US20230152138A1 - Self-dosing measuring cap for a liquid container - Google Patents
Self-dosing measuring cap for a liquid container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230152138A1 US20230152138A1 US17/891,621 US202217891621A US2023152138A1 US 20230152138 A1 US20230152138 A1 US 20230152138A1 US 202217891621 A US202217891621 A US 202217891621A US 2023152138 A1 US2023152138 A1 US 2023152138A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- reservoir
- liquid
- container
- inlet
- outlet
- 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
Links
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- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 9
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- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003749 cleanliness Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010412 laundry washing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003801 milling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013519 translation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F11/00—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it
- G01F11/006—Details or accessories
-
- 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
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/72—Contents-dispensing means
- B65D5/74—Spouts
- B65D5/746—Spouts formed separately from the container
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F11/00—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it
- G01F11/10—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation
- G01F11/26—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation wherein the measuring chamber is filled and emptied by tilting or inverting the supply vessel, e.g. bottle-emptying apparatus
- G01F11/262—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation wherein the measuring chamber is filled and emptied by tilting or inverting the supply vessel, e.g. bottle-emptying apparatus for liquid or semi-liquid
-
- 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
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
-
- 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
Definitions
- a system for dispensing liquid from a container holding a liquid comprises a reservoir mountable to the container so as to be in fluidic communication with the container.
- the reservoir may comprise an inlet and an outlet.
- the reservoir When mounted to the container, the reservoir may be configured to measure a predetermined quantity of liquid while in first orientation and to simultaneously dispense the predetermined quantity of liquid from the outlet and receive a refilling quantity of liquid through the inlet while in a second orientation that is angled relative to the first orientation above a threshold angle.
- FIGS. 1 - 6 are various external views of a system for dispensing liquid from a container holding a liquid, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the system in a locked configuration.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the system in an unlocked configuration.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 are front and rear views, respectively, of the system in an unlocked configuration.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 are top and bottom views, respectively, of the system in an unlocked configuration.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the system of FIGS. 1 - 6 in an exploded configuration.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a container of the system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 9 is a front view of the container of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an upper housing of the system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a first cross-section of the upper housing of
- FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along a second cross-section of the upper housing of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a side of the reservoir shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a top of the reservoir shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 15 is perspective view of the reservoir shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 17 are a perspective view of a cross-section of a portion of the system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the system of FIG. 1 without the upper housing or the cap.
- FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the system of FIG. 1 in the assembled, unlocked configuration.
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional illustration of a portion of the system of FIG. 1 in an assembled, unlocked configuration and containing a predetermined quantity of liquid in the reservoir.
- FIGS. 21 and 22 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a system, according to an embodiment.
- FIGS. 23 and 24 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a system, according to an embodiment.
- FIGS. 25 and 26 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a system, according to an embodiment.
- FIGS. 27 - 29 are a front view, a top view, and a side cross-sectional view, respectively, of a system, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 30 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 31 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 32 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 33 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 34 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 35 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 36 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 37 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 38 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment.
- a system for dispensing liquid from a container holding a liquid comprises a reservoir mountable to the container so as to be in fluidic communication with the container.
- the reservoir may comprise an inlet and an outlet.
- the reservoir may comprise a second inlet.
- the reservoir When mounted to the container, the reservoir may be configured to measure a predetermined quantity of liquid while in first orientation and to simultaneously dispense the predetermined quantity of liquid from the outlet and receive a refilling quantity of liquid through the inlet while in a second orientation that is angled relative to the first orientation above a threshold angle.
- the predetermined quantity of liquid may be defined at least in part by the location of the inlet relative to a reservoir bottom.
- the outlet of the reservoir may be disposed at an end of a tubular member extending away from a reservoir bottom.
- the tubular member may comprise at least a partial flange disposed proximate the inlet of the reservoir.
- the system may further comprise a cover disposed over the reservoir.
- the system may further comprise an annular space defined between the reservoir and the cover, wherein the reservoir is in fluidic communication with the container via the annular space.
- the system may further comprise a spout having an opening aligned with the outlet of the reservoir.
- the spout may comprise a double-lipped edge.
- the opening may be off-center.
- the opening and the inlet may be on opposite sides of a midplane of the reservoir.
- a system for dispensing liquid from a container holding a liquid comprises a reservoir mountable to the container so as to be in fluidic communication with the container.
- the reservoir may comprise an inlet and an outlet.
- the reservoir may comprise a second inlet.
- the reservoir When mounted to the container, the reservoir may be configured to measure a predetermined quantity of liquid while in an upright orientation and to simultaneously dispense the predetermined quantity of liquid from the outlet and receive a refilling quantity of liquid through the inlet while in a rotated orientation that is angled relative to the upright orientation.
- the predetermined quantity of liquid may be defined at least in part by the location of the inlet relative to a reservoir bottom.
- the outlet of the reservoir may be disposed at an end of a tubular member extending away from a reservoir bottom.
- the tubular member may comprise at least a partial flange disposed proximate the inlet of the reservoir.
- the system may further comprise a cover disposed over the reservoir.
- the system may further comprise an annular space defined between the reservoir and the cover, wherein the reservoir is in fluidic communication with the container via the annular space.
- the system may further comprise a spout having an opening aligned with the outlet of the reservoir.
- the spout may comprise a double-lipped edge.
- the opening may be off-center.
- the opening and the inlet may be on opposite sides of a midplane of the reservoir.
- the system is used to store, measure, and dispense a liquid laundry detergent from a container.
- one or more features of the system may additionally or alternatively be used to store, measure, and/or dispense any suitable liquid.
- the reservoir described herein may be combined with other containers and/or dispensers to enable self-measurement of a predetermined amount of liquid.
- FIGS. 1 - 6 are various external views of a system 100 for dispensing liquid from a container holding a liquid.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 are a perspective view of a system 100 in a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, respectively.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 are a front view and a rear view of the system 100 in the unlocked configuration.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 are a top view and a bottom view of the system 100 in the unlocked configuration, respectively.
- the system 100 includes a container 110 , an intermediate portion 120 , and an upper housing 130 .
- the intermediate portion 120 may include an annular ring 121 and a handle 124 coupled to the annular ring 121 . However, in some variations the intermediate portion 120 may omit a handle, and/or a handle may be coupled to the container 110 , and the upper housing 130 , or any suitable portion of the system.
- An indicator mark 122 may be disposed on the annular ring 121 , though in some variations the indicator 112 may be disposed on the container 110 .
- the indicator mark 122 may be a tactile feature such as, for example, a notch such as a recess, or a raised feature.
- the indicator mark 122 alternatively may be an etching or decal.
- the upper housing 130 may include a first indicator 132 and a second indicator 134 .
- the upper housing 130 is rotatable relative to the intermediate portion 120 and the container 110 between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.
- the system 100 When in the locked configuration, the system 100 may be prevented from dispensing liquid.
- the system 100 When in the locked configuration, the system 100 may be able to dispense a predetermined quantity of liquid per pouring action (e.g., per inversion or sufficient rotation of the system 100 ).
- the first indicator 132 may be aligned with the indicator mark 122 when the system 100 is in the locked configuration.
- the second indicator 134 may be aligned with the indicator mark 122 when the system 100 is in the unlocked configuration. As shown in FIGS.
- the first indicator 132 may be a graphic icon depicting a lock symbol
- the second indicator 134 may be a graphic icon depicting an unlocked symbol
- the first and second indicators may include text (e.g., “LOCK”, “UNLOCK”, “L”, “U”) and/or other suitable representative symbols (e.g., a filled circle representing a lock setting, unfilled circle representing an unlocked setting), etc.
- the first indicator 132 and second indicator 134 may be a tactile feature such as a notch or raised feature, or may be an etching or decal. In variations in which the indicator mark 122 , first indicator 132 , and/or second indicator 134 includes a tactile feature, the tactile feature may enable a user to detect through feel alone whether the system 100 is in the unlocked or locked configuration.
- the intermediate portion 120 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a rigid plastic that is formed, for example, through injection molding or any suitable process.
- the upper housing 130 may include a spout 136 .
- the spout 136 may define an opening 134 .
- the spout 136 may include a linearly or arcuately sloping surface configured to guide liquid being poured out of the opening 134 (e.g., when the system 100 is rotated or tilted) and/or guide residual liquid back into the reservoir when the system 200 is restored upright.
- the spout 136 may include a double-lipped edge.
- the spout 136 may include a first lip 131 and a second lip 133 .
- a groove 135 may be defined between the first lip 131 and the second lip 133 .
- the groove 135 may be defined so as to capture at least some residual liquid and substantially preventing the residual liquid from dripping over an exterior of the upper housing 130 .
- the groove 135 may be defined such that, when residual liquid is disposed between the first lip 131 and the second lip 133 (e.g., after being poured from the spout 132 ) and the system 100 is in an upright orientation, the residual liquid may flow under force of gravity into the opening 134 .
