EP3674253A1

EP3674253A1 - An enclosure for pouring of a liquid into a bottle

Info

Publication number: EP3674253A1
Application number: EP18398013.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Salim Vissanji Karmali; Karim Vissanji Karmali
Original assignee: Hardlevel Energias Renovaveis SA
Current assignee: Hardlevel Energias Renovaveis SA
Priority date: 2018-12-27
Filing date: 2018-12-27
Publication date: 2020-07-01

Abstract

The present invention is enclosed in the area of enclosures with eased pouring by means of a funnel, for bottles, particularly for used domestic cooking oil. It is an object of the present invention an enclosure (1) which comprises an upper cover (2) with a top section (4) and side walls (5), the side walls of the upper cover (5) extending from the top section (4) and forming an inner area (12) surrounded by such side walls of the upper cover (5), a funnel (6) being formed from the top section and into the inner area, such that a tip (7) of the funnel is provided within the inner area (12), and further comprising a lower cover (3), the lower cover having a bottom wall (8) and side walls (9), the side walls of the lower cover (9) being able to be coupled to the side walls of the upper cover (5). Such enclosure (1) therefore provides for a continued solution for pouring and storing a liquid.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is enclosed in the area of enclosures for bottles, in particular providing eased pouring by means of a funnel, in several embodiments being suitable for selective separation of used domestic cooking oil.

PRIOR ART

The main solutions known in the art for providing eased pouring of a liquid into a bottle consist of funnels which, being more or less complex and thereby providing more or less easiness in use, consist of temporary solutions for pouring a liquid into a bottle. It is the case of the solution of patent US8567456 .
However, the known solutions in the art are temporary, being removed after pouring. In the case of used cooking oils, they are not being designed to serve as a vessel for household-produced cooking oils, contrarily to what is already available in the scope of separation of other solid waste such as paper, glass, plastic and metal. In this way, the population in general, who has the concern or incentive to separate residues of food oils used in their homes, resorts to empty packaging for this purpose which, typically, has a narrow opening. When used together with a funnel, still it is an unstable and temporary solution.
The present solution innovatively overcomes such issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention an enclosure for eased pouring of a liquid into a bottle, the enclosure comprising an upper cover with a top section and side walls, the side walls of the upper cover extending from the top section and forming an inner area surrounded by such side walls of the upper cover, a funnel being formed from the top section and into the inner area, specifically such that a tip of the funnel is provided within the inner area, thereby providing that a liqui poured into the funnel is directed to the inner area, and further comprising a lower cover, the lower cover having a bottom wall and side walls, the side walls of the lower cover being able to be coupled to the side walls of the upper cover, preferably the lower cover being able to be coupled into the upper cover. Such enclosure therefore provides for a continued solution for pouring and storing a liquid. The shape of the upper cover and the lower cover may be cup-like, similarly to those of Figures 1-4. Furthermore, the enclosure is suitable to operate with any generic vessel, provided that the upper and lower covers have a suitable size to contain such vessel. The enclosure is thus suitable to enable pouring of a liquid - such as used cooking oil - into the funnel provided in the top section and from there into the inner area, where a vessel may be provided. By aligning the neck of the vessel with the tip of the funnel, the liquid is poured directly into the vessel. Moreover, by coupling the upper cover with the lower cover, the vessel may be therein maintained, providing a continued solution for pouring and storing.
It is also an object of the present invention a method for eased pouring of a liquid into a bottle wherein comprising the steps of:

placing a bottle within the inner area of the upper cover of the enclosure of the present inventing, in any of its disclosed embodiments, with the neck of the bottle aligned or fitted in the tip of the funnel of such upper cover, and
pouring the liquid into the funnel, and

