DE9316779U1 - Reusable pouring container, especially for condensed milk cans - Google Patents

Description

Erich Lang G-He/93 3 51

George Helm

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a reusable pouring container, in particular for condensed milk cans according to the preamble of claim 1.

It is known that opened condensed milk cans become clogged after a short time due to milk drying up at the opening. Dried condensed milk residues at the container opening are also undesirable from a hygienic point of view. To eliminate this problem, the state of the art offers, among other things, a condensed milk container made of plastic that has an elongated pouring opening that no longer leads to any significant drying up. However, since these containers are made of plastic, they must be disposed of separately and reprocessed or destroyed at great expense.

The object of the present invention is to create a vessel for pouring out condensed milk in particular, which avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

This object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1, whereby expedient further developments of the invention are represented by the features characterized in the subclaims.

According to the invention, a reusable pouring container, in particular for condensed milk cans, has a

.'8th

A housing is provided which at least partially surrounds a container and can be fixed in a locking position with the container, wherein opening means can be driven into the container when it is transferred into the locking position, so that a container content can be emptied through the opening means.

The pouring container according to the invention is particularly suitable for use with condensed milk containers or condensed milk cans. In order to make the pouring container as versatile as possible, adapter means are expediently provided so that as many commercially available can sizes as possible can be used with the pouring container.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, a cylindrical housing is provided which has an opening on the bottom that can be closed with a screw-in base element. An adapter plate is arranged on the base element, which ensures adaptation to the respective can sizes used. In the area of a lid, two tube sections are provided that pass through the lid and are beveled towards the inside of the housing like cannulas.

Two bevelled pipe sections are expediently provided as opening means, with a second pipe section serving to ventilate the container so that the container can be emptied properly. Advantageously, the second pipe section can comprise a one-way valve so that air can enter the container but no liquid can escape from it. Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide sealing means which seal the driven-in pipe sections against the top of the container.

To start using such a pouring container, the base element is unscrewed, a used container is removed from the housing and a new, i.e. not yet opened, container is inserted into the housing. Then the adapter plate is put on and the base element is screwed in, whereby the bevelled pipe sections are driven into the top of the container and the container is opened. Instead of the screw cap mentioned above, a bayonet cap is also conceivable in this context.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the housing is cylindrical with a firmly connected base plate. In this case, the locking means is a locking bracket that can be swiveled onto the top of the housing and can be locked to the housing at one end of the handle. Adapter elements that can be inserted into the housing ensure that all commercially available socket sizes can be used.

To exchange or replace a used can, the locking bracket is swung upwards, the empty can is removed, replaced with a new can and then the locking bracket is swung back into its locking position. The bevelled pipe sections are driven into the top of the can, thus opening the can. A first pipe section can be conveniently connected to a pouring spout, which is designed to be closable. The closure can be designed, for example, by a metal strip that can be moved using an operating element.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the housing consists of a cover which encloses the bevelled pipe sections protruding towards the interior of the housing.

·

The cylinder casing extends downwards from the lid in at least some sections, with a locking extension being provided on the lower inner edge of the cylinder casing. This interacts with a base element which has a peripheral extension corresponding to the locking extension, so that the base element designed as a locking plate can be locked to the lower peripheral edge of the cylinder casing. Furthermore, this variant can also have an ejection mechanism for removing empty cans.

To replace a used can, the elastic cylinder casing is slightly spread at its lower peripheral edge so that the locking plate can be removed. The can can then be ejected downwards by operating the ejection mechanism. The ejection mechanism mentioned above is essentially a spring-loaded stamp, one stamp surface of which presses on the top of the container when operated and ejects it downwards. A new can is inserted by placing it on the locking plate, then putting the housing over the can and pressing it under pressure towards the locking plate until it clicks into place. At the same time, the pipe sections are driven into the top of the container.