- the groove 135 may be generally arcuate and terminate at one or more of its ends at the sloping surface of the spout 136 .
- the upper housing 130 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a rigid plastic that is formed, for example, through injection molding or any suitable process.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the system 100 in an exploded configuration.
- the system 100 includes a reservoir 140 , an intermediate portion 120 , a cap 150 , and an upper housing 130 .
- the reservoir 140 defines a first inlet 142 A and a second inlet 142 B.
- the reservoir 140 also includes a tubular member 148 defining an outlet 144 .
- the reservoir 140 is shown and described as having a first inlet 142 A and a second inlet 142 B, in some embodiments the reservoir 140 may include only one inlet, or three or more inlets.
- the intermediate portion 120 includes a cover 126 extending upward from the annular ring 121 .
- the cover 126 is configured (e.g., shaped and sized) such that the cover 126 may be disposed within an interior of the upper housing 130 when the system 100 is in an assembled configuration.
- the upper surface of the cover 126 includes a receiving surface 125 .
- the receiving surface 125 defines an opening 123 .
- the cover 126 defines an interior (not shown) which is configured to receive the reservoir 140 such that the outlet 144 of the reservoir 140 is aligned with the opening 123 of the receiving surface 125 .
- the cap 150 defines an opening 152 .
- the cap 150 is configured to engage with the receiving portion 125 of the intermediate portion 120 such that the opening 152 of the cap is aligned with the opening 123 of the receiving surface 125 .
- the receiving surface 125 and the cap 150 may define a number of complementary mating features.
- the receiving surface 125 may include a number of circular or partially circular (e.g., semi-circular) grooves configured to mate with a number of circular or partially circular (e.g., semi-circular) ridges formed in the bottom surface of the cap 150 .
- the cap 150 may function as a bearing surface on which an inner feature or portion of the upper housing 130 rotates (e.g., when transitioning between the unlocked and locked configurations).
- the upper housing 130 may be configured to be coupled to the intermediate portion 120 via any suitable coupling feature.
- the upper housing 130 and the intermediate portion 120 may each include corresponding coupling features such that the upper housing 130 may be rotationally coupled to the intermediate portion 120 .
- the intermediate portion 120 may include at least one groove 127 configured to receive mating tabs 128 (shown in FIGS. 10 - 12 ) of the upper housing 130 .
- the intermediate portion 120 may be configured to be coupled to the container 110 via any suitable coupling feature.
- the intermediate portion 120 and the container 110 may each include corresponding mating threads such that the intermediate portion 120 may be screwed into engagement with the container 110 .
- the outlet 144 of the reservoir 140 may align with the opening 123 of the cover 126 , the opening 152 of the cap 150 , and the opening 134 of the upper housing 130 such that liquid may flow from the reservoir 140 , through the opening 123 , through the opening 152 , through the opening 134 , and from the spout 136 .
- the outlet 144 , the opening 123 , the opening 152 , and the opening 134 may be coaxial in at least one configuration of the system (e.g., the unlocked configuration).
- the opening 134 may be off-center or offset from a longitudinal axis of the upper housing 130 , such that the opening 145 may be toggled between alignment and misalignment with one or more other openings in fluidic communication with the contents of the container 110 , via rotation, translation, and/or other movement.
- the system 100 may be transitioned from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration via rotating the upper housing 130 relative to the intermediate portion 120 such that the opening 134 of the upper housing 130 is rotated out of alignment with the opening 152 of the cap 150 .
- the opening 134 may instead be aligned with, or blocked by, a portion of the upper surface of the cap 150 .
- the system 100 may further include one or more detents, such as at least one detent corresponding to the unlocked configuration and/or at least one detent corresponding to the locked configuration.
- detents may, for example, enable the upper housing 130 to “click” or otherwise provide tactile feedback confirming the unlocked or locked configuration.
- One or more detents may be formed via mating features an interface between the upper housing 130 with the intermediate portion 120 and/or the cap 150 , for example.
- the upper housing 130 may include an interior region 137 defined by an internal wall such that any liquid that may flow through the opening 152 when the assembly 100 is in the locked configuration may be contained within the interior region 137 .
- the unlocked configuration may function as an “open” configuration enabling dispensing of the container contents out the opening 134
- the locked configuration may function as a “closed” configuration substantially preventing dispensing of the container contents out the opening 134 .
- the locked or “closed” configuration may be used when storing or transporting the system 100 .
- the handle 124 may include an inner handle portion 124 A and an outer handle portion 124 B.
- the outer handle portion 124 B may be coupled to the annular ring 121 of the intermediate portion 120 via any suitable coupling method or mechanism.
- the outer handle portion 124 B may be formed monolithically with the annular ring 121 .
- the inner handle portion 124 A may be coupled to the outer handle portion 124 B via any suitable coupling method or mechanism.
- the inner handle portion 124 A may be overmolded over the outer handle portion 124 B.
- the inner handle portion 124 A may be made of a different material than the outer handle portion 124 B.
- the inner handle portion 124 A may include silicone or other suitable material, while the outer handle portion 124 B may be made of a suitable rigid or semi-rigid plastic.
- the handle 124 may include frictional features to improve grip and reduce the risk of a user dropping the system when handling the system.
- the handle 124 may include ridges, bumps, or other raised features.
- the handle 124 e.g., inner handle portion 124 A
- FIGS. 8 and 9 are a perspective view and a side view of the container 110 , respectively.
- the container 110 may have a tapered outer profile.
- the container 110 may have a generally frustoconical shape.
- the container 110 may include at least one thread 112 configured to mate with a corresponding thread or threads of the intermediate portion 120 .
- the container 110 defines an opening 114 through which liquid may flow into and out of the container 110 .
- One or more sealing mechanisms such as an 0 -ring or gasket, may be included at the interface between the container 110 and the intermediate portion 120 to help reduce risk of fluid leak.
- the container 110 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a rigid polymer (e.g., acrylic) or glass, and may be formed through injection molding, turning, or any suitable manufacturing process.
- the container 110 may be translucent or transparent, which may, for example, enable a user to view and monitor the volume of liquid in the container 110 .
- the container 110 may include one or more liquid volume indicator markings and/or text (e.g., “MAX”) that may be indicate to a user the extent to which the container can be filled (e.g., to ensure proper self-dosing operation of the reservoir, to avoid spillage, etc.). Additional graduated markings in the container may indicate additional discrete volume measurements.
- Such indicator markings may, for example, be etched or embossed in the surface of the container 110 , or may be part of a label or decal that is affixed to the container 110 .
- a bottom surface of the container 110 may include a relatively frictional surface to increase stability of the container 110 on a storage surface.
- a bottom surface of the container 110 may include silicone or another suitable frictional material.
- FIGS. 10 - 12 are various views of the upper housing 130 .
- FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the upper housing 130 .
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a first cross-section of the upper housing 130 .
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along a second cross-section of the upper housing 130 , the second cross-section being perpendicular to the first cross-section.
- the upper housing 130 includes four mating tabs 128 .
- the mating tabs 128 project toward a central axis of the upper housing 130 and are configured to be received by the groove 127 of the intermediate portion 120 such that the upper housing 130 may be rotated relative to the intermediate portion 120 .
- one of more of the mating tabs 128 may, for example, form part of a detent mechanism as described above.
- FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of a side and a top of the reservoir 140 , respectively.
- FIG. 15 is a side view of the reservoir 140 , with some interior portions of the reservoir 140 shown with dashed lines.
- the reservoir 140 includes a first inlet 142 A, a second inlet 142 B, and tubular member 148 defining an outlet 144 .
- the reservoir 140 may include a flange 149 disposed proximate the first inlet 142 A and the second inlet 142 B.
- the reservoir 140 may include fewer (one) or more (three or more) separate inlets.
- the first and second inlets of the reservoir 140 may be sized and shaped to allow a sufficient volume of liquid to flow into the reservoir when the reservoir is assembled into the system and tipped (e.g., in a pouring maneuver). Furthermore, the inlets of the reservoir may be angularly distributed around the side wall of the reservoir 140 , so as to allow liquid to flow into the reservoir from multiple angles. For example, generally, the inlets may be arranged in a row and collectively span an angle range of up to about 180 degrees or less. For example, as shown in FIG.
- the inlets 142 A and 142 B may collectively span an angle of about 90 degrees so as to generally form a window of a 90 degree arc length (aside from the non-open distance between adjacent inlets), thereby allowing some liquid to enter the reservoir along about a 45 degree arc length window on one side of the handle, and allowing some liquid to enter the reservoir along about a 45 degrees arc length window on the other side of the handle.
- the inlets may collectively span other windows (e.g., 120 degrees, 60 degrees, 30 degrees, etc.) so as to allow flow of liquid into the reservoir from a wider or narrow variety of tilting angles.
