US2828894A

US2828894A - Dredge top closure spouts

Info

Publication number: US2828894A
Application number: US623428A
Authority: US
Inventors: Zimmerman Jack
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1956-11-20
Filing date: 1956-11-20
Publication date: 1958-04-01
Anticipated expiration: 1975-04-01

Description

April 1, 1958 J. ZIMMERMAN DREDGE TOP CLOSURE SPOUTS 2 Sheets-She et 1 Filed Nov. 20, 1956 FIG. 4.

F IG. 7.

INVENTOR. JACK ZIMQMERMAN FIG. 9.

FIG. 8.

ATTORNEY April 1,1958 J. ZIMMERMAN DREDGE TOP CLOSURE SPOUTS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed. Nov. 20. 1956 INVENTOR.

JACK ZIMMERMAN ATTORNEY DREDGE T? CLOSURE SPOUTS lack Zimmerman, New York, N. Y.

Application November 28, 1956, Serial No. 623,423

lil Claims. (Cl. 222-480) This invention relates to closure spouts of the category adapted for use with containers having therein powdered or granular material.

It has been a common expedient to employ retractable closure devices on containers, whereby upon an operative retraction thereof the powdered or granular material could readily be dispensed through a suitable opening in the container, such devices being movable between re tracted and closure positions by manual manipulation. Some of these devices are of the pivotal disk type, in which the disk is swung through an are about a supporting pivot, to move the closure member between its two limiting positions. Such devices have been found unsuitable, first because they do not always provide a leakproof closure, and second because they are frequently not adaptable for dispensing powdered or granular material to a localized area. in an attempt to overcome this shortcoming, preformed spouts have been applied over the outlet openings, the spouts being movable inwardly and outwardly between closure and dispensing positions. Where such conventional spouts have been required for use with materials that will react with metals, molded plastic forms have been employed. In all such preformed spouts, it has been necessary to gain access to the interior of the container in order to apply the device thereto, thereby rendering the assembly of the spout and container a relatively difiicult task, special tools and special skills being frequently required. Where a crimping or forcing action is necessary, either the material of the container or the spout becomes mutilated, thereby exposing the contents of the container to the atmosphere.

It is an important objective of this invention to provide a closure spout which will effectively perform its intended function without any of the disadvantages hereinabove mentioned. In the accomplishment of this objective, I employ a prefabricated relatively flat device, made of some plastic material such as polyethylene, which can be quickly placed into operative position over a conventionally die-cut outlet opening, by means of a simple manual operation, without any need to gain access to the interior of the container, without the use of any special tools, and without mutilating either the container or the device itself.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a closure spout of the category above mentioned which will be securely locked in place, which can be readily manipulated between the open and closed positions by a simple operation, and which, during the opening operation, will be firmly secured in place against detachment by the very act of opening the device for a pouring or sprinkling operation.

it is another object of my invention to provide a spout which will tightly fit over the outlet opening, thereby to protect the contents of the container.

Another object of my invention is to enable the same device, in one aspect thereof, to serve the purposes both of a spout for permitting a pouring out of the contents 2,88,894 Patented Apr. 1, 1958 of the container, and of exposing a perforated portion for permitting the sprinkling of said contents.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a de vice that can be readily molded on a mass production basis, and that can be economically stored and shipped because of its generally fiat configuration.

It is my obiective to provide a low-cost article having the advantages hereinabove mentioned. Other objects, features and advantages will appear from the drawings and the description hereinafter given.

Referring to the drawings,

Figure 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a container showing the closure spout, according to one embodiment of my invention, in its closed position.

Figure 2 is afragmentary section of Fig. 1 taken along line 2-2.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary plan view, substantially like I Figure 5 is a fragmentary section of Fig. 3 taken alongv line 5-5.

Figure 6 is a section of Fig. 3 taken along line 6-6.. Figure 7 is a fragmentary section of Fig. 1 taken alongv line 7-7.

Figure 8 is a plan view of the closure spout of the foregoing figures, shown in its fiat inoperative position- Figure 9 is a side view of Fig. 8.

Figure 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of my invention shown in its flat inoperative position.

Figure 11 is a fragmentary plan view of a container adapted to receive the closure spout of Fig. 10.

Figure 12 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 11 with the closure spout operatively in place in its closed position.

Figure 13 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary section of Fig. 12 taken along line 13-13, the full lines showing the device in its fully closed position, and the dot-dash lines showing the spout portion in its open position.

Figure 14 is a view substantially like Fig. 13, but with the sprinkler closure portion shown in its open position.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary plan view of a container with another modified form of my invention shown in its closed position.

Figure 16 is a section of Fig. 15 taken along line l616.

Figure 17 is a view like Fig. 16, but showing the sprinkler portion in its open position.