A further embodiment of the invention consists in the housing being essentially reduced to a cover and a base plate, with two stud bolts extending from the base plate through flange sections provided on the sides of the cover. The stud bolts can thus be screwed to the cover using knurled nuts, so that a condensate can is clamped between the cover and the base element.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail using the accompanying drawings. They show:

Fig. 1a is a side sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention, wherein a large container is provided in the pouring container;

Fig. lb is a front view according to Fig. la;

Fig. 2a is a side sectional view of a first

embodiment according to the invention, wherein a small container is accommodated in the pouring container;

Fig. 2b is a horizontal sectional view of a first

embodiment according to the invention, wherein

an adapter plate is shown in plan view;

Fig. 3a is a side sectional view of a second

embodiment according to the invention, wherein a large container is accommodated in the pouring container;

Fig. 3b is a plan view according to Fig. 3a;

Fig. 4 is a side sectional view according to Fig. 3a,

wherein a locking bracket is shown in the unfolded position;

Fig. 5 is a side sectional view of a second

embodiment according to the invention, wherein a small container is accommodated in the pouring container;

Fig. 6a a front view of a third

embodiment according to the invention;

Fig. 6b is a side sectional view according to Fig. 6a;
Fig. 6c is a plan view according to Fig. 6a;

Fig. 7a a front view of a fourth

embodiment according to the invention;

Fig. 7b is a partial side sectional view according to

Fig. 7a;

Fig. 7c is a plan view according to Fig. 7a;

Fig. 8a a front view of a fifth

embodiment according to the invention;

Fig. 8b is a partial side sectional view according to

Fig. 8a;

Fig. 8c is a plan view according to Fig. 8a;

Fig. 9a a front view of a sixth

embodiment according to the invention;

Fig. 9b is a side sectional view according to Fig. 9a,

and

Fig. 9c is a plan view according to Fig. 9a.

Fig. la shows a side sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention. The reusable pouring container, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, consists essentially of a cylindrical

The housing 2 is made of a cylindrical housing, which is closed on its top with a lid 3. A screw-in base element 4 is provided on the bottom of the housing. The screw-in base element expediently has an external thread on its outer peripheral edge, which engages in a corresponding internal thread on the inside of the housing. An adapter plate 6 is provided above the base element, which has several annular grooves 7, 7a on its top. These serve to align a container 8 received in the pouring container, which engages in the respective annular groove 7, 7a of the adapter plate 6 with an annular fold provided on the bottom of the container. A first pipe section 9a and a second pipe section 9b extend essentially vertically from the lid 3. The two pipe sections 9a, 9b are firmly connected to the lid and protrude outwards above it. The pipe sections are beveled towards the inside of the housing so that they can be easily driven into the top of the container 10. In order to seal between the first pipe section 9a and the second pipe section 9b with respect to the top of the container, sealing elements 11 are also pushed onto the pipe sections. The second pipe section 9b is used in particular to vent the container 8. In order to prevent liquid from escaping from the second pipe section 9b, a one-way valve 12 is provided which allows air to enter the interior of the container but at the same time prevents liquid from escaping from the container. In the present embodiment, the vent line is arranged in a way that is hidden in a handle element 13 for aesthetic reasons.

Fig. 1b shows a front view according to Fig. la. In addition to the housing 2, the handle element 13 can be seen in this illustration, which is provided with the ventilation opening of the second pipe section 9b. Furthermore, a spherical

designed closure plug 14, which serves to close the first pipe section 9a.

Fig. 2a shows the first embodiment of the present invention again, but here a smaller container 8 is accommodated in the pouring container 1. In particular, the ring fold provided on the bottom of the smaller container 8 engages in an eccentric ring groove 7a that is provided on the surface of the adapter plate 6. In this context, Fig. 2b shows a horizontal section through the device according to Fig. 1a or Fig. 2a. The surface structure of the adapter plate 6 is clearly visible. The housing 2 can be seen, on the inside of which an internal thread is provided, into which the external thread 5 of the base element 4 engages. The adapter plate 6, which rests on the base element 4, has on its upper side an edge shoulder or a concentric "ring groove" 7, as well as an eccentrically formed ring groove 7a, which is tangent to the concentric ring groove 7 at the edge. In order to ensure that the adapter plate does not twist and thus to ensure correct adjustment of a small container 8, the adapter plate 6 can be guided in an axially running housing groove with a nose provided on the adapter plate (not shown here).

To load the pouring container 1 or to change a container 8, the base element 4 is first unscrewed from the housing 2 and the adapter plate 6 is removed. The used container 8 is then removed or a new, i.e. still unopened container 8 is inserted into the housing so that the top of the container rests against the beveled ends of the first and second pipe sections 9a, 9b. The adapter plate 6 is then placed on the base of the container 8 so that its edge ring fold engages in the matching ring groove 7 or 7a of the adapter plate 6. The base element 4 is then

screwed into the housing 2 until the two pipe sections 9a and 9b are driven into the top of the container 10 and the top of the container lies tightly against the sealing elements 11 surrounding the pipe sections. The container 8 is thus opened so that liquid contained therein, such as condensed milk, can be emptied. In order to prevent condensed milk residues from clogging the first pipe section 9a used as a pouring opening by drying out in air, a closure cap 14 is provided to close it.