- the reservoir 140 has a reservoir bottom 146 .
- the tubular member 148 extends away from the reservoir bottom 146 such that the outlet 144 of the tubular member 148 is defined at the end of the tubular member 148 farther away from the reservoir bottom 146 than the end of the tubular member 148 closer to the reservoir bottom 146 .
- the reservoir 140 may include one or more features that help direct flow of liquid toward the reservoir bottom when the reservoir 140 is upright as shown in FIG. 15 , and/or help direct flow of liquid toward the tubular member 148 when the reservoir 140 is angled (e.g., for pouring the liquid out of the reservoir).
- the tubular member 148 may include at least a partial flange 147 disposed proximate the first inlet 142 A and the second inlet 142 B of the reservoir 140 .
- the partial flange 147 is sloped toward the reservoir bottom such that when the reservoir is upright, the partial flange 147 directs liquid entering the inlet 142 A and/or inlet 142 B toward the reservoir bottom.
- the partial flange 147 helps block or resist reverse liquid flow (e.g., toward upper volume 145 shown in FIG. 20 ), and instead help direct liquid toward the tubular member 148 (e.g., similar to a funnel).
- FIGS. 16 and 17 are a perspective view of a portion of the system 100 and a perspective view of a cross-section of a portion of the system 100 , respectively.
- FIG. 16 shows a portion of the container 110 coupled to the intermediate portion 120 .
- the intermediate portion 120 is shown as being transparent such that the reservoir 140 and the cap 150 may be seen through the intermediate portion 120 .
- the first inlet 142 A and/or the second inlet 142 B may be disposed on an opposite side of a midplane of the reservoir 140 from the outlet 144 , such that when the system is tilted toward the side on which the outlet 144 is located, liquid in the reservoir tends to flow toward the outlet and away from the inlets 142 and 142 B.
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the system 100 without the upper housing 130 or the cap 150 when the system 100 is in the assembled, unlocked configuration.
- FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the system 100 in the assembled, unlocked configuration.
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional illustration of a portion of the system 100 in an assembled, unlocked configuration and containing a predetermined quantity of liquid in the reservoir 140 .
- the outlet 144 of the reservoir 140 is aligned with the opening 123 of the cover 126 , the opening 152 of the cap 150 , and the opening 134 of the upper housing 130 .
- the reservoir 140 may be mounted within an interior of the cover 126 via any suitable coupling mechanism.
- the reservoir 140 may include a flange 141 and the cover 126 may include a projection 126 A which extends from an inner surface of the cover 126 into the interior of the cover 126 .
- the flange 141 of the reservoir 140 may be configured to mate with the projection 126 A such that the reservoir 140 is retained within the cover 126 .
- the reservoir 140 may be mounted or received within the cover 126 such that a generally annular space 129 is defined between the outer surface of the reservoir 140 and the inner surface of the cover 126 below the flange 141 of the reservoir 140 .
- the reservoir 140 may be in fluidic communication with the container 110 via the annular space 129 and the first inlet 142 A and/or the second inlet 142 B (shown, for example, in FIGS. 13 , 14 , and 17 ).
- the opening 134 may be arranged off-center relative to a central axis of the reservoir 140 .
- the inner surface of the cover 126 above the reservoir 140 may define an upper volume 145 .
- the reservoir 140 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a rigid plastic that is formed, for example, through injection molding, milling, or any suitable process.
- the reservoir 140 is primarily described herein as being in fluidic communication with the container 110 via an annular space with the cover 126 of the intermediate portion, it should be understood that the reservoir 140 may be additionally or alternatively be in fluidic communication with the container 110 through any suitable fluid passageway.
- the intermediate portion 120 may be omitted such that the reservoir 140 receives fluid from the container 110 via a space formed between the reservoir and the upper housing 130 .
- suitable channels, tubing, or the like may transport liquid into the reservoir 140 .
- Filling the reservoir 140 with a predetermined quantity of liquid may be performed by rotating the system 100 through at least a threshold angle of rotation.
- the reservoir 140 may be mounted to the container 110 via the intermediate portion 120 as described above, and the container 110 may contain sufficient liquid for filling the reservoir 140 (e.g., the container 110 may contain a quantity of liquid equal to or greater than a predetermined quantity of liquid configured to be held by the reservoir 140 in an upright orientation).
- the reservoir 140 may be filled with a predetermined quantity of liquid by transitioning the system 100 from a substantially upright orientation in which the inlet 144 of the reservoir 140 is above the container 110 (e.g., the bottom of the container 110 is disposed on a surface), to a rotated orientation in which the reservoir 140 is angled relative to the upright orientation by at least a threshold angle of rotation.
- the threshold angle of rotation may be between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees (e.g., about 90 degrees, about 110 degrees, about 130 degrees, about 150 degrees, about 170 degrees, etc.).
- the threshold angle of rotation may be about 180 degrees (e.g., such that the reservoir 140 is inverted)
- liquid may flow from the container 110 , through the annular space 129 , through the first inlet 142 A and/or the second inlet 142 B, through the reservoir 140 , and into the upper volume 145 .
- the liquid may fill the upper volume 145 and a portion of the reservoir 140 outside of the tubular member 148 when the system is in the rotated orientation.
- the system 100 may be transitioned from the rotated orientation to the upright orientation, causing the liquid in the upper volume 145 to flow toward the bottom surface 146 of the reservoir 140 .
- the reservoir 140 may be configured to hold a predetermined quantity of liquid.
- the predetermined quantity of liquid may be defined, at least in part, by the location of the first inlet 142 A and/or the second inlet 142 B relative to the reservoir bottom 146 .
- the location of the portion of the first inlet 142 A and/or the second inlet 142 B closest to the reservoir bottom 146 may determine the liquid level of the liquid within the reservoir 140 .
- any liquid within the reservoir 140 which rises above the lowest portion of the first inlet 142 A and/or the second inlet 142 B may flow out of the first inlet 142 A and/or the second inlet 142 B, through the annular space 129 , and into the container 110 .
- a predetermined quantity of liquid may be defined, at least in part, by the location of the first inlet 142 A and/or the second inlet 142 B relative to the reservoir bottom 146 .
- a predetermined quantity of liquid from the upper reservoir 145 may flow into the reservoir 140 , and any quantity of liquid beyond the predetermined quantity of liquid that was in the upper reservoir 145 may flow out of the first inlet 142 A and/or the second inlet 142 B, through the annular space 129 , and back into the container 110 .
- the predetermined quantity of liquid (e.g., shown as 102 in FIG. 20 ) will remain in the reservoir 140 , thereby allowing the reservoir to “self-dose” or measure out the predetermined quantity of liquid with the simple movement of tilting the system 100 to a threshold angle and restoring the system 100 to an upright orientation.
- the system 100 may be rotated to a rotated orientation in which the reservoir 140 (and the system 100 ) is angled relative to the upright orientation.
- the rotated orientation may be the same or different from the rotated orientation the system 100 was transitioned to during the filling stage.
- the predetermined quantity of liquid may flow from the reservoir 140 , through the tubular member 148 , through the outlet 144 , through the opening 152 , and through the opening 134 of the spout 136 .
- a refilling quantity of liquid within the container 110 may flow under force of gravity through the annular space 129 , through the first inlet 142 A and/or the second inlet 142 B, through the reservoir 140 , and into the upper volume 145 (which is positioned below at least a portion of the reservoir 140 when the system 100 is in the rotated orientation).
- the system 100 may then be transitioned back to the upright orientation such that the refilling quantity of liquid within the upper reservoir 145 may flow toward the reservoir bottom 146 . Any quantity of liquid beyond the predetermined quantity of liquid may flow out of the first inlet 142 A and/or the second inlet 142 B, through the annular space 129 , and back into the container 110 such that the predetermined quantity of liquid remains in the reservoir 140 .
- the flange 149 may be shaped such that liquid flowing through the first inlet 142 A and the second inlet 142 B is prevented from unintentionally flowing toward the reservoir bottom 146 while liquid is being dispensed from the reservoir 140 via the spout 136 and liquid is refilling the upper reservoir 145 .
- a refilling quantity of liquid is simultaneously received into the upper reservoir 145 .
- the refilling quantity of liquid flows into and/or through the reservoir 140 such that another volume of the predetermined quantity of liquid remains in the reservoir 140 .
- the system 100 After one cycle of rotating the system and restoring the system to an upright orientation, the system 100 is thereby prepared for the next dispensing step. Accordingly, every cycle of such actions conveniently provides both a dispensing and an automatic “self-dosing” of the predetermined quantity of liquid.
- the container 110 may be decoupled from the intermediate portion 120 .
- the container 110 may be refilled and recoupled to the intermediate portion 120 such that the dispensing and refilling steps may continue as described above.
