US20190352052A1 - Vented Suitcase-Style Container - Google Patents
Vented Suitcase-Style Container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190352052A1 US20190352052A1 US16/411,669 US201916411669A US2019352052A1 US 20190352052 A1 US20190352052 A1 US 20190352052A1 US 201916411669 A US201916411669 A US 201916411669A US 2019352052 A1 US2019352052 A1 US 2019352052A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- handle
- container
- cover
- base
- interior
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/38—Devices for discharging contents
- B65D25/40—Nozzles or spouts
- B65D25/42—Integral or attached nozzles or spouts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/28—Handles
- B65D25/2802—Handles fixed, i.e. non-swingable, handles
- B65D25/2826—Handles fixed, i.e. non-swingable, handles provided on a local area of the upper (top) wall, e.g. U-shaped
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
- B65B3/04—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/38—Devices for discharging contents
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/26—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts
- B65D47/261—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having a rotational or helicoidal movement
- B65D47/263—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having a rotational or helicoidal movement between tubular parts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/26—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts
- B65D47/28—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having linear movement
- B65D47/283—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having linear movement between tubular parts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/32—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with means for venting
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/242—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes provided with means for facilitating lifting or suspending of the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
Definitions
- a first area is drain-back spout containers.
- One example of this is United States Patent Application Publication 20100043910A1, of Szekely, et al., Feb. 25, 2010.
- the second area is containers having push-button valves and separate vent caps.
- An example of this is United States Patent Application Publication 20080237276A1, of Lester, et al., Oct. 2, 2008.
- Variations on push-button containers include so-called suitcase containers where the body has a handle between the necks that respectively mount the valve and vent cap.
- One aspect of the disclosure involves a container comprising: a body having an interior; and a handle mounted to the body to span between a first portion of the body and a second portion of the body and provide a gap between the handle and the body between the first portion and second portion and shiftable between: an open condition exposing the interior of the body to an exterior of the container through the first portion and the second portion; and a closed condition blocking communication of the interior of the body to the exterior of the container through the first portion and the second portion.
- the said shiftability of the handle is via rotation.
- said shiftability of the handle is via translation.
- a method for assembling the container comprises: introducing a liquid to the base; and after the introducing, assembling to the base a preassembled subassembly of the cover and handle.
- FIG. 2 is a central vertical sectional view of the closed first container taken along line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2A is a detailed view of a portion of the container of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 3 is a central vertical sectional view of the container of FIG. 2 in an open condition.
- FIG. 3A is a detailed view of a portion of the container of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 3B is a detailed view of an intra-body junction in the container of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 4 is a view of a handle of the container of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 4A is a detailed view of an end portion of the handle of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 5 is a view of a cover member of the body of the first container.
- FIG. 7 is a view of a base portion of the body of the first container.
- FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of the first container during dispensing.
- FIG. 13 is a horizontal sectional view centrally along the handle of the open second container.
- FIG. 13A is a detailed view of a latch of the container of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 14 is a view of a handle of the second container.
- FIG. 15 is a second view of the second container handle.
- FIG. 19 is a view of a cover member of the second container.
- FIG. 21 is a second view of an intra-body junction in the first container or second container.
- the handle 24 has a central portion or section 40 ( FIG. 2 ) and two end portions 42 A, 42 B ( FIG. 4 ) at opposite ends of the central portion and extending to respective ends 44 A, 44 B.
- the end portions 42 A, 42 B each have a sidewall 46 ( FIG. 2A ) having an outer diameter (OD) surface 48 .
- the exemplary sidewall and OD surface 48 are, over at least a length, circular cylindrical.
- the handle is mounted to the body via the respective end portions 42 A, 42 B being captured by associated portions 50 A, 50 B of the body (in particular of the cover 28 in the example).
- FIG. 2 shows a gap 52 formed between the handle central portion 40 and a central portion 53 of the cover and the cover portions 50 A and 50 B to allow gripping of the handle with a user's fingers accommodated in the gap 52 .