Figures 3a, 3b, 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the invention. In this case, the housing 2 is designed to be closed at the bottom. Furthermore, there is no lid that is firmly connected to the top of the housing; rather, this is designed to be open. A locking bracket 16 that can be pivoted about a hinge 15 is provided to lock the housing and to fix the container 8 accommodated therein. The locking bracket comprises a first tube section 9a and a second tube section 9b, which are provided with annular sealing elements 11 in the contact area with the top of the container 10. The first tube section 9a is connected to a closable pouring spout 17. The closing mechanism of the pouring spout 17 is essentially formed by a spring-loaded sheet metal strip 18 that can be retracted by means of an operating element 19 so that the pouring spout opens. Furthermore, a handle element 13 is provided on the locking bracket 16, which comprises a locking mechanism 20 at its lower end. The locking mechanism 20 is designed in particular so that it automatically engages when the locking bracket 16 is closed, while a locking hook must be actuated to open it. Fig. 3b shows a top view according to Fig. 3a. This particularly shows the elongated structure of the locking bracket 16. There are two slots on its upper side in which

the metal strip 18 protrudes. By moving the operating element 19 in the direction of the handle element 13, the metal strip is pulled back from the pouring spout 17 so that it opens. Fig. 4 finally shows the container shown in Fig. 3a with the locking bracket open.

To replace or insert a new container 8, the locking mechanism 20 is actuated and the locking bracket 16 is swung upwards. The empty container can then be removed or a new, i.e. still unopened, container can be inserted into the housing 2. When the locking bracket 16 is swung back into the locking position, the pipe sections 9a and 9b are driven into the top of the container 10. The locking point and arrangement of the hinge 15 are coordinated in such a way that, in the locked state, sufficient contact pressure of the sealing elements 11 on the top of the container 10 is ensured so that they effectively seal the pipe sections 9a, 9b against the top of the container 10.

Fig. 5 again shows a side sectional view of the previous embodiment, but here a small container 8 is accommodated in the housing 2. In order to ensure that the device functions properly in this case too, an adapter element 21 is additionally accommodated in the housing 2, which ensures that the container 8 is arranged correctly so that the pipe sections 9a and 9b can be driven into the top 10 of the container.

Fig. 6a shows a front view of a third embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in particular from the associated sectional view, Fig. 6b, the housing 2 is formed in one piece with a lid 3. The lid comprises a first pipe section 9a connected to a pouring spout 17, as well as

such as a second pipe section 9b, which serves to ventilate a container 8. The already known sealing elements 11 are again provided for sealing. The pouring spout 17 can be closed by means of a metal strip 18 that can be moved via an operating element 19. In this embodiment, the housing base is designed in the form of a locking plate 22, which can be locked into the lower edge area of the housing 2. For this purpose, the lower peripheral edge of the housing 2 has an essentially circumferential locking extension 22a. In order to ensure that the locking plate 22 can be locked in place repeatedly, the housing is designed to be correspondingly elastic and is provided with expansion slots 23 in the lower area.

Fig. 7a shows a front view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In contrast to the previously described embodiment, here the housing 2 only encompasses the container 8 in sections. Otherwise, as can be seen from Fig. 7b, the structure is essentially comparable to that of the previous embodiment. In particular, a locking plate 22 is also provided here, which snaps into a locking extension 22a provided on the lower edge of the housing. Fig. 7c again shows the only section-by-section design of the housing 2.

Fig. 8a shows a front view of a fifth embodiment of the invention. As can be seen in conjunction with the associated figures 8b and 8c, the housing 2 is also only formed in sections here. On the bottom side, a locking plate 22 is again provided, which can be locked into a corresponding locking extension 22a on the inside of the lower peripheral edge of the housing.

To use or replace a container 8, in the last three embodiments, the container is first

housing 2 is slightly spread at its lower peripheral edge so that the locking plate 22 can be removed. A used container 8 can then be removed and replaced by a new, i.e. still unopened container. For this purpose, the container 8 is placed on the locking plate 22 and then the housing 2 together with the lid 3, which comprises the first pipe section 9a and the second pipe section 9b, is put over the container 8 and locked to the locking plate 22 by briefly and firmly pressing on the lid 3. At the same time, the pipe sections 9a and 9b are driven into the top of the container 10 during this process.