- a system may include a base.
- FIGS. 21 and 22 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a system 200 having a base 260 (e.g., a base plate).
- the base may be coupled to the container 210 (e.g., integrally formed, joined with mating features or suitable fasteners, etc.) or may be separate from the container 210 to provide a resting surface for the container 210 when the container 210 is not in use.
- the system 200 may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein, such as the system 100 .
- the system 200 may include a container 210 , a reservoir (not shown), an intermediate portion 220 , and an upper housing 230 including a spout 236 .
- the system 200 may include a base 260 .
- the base 260 may be configured to receive a bottom portion of the container 210 such that the system 200 may be stably disposed on a surface.
- the base 260 may be circular to correspond to a circular bottom of a container 210 , or may be any suitable shape (e.g., oval, square, etc.).
- the base 260 may include one or more frictional features on an upper surface (in contact with the container 210 ) and/or a lower surface.
- the base 260 may include one or more raised ridges and/or rubberized or other relatively high friction features on an upper surface of the base 260 .
- the base 260 may include bottom projections (e.g., feet) that include one or more frictional features, such as to reduce slippage on a shelf, counter, or other surface.
- the spout 236 may include a single lip 231 .
- the single lip 231 may include a linearly or arcuately sloping surface configured to guide liquid exiting the opening of the upper housing 230 when the system 200 is rotated, and/or guide residual liquid back into the reservoir when the system 200 is upright.
- a system may include a handle having any suitable size and/or shape.
- FIGS. 23 and 24 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a system 300 .
- the system 300 may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein, such as the system 100 .
- the system 300 may include a container 310 , a reservoir (not shown), an intermediate portion 320 , and an upper housing 330 including a spout 336 .
- the intermediate portion 320 may include a handle 324 that is shorter in length than, for example, the handle 124 .
- the handle 324 may define an opening 324 A that is configured to receive, for example, only two fingers of a user's hand, while the handle 124 may define an opening that is configured to receive, for example, three or more fingers of a user's hand.
- FIGS. 25 and 26 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a system 400 .
- the system 400 may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein, such as the system 100 .
- the system 400 may include a container 410 , an intermediate portion 420 , and an upper housing 430 including a spout 436 .
- the intermediate portion 420 may include a handle 424 that includes an elongated member coupled to an annular portion 421 of the intermediate portion 420 via a connecting portion 424 B.
- the handle 424 may be gripped by the user via, for example, wrapping the user's fingers around the elongated member.
- FIGS. 27 - 29 are a front view, a top view, and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a system 500 without a distinct handle, such that the body of the container 510 and/or an upper hosing 530 may be grasped by a user directly.
- the system 500 may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein, such as the system 100 .
- the system 500 may include a container 510 , a reservoir (not shown), an intermediate portion 520 including a cover 526 , and an upper housing 530 including a spout 536 .
- the upper housing 530 may be formed of or include a cover of a flexible and/or frictional material, such as silicone.
- the system 500 may further include a base 560 .
- the base 560 may be configured to receive a bottom portion of the container 510 such that the system 500 may be stably disposed on a surface.
- the base 560 may be formed of, for example, silicone.
- the base 560 may, in some variations, be similar to base 260 described above.
- the spout 536 may include a single lip 531 similar to single lip 231 described above.
- the system 500 may include a reservoir 540 that may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the reservoirs described herein.
- the reservoir 540 may include a tubular portion 548 defining an outlet 544 opposite a reservoir bottom 546 .
- the reservoir 540 may include a flange 549 disposed proximate a first inlet and a second inlet (not shown) to the reservoir 540 .
- the tubular member 548 also includes at least a partial flange 547 disposed proximate the first inlet and the second inlet of the reservoir 540 .
- the partial flange 547 may extend away from a central axis of the tubular member 548 to an interior surface of the reservoir 540 such that liquid flow within the reservoir 540 is directed around the partial flange 547 .
- the cover 526 may define an upper reservoir 545 that may function similarly to the upper reservoir 145 described above.
- the annular ring 521 of the intermediate portion 520 may be covered by the upper housing 530 .
- the upper surface of the intermediate portion 520 may be directly coupled to the upper housing 530 .
- the upper housing 530 may be rotatable relative to the intermediate portion 520 (and thus the cover 526 ) such that the upper housing 530 may be rotated between an unlocked configuration in which the opening 534 is aligned with the outlet 544 of the reservoir 540 and a locked configuration in which the opening 534 is not aligned with the outlet 544 of the reservoir 540 , preventing liquid from flowing from the spout 536 .
- the upper housing 530 is not rotatable relative to the intermediate portion 520 such that the opening 534 is always aligned with the outlet 544 of the reservoir 540 .
- FIGS. 30 - 32 Other exemplary handle shapes are shown in FIGS. 30 - 32 .
- the system may include a slim loop-shaped handle.
- the system may include an elongated handle member 724 , with an angled ergonomic portion.
- the system may include a handle comprising a downward-curving member.
- the systems shown in FIGS. 30 - 32 may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein.
- FIG. 33 is a front view of a system 900 , which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein.
- the system 900 includes an elongated and curved handle 924 coupled to an upper housing of the system 900 near the spout of the system 900 .
- FIG. 34 is a front view of a system 1000 , which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein.
- the system 1000 includes a loop-shaped handle 1024 coupled to an upper housing of the system 1000 near the bottom of the upper housing of the system 1000 .
- FIG. 35 is a front view of a system 1100 , which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein.
- the system 1100 includes a semi-circular handle 1124 coupled to an upper housing of the system 1100 .
- the semi-circular handle 1124 and the upper housing collectively define an open interior of the semi-circular handle 1124 .
- the handle may include a loop of any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, square, other arc lengths of a circle, etc.) that is joined at both ends to the upper housing of the system.
- FIG. 36 is a front view of a system 1200 , which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein.
- the system 1200 includes a semi-circular disc handle 1224 coupled to an upper housing of the system 1200 .
- the disc handle 1224 may include a raised outer edge (e.g., to improve graspability and/or ergonomics of the handle).
- the handle may include a disc of any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, square, other arc lengths of a circle, etc.) that is joined to the upper housing of the system 1200 .
- FIG. 37 is a front view of a system 1300 , which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein.
- the system 1300 includes a semi-circular handle 1324 having a first end coupled to the container of the system 1300 near the top of the container and a second end coupled to the container near a middle portion of the container.
- the handle may include a loop of any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, square, other arc lengths of a circle, etc.) that is joined at both ends to the container.
- FIG. 38 is a front view of a system 1400 , which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein.
- the system 1400 includes a semi-circular handle 1424 having a first end coupled to the container of the system 1400 near the top of the container and a second end coupled to the container near a bottom portion of the container.
- the handle may include a loop of any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, square, other arc lengths of a circle, etc.) that has ends joined at the top and bottom portions of the container.
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Abstract
Description
- This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/168,075, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,435,213, filed on Feb. 4, 2021, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/578,939, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,942,052, filed on Sep. 23, 2019, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/233,646, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,444,049, filed on Dec. 27, 2018, the contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
- In many scenarios, it may be important to reliably and consistently measure a particular volume of liquid. For example, when measuring liquid laundry detergent (e.g., for use in a laundry washing machine), it is helpful to ensure an appropriate amount of laundry detergent is used. When too little liquid detergent is used, the user may not obtain the desired level of cleanliness. When too much liquid detergent is used, some of the liquid detergent is unnecessarily wasted and may even damage the clothing and/or washing machine during the laundry cycle. Some users visually estimate the amount of liquid detergent while pouring the liquid into a washing machine reservoir, but such visual estimation tends to be inaccurate. Other users approach this problem by using a measuring cup to portion out a desired amount of liquid detergent. However, pouring detergent into a measuring cup is messy, inconvenient, and time-consuming. Thus, there is a need for a system, apparatus, and method to improve the ease and accuracy of dispensing a predetermined quantity of a liquid.
- In some embodiments, a system for dispensing liquid from a container holding a liquid comprises a reservoir mountable to the container so as to be in fluidic communication with the container. The reservoir may comprise an inlet and an outlet. When mounted to the container, the reservoir may be configured to measure a predetermined quantity of liquid while in first orientation and to simultaneously dispense the predetermined quantity of liquid from the outlet and receive a refilling quantity of liquid through the inlet while in a second orientation that is angled relative to the first orientation above a threshold angle.