- the exemplary portions 50 A, 50 B each comprise an inner diameter (ID) surface 54 ( FIG. 5 ) surrounding a passageway 56 .
- FIG. 2 shows the portions 50 A and 50 B as each including an associated port 60 formed as an aperture extending between the interior 32 and the respective ID surface 54 .
- one of these ports 60 passes liquid out of the container while the other vents air into the container.
- the exemplary container has symmetry across a transverse centerplane 502 ( FIG. 2 ) thus either may port 60 equivalently be used for dispensing.
- the port 60 of the first portion 50 A will be described as doing the dispensing and the port 60 of the second portion 50 B as doing the venting.
- FIG. 8 shows the container in a dispensing/pouring orientation at least partially inverted from the filling/transport orientation of FIG. 2 .
- the exemplary orientation involves an essentially 90° rotation to be supported on its side on a horizontal support surface 80 .
- FIG. 8 further shows a surface 82 of a liquid body 84 in the interior with a headspace 86 above containing air.
- FIG. 8 further shows an outlet flow 88 of the liquid and an inlet venting flow 90 of air as discussed above.
- An exemplary installation of the handle 24 to the cover 28 is via translation parallel to the axis 500 .
- at least one end portion 42 A, 42 B of the handle ( FIG. 4A ) has a radially outwardly protruding barb 104 (both in the illustrated embodiment).
- the barbs have a relatively radial proximal surface or underside 106 and a relatively off-radial distal or outboard surface 108 (forming a camming surface) extending from a distal end rim 110 to an outer diameter (OD) rim or apex 112 .
- Exemplary installation of the handle 24 thus involves inserting one end of the handle through one portion 50 A, 50 B of the cover and then through the other.
- the second end portion 42 B may be inserted through the cover first portion 50 A with the camming surface 108 of the portion 42 B encountering the rim 114 of the cover first portion 50 A to be driven radially inward and then into the passageway 56 with the outer rim 112 sliding along the surface 54 .
- the handle second portion 42 B passes fully through the cover first portion 50 A with the handle first portion barb 104 passing out beyond the cover first portion inboard rim 116 so that the barb relaxes radially outward. Insertion then continues with the handle center portion 40 passing through the cover first portion 50 A and the handle second portion 42 B spanning the gap between cover end portions 50 A, 50 B to then encounter the cover second portion 50 B.
- the second end portion 350 ( FIG. 14 ) of the handle is differently formed.
- the exemplary second end portion includes means for rotationally keying the handle to the cover so as to prevent handle rotation about the axis 500 .
- the exemplary second end portion further includes means for detenting the closed condition of the handle.
- the handle includes a pair of radially-protruding axial rails 352 having first and second axial ends 353 , 354 .
- the ends 354 are proximate the second end 340 B.
- installation may comprise an axial shift of the handle along the axis 500 relative to the cover in the same direction 520 as the subsequent shift from the closed condition to the open condition.
- the handle first end portion 330 will pass through the cover second section 320 B, then the handle center section as the handle first end portion passes across the gap between cover sections.
- the rail ends 353 will approach the distal/outboard rim of the second section 320 B. This will occur at approximately the same time as the handle first end approaches the inboard rim 327 A of the cover end section 320 A ( FIG. 20 ).
- FIG. 19 shows radially outward extending slots 364 extending outward from the cylindrical inner diameter surface 324 dimensioned to accommodate the rails 352 .
- the camming surface 108 FIG. 10A
- the rails enter the slots.
- the cover will snap behind the underside 106 causing the handle to be axially captured for a range of motion between open and closed conditions.
- the handle is in the closed condition.
- the closed condition is detented by a pair of radial protrusions 380 A, 380 B ( FIGS. 10 and 17 ) that are complementary to the respective ports 322 A, 322 B to snap into engagement with the ports and both seal the ports and detent the closed condition.
- a user may press the end 340 B releasing the detent action of the protrusions 380 A, 380 B and ports 322 A, 322 B allowing a further insertion to the open condition.
- the motion may be stopped in the open condition (e.g., to prevent full extraction of the handle).