As well as the use of the enclosure of the present invention - in any of its disclosed embodiments - for selective separation of used domestic cooking oil into a bottle provided within the upper cover and the lower cover.
It is yet an object of the present invention a bin for eased pouring of a liquid into a bottle, preferably for selective separation of used domestic cooking oil, which comprises an enclosure according to any of the preceding claims and a bottle suitable for containing oils, the bottle having an opening which is able to be coupled to the tip of the funnel.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 - front view of a representation of an embodiment of the upper cover (2) of the enclosure (1) of the present invention, the upper cover (2) comprising a first cut-out (10) extending from the lower rim of the corresponding side walls. The tip (7) of the funnel (6) is viewable, within the inner area (12). Such upper cover (2) is suitable to be placed on a vessel such as a bottle, for a liquid such as used cooking oil to be placed within the vessel, through the funnel (6). As shown, the side walls extend from the top section (4) in a substantially perpendicular manner.
Figure 2 - side view of a representation of an embodiment of the lower cover (3) of the enclosure (1) of the present invention, the lower cover (3) comprising a second cut-out (11) extending from the upper rim of the corresponding side walls. Such lower cover (3) is suitable for a vessel such as a bottle to be placed in it, and then couple the upper cover (2) to it [the lower cover (3)]. As shown, the side walls of the lower cover (9) extend from the bottom wall (8) in a substantially perpendicular manner.
Figure 3 - front view of a representation of an embodiment of the upper cover (2) as of Figure 1 and the lower cover (3) as of Figure 2 coupled to each other. A vessel (not shown) may be provided in the inner area (12), between the upper and lower covers (3), with an opening / neck of such vessel being fitted or at least aligned with the tip (7) of the funnel (6).
Figure 4 - rear view of the representation of an embodiment of the enclosure (1) as of Figure 3.
Figure 5 - top view of the upper cover (2) of Figure 1, in particular showing the top section (4) with a top wall, the funnel (6) being provided in the top wall. Furthermore, the upper cover (2) has a rounded triangular cross-section.
Figure 6 - front/side view of a representation of an embodiment of the cover of the enclosure (1) of the present invention, able to be coupled to the top section (4) / wall.
Figure 7 - bottom view of representation of an embodiment of the lower cover (3) of the enclosure (1) of the present invention, the lower cover (3) having a rounded triangular cross-section and three feet (14) arranged in the vicinity of the corners of such triangle.
Figure 8 - side view of a representation of an embodiment of part of the upper cover (2) of Figure 1, in particular showing the funnel (6) formed from the top section (4) and into the inner area (12), specifically such that its tip (7) is provided within the inner area (12).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The more general and advantageous configurations of the present invention are described in the Summary of the invention. Such configurations are detailed below in accordance with other advantageous and/or preferred embodiments of implementation of the present invention.
In an inventive aspect of the enclosure (1) of the present invention, it further comprises adjustable coupling means, the adjustable coupling means comprising first coupling means provided within the side walls of the upper cover (5) or within the side walls of the lower cover (9), as well as corresponding second coupling means provided in the outside of the side walls of the lower cover (3) or in the outside of the side walls of the upper cover (5), such that the upper cover (2) and the lower cover (3) are able to be coupled at different and adjustable distances, between the top section (4) and the bottom wall (8), preferably the first coupling means consisting of a protrusion and the second coupling means consisting of a plurality of sequenced protrusions. Thus, the adjustable coupling means provide for an adjustable distance between the top section (4) and the bottom wall (8), which is particularly relevant within the terms of the present invention, in which it is intended to provide an enclosure (1) which is adjustable to any generic vessel, such as a common 33 cl or 1.5 I plastic water bottle. Thus, the same enclosure (1) may be used for several sizes of bottle.