Fig. 9a shows a front view of a sixth embodiment of the invention. Here, the housing is essentially reduced to a lid 3 and a base element 4, which are connected by means of knurled nuts 24 via stud bolts 23 extending from the base element, which pass through the lateral flange sections of the lid 3. The advantage of this embodiment is in particular that it is immediately recognizable which container is in the pouring container.

Erich Lang G-He/93

George Helm

List of reference symbols

1 pouring container

2 housings

3 lids

4 Floor element

5 external thread

6 Adapter plate

7 concentric ring groove 7a eccentric ring groove

8 containers

9a first pipe section

9b second pipe section

10 Container top

11 Sealing element

12 One-way valve

13 Handle element

14 sealing plugs

15 Hinge

16 locking bracket

17 Pouring spout

18 metal strips

19 Control element

20 Locking mechanism

21 Adapter element

22 Locking plate 22a Locking extension

23 Expansion slot

24 studs

25 Knurled nut

Claims (17)

· 1 • · · ■ Erich Lang G-He/93351 Georg Helm Protection claims 1. Reusable pouring container, especially for condensed milk cans, characterized, that a housing (2) is provided which at least partially surrounds a container (8) and can be fixed in a locking position with the container, wherein when transferred into the locking position, opening means (9a, 9b) can be driven into the container (8) so that a container content can be emptied through the opening means (9a). 2. Reusable pouring container according to claim 1, characterized, the container (8) is formed from a can, preferably a condensed milk can. 3. Reusable pouring container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized/ -&lgr; the housing has adapter means (6, 21) for accommodating different container sizes. 4. Reusable pouring container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized, that a first pipe section (9a), preferably a first (9a) and a second pipe section (9b) are provided as opening means. 5. Reusable pouring container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized/ the pipe sections (9a, 9b) are bevelled at their end inside the housing so that -a tip is formed for driving into the container (8). 6. Reusable pouring container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized, the second pipe section (9b) comprises a one-way valve (12) so that air can enter the container (8), but liquid cannot escape from the container. 7. Reusable pouring container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized, sealing means (11), preferably rubber ring seals, on the inside of the housing on the pipe sections (9a, 9b), are provided so that a tight seal is ensured between a container top (10) and pipe sections (9a, 9b) driven into it. 8. Reusable pouring container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized, that the housing (2) comprises a handle element (13). 9. Reusable pouring container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized, the housing (2) has a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein a detachable, preferably screw-in base element (4) is provided, and wherein the tube sections (9a, 9b) are designed to pass through a cover (3) and protrude towards the interior of the housing. 10. Reusable pouring container according to claim 9, characterized, the adapter means are formed by an adapter plate (6) received on the base element (4), which is preferably non-rotatably displaceable along the cylinder axis. 11. Reusable pouring container according to claim 10, characterized, the adapter plate (6) has at least two annular grooves (7, 7a) on at least one side for receiving an anular fold provided on the bottom of the container (8), so that the top of the container (10) can be acted upon by the opening means (9a, 9b). 12. Reusable pouring container according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized, the housing (2) is essentially cylindrical, has a base element firmly connected to a cylinder jacket, and a locking bracket (16) which can be pivoted about a hinge (15) and which can be fixed to the housing (2) in the locking position. 13. Reusable pouring container according to claim 12, characterized, the locking bracket (16) comprises an actuatable locking mechanism (20) provided on the handle element (13). 14. Reusable pouring container according to claim 13, characterized, To adapt to different container sizes, an adapter element (21) is provided which can be inserted into the housing (2). 15. Reusable pouring container according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 14, characterized, the first pipe section (9a) is connected to a pouring spout (17), wherein the pouring spout (17) can preferably be closed by a sheet metal strip (18) that can be displaced by means of an operating element (19). 16. Reusable pouring container according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized, the housing (2) comprises a cover (3) and a cylinder jacket extending therefrom, which is formed at least in sections and can be locked into a locking position with a locking plate (22). 17. Reusable pouring container according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized, the housing comprises a cover (3) and a base element (4), wherein the base element comprises two stud bolts (24) extending through the cover (3) which can be fixed to the cover by means of knurled nuts (25).