- Exemplary means comprises a radially protruding flange 390 or other member at the end 340 B.
- the user may simply pull back on the handle second portion (or press in on the handle first end portion) to return to the detented closed condition. Further motion in that direction may be stopped by means of the barb 104 .
- the port 322 A is blocked/sealed by the protrusion 380 A
- the translation unblocks the port exposing it to the passageway 332 .
- the protrusion 380 B blocks/seals the port 322 B.
- Discharge flow out the first end of the handle is similar to that of the first embodiment. Venting flow is slightly different.
- the shift to the open condition exposes the port 322 B to an opening 420 ( FIG. 14 ) to a chamber 422 ( FIG. 23 ).
- the outer wall 424 of the chamber serves to connect the rest of the handle to an endplate portion 430 at the second end 340 B.
- a notch 440 ( FIG. 14 ) at the base of the wall 430 provides an inlet to a path through the chamber that allows the venting airflow 90 to pass circumferentially to the port 322 A.
- first”, “second”, and the like in the description and following claims is for differentiation within the claim only and does not necessarily indicate relative or absolute importance or temporal order.
- identification in a claim of one element as “first” (or the like) does not preclude such “first” element from identifying an element that is referred to as “second” (or the like) in another claim or in the description.
Abstract
A container (20; 300) comprises: a body (22; 302) having an interior (32); and a handle (24; 304) mounted to the body to span between a first portion (50A; 320A) of the body and a second portion (50B; 320B) of the body and provide a gap (52) between the handle and the body between the first portion and second portion and shiftable between: an open condition exposing the interior of the body to an exterior of the container through the first portion and the second portion; and a closed condition blocking communication of the interior of the body to the exterior of the container through the first portion and the second portion.
Description
- Benefit is claimed of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/671,684, filed May 15, 2018, and entitled “Vented Suitcase-Style Container”, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety as if set forth at length.
- The disclosure relates to liquid dispensing. More particularly, the disclosure relates to household containers such as for use in dispensing laundry detergent.
- The state of the art in containers for laundry detergent involves two main areas. A first area is drain-back spout containers. One example of this is United States Patent Application Publication 20100043910A1, of Szekely, et al., Feb. 25, 2010. The second area is containers having push-button valves and separate vent caps. An example of this is United States Patent Application Publication 20080237276A1, of Lester, et al., Oct. 2, 2008. Variations on push-button containers include so-called suitcase containers where the body has a handle between the necks that respectively mount the valve and vent cap.
- One aspect of the disclosure involves a container comprising: a body having an interior; and a handle mounted to the body to span between a first portion of the body and a second portion of the body and provide a gap between the handle and the body between the first portion and second portion and shiftable between: an open condition exposing the interior of the body to an exterior of the container through the first portion and the second portion; and a closed condition blocking communication of the interior of the body to the exterior of the container through the first portion and the second portion.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the said shiftability of the handle is via rotation.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the handle has a first end and a second end and has end-to-end symmetry such that the container would open and close even if the first and second ends were reversed.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the handle has: a first end section and a second end section; a first passageway from a first radial port on the first end section to a first axial port on the first end section; and a second passageway from a second radial port on the second end section to a second axial port on the second end section.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the first portion and the second portion each comprise a passageway receiving the handle; and at least one end of the handle has barbed tabs axially retaining such end from retraction into the adjacent first or second end portion.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the open condition and the closed condition are separated by a 90° rotation of the handle element about a handle longitudinal axis.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, said shiftability of the handle is via translation.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the body comprises: a base; and a cover mounted to the base and including the first portion and second portion.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the base is an injection molding of HDPE, the cover is an injection molding of polypropylene, and the handle is an injection molding of polypropylene.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the container further comprises a liquid within the interior.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the liquid is a laundry detergent.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, a method for assembling the container comprises: introducing a liquid to the base; and after the introducing, assembling to the base a preassembled subassembly of the cover and handle.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, a method for using the container comprises: shifting the handle from the closed condition to the open condition; and partially inverting the container to pour the liquid through a first passageway through the first portion and handle and while venting air into the interior through a second passageway through the second portion and handle.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the shifting comprises rotation.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the rotation comprises rotation by 45°-315°.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the partial inverting comprises rotation to cause the container to be supported on the base and cover.