In another advantageous embodiment of the enclosure (1) of the present invention, the top section (4) comprises a top wall, the funnel (6) being formed from the top wall and into the inner area (12), such that it crosses the top wall and the tip (7) of the funnel (6) is provided within the inner area (12).
In an inventive aspect of the enclosure (1) of the present invention, combinable with any above described, the tip (7) of the funnel (6) is centrally arranged with regard to the top section (4) or with regard to the top section (4) and the side walls of the upper cover (5), thereby providing for eased adaptability to any sort of generic vessel, such as a common 33 cl or 1.5 l plastic water bottle.
In another inventive aspect of the enclosure (1) of the present invention, at least one first cut-out (10) is formed in the side walls of the upper cover (5), specifically extending from a rim of such side walls, such that the inner area (12) is partially exposed, or the side walls of the upper cover (5) comprise at least one first transparent section, the first transparent section extending from a rim of such side walls, such that the inner area (12) is at least partially exposed through such first transparent section. In both cases, the arrangement of the cut-out / transparent section in the side walls of the upper cover (5) provides that a generic vessel placed within the enclosure (1) is seen from the outside of the enclosure (1), thus creating a visual indicator of the contained vessel.
Preferably, the length of the side walls of the lower cover (9) is lesser than the length of the side walls of the upper cover (5) in a proportion of at least 3:4, more preferably 3:5.
In another inventive aspect of the enclosure (1) of the present invention, at least one second cut-out (11) is formed in the side walls of the lower cover (9), specifically from a rim of such side walls, or the side walls of the lower cover (9) comprise at least one second transparent section, the second transparent section extending from a rim of such side walls, such that the inner area (12) is at least partially exposed through such second transparent section. Again, in both cases, the arrangement of the cut-out / transparent section in the side walls of the lower cover (9) provides that a generic vessel placed within the enclosure (1) is seen from the outside of the enclosure (1), thus creating a visual indicator of the contained vessel. An additional advantage is provided when both the upper cover (2) and the lower cover (3) contain a cut-out / transparent section and/or the first cut-out (10) and the second cut-out (11) have an approximate width, or the first transparent section and the second transparent section have an approximate width.
In another inventive aspect, the enclosure (1) further comprises a cap, the cap (13) and the upper cover (2) being such that are able to be coupled, the cap (13) thereby covering at least the funnel (6), preferably covering only the funnel (6). The cap (13) enhances the continued usage of the enclosure (1).
Preferably, the side walls of the upper cover (5) consist of a single wall with a rounded cross section, optionally a circular elliptical or rounded triangular cross-section, and the side walls of the lower cover (9) consist of a single wall with a rounded cross section, preferably a circular elliptical or rounded triangular cross-section.
In another preferred embodiment, the upper cover (2) and/or upper cover (2) and the lower cover (3) have such dimensions that are suitable for placing a 33 cl bottle or a 1.5 l bottle within the inner area (12). Optionally, with regard to the side walls of the upper cover (5):