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FIGS. 1-6 are various external views of a system for dispensing liquid from a container holding a liquid, according to an embodiment.FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the system in a locked configuration.FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the system in an unlocked configuration.FIGS. 3 and 4 are front and rear views, respectively, of the system in an unlocked configuration.FIGS. 5 and 6 are top and bottom views, respectively, of the system in an unlocked configuration. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the system ofFIGS. 1-6 in an exploded configuration. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a container of the system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 9 is a front view of the container ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an upper housing of the system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a first cross-section of the upper housing of -
FIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along a second cross-section of the upper housing ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a side of the reservoir shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a top of the reservoir shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 15 is perspective view of the reservoir shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 17 are a perspective view of a cross-section of a portion of the system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the system ofFIG. 1 without the upper housing or the cap. -
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the system ofFIG. 1 in the assembled, unlocked configuration. -
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional illustration of a portion of the system ofFIG. 1 in an assembled, unlocked configuration and containing a predetermined quantity of liquid in the reservoir. -
FIGS. 21 and 22 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a system, according to an embodiment. -
FIGS. 23 and 24 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a system, according to an embodiment. -
FIGS. 25 and 26 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a system, according to an embodiment. -
FIGS. 27-29 are a front view, a top view, and a side cross-sectional view, respectively, of a system, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 30 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 31 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 32 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 33 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 34 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 35 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 36 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 37 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 38 is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. - In some embodiments, a system for dispensing liquid from a container holding a liquid comprises a reservoir mountable to the container so as to be in fluidic communication with the container. The reservoir may comprise an inlet and an outlet. In some embodiments, the reservoir may comprise a second inlet. When mounted to the container, the reservoir may be configured to measure a predetermined quantity of liquid while in first orientation and to simultaneously dispense the predetermined quantity of liquid from the outlet and receive a refilling quantity of liquid through the inlet while in a second orientation that is angled relative to the first orientation above a threshold angle. In some embodiments, the predetermined quantity of liquid may be defined at least in part by the location of the inlet relative to a reservoir bottom.
- In some embodiments, the outlet of the reservoir may be disposed at an end of a tubular member extending away from a reservoir bottom. The tubular member may comprise at least a partial flange disposed proximate the inlet of the reservoir.
- The system may further comprise a cover disposed over the reservoir. The system may further comprise an annular space defined between the reservoir and the cover, wherein the reservoir is in fluidic communication with the container via the annular space. The system may further comprise a spout having an opening aligned with the outlet of the reservoir. The spout may comprise a double-lipped edge. The opening may be off-center. The opening and the inlet may be on opposite sides of a midplane of the reservoir.
- In some embodiments, a system for dispensing liquid from a container holding a liquid comprises a reservoir mountable to the container so as to be in fluidic communication with the container. The reservoir may comprise an inlet and an outlet. In some embodiments, the reservoir may comprise a second inlet. When mounted to the container, the reservoir may be configured to measure a predetermined quantity of liquid while in an upright orientation and to simultaneously dispense the predetermined quantity of liquid from the outlet and receive a refilling quantity of liquid through the inlet while in a rotated orientation that is angled relative to the upright orientation. In some embodiments, the predetermined quantity of liquid may be defined at least in part by the location of the inlet relative to a reservoir bottom.
- In some embodiments, the outlet of the reservoir may be disposed at an end of a tubular member extending away from a reservoir bottom. The tubular member may comprise at least a partial flange disposed proximate the inlet of the reservoir.
- The system may further comprise a cover disposed over the reservoir. The system may further comprise an annular space defined between the reservoir and the cover, wherein the reservoir is in fluidic communication with the container via the annular space. The system may further comprise a spout having an opening aligned with the outlet of the reservoir. The spout may comprise a double-lipped edge. The opening may be off-center. The opening and the inlet may be on opposite sides of a midplane of the reservoir.
- In some variations, the system is used to store, measure, and dispense a liquid laundry detergent from a container. However, one or more features of the system may additionally or alternatively be used to store, measure, and/or dispense any suitable liquid. For example, the reservoir described herein may be combined with other containers and/or dispensers to enable self-measurement of a predetermined amount of liquid.
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FIGS. 1-6 are various external views of asystem 100 for dispensing liquid from a container holding a liquid. Specifically,FIGS. 1 and 2 are a perspective view of asystem 100 in a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, respectively.FIGS. 3 and 4 are a front view and a rear view of thesystem 100 in the unlocked configuration.FIGS. 5 and 6 are a top view and a bottom view of thesystem 100 in the unlocked configuration, respectively. As shown, thesystem 100 includes acontainer 110, anintermediate portion 120, and anupper housing 130. - The
intermediate portion 120 may include anannular ring 121 and ahandle 124 coupled to theannular ring 121. However, in some variations theintermediate portion 120 may omit a handle, and/or a handle may be coupled to thecontainer 110, and theupper housing 130, or any suitable portion of the system. Anindicator mark 122 may be disposed on theannular ring 121, though in some variations theindicator 112 may be disposed on thecontainer 110. Theindicator mark 122 may be a tactile feature such as, for example, a notch such as a recess, or a raised feature. Theindicator mark 122 alternatively may be an etching or decal. Theupper housing 130 may include afirst indicator 132 and asecond indicator 134. Theupper housing 130 is rotatable relative to theintermediate portion 120 and thecontainer 110 between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. When in the locked configuration, thesystem 100 may be prevented from dispensing liquid. When in the locked configuration, thesystem 100 may be able to dispense a predetermined quantity of liquid per pouring action (e.g., per inversion or sufficient rotation of the system 100). Thefirst indicator 132 may be aligned with theindicator mark 122 when thesystem 100 is in the locked configuration. Thesecond indicator 134 may be aligned with theindicator mark 122 when thesystem 100 is in the unlocked configuration. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , thefirst indicator 132 may be a graphic icon depicting a lock symbol, while thesecond indicator 134 may be a graphic icon depicting an unlocked symbol. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second indicators may include text (e.g., “LOCK”, “UNLOCK”, “L”, “U”) and/or other suitable representative symbols (e.g., a filled circle representing a lock setting, unfilled circle representing an unlocked setting), etc. Like theindicator mark 122, thefirst indicator 132 andsecond indicator 134 may be a tactile feature such as a notch or raised feature, or may be an etching or decal. In variations in which theindicator mark 122,first indicator 132, and/orsecond indicator 134 includes a tactile feature, the tactile feature may enable a user to detect through feel alone whether thesystem 100 is in the unlocked or locked configuration. - In some variations, the
intermediate portion 120 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a rigid plastic that is formed, for example, through injection molding or any suitable process. - The
upper housing 130 may include aspout 136. As shown, for example, inFIG. 2 , thespout 136 may define anopening 134. Generally, thespout 136 may include a linearly or arcuately sloping surface configured to guide liquid being poured out of the opening 134 (e.g., when thesystem 100 is rotated or tilted) and/or guide residual liquid back into the reservoir when thesystem 200 is restored upright. Thespout 136 may include a double-lipped edge. For example, thespout 136 may include afirst lip 131 and asecond lip 133. Agroove 135 may be defined between thefirst lip 131 and thesecond lip 133. Thegroove 135 may be defined so as to capture at least some residual liquid and substantially preventing the residual liquid from dripping over an exterior of theupper housing 130. Thegroove 135 may be defined such that, when residual liquid is disposed between thefirst lip 131 and the second lip 133 (e.g., after being poured from the spout 132) and thesystem 100 is in an upright orientation, the residual liquid may flow under force of gravity into theopening 134. For example, thegroove 135 may be generally arcuate and terminate at one or more of its ends at the sloping surface of thespout 136. In some variations, theupper housing 130 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a rigid plastic that is formed, for example, through injection molding or any suitable process. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of thesystem 100 in an exploded configuration. As shown, thesystem 100 includes areservoir 140, anintermediate portion 120, acap 150, and anupper housing 130. Thereservoir 140 defines afirst inlet 142A and asecond inlet 142B. Thereservoir 140 also includes atubular member 148 defining anoutlet 144. Although thereservoir 140 is shown and described as having afirst inlet 142A and asecond inlet 142B, in some embodiments thereservoir 140 may include only one inlet, or three or more inlets. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , theintermediate portion 120 includes acover 126 extending upward from theannular ring 121. Thecover 126 is configured (e.g., shaped and sized) such that thecover 126 may be disposed within an interior of theupper housing 130 when thesystem 100 is in an assembled configuration. The upper surface of thecover 126 includes a receivingsurface 125. The receivingsurface 125 defines anopening 123. Thecover 126 defines an interior (not shown) which is configured to receive thereservoir 140 such that theoutlet 144 of thereservoir 140 is aligned with theopening 123 of the receivingsurface 125. - The