Figure 18 is another view like Fig. 16, but showing the spout portion in its open position.

Figure 19 is a plan view of Fig. 17.

Figure 20 is a plan view of a spout device in accordance with another form of my invention.

In the form of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 9, the device in its inoperative condition consists of a fiat sheet 15 (Fig. 8) of preformed molded plastic material, such as polyethylene, the device having flexible and bendable properties. In the form shown, the components are a spout portion 16, two lateral retaining wings l7 and 18 and an anchor portion 19 connected to the base 20 of the spout portion 16. Substantially at the said base portion 2is a hinge portion 21, the latter being recessed from the rear surface 22. of the device. The said anchor portion 19 contains on the rear surface 23 thereof a plurality of protuberances 2d. The

front surfaces

25 and 26 of said respective Wings 117 and 13 contain the forwardly extending

stop projections

27 and 28, respectively.

The container 29 to which the above-described closure spout 15 is applied contains an apertured outlet portion 30 through which the contents of the container are to be poured, said apertured portion containing a medial lip 30a positioned to underlie the apical portion of spout component 16 (the shape of the apertured portion being substantially like the corresponding portion shown in Fig. ll). In mounting the member 15 upon container 2% the said

wings

25 and 26 are inserted through said opening 39, and the anchor portion 19 pressed against the portion 31 of the container directly adjacent said aperture 30, the said protuberances 24 being so positioned and proportioned as to enter, in a tight fit, the three correspondingly positioned and proportioned holes 32 in said container.

When the device is in its mounted and closed position, as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and 7, the spout portion 16 completely covers the opening at 33 the

wings

25 and 26 being positioned fully within the interior of the container with their

respective surfaces

25 and 25 in pressing yieldable engagement with the lateral edges 33 and 34 of apertured portion 30. Since the said protuberances 24 are also in frictional engagement with the apertured portions 32 in the wall of the container 29, it is apparent that the entire device is firmly maintained in its closure position.

When it is desired to bring the device into its open position, the edge 35 at the apex of the spout portion 16 is pried away from the wall of the container by a finger or fingernail, and the spout portion moved to its open position illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, no further outward movement being possible when the

stop projections

27 and 28 on the

respective wings

17 and 18 come into engagement with the wall portions 36 and 37 flanking the opening 3% of the container. The spout is now in its open or pouring position, the projecting portions of

wings

25 and 26 constituting the sides of the open spout, said sides extending to outermost portion 35 over which the contents of the container are poured outwardly.

It is to be noted that the recessed hinge portion 21 permits a ready opening movement of the spout portion 36, as illustrated in Fig. 4. It is further to be observed that the force applied to move said spout portion 16 causes a pressure against the anchor portion 19 in the direction of arrow A, whereby the device is firmly maintained in place during the pouring operation. That this action occurs is evident from the fact that the pivotal point is at 21, so that the opening counterclockwise force in the direction of arrow B must produce a corresponding counterclockwise pressure in the direction of arrow A, about said pivotal point 21.

To return the device into its closed position, all that need be done is to apply pressure against the exposed front wall 38 of the spout portion 16 toward the body of the container, whereupon the wings 17 and 1S slide inwardly and spout portion 16 is brought into its flat closure position over the opening 30.

In the form of my invention illustrated in Figs. to 14, the device is adapted to selectively serve the purposes of pouring and sprinkling. This construction has the spout portion 52 and the sprinkler closure portion 53 pivotally connected, by the respective recessed

hinge portions

54 and 55, to the intermediate anchor portion 56. Extending from the lateral sides of spout portion 52 are the two

wings

57 and 58, these having the forwardly positioned

stop projections

59 and 60 respectively. When this embodiment of my invention is operatively mounted upon the container 61, the spout member 52 is disposed over the outlet aperture 62 when the device is in its closed position. The stop protuberances 63 on sprinkler portion 53 are proportioned and positioned for interlocking frictional engagement with the sprinkler apertures 64. It is further to be noted that the anchor portion 56 also has a plurality of projections 56a extending into and in frictional engagement with the apertures 58b on said container 61.

When the spout portion 52 is operatively moved outwardly, it and the said

wings

57 and 58 together form the spout trough. The outward movement of said portion 52 occurs about hinge portion 54 as an axis, whereby inward pressure against the container is eifected by that portion of the device beyond hinge 54, that is, by anchor portion and sprinkler portion 55. When portion 53 is operatively opened, it swings about hinge 55 as an axis, thereby exposing the sprinkler openings at, and at the same time causing pressure to be exerted by the portion of the device on the other side of hinge 55 upon the adjacent container, that is, by anchor portion 56 and spent portion 52.