the maximum length is of 25-35 cm,
the maximum width is of 14-18 cm, and

the maximum length of 15-21 cm
the maximum width is of 12-16 cm.

In another advantageous embodiment, the enclosure (1) further comprises a grid provided within the funnel (6) such that it prevents particles from passing into the inner area (12), the grid being preferably arranged in the tip (7) of the funnel (6).
Preferably, the enclosure (1) is made of plastic, each of its elements - upper cover (2), lower cover (3) and cap (13) - being made of plastic, more preferably a plastic suitable for containing used domestic cooking oil at a temperature above 100 °C.
As will be clear to one skilled in the art, the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described herein, and a number of changes are possible which remain within the scope of the present invention.
Of course, the preferred embodiments shown above are combinable, in the different possible forms, being herein avoided the repetition all such combinations.

Claims

An enclosure (1) for eased pouring of a liquid into a bottle characterised in that it comprises an upper cover (2) with a top section (4) and side walls, the side walls of the upper cover (5) extending from the top section (4) and forming an inner area (12) surrounded by such side walls of the upper cover (5), a funnel (6) being formed from the top section (4) and into the inner area (12), specifically such that a tip (7) of the funnel (6) is provided within the inner area (12), thereby providing that a liquid poured into the funnel (6) is directed to the inner area (12), and further comprising a lower cover (3), the lower cover (3) having a bottom wall (8) and side walls, the side walls of the lower cover (9) being able to be coupled to the side walls of the upper cover (5), preferably the lower cover (3) being able to be coupled into the upper cover (2).
An enclosure (1) according to the previous claim wherein it further comprises adjustable coupling means, the adjustable coupling means comprising first coupling means provided within the side walls of the upper cover (5) or within the side walls of the lower cover (9), as well as corresponding second coupling means provided in the outside of the side walls of the lower cover (3) or in the outside of the side walls of the upper cover (5), such that the upper cover (2) and the lower cover (3) are able to be coupled at different and adjustable distances between the top section (4) and the bottom wall (8), preferably the first coupling means consisting of a protrusion and the second coupling means consisting of a plurality of sequenced protrusions.
An enclosure (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the top section (4) comprises a top wall, the funnel (6) being formed from the top wall and into the inner area (12), such that it crosses the top wall and the tip (7) of the funnel (6) is provided within the inner area (12) and, preferably, the tip (7) of the funnel (6) being centrally arranged with regard to the top section (4) or with regard to the top section (4) and the side walls of the upper cover (5).
An enclosure (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein:
- at least one first cut-out (10) is formed in the side walls of the upper cover (5), specifically extending from a rim of such side walls, such that the inner area (12) is partially exposed, or

- the side walls of the upper cover (5) comprise at least one first transparent section, the first transparent section extending from a rim of such side walls, such that the inner area (12) is at least partially exposed through such first transparent section.
An enclosure (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the length of the side walls of the lower cover (9) is lesser than the length of the side walls of the upper cover (5) in a proportion of at least 3:4, more preferably 3:5.
An enclosure (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein:
- at least one second cut-out (11) is formed in the side walls of the lower cover (9), specifically from a rim of such side walls, or

- the side walls of the lower cover (9) comprise at least one second transparent section, the second transparent section extending from a rim of such side walls, such that the inner area (12) is at least partially exposed through such second transparent section.
An enclosure (1) according to any of the claims 4-6, wherein the first cut-out (10) and the second cut-out (11) have an approximate width, or the first transparent section and the second transparent section have an approximate width.
An enclosure (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein it further comprises a cap, the cap (13) and the upper cover (2) being such that are able to be coupled, the cap (13) thereby covering at least the funnel (6), preferably covering only the funnel (6).
An enclosure (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein:
- the side walls of the upper cover (5) consist of a single wall with a rounded cross section, optionally a circular elliptical or rounded triangular cross-section, and

- the side walls of the lower cover (9) consist of a single wall with a rounded cross section, preferably a circular elliptical or rounded triangular.
An enclosure (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the upper cover (2) and/or upper cover (2) and the lower cover (3) have such dimensions that are suitable for placing a 33 cl bottle or a 1.5 I bottle within the inner area (12).
An enclosure (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein it further comprises a grid provided within the funnel (6) such that it prevents particles from passing into the inner area (12), the grid being preferably arranged in the tip (7) of the funnel (6).
An enclosure (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein it is made of plastic, preferably a plastic suitable for containing used domestic cooking oil at a temperature above 100 °C.
A bin for eased pouring of a liquid into a bottle, preferably for selective separation of used domestic cooking oil, characterised in that it comprises an enclosure (1) according to any of the preceding claims and a bottle suitable for containing oils, the bottle having an opening which is able to be coupled to the tip (7) of the funnel (6).
Method for eased pouring of a liquid into a bottle wherein it comprises the steps of:
- placing a bottle within the inner area (12) of the upper cover (2) of the enclosure (1) of any of the claims 1-12, with the neck of the bottle aligned or fitted in the tip (7) of the funnel (6) of such upper cover (2), and

- pouring the liquid into the funnel (6), and
preferably, the liquid being poured consisting of a used cooking domestic oil.
Use of the enclosure (1) of any of the claims 1-12 for selective separation of used domestic cooking oil into a bottle provided within the upper cover (2) and the lower cover (3).