof memlarane and the sealing membrane are torn, the dispenser spout may have two positions, as illustrated in Figure 2: the open position allows opening the container for pouring part of the content thereof through the opening, and the closed position allows sealing the opening of the container. A handle may be provided on an cuter wall of the semi-rigid foldable part for ease of unfolding it from the closed position to the open position, and to fold it back from the open position to the closed position for example.

[0015] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 6, a number of embodiments of the present invention may be contemplated. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the rigid part may be the part used for pouring out the content of the container. As shown in Figure 6, the shape of the present dispenser spout may be varied.

(0016] People in the art will appreciate that the present dispenser spout is simple, cost effective and effocient, since it comprises a single element, such as a molded plastic element, without any detachable part and which does not require any assembling prior to use. Once located in connection to an aperture of a container, it allows hermetically sealing the container, in the closed position thereof, as well as pouring material out therefrom when in the open position thereof.

[0017] Interestingly, the present dispenser spout may be adapted to packaging for any non-solid material such as iiquida and granular materials, including salt, powder, rice and grains, spices or herb s for example. It allows an improved hermeticity as well as a more effective pouring. A variety of containers may be fitted with such dispenser spout sprout, including for example cartons, plastic containers or metal containers, provided the dispenser spout may be located in connection to an aperture on a wall c~f the container.

[0018] Due to a low cost of fabrication, the present dispenser spout may be part of a discardable packaging.

[0019] It may be further contemplated adapting such dispenser spout in miscellaneous applications, including, for example, vent holes for a tent, for a protective helmet or ski eyeglasses. nlladc; in a plastic material as described hereinabove, or in a reinforced fabric or plastic film, the dispenser rJ
spout may be connected to an aperture of any of the aforementioned items so that the open position thereof stands downwards for example, thereby allowing ventilation white preserving impermeability.

[0020] Alternatively, the present dispenser spout may be used as a closing valve or a backpressure valve, whereby the transition between the closed and the open positions thereof is actuated by a change in pressure at an inlet or at an outlet of a container for example. Such backpressure valve may be useful for example when connected to a cooking plate, especially in microwaves, or in a pump installation.

[0021] Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of embodiments thereof, it emay be modified, without departing from the nature and teachings of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A dispenser spout as described herein.