- The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
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FIG. 1 is a view of a first container a closed condition. -
FIG. 2 is a central vertical sectional view of the closed first container taken along line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 2A is a detailed view of a portion of the container ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 3 is a central vertical sectional view of the container ofFIG. 2 in an open condition. -
FIG. 3A is a detailed view of a portion of the container ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 3B is a detailed view of an intra-body junction in the container ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 4 is a view of a handle of the container ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 4A is a detailed view of an end portion of the handle ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 5 is a view of a cover member of the body of the first container. -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the cover ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 7 is a view of a base portion of the body of the first container. -
FIG. 7A is a detailed view of an upper rim area of the base ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of the first container during dispensing. -
FIG. 9 is a view of a second container in a closed condition. -
FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view of the container ofFIG. 9 taken along line 10-10. -
FIG. 10A is an enlarged view of a portion of the container ofFIG. 10 . - 10.
-
FIG. 11 is a view of the container ofFIG. 10 in an open condition. -
FIG. 11A is an enlarged view of a portion of the container ofFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 12 is a horizontal sectional view centrally along a handle of the closed second container. -
FIG. 12A is a detailed view of a latch of the container ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 13 is a horizontal sectional view centrally along the handle of the open second container. -
FIG. 13A is a detailed view of a latch of the container ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 14 is a view of a handle of the second container. -
FIG. 15 is a second view of the second container handle. -
FIG. 16 is an end view of the second container handle. -
FIG. 17 is a top view of the second container handle. -
FIG. 18 is a central vertical sectional view taken along line 17-17 of the handle. -
FIG. 19 is a view of a cover member of the second container. -
FIG. 20 is a side view of the cover member. -
FIG. 21 is a second view of an intra-body junction in the first container or second container. -
FIG. 22 is a vertical sectional view of the second container during dispensing. -
FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view of the container ofFIG. 22 taken along line 23-23. - Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.
-
FIG. 1 shows acontainer 20 having abody 22 and ahandle 24 mounted to the body. As is discussed further below, thehandle 24 cooperates with the body to form a vented dispensing valve. Thehandle 24 is rotatable relative to the body about anaxis 500 between a closed condition (FIG. 2 ) and an open condition (FIGS. 3 and 8 ). - The exemplary body 22 (
FIG. 1 ) is a two-piece body having a lower portion orbase 26 and an upper portion orcover 28. For purposes of reference, upper and lower are viewed in a normal transportation and filling orientation wherein the handle is at the top and an underside 30 (FIG. 2 ) of the base is supported atop a horizontal support surface. - The
body 22 defines/bounds an interior 32 (FIG. 2 ) for containing liquid (discussed below). - As is discussed below, the
handle 24,base 26, and cover 28 may each be molded of an appropriate plastic material. - The
handle 24 has a central portion or section 40 (FIG. 2 ) and twoend portions FIG. 4 ) at opposite ends of the central portion and extending to respective ends 44A, 44B. Theend portions FIG. 2A ) having an outer diameter (OD)surface 48. The exemplary sidewall and OD surface 48 are, over at least a length, circular cylindrical. The handle is mounted to the body via therespective end portions portions cover 28 in the example).FIG. 2 shows agap 52 formed between the handlecentral portion 40 and acentral portion 53 of the cover and thecover portions gap 52. - The
exemplary portions FIG. 5 ) surrounding apassageway 56. - The ID surfaces 54 are dimensioned and positioned to accommodate and contact the OD surfaces 48 of the respective