cap 150 defines anopening 152. Thecap 150 is configured to engage with the receivingportion 125 of theintermediate portion 120 such that theopening 152 of the cap is aligned with theopening 123 of the receivingsurface 125. The receivingsurface 125 and thecap 150 may define a number of complementary mating features. For example, the receivingsurface 125 may include a number of circular or partially circular (e.g., semi-circular) grooves configured to mate with a number of circular or partially circular (e.g., semi-circular) ridges formed in the bottom surface of thecap 150. In some variations, thecap 150 may function as a bearing surface on which an inner feature or portion of theupper housing 130 rotates (e.g., when transitioning between the unlocked and locked configurations). - The
upper housing 130 may be configured to be coupled to theintermediate portion 120 via any suitable coupling feature. For example, theupper housing 130 and theintermediate portion 120 may each include corresponding coupling features such that theupper housing 130 may be rotationally coupled to theintermediate portion 120. As shown inFIG. 7 , theintermediate portion 120 may include at least onegroove 127 configured to receive mating tabs 128 (shown inFIGS. 10- 12 ) of theupper housing 130. Theintermediate portion 120 may be configured to be coupled to thecontainer 110 via any suitable coupling feature. For example, theintermediate portion 120 and thecontainer 110 may each include corresponding mating threads such that theintermediate portion 120 may be screwed into engagement with thecontainer 110. - When the
system 100 is in an assembled and unlocked configuration, theoutlet 144 of thereservoir 140 may align with theopening 123 of thecover 126, theopening 152 of thecap 150, and theopening 134 of theupper housing 130 such that liquid may flow from thereservoir 140, through theopening 123, through theopening 152, through theopening 134, and from thespout 136. For example, theoutlet 144, theopening 123, theopening 152, and theopening 134 may be coaxial in at least one configuration of the system (e.g., the unlocked configuration). Theopening 134 may be off-center or offset from a longitudinal axis of theupper housing 130, such that theopening 145 may be toggled between alignment and misalignment with one or more other openings in fluidic communication with the contents of thecontainer 110, via rotation, translation, and/or other movement. For example, thesystem 100 may be transitioned from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration via rotating theupper housing 130 relative to theintermediate portion 120 such that theopening 134 of theupper housing 130 is rotated out of alignment with theopening 152 of thecap 150. In the locked configuration, theopening 134 may instead be aligned with, or blocked by, a portion of the upper surface of thecap 150. In some variations, thesystem 100 may further include one or more detents, such as at least one detent corresponding to the unlocked configuration and/or at least one detent corresponding to the locked configuration. Such detents may, for example, enable theupper housing 130 to “click” or otherwise provide tactile feedback confirming the unlocked or locked configuration. One or more detents may be formed via mating features an interface between theupper housing 130 with theintermediate portion 120 and/or thecap 150, for example. - Furthermore, as shown, for example, in
FIGS. 10-12 , theupper housing 130 may include aninterior region 137 defined by an internal wall such that any liquid that may flow through theopening 152 when theassembly 100 is in the locked configuration may be contained within theinterior region 137. Accordingly, the unlocked configuration may function as an “open” configuration enabling dispensing of the container contents out theopening 134, and the locked configuration may function as a “closed” configuration substantially preventing dispensing of the container contents out theopening 134. For example, the locked or “closed” configuration may be used when storing or transporting thesystem 100. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , thehandle 124 may include aninner handle portion 124A and anouter handle portion 124B. Theouter handle portion 124B may be coupled to theannular ring 121 of theintermediate portion 120 via any suitable coupling method or mechanism. For example, theouter handle portion 124B may be formed monolithically with theannular ring 121. Theinner handle portion 124A may be coupled to theouter handle portion 124B via any suitable coupling method or mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, theinner handle portion 124A may be overmolded over theouter handle portion 124B. Theinner handle portion 124A may be made of a different material than theouter handle portion 124B. For example, theinner handle portion 124A may include silicone or other suitable material, while theouter handle portion 124B may be made of a suitable rigid or semi-rigid plastic. Thehandle 124 may include frictional features to improve grip and reduce the risk of a user dropping the system when handling the system. For example, thehandle 124 may include ridges, bumps, or other raised features. Additionally or alternatively, the handle 124 (e.g.,inner handle portion 124A) may include a highly frictional material such as silicone. -
FIGS. 8 and 9 are a perspective view and a side view of thecontainer 110, respectively. As shown, thecontainer 110 may have a tapered outer profile. For example, thecontainer 110 may have a generally frustoconical shape. Additionally, thecontainer 110 may include at least onethread 112 configured to mate with a corresponding thread or threads of theintermediate portion 120. Thecontainer 110 defines anopening 114 through which liquid may flow into and out of thecontainer 110. One or more sealing mechanisms, such as an 0-ring or gasket, may be included at the interface between thecontainer 110 and theintermediate portion 120 to help reduce risk of fluid leak. In some variations, thecontainer 110 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a rigid polymer (e.g., acrylic) or glass, and may be formed through injection molding, turning, or any suitable manufacturing process. Thecontainer 110 may be translucent or transparent, which may, for example, enable a user to view and monitor the volume of liquid in thecontainer 110. Furthermore, in some variations thecontainer 110 may include one or more liquid volume indicator markings and/or text (e.g., “MAX”) that may be indicate to a user the extent to which the container can be filled (e.g., to ensure proper self-dosing operation of the reservoir, to avoid spillage, etc.). Additional graduated markings in the container may indicate additional discrete volume measurements. Such indicator markings may, for example, be etched or embossed in the surface of thecontainer 110, or may be part of a label or decal that is affixed to thecontainer 110. In some variations, a bottom surface of thecontainer 110 may include a relatively frictional surface to increase stability of thecontainer 110 on a storage surface. For example, a bottom surface of thecontainer 110 may include silicone or another suitable frictional material. -
FIGS. 10-12 are various views of theupper housing 130. Specifically,FIG. 10 is a bottom view of theupper housing 130.FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a first cross-section of theupper housing 130.FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along a second cross-section of theupper housing 130, the second cross-section being perpendicular to the first cross-section. As shown inFIGS. 10-12 , theupper housing 130 includes fourmating tabs 128. Themating tabs 128 project toward a central axis of theupper housing 130 and are configured to be received by thegroove 127 of theintermediate portion 120 such that theupper housing 130 may be rotated relative to theintermediate portion 120. In some variations, one of more of themating tabs 128 may, for example, form part of a detent mechanism as described above. -
FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of a side and a top of thereservoir 140, respectively.FIG. 15 is a side view of thereservoir 140, with some interior portions of thereservoir 140 shown with dashed lines. As described above, thereservoir 140 includes afirst inlet 142A, asecond inlet 142B, andtubular member 148 defining anoutlet 144. Thereservoir 140 may include aflange 149 disposed proximate thefirst inlet 142A and thesecond inlet 142B. In other variations, thereservoir 140 may include fewer (one) or more (three or more) separate inlets. The first and second inlets of thereservoir 140 may be sized and shaped to allow a sufficient volume of liquid to flow into the reservoir when the reservoir is assembled into the system and tipped (e.g., in a pouring maneuver). Furthermore, the inlets of the reservoir may be angularly distributed around the side wall of thereservoir 140, so as to allow liquid to flow into the reservoir from multiple angles. For example, generally, the inlets may be arranged in a row and collectively span an angle range of up to about 180 degrees or less. For example, as shown inFIG. 13 , theinlets - As may be seen in
FIG. 15 , thereservoir 140 has areservoir bottom 146. Thetubular member 148 extends away from thereservoir bottom 146 such that theoutlet 144 of thetubular member 148 is defined at the end of thetubular member 148 farther away from thereservoir bottom 146 than the end of thetubular member 148 closer to thereservoir bottom 146. In some variations, thereservoir 140 may include one or more features that help direct flow of liquid toward the reservoir bottom when thereservoir 140 is upright as shown inFIG. 15 , and/or help direct flow of liquid toward thetubular member 148 when thereservoir 140 is angled (e.g., for pouring the liquid out of the reservoir). For example, thetubular member 148 may include at least apartial flange 147 disposed proximate thefirst inlet 142A and thesecond inlet 142B of thereservoir 140. Thepartial flange 147 is sloped toward the reservoir bottom such that when the reservoir is upright, thepartial flange 147 directs liquid entering theinlet 142A and/orinlet 142B toward the reservoir bottom. When the reservoir is angled (e.g., inverted, or rotated to an angle between the upright orientation and an inverted orientation), thepartial flange 147 helps block or resist reverse liquid flow (e.g., towardupper volume 145 shown inFIG. 20 ), and instead help direct liquid toward the tubular member 148 (e.g., similar to a funnel). -