In the form of my invention illustrated in Figs. 15 to 19, the device is also adapted for both pouring and sprinkling, being somewhat like the structure of Figs. 10 to 14, except that there is but a single hinge for the spout and sprinkler portions. This embodiment comprises a spout portion 39, two lateral wings 40 and 41, and a bottom sprinkler closure portion 42, the latter being joined to the spout portion 39 along the juncture wall 43-recessed at 44, as in other forms above described, from the rear wall of the device. The sprinkler portion 42 contains on the rear surface thereof the three protuberances 45, these being positioned and proportioned for a frictional fit with the sprinkler apertures 46 in the container 47a to which the device is applied. The wings also have, in the manner above described, the forwardly disposed stop projections 47 and 48 on the respective wings 40 and 41.

In its operatively mounted position, the said wings 40 and 41 extend through outlet opening 49 of the container into the interior thereof, said wings being in frictional engagement with the lateral edges defining the sides of said opening 49, as in the form first above described.

To open the device, the spout portion 39 is swung outwardly to the position shown in Fig. 18, this movement occurring about the recessed hinge 44 as an axis; and when the spout is in its outermost open position, the said projections 47 and 48 are in engagement with the walls flanking said opening 49, whereby further outward movement is prevented. In this position the said sprinkler portion 42 is in pressing engagement with the wall portion 50 adjacent the apertured portion 49, inasmuch as the opening of spout portion 39 causes the pressure from the opening force to be transmitted to portion 42 through the common juncture Wall 43-both

portions

39 and 42 being integral parts of the same piece. The open spout consists of the outwardly extending Wings 49 and 41 and the projecting forward portion of the spout member 39.

To close opening 49, the spout portion 39 is simply pushed rearwardly until it is in flush engagement with the adjacent surface of the container wall 47.

When it is desired to expose the sprinkler holes 46, all that need be done is to pry the apical edge 51 of portion 42 forwardly away from the container wall, to the position illustrated in Figs. 17 and 19, the said sprinkler holes being now open, to permit the sprinkling of the contents outwardly therefrom, in the manner aforesaid. It is to be noted that the forward opening movement of sprinkler portion 42 causes a close pressing of the spout member 39 against the container.

It is thus apparent that in the various embodiments above described, a relatively simple and easily fabricated flexible plastic sheet can readily be mounted in operable position upon a container, so that the powdered or granulated contents thereof can either be sealed within the container or permitted to be poured outwardly. No crimping methods or fasteners are necessary, and the entire device is firmly maintained in position in either its open or closed position. And those embodiments of my invention shown in Figs. 10 to 19, which permit both pouring and sprinkling functions, are as readily fabricated and as readily mounted into place as the form first above described. When any of the embodiments of my invention are in their operatively closed positions, they are flush against the wall of the container, and hence do not constitute an undesirable impediment to handling or storage.

The form of my invention illustrated in Fig. 20 is substantially like the form first above described, except that the spout portion 65 is differently shaped, being shown of substantially trapezoid configuration, the

wings

66 and 67, and the anchor portion 68 serving the functions of the corresponding parts in the other embodiments described.

In the above description, the invention has been dis closed merely by way of example and in preferred manner; but obviously many variations and modifications may be made therein. For example, although specially shaped spout, wing, anchoring and closure portions have been illustrated, various other configurations of such portions may be employed within the scope of this invention. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention is not limited to any specific form or manner of practicing same, except insofar as such limitations are specified in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a closure spout device for attachment to an apertured outlet portion of a container, a front spout portion, two lateral retaining wings extending from the lateral sides of the spout portion and bendable relative thereto, said wings having generally forwardly extending stop means proportioned and positioned for engagement with the walls of said container flanking said apertured outlet portion, and an anchor portion joined to the base of said spout portion, said device having, substantially at the juncture of said spout and anchor portions, an indenture extending forwardly from the rear surface of the device, thereby providing a hinged connection between said spout and anchor portions, said anchor portion having rearwardly disposed projecting means adapted for frictional holding engagement with suitably positioned apertured means in said container, said wings being proportioned for entry within said apertured outlet portion of the container, said spout portion being proportioned for overlying covering engagement with said last-mentioned apertured portion.

2. In a spout and sprinkler closure device for attachment to a container having an apertured pouring portion and an adjacent perforated sprinkling portion, a front spout portion proportioned for overlying covering engagement with said apertured pouring portion, a front sprinkler closure portion proportioned for overlying covering engagement with said perforated sprinkling portion, hinge connecting means between said spout and sprinkler closure portions, whereby one may be hingedly moved relative to the other, and securing means for attaching said device to said container.

3. In a spout and sprinkler closure device for attachment to a container having an apertured pouring portion and an adjacent perforated sprinkling portion, a front spout portion proportioned for overlying covering engagement with said apertured pouring portion, a front sprinkler closure portion proportioned for overlying covering engagement with said perforated sprinkling portion, hinge connecting means between said spout and sprinkler closure portions, whereby one may be hingedly moved relative to the other, detachable securing means for attaching said device to said container, and two lateral retaining wings extending from the lateral sides of the spout member and bendable relative thereto, said wings being proportioned for entry within said apertured pouring portion of the container.