handle end portions axis 500 as a central longitudinal axis.FIG. 2 shows theportions port 60 formed as an aperture extending between the interior 32 and therespective ID surface 54. As is discussed below, during dispensing, one of theseports 60 passes liquid out of the container while the other vents air into the container. For purposes of illustration, the exemplary container has symmetry across a transverse centerplane 502 (FIG. 2 ) thus either may port 60 equivalently be used for dispensing. However, for purposes of illustration, theport 60 of thefirst portion 50A will be described as doing the dispensing and theport 60 of thesecond portion 50B as doing the venting. - In the exemplary embodiment, these two
ports 60 are the only ports in the body.FIG. 2A further shows, in the closed condition, theports 60 as blocked by intact portions of thesurface 48 of the respectivehandle end portions handle end portions FIG. 3A ) which may be rotated into registry/communication with the associatedport 60. An exemplary rotation comprises a rotation of the handle about theaxis 500 by 90° to theFIG. 3 /3A condition.FIG. 3A shows theportions passageway 72 extending from one end of the passageway at theport 70 to an opposite end of the passageway at aport 73 at arim 74 at the outboard end of theend portion FIG. 3 open condition, the interior 32 is exposed to an exterior of the container through therespective passageways 72 of theend portions -
FIG. 8 shows the container in a dispensing/pouring orientation at least partially inverted from the filling/transport orientation ofFIG. 2 . The exemplary orientation involves an essentially 90° rotation to be supported on its side on ahorizontal support surface 80.FIG. 8 further shows asurface 82 of aliquid body 84 in the interior with aheadspace 86 above containing air.FIG. 8 further shows anoutlet flow 88 of the liquid and aninlet venting flow 90 of air as discussed above. - An exemplary installation of the
handle 24 to thecover 28 is via translation parallel to theaxis 500. To permit this installation and subsequent retention in the installed condition, at least oneend portion FIG. 4A ) has a radially outwardly protruding barb 104 (both in the illustrated embodiment). The barbs have a relatively radial proximal surface orunderside 106 and a relatively off-radial distal or outboard surface 108 (forming a camming surface) extending from adistal end rim 110 to an outer diameter (OD) rim orapex 112. In the installed condition,FIG. 2A shows thebarb underside 106 in backlocked close facing or contacting engagement with an axiallyoutboard rim 114 of the associatedcover portion - Exemplary installation of the
handle 24 thus involves inserting one end of the handle through oneportion second end portion 42B may be inserted through the coverfirst portion 50A with thecamming surface 108 of theportion 42B encountering therim 114 of the coverfirst portion 50A to be driven radially inward and then into thepassageway 56 with theouter rim 112 sliding along thesurface 54. Eventually, the handlesecond portion 42B passes fully through the coverfirst portion 50A with the handlefirst portion barb 104 passing out beyond the cover firstportion inboard rim 116 so that the barb relaxes radially outward. Insertion then continues with thehandle center portion 40 passing through the coverfirst portion 50A and the handlesecond portion 42B spanning the gap betweencover end portions second portion 50B. - Further insertion causes the
camming surface 108 of the barb of the handle second end portion to engage theinboard rim 116 of the coversecond portion 50B and then be driven radially inward allowing the handlesecond end portion 42B to pass into the coversecond portion 50B with theoutboard rim 112 sliding along theID surface 54. Eventually, the handle secondend portion barb 104 reaches theoutboard rim 114 of the coversecond portion 50B and snaps radially outward to retain the handle. During this installation stage, the handle first end portion slides into the coverfirst portion 50A. - Exemplary mating of the
cover 28 to thebase 26 is via a snap fit engagement.FIG. 7 shows the base 26 as having asidewall 140 extending upward from the bottom 30 to arim 142. The exemplary base has a modified rectangular planform or footprint with four outwardly bowed sides connected by beaded corners.FIG. 7 further shows the base as having an interior/inboard surface 144 and an exterior/outboard surface 146.FIG. 7A shows anupper portion 150 of thebase sidewall 140 as being slightly inset to be accommodated within a receiving portion (discussed below) of the cover. To retain the base to the cover, the exemplary configuration includes a plurality ofoutward barbs 152 along theupper portion 150. The barbs are at the upper ends ofshort wall branches 154 protruding above ashoulder 155. The barbs have anupper camming surface 156 and anunderside 158. -