FIGS. 16 and 17 are a perspective view of a portion of thesystem 100 and a perspective view of a cross-section of a portion of thesystem 100, respectively.FIG. 16 shows a portion of thecontainer 110 coupled to theintermediate portion 120. Theintermediate portion 120 is shown as being transparent such that thereservoir 140 and thecap 150 may be seen through theintermediate portion 120. As shown inFIGS. 16 and 17 , in some variations, thefirst inlet 142A and/or thesecond inlet 142B may be disposed on an opposite side of a midplane of thereservoir 140 from theoutlet 144, such that when the system is tilted toward the side on which theoutlet 144 is located, liquid in the reservoir tends to flow toward the outlet and away from theinlets 142 and 142B. -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of thesystem 100 without theupper housing 130 or thecap 150 when thesystem 100 is in the assembled, unlocked configuration.FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of thesystem 100 in the assembled, unlocked configuration. -
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional illustration of a portion of thesystem 100 in an assembled, unlocked configuration and containing a predetermined quantity of liquid in thereservoir 140. As shown inFIG. 20 , in the assembled and unlocked configuration, theoutlet 144 of thereservoir 140 is aligned with theopening 123 of thecover 126, theopening 152 of thecap 150, and theopening 134 of theupper housing 130. Thereservoir 140 may be mounted within an interior of thecover 126 via any suitable coupling mechanism. For example, thereservoir 140 may include aflange 141 and thecover 126 may include a projection 126A which extends from an inner surface of thecover 126 into the interior of thecover 126. Theflange 141 of thereservoir 140 may be configured to mate with the projection 126A such that thereservoir 140 is retained within thecover 126. - The
reservoir 140 may be mounted or received within thecover 126 such that a generallyannular space 129 is defined between the outer surface of thereservoir 140 and the inner surface of thecover 126 below theflange 141 of thereservoir 140. Thereservoir 140 may be in fluidic communication with thecontainer 110 via theannular space 129 and thefirst inlet 142A and/or thesecond inlet 142B (shown, for example, inFIGS. 13, 14, and 17 ). Theopening 134 may be arranged off-center relative to a central axis of thereservoir 140. As shown inFIG. 20 , the inner surface of thecover 126 above thereservoir 140 may define anupper volume 145. In some variations, thereservoir 140 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a rigid plastic that is formed, for example, through injection molding, milling, or any suitable process. - Although the
reservoir 140 is primarily described herein as being in fluidic communication with thecontainer 110 via an annular space with thecover 126 of the intermediate portion, it should be understood that thereservoir 140 may be additionally or alternatively be in fluidic communication with thecontainer 110 through any suitable fluid passageway. For example, in some variations, theintermediate portion 120 may be omitted such that thereservoir 140 receives fluid from thecontainer 110 via a space formed between the reservoir and theupper housing 130. In yet other variations, suitable channels, tubing, or the like may transport liquid into thereservoir 140. - Filling the
reservoir 140 with a predetermined quantity of liquid may be performed by rotating thesystem 100 through at least a threshold angle of rotation. For example, thereservoir 140 may be mounted to thecontainer 110 via theintermediate portion 120 as described above, and thecontainer 110 may contain sufficient liquid for filling the reservoir 140 (e.g., thecontainer 110 may contain a quantity of liquid equal to or greater than a predetermined quantity of liquid configured to be held by thereservoir 140 in an upright orientation). In this configuration, thereservoir 140 may be filled with a predetermined quantity of liquid by transitioning thesystem 100 from a substantially upright orientation in which theinlet 144 of thereservoir 140 is above the container 110 (e.g., the bottom of thecontainer 110 is disposed on a surface), to a rotated orientation in which thereservoir 140 is angled relative to the upright orientation by at least a threshold angle of rotation. In some variations, the threshold angle of rotation may be between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees (e.g., about 90 degrees, about 110 degrees, about 130 degrees, about 150 degrees, about 170 degrees, etc.). In some variations, the threshold angle of rotation may be about 180 degrees (e.g., such that thereservoir 140 is inverted) When thesystem 100 is rotated to the rotated orientation, liquid may flow from thecontainer 110, through theannular space 129, through thefirst inlet 142A and/or thesecond inlet 142B, through thereservoir 140, and into theupper volume 145. In some embodiments, the liquid may fill theupper volume 145 and a portion of thereservoir 140 outside of thetubular member 148 when the system is in the rotated orientation. - After the
upper volume 145 is filled with at least some liquid, thesystem 100 may be transitioned from the rotated orientation to the upright orientation, causing the liquid in theupper volume 145 to flow toward thebottom surface 146 of thereservoir 140. Thereservoir 140 may be configured to hold a predetermined quantity of liquid. The predetermined quantity of liquid may be defined, at least in part, by the location of thefirst inlet 142A and/or thesecond inlet 142B relative to thereservoir bottom 146. The location of the portion of thefirst inlet 142A and/or thesecond inlet 142B closest to thereservoir bottom 146 may determine the liquid level of the liquid within thereservoir 140. For example, when thesystem 100 is in an upright orientation, any liquid within thereservoir 140 which rises above the lowest portion of thefirst inlet 142A and/or thesecond inlet 142B may flow out of thefirst inlet 142A and/or thesecond inlet 142B, through theannular space 129, and into thecontainer 110. Thus, a predetermined quantity of liquid may be defined, at least in part, by the location of thefirst inlet 142A and/or thesecond inlet 142B relative to thereservoir bottom 146. Thus, when thesystem 100 is transitioned from the rotated orientation to the upright orientation, a predetermined quantity of liquid from theupper reservoir 145 may flow into thereservoir 140, and any quantity of liquid beyond the predetermined quantity of liquid that was in theupper reservoir 145 may flow out of thefirst inlet 142A and/or thesecond inlet 142B, through theannular space 129, and back into thecontainer 110. The predetermined quantity of liquid (e.g., shown as 102 inFIG. 20 ) will remain in thereservoir 140, thereby allowing the reservoir to “self-dose” or measure out the predetermined quantity of liquid with the simple movement of tilting thesystem 100 to a threshold angle and restoring thesystem 100 to an upright orientation. - To dispense (e.g., pour) the predetermined quantity of
liquid 102 from thereservoir 140, thesystem 100 may be rotated to a rotated orientation in which the reservoir 140 (and the system 100) is angled relative to the upright orientation. The rotated orientation may be the same or different from the rotated orientation thesystem 100 was transitioned to during the filling stage. Under the force of gravity, once thereservoir 140 is in the angled orientation, the predetermined quantity of liquid may flow from thereservoir 140, through thetubular member 148, through theoutlet 144, through theopening 152, and through theopening 134 of thespout 136. Simultaneously, a refilling quantity of liquid within thecontainer 110 may flow under force of gravity through theannular space 129, through thefirst inlet 142A and/or thesecond inlet 142B, through thereservoir 140, and into the upper volume 145 (which is positioned below at least a portion of thereservoir 140 when thesystem 100 is in the rotated orientation). - When the predetermined quantity of liquid has been dispensed from the
reservoir 140 through thespout 136, thesystem 100 may then be transitioned back to the upright orientation such that the refilling quantity of liquid within theupper reservoir 145 may flow toward thereservoir bottom 146. Any quantity of liquid beyond the predetermined quantity of liquid may flow out of thefirst inlet 142A and/or thesecond inlet 142B, through theannular space 129, and back into thecontainer 110 such that the predetermined quantity of liquid remains in thereservoir 140. Theflange 149 may be shaped such that liquid flowing through thefirst inlet 142A and thesecond inlet 142B is prevented from unintentionally flowing toward thereservoir bottom 146 while liquid is being dispensed from thereservoir 140 via thespout 136 and liquid is refilling theupper reservoir 145. - After the reservoir is filled once as described above, every time a predetermined quantity of liquid is dispensed from the
reservoir 140 through thespout 136, a refilling quantity of liquid is simultaneously received into theupper reservoir 145. Upon return of thesystem 100 to an upright position, the refilling quantity of liquid flows into and/or through thereservoir 140 such that another volume of the predetermined quantity of liquid remains in thereservoir 140. Thus, after an initial filling of the reservoir 140 (which “primes” the reservoir for subsequent simultaneous dispensing and refilling for subsequent rotations of the system), a single cycle of pouring liquid and returning thesystem 100 to an upright orientation may accomplish both dispensing and refilling of liquid in the reservoir to another volume of the predetermined quantity of liquid in thereservoir 140. After one cycle of rotating the system and restoring the system to an upright orientation, thesystem 100 is thereby prepared for the next dispensing step. Accordingly, every cycle of such actions conveniently provides both a dispensing and an automatic “self-dosing” of the predetermined quantity of liquid. - In some embodiments, the
container 110 may be decoupled from theintermediate portion 120. For example, once emptied, thecontainer 110 may be refilled and recoupled to theintermediate portion 120 such that the dispensing and refilling steps may continue as described above. - In some embodiments, a system may include a base. For example,