4. In a spout and sprinkler closure device for attachment to a container having an apertured pouring portion and an adjacent perforated sprinkling portion, a front spout portion proportioned for overlying covering engagement with said apertured pouring portion, a front sprinkler closure portion proportioned for overlying covering engagement with said perforated sprinkling portion and having a plurality of rearwardly extending protuberances proportioned and positioned for interengagement with the apertures in said perforated sprinkling portion of the container, and hinge connecting means between said spout and sprinkler closure portions, whereby one may be hingedly moved relative to the other, and securing means for attaching said device to said container.

5. In a spout and sprinkler closure device for attachment to a container having an apertured pouring portion and an adjacent perforated sprinkling portion, a front spout portion proportioned for overlying covering engagement with said apertured pouring portion, a front sprinkler closure portion proportioned for overlying covering engagement with said perforated sprinkling portion, hinge connecting means between said spout and sprinkler closure portions, whereby one may be hingedly moved relative to the other, detachable securing means for attaching said device to said container, and two lateral retaining wings extending from the lateral sides of the spout member and bendable relative thereto, said wings being proportioned for entry within said apertured pouring portion of the container, said wings having generally forwardly extending stop means proportioned and positioned for engagement with the walls of said container flanking said apertured pouring portion.

6. In a spout and sprinkler closure device for attachment to a container having an apertured pouring portion and an adjacent perforated sprinkling portion, a front spout portion proportioned for overlying covering engagement with said apertured pouring portion, a front sprinkler closure portion proportioned for overlying covering engagement with said perforated sprinkling portion and having a plurality of rearwardly extending protuberances proportioned and positioned for interengagement with the apertures in said perforated sprinkling portion of the container, hinge connecting means between said spout and sprinkler closure portions, whereby one may be hingedly moved relative to the other, and two lateral retaining wings extending from the lateral sides of the spout member and bendable relative thereto, said wings being proportioned for entry within said apertured pouring portion of the container and having generally forwardly extending stop means proportioned and positioned for engagement with the walls of said container flanking said apertured pouring portion.

7. In a spout and sprinkler closure device for attachment to a container having an apertured pouring portion and an adjacent perforated sprinkling portion, a front spout portion proportioned for overlying covering engagement with said apertured pouring portion, a front sprinkler closure portion proportioned for overlying covering engagement with said perforated sprinkling portion and hinge connecting means between said spout and sprinkler closure portions, whereby one may be hingedly moved relative to the other, said connecting means comprising an anchor portion having thereon rearwardly disposed projecting means adapted for frictional holding engagement with suitably positioned apertured means in said container.

8. The combination of a container and closure spout device, said container having an apertured outlet portion, said spout device having a forwardly disposed wall, two lateral retaining wings extending from the lateral sides of said wall and bendable relative thereto, and an anchor portion pivotally connected to the base of said forwardly disposed spout wall, said anchor portion being mounted on said container, said wall and said wings being operatively movable between two limiting positions, one being an open position with said wall spaced from said apertured outlet portion, and the other being a closed position in overlying engagement with said apertured portion, said Wall being positioned and proportioned for covering engagement with said apertured portion when the wall is in its said closed limiting position, said wings extending through said apertured outlet portion, said container having perforated means in spaced relation to said apertured outlet portion, said anchor portion having rear- Wardly disposed projecting means in frictional engagement with said perforated means for frictionally retaining said device in place.

9. The combination of a container and a spout and sprinkler closure device, said container having an apertured pouring portion and adjacent thereto a perforated sprinkling portion, said device comprising a spout portion having a forwardly disposed wall, two lateral retaining wings extending from the lateral sides of said wall and bendable relative thereto, a sprinkler closure portion hingedly connected to the base of said spout portion, attaching means securing the device to the container, said spout portion being operatively movable between two limiting positions, one being an open position with said forward wall spaced from said pouring apertured portion, and the other being a closed position in overlying engagement with said pouring portion, said wall being positioned and proportioned for covering engagement with said apertured portion when the spout portion is in its said closed limiting position, said wings extending through said apertured outlet portion, said sprinkler closure portion being operatively movable against said perforated sprinkling portion and away therefrom, said latter closure portion being proportioned for overlying covering engagement with said perforated sprinkling portion when in engagement therewith.

10. The combination of a container and a spout and sprinkler closure device according to claim 9, said sprinkler closure portion having thereon a plurality of rearwardly extending protuberances proportioned and positioned for interengagement with said perforated sprinkling portion.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Lewin May 29, 1934 Klausmann J an. 22, 1957