FIGS. 5, 6, and 21 show thecover 28 as having asidewall 160 extending upward from alower rim 162. Alower portion 164 of the sidewall is dimensioned to receive the baseupper portion 150.FIG. 6 shows each side of the sidewall lower portion as having aslot 166 complementary to the associatedbarb 152 for receiving the barb and backlock it. -
FIG. 3B shows, for sealing, thesidewall 160 as including achannel 170 receiving an uppermost portion of the base sidewall adjacent therim 142. Theexemplary channel 70 is formed by a shortinner wall 180 extending to alower rim 182 and having an angledouter surface 184 to guide the base sidewall uppermost portion into the channel. - Thus, an installation of the cover to the base may be via relative vertical translation. Initially, the uppermost portion of the base will pass upward beyond the
cover rim 162. Eventually, an upper surface 156 (FIG. 7A ) of thebarb 152 will contact therim 162 and relatively deform one or both of the base and cover (respectively inward and outward). The base will continue to pass upward with therim 142 being guided by the inner surface of the cover until it reaches thechannel 170 where it will be further guided by a camming action between therim 142 and thesurface 184. Eventually, as the uppermost portion of the base sits in thechannel 170, thebarbs 152 will register with theopenings 166 and there will be at least partial relaxing as the barbs project into the openings with theundersides 158 of the barbs being captured against lower ends of theopenings 166. - An exemplary manufacture and filling sequence involves molding each of the handle, cover, and base and preassembling the handles to the covers. Bases may then be filled before cover installation. This allows a filler assembly line easy access to the bases to quickly vertically pour the liquid into the bases on an assembly line. Covers are then snapped onto the bases via downward absolute and relative translation.
- The body and handle may be made using otherwise conventional or yet-developed materials (e.g., typically plastics) and techniques (typically molding). For example, the base may be injection molded such as of HDPE while the cover and handle may be injection molded such as of polypropylene. The polypropylene offers advantages of rigidness to maintain the circularity (and thus sealing of the cover end portions with the handle). In contrast, the typically more flexible HDPE may help seal to the cover at the joint.
-
FIG. 9 shows asecond container 300 which, except as otherwise described below, may have similar or same form, manufacture, and use to those of thefirst container 20. The key difference is the construction and operation of thehandle 304 relative to thehandle 24 and cooperating features of thebody 302. Rather than a rotation about the handlelongitudinal axis 500, shifting between closed and opened conditions for thesecond container 300 is via handle translation parallel to/along theaxis 500. In particular,FIG. 9 shows a closed condition and an opening involves translation of thehandle 304 in adirection 520. A closing involves the reverse translation. - Because of this altered dynamic, the
handle 304 does not have the exemplary symmetry end-to-end that thehandle 24 does. Similarly, the exemplarycover end sections cover sections FIG. 10 shows thecover 308 havingports respective passageways FIG. 19 ) in thesections inboard rims outboard rims FIG. 3 ). The handle first end portion 330 (FIG. 10A ) has apassageway 332 extending from aport 334 on an outer diameter (OD)surface 336 to aport 338 at anaxial end 340A. - The second end portion 350 (
FIG. 14 ) of the handle is differently formed. The exemplary second end portion includes means for rotationally keying the handle to the cover so as to prevent handle rotation about theaxis 500. The exemplary second end portion further includes means for detenting the closed condition of the handle. For angular registration, the handle includes a pair of radially-protrudingaxial rails 352 having first and second axial ends 353, 354. The ends 354 are proximate thesecond end 340B. - To install the exemplary handle to the exemplary cover, installation may comprise an axial shift of the handle along the
axis 500 relative to the cover in thesame direction 520 as the subsequent shift from the closed condition to the open condition. For example, initially, the handlefirst end portion 330 will pass through the coversecond section 320B, then the handle center section as the handle first end portion passes across the gap between cover sections. Eventually, the rail ends 353 will approach the distal/outboard rim of thesecond section 320B. This will occur at approximately the same time as the handle first end approaches theinboard rim 327A of thecover end section 320A (FIG. 20 ). -