FIGS. 21 and 22 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of asystem 200 having a base 260 (e.g., a base plate). The base may be coupled to the container 210 (e.g., integrally formed, joined with mating features or suitable fasteners, etc.) or may be separate from thecontainer 210 to provide a resting surface for thecontainer 210 when thecontainer 210 is not in use. Thesystem 200 may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein, such as thesystem 100. For example, thesystem 200 may include acontainer 210, a reservoir (not shown), anintermediate portion 220, and anupper housing 230 including aspout 236. Thesystem 200 may include abase 260. The base 260 may be configured to receive a bottom portion of thecontainer 210 such that thesystem 200 may be stably disposed on a surface. The base 260 may be circular to correspond to a circular bottom of acontainer 210, or may be any suitable shape (e.g., oval, square, etc.). In some variations, thebase 260 may include one or more frictional features on an upper surface (in contact with the container 210) and/or a lower surface. For example, thebase 260 may include one or more raised ridges and/or rubberized or other relatively high friction features on an upper surface of thebase 260. Additionally or alternatively, thebase 260 may include bottom projections (e.g., feet) that include one or more frictional features, such as to reduce slippage on a shelf, counter, or other surface. - Furthermore, as shown in
FIG. 21 , in some variations, thespout 236 may include asingle lip 231. Thesingle lip 231 may include a linearly or arcuately sloping surface configured to guide liquid exiting the opening of theupper housing 230 when thesystem 200 is rotated, and/or guide residual liquid back into the reservoir when thesystem 200 is upright. - In some embodiments, a system may include a handle having any suitable size and/or shape. For example,
FIGS. 23 and 24 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of asystem 300. Thesystem 300 may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein, such as thesystem 100. For example, thesystem 300 may include acontainer 310, a reservoir (not shown), anintermediate portion 320, and anupper housing 330 including aspout 336. As shown, theintermediate portion 320 may include ahandle 324 that is shorter in length than, for example, thehandle 124. Thehandle 324 may define anopening 324A that is configured to receive, for example, only two fingers of a user's hand, while thehandle 124 may define an opening that is configured to receive, for example, three or more fingers of a user's hand. - In some embodiments, rather than a handle defining an opening, the handle may be formed as an elongated member configured to be gripped by a user. For example,
FIGS. 25 and 26 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of asystem 400. Thesystem 400 may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein, such as thesystem 100. For example, thesystem 400 may include acontainer 410, anintermediate portion 420, and anupper housing 430 including aspout 436. As shown, theintermediate portion 420 may include ahandle 424 that includes an elongated member coupled to anannular portion 421 of theintermediate portion 420 via a connectingportion 424B. Thehandle 424 may be gripped by the user via, for example, wrapping the user's fingers around the elongated member. - In some embodiments, the system may omit a distinct handle. For example,
FIGS. 27-29 are a front view, a top view, and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of asystem 500 without a distinct handle, such that the body of thecontainer 510 and/or anupper hosing 530 may be grasped by a user directly. Thesystem 500 may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein, such as thesystem 100. For example, thesystem 500 may include acontainer 510, a reservoir (not shown), anintermediate portion 520 including acover 526, and anupper housing 530 including aspout 536. Theupper housing 530 may be formed of or include a cover of a flexible and/or frictional material, such as silicone. Thesystem 500 may further include abase 560. The base 560 may be configured to receive a bottom portion of thecontainer 510 such that thesystem 500 may be stably disposed on a surface. The base 560 may be formed of, for example, silicone. The base 560 may, in some variations, be similar tobase 260 described above. Furthermore, as shown inFIGS. 27-29 , thespout 536 may include asingle lip 531 similar tosingle lip 231 described above. - Additionally, as shown, for example, in
FIG. 29 , thesystem 500 may include areservoir 540 that may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the reservoirs described herein. For example, thereservoir 540 may include atubular portion 548 defining anoutlet 544 opposite areservoir bottom 546. Furthermore, thereservoir 540 may include aflange 549 disposed proximate a first inlet and a second inlet (not shown) to thereservoir 540. Thetubular member 548 also includes at least apartial flange 547 disposed proximate the first inlet and the second inlet of thereservoir 540. As shown, thepartial flange 547 may extend away from a central axis of thetubular member 548 to an interior surface of thereservoir 540 such that liquid flow within thereservoir 540 is directed around thepartial flange 547. Additionally, thecover 526 may define anupper reservoir 545 that may function similarly to theupper reservoir 145 described above. - Rather than the
intermediate portion 520 including anannular ring 521 forming a portion of the external surface of thesystem 500, theannular ring 521 of theintermediate portion 520 may be covered by theupper housing 530. Furthermore, rather than including a cap between theupper housing 530 and the upper surface of theintermediate portion 520, the upper surface of theintermediate portion 520 may be directly coupled to theupper housing 530. - In some embodiments, the
upper housing 530 may be rotatable relative to the intermediate portion 520 (and thus the cover 526) such that theupper housing 530 may be rotated between an unlocked configuration in which theopening 534 is aligned with theoutlet 544 of thereservoir 540 and a locked configuration in which theopening 534 is not aligned with theoutlet 544 of thereservoir 540, preventing liquid from flowing from thespout 536. In some embodiments, theupper housing 530 is not rotatable relative to theintermediate portion 520 such that theopening 534 is always aligned with theoutlet 544 of thereservoir 540. - Other exemplary handle shapes are shown in
FIGS. 30-32 . For example, as shown inFIG. 30 , the system may include a slim loop-shaped handle. As shown inFIG. 31 , the system may include anelongated handle member 724, with an angled ergonomic portion. As shown inFIG. 32 , the system may include a handle comprising a downward-curving member. The systems shown inFIGS. 30-32 may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein. - For example,
FIG. 33 is a front view of asystem 900, which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein. Thesystem 900 includes an elongated andcurved handle 924 coupled to an upper housing of thesystem 900 near the spout of thesystem 900. -
FIG. 34 is a front view of asystem 1000, which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein. Thesystem 1000 includes a loop-shapedhandle 1024 coupled to an upper housing of thesystem 1000 near the bottom of the upper housing of thesystem 1000. -
FIG. 35 is a front view of asystem 1100, which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein. Thesystem 1100 includes asemi-circular handle 1124 coupled to an upper housing of thesystem 1100. Thesemi-circular handle 1124 and the upper housing collectively define an open interior of thesemi-circular handle 1124. In other variations, the handle may include a loop of any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, square, other arc lengths of a circle, etc.) that is joined at both ends to the upper housing of the system. -
FIG. 36 is a front view of asystem 1200, which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein. Thesystem 1200 includes a semi-circular disc handle 1224 coupled to an upper housing of thesystem 1200. The disc handle 1224 may include a raised outer edge (e.g., to improve graspability and/or ergonomics of the handle). In other variations, the handle may include a disc of any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, square, other arc lengths of a circle, etc.) that is joined to the upper housing of thesystem 1200. -
FIG. 37 is a front view of asystem 1300, which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein. Thesystem 1300 includes asemi-circular handle 1324 having a first end coupled to the container of thesystem 1300 near the top of the container and a second end coupled to the container near a middle portion of the container. In other variations, the handle may include a loop of any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, square, other arc lengths of a circle, etc.) that is joined at both ends to the container. -
FIG. 38 is a front view of a system 1400, which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein. The system 1400 includes a semi-circular handle 1424 having a first end coupled to the container of the system 1400 near the top of the container and a second end coupled to the container near a bottom portion of the container. In other variations, the handle may include a loop of any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, square, other arc lengths of a circle, etc.) that has ends joined at the top and bottom portions of the container. - Non-limiting examples of various aspects and variations of the invention are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
- The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed; obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, they thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.
Claims (20)
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US17/891,621 Abandoned US20230152138A1 (en) | 2018-12-27 | 2022-08-19 | Self-dosing measuring cap for a liquid container |
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US10444049B1 (en) | 2018-12-27 | 2019-10-15 | Grove Collaborative, Inc. | Self-dosing measuring cap for a liquid container |
USD945811S1 (en) | 2018-12-27 | 2022-03-15 | Grove Collaborative, Inc. | Liquid container |
USD973496S1 (en) | 2020-03-27 | 2022-12-27 | Bocks Inc. | Bottle |
CN111942729B (en) * | 2020-08-11 | 2022-05-17 | 广州丽盈塑料有限公司 | Quantitative laundry detergent measuring bottle cap and laundry detergent bottle |
USD1013508S1 (en) * | 2022-08-12 | 2024-02-06 | Aptar France Sas | Measuring cap |
US11766145B1 (en) * | 2022-08-17 | 2023-09-26 | Ripl Efek Llc | Reusable container holder |
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- 2019-12-27 CN CN201980091653.6A patent/CN113424026A/en active Pending
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20210404852A1 (en) | 2021-12-30 |
US11435213B2 (en) | 2022-09-06 |
US10444049B1 (en) | 2019-10-15 |
WO2020140010A1 (en) | 2020-07-02 |
US20200264026A1 (en) | 2020-08-20 |
CN113424026A (en) | 2021-09-21 |
US10942052B2 (en) | 2021-03-09 |
CA3125159A1 (en) | 2020-07-02 |
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