FIG. 19 shows radially outward extendingslots 364 extending outward from the cylindricalinner diameter surface 324 dimensioned to accommodate therails 352. At approximately the same point of insertion that the camming surface 108 (FIG. 10A ) encounters theinboard rim 327A (FIG. 10A ) the rails enter the slots. Ultimately, when thefirst end barb 104 passes out beyond theoutboard rim 328A, the cover will snap behind theunderside 106 causing the handle to be axially captured for a range of motion between open and closed conditions. Essentially just after this snap back, the handle is in the closed condition. The closed condition is detented by a pair ofradial protrusions FIGS. 10 and 17 ) that are complementary to therespective ports - To shift to the open condition, a user may press the
end 340B releasing the detent action of theprotrusions ports radially protruding flange 390 or other member at theend 340B. To close, the user may simply pull back on the handle second portion (or press in on the handle first end portion) to return to the detented closed condition. Further motion in that direction may be stopped by means of thebarb 104. - Whereas in the closed condition of
FIG. 10A , theport 322A is blocked/sealed by theprotrusion 380A, the translation unblocks the port exposing it to thepassageway 332. Similarly, in the closed condition, theprotrusion 380B blocks/seals theport 322B. - Discharge flow out the first end of the handle is similar to that of the first embodiment. Venting flow is slightly different. The shift to the open condition exposes the
port 322B to an opening 420 (FIG. 14 ) to a chamber 422 (FIG. 23 ). Theouter wall 424 of the chamber serves to connect the rest of the handle to anendplate portion 430 at thesecond end 340B. A notch 440 (FIG. 14 ) at the base of thewall 430 provides an inlet to a path through the chamber that allows the ventingairflow 90 to pass circumferentially to theport 322A. - The use of “first”, “second”, and the like in the description and following claims is for differentiation within the claim only and does not necessarily indicate relative or absolute importance or temporal order. Similarly, the identification in a claim of one element as “first” (or the like) does not preclude such “first” element from identifying an element that is referred to as “second” (or the like) in another claim or in the description.
- One or more embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, when applied to an existing basic system, details of such configuration or its associated use may influence details of particular implementations. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (16)
1. A container (20; 300) comprising:
a body (22; 302) having an interior (32); and
a handle (24; 304) mounted to the body to span between a first portion (50A; 320A) of the body and a second portion (50B; 320B) of the body and provide a gap (52) between the handle and the body between the first portion and second portion and shiftable between:
an open condition exposing the interior of the body to an exterior of the container through the first portion and the second portion; and
a closed condition blocking communication of the interior of the body to the exterior of the container through the first portion and the second portion.
2. The container (20) of claim 1 wherein:
said shiftability of the handle is via rotation.
3. The container (20) of claim 2 wherein:
the handle has a first end (44A) and a second end (44B) and has end-to-end symmetry such that the container would open and close even if the first and second ends were reversed.
4. The container (20) of claim 2 wherein the handle has:
a first end section (42A) and a second end section (42B);
a first passageway (72A) from a first radial port (70A) on the first end section to a first axial port (73A) on the first end section; and
a second passageway (72B) from a second radial port (70B) on the second end section to a second axial port (73B) on the second end section.
5. The container (20; 320) of claim 2 wherein:
the first portion and the second portion each comprise a passageway (56; 326A, 326B) receiving the handle; and
at least one end of the handle has a barb (104) axially retaining such end from retraction into the adjacent first or second end portion.
6. The container (20) of claim 1 wherein:
the open condition and the closed condition are separated by a 90° rotation of the handle element about a handle longitudinal axis (500).
7. The container (300) of claim 1 wherein:
said shiftability of the handle is via translation.
8. The container (20; 300) of claim 1 wherein the body comprises:
a base (26); and
a cover (28; 308) mounted to the base and including the first portion and second portion.
9. The container (20; 300) of claim 8 wherein:
the base is an injection molding of HDPE;
the cover is an injection molding of polypropylene; and
the handle is an injection molding of polypropylene.
10. The container (20; 300) of claim 1 further comprising:
a liquid (84) within the interior.
11. The container (20; 300) of claim 10 wherein:
the liquid is a laundry detergent.
12. A method for assembling the container (20; 300) of claim 1 , the method comprising:
introducing a liquid (84) to the base; and
after the introducing, assembling to the base a preassembled subassembly of the cover and handle.
13. A method for using the container (20; 300) of claim 1 , the method comprising:
shifting the handle from the closed condition to the open condition; and
partially inverting the container to:
pour the liquid through a first passageway through the first portion and handle while venting air into the interior through a second passageway through the second portion and handle.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein:
the shifting comprises rotation.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein:
the rotation comprises rotation by 45°-315°.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein:
the partial inverting comprises rotation to cause the container to be supported on the base and cover.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/411,669 US20190352052A1 (en) | 2018-05-15 | 2019-05-14 | Vented Suitcase-Style Container |
EP19174576.9A EP3569517A1 (en) | 2018-05-15 | 2019-05-15 | Vented container |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201862671684P | 2018-05-15 | 2018-05-15 | |
US16/411,669 US20190352052A1 (en) | 2018-05-15 | 2019-05-14 | Vented Suitcase-Style Container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20190352052A1 true US20190352052A1 (en) | 2019-11-21 |
Family
ID=66630083
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/411,669 Abandoned US20190352052A1 (en) | 2018-05-15 | 2019-05-14 | Vented Suitcase-Style Container |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20190352052A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3569517A1 (en) |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US834333A (en) * | 1905-10-17 | 1906-10-30 | Peter N Stowby | Fluid-receptacle. |
US2018943A (en) * | 1935-01-02 | 1935-10-29 | Raymond R Bowser | Liquid dispensing container |
US5944224A (en) * | 1997-03-18 | 1999-08-31 | Outer Circle Products, Ltd. | Insulated vessel with handle and dispensing spout |
US5988458A (en) * | 1998-04-07 | 1999-11-23 | No-Spill Research, Inc. | Spill inhibiting spout |
US20150158639A1 (en) * | 2012-04-17 | 2015-06-11 | Millers Oils Limited | Fluid dispenser |
US20160244222A1 (en) * | 2015-02-23 | 2016-08-25 | The Sun Products Corporation | Inverted Bottle Dispensing Systems and Methods |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7854357B2 (en) * | 2005-07-01 | 2010-12-21 | Oms Investments, Inc. | Dispensing apparatus with locking cap |
WO2007092866A2 (en) | 2006-02-06 | 2007-08-16 | Plastek Industries, Inc. | Pour spout |
US7997461B2 (en) | 2007-03-26 | 2011-08-16 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Discharge device for viscous liquids |
GB2551613A (en) * | 2016-04-13 | 2017-12-27 | Harford Invest Ltd | Container and closure for a container |
-
2019
- 2019-05-14 US US16/411,669 patent/US20190352052A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2019-05-15 EP EP19174576.9A patent/EP3569517A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US834333A (en) * | 1905-10-17 | 1906-10-30 | Peter N Stowby | Fluid-receptacle. |
US2018943A (en) * | 1935-01-02 | 1935-10-29 | Raymond R Bowser | Liquid dispensing container |
US5944224A (en) * | 1997-03-18 | 1999-08-31 | Outer Circle Products, Ltd. | Insulated vessel with handle and dispensing spout |
US5988458A (en) * | 1998-04-07 | 1999-11-23 | No-Spill Research, Inc. | Spill inhibiting spout |
US20150158639A1 (en) * | 2012-04-17 | 2015-06-11 | Millers Oils Limited | Fluid dispenser |
US20160244222A1 (en) * | 2015-02-23 | 2016-08-25 | The Sun Products Corporation | Inverted Bottle Dispensing Systems and Methods |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3569517A1 (en) | 2019-11-20 |
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