Classifications

• • 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
  • B65D5/747—Spouts formed separately from the container with means for piercing or cutting the container wall or a membrane connected to said wall
  • B65D5/748—Spouts formed separately from the container with means for piercing or cutting the container wall or a membrane connected to said wall a major part of the container wall or membrane being left inside the container after the opening
• • 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
  • B65D47/065—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages with hinged, foldable or pivotable spouts
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
  • B65D75/52—Details
  • B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
  • B65D75/5861—Spouts
  • B65D75/5872—Non-integral spouts
  • B65D75/5877—Non-integral spouts connected to a planar surface of the package wall
• • 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
  • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
  • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
  • B65D77/06—Liquids or semi-liquids or other materials or articles enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
  • B65D77/062—Flexible containers disposed within polygonal containers formed by folding a carton blank
  • B65D77/065—Spouts, pouring necks or discharging tubes fixed to or integral with the flexible container

Definitions

• the invention relates to disposable fluid containers including leak-proof bags made from flexible film, beverage container boxes lined with leak proof film, containers made with metalized films and other containers for edible fluids.
• Containers for edible fluids include containers for drinks, edible pastes, condiments, sauces, toppings and the like. These disposable containers also include single serving size items which may be consumed as single drink servings. Other disposable containers may be sized to provide multiple servings. In some instances, the containers may be resealed by the user for later use.
• the pre-wrapped drinking tubes often become separated from their corresponding containers and the user is left without a straw.
• the user must either find a replacement straw (which may be particularly inconvenient) or the user may be forced to tear open the container to drink directly from the container.
• straws or other drinking tubes are provided so that the user may drink from the container while maintaining the container in a generally vertical orientation.
• the user must be careful to avoid misalignment of the interior portion of the drinking tube from the liquid contents of the container. If the interior portion of the drinking tube is moved, or inserted to an insufficient depth, the user may not be able to extract the remaining fluid contents of the container.
• a drinking tube which has been used to pierce the seal of the container may experience some leakage of the fluid between the pierced seal and the drinking tube, when the container is tipped away from the desired vertical orientation.
• a disposable container for an edible fluid defines a top edge and a bottom edge.
• the container includes a side wall which extends between the top edge and the bottom edge.
• the container also includes a chamber for storing the fluid up to a defined level. The defined level is positioned between the top edge and the bottom edge of the container.
• the container also includes a channel for fluid communication between the bottom edge and an opening adjacent to top edge.
• the channel is defined by a layer of a flexible film which extends vertically. The channel is positioned adjacent the side wall.
• the exterior of the container may be rigid or flexible.
• rigid box type containers are typically lined with leak proof flexible liners.
• the container may be made from a combination of flexible and rigid materials.
• the channel may be positioned adjacent any side wall of the container. The channel extends vertically adjacent that side wall so that the channel will enable fluid communication between the bottom of the container and the location adjacent to the top edge of the container.
• a seal may be provided to close the opening.
• the seal may be removable or destructible.
• an optional cover may be provided to protect an area surrounding the opening so that the user contact surface may be kept clean during shipping and handling.
• the layer of flexible film forming the channel may be secured to the side wall.
• the layer of flexible film may be made from a sheet which itself defines the side wall.
• the channel defined by the layer of flexible film may be located either inside or outside of the chamber.
• the opening may be located at or near the top edge.
• an optional spout is provided for selective fluid communication with the contents of the container.
• the spout may operate between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the spout is unused and closed against fluid communication with the chamber. In the second position, the spout is open for fluid communication with the chamber. In the second position, the user may drink or dispense fluid from the interior of the container.
• the spout may also be designed to operate between the first position, the second position and an optional third position. In the third position, the spout is closed against fluid communication with the chamber. However, when the spout is in the third position, the user is alerted that the container has been opened. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to prevent the spout from returning to the first position.
• the invention in another embodiment, includes a spout for use in a disposable container designed for use with edible fluids.
• the container defines a chamber to contain the edible fluid.
• the spout operates from a first position in which the spout is unused and closed against fluid communication with the chamber.
• the spout moves from the first position toward the second position in which the spout is open for fluid communication with the chamber.
• the spout is also capable of moving to a third position in which the spout is closed against fluid communication with the chamber.
• the user is warned that the spout has been opened and moved from the first position. In some embodiments, it will be desirable to prevent the spout from returning to the first position after initial use.
• the spout may be designed to destroy a seal which prevents fluid communication between the chamber and the exterior of the container.
• the seal may be destroyed by the spout when the spout moves from the first position to the second position.
• the spout may contain a movable projection which pierces the seal when the spout is moved from the first position to the second position. If desired, the spout may be biased for one way movement from the first position to the second position.
• the spout defines a dispensing tip.
• the dispensing tip defines a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be used as a drinking tube which allows the user to drink fluid from within the container.
• the container may be adapted so that it is reusable.
• the container may be resealable.
• the container may be adapted so that it may be refilled with the same edible fluid or another edible fluid, as desired by the user.
• Figure 1 is an elevational view, in perspective, of one embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 2 is a partial sectional view, in perspective, of the bottom of the container shown in Figure 1.
• Figure 3 is a bottom view of a channel of the container shown in Figures 1 and 2.
• Figure 4 is a side view of the channel of Figure 3.
• Figure 5 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the channel shown in Figures 3 and 4.
• Figure 6 is a partial sectional view, in perspective, of the bottom of another container of the present invention.
• Figure 7 is a bottom view of a further embodiment of a channel of the container shown in Figure 6.
• Figure 8 is a side view of the channel of Figure 7.
• Figure 9 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the channel shown in Figures 7 and 8.
• Figure 10 is another embodiment of a container of the present invention, showing the spout in a first, unused position.
• Figure 11 is a front view of the embodiment of Figure 10, shown in a second position in which the spout is opened.
• Figure 12 is a front view of the container shown in Figures 10 and 11 in which the spout is shown in a closed, but used, position.
• Figure 13 is a front view, in perspective, of the embodiment shown in Figure 10.
• Figure 14 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 13
• Figure 15 is an enlarged partial side view of the spout of the container shown in Figure 14
• Figure 16 is a side view, in perspective of the container shown in Figure 11
• Figure 17 is a side view of the container shown in Figure 16
• Figure 18 is an enlarged partial side view of the spout of the container shown in Figures 16 and 17
• Figure 19 is a side view, in perspective, of the container shown in Figure 12
• Figure 20 is a side view of the container shown in Figure 19
• Figure 21 is an enlarged partial side view of the spout of the container shown in Figures 19 and 20
• Figure 22 is a side view of the mouthpiece of the spout shown in Figures 10 to 21
• Figure 23 is a side view of the base component of the spout shown in Figures 10 to 21
• Figure 24 is a bottom view of the mouthpiece shown in Figure 22
• Figure 25 is a bottom view of the base component shown in Figure 23
• Figure 26 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the mouthpiece shown in Figures 22 and 24
• Figure 27 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the base component shown in Figures 23 and 25
• Figures 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d are side views in perspective of the disassembled components of another embodiment of the present invention, in which Figure 28a shows a mouthpiece, Figure 28b shows a tamper proof ring, Figure 28c illustrates an inner race, and Figure 28d shows a cutter (The following figures further illustrate features of this embodiment )
• Figure 29a shows a top view of the mouthpiece and tamper proof ring in a second position
• Figure 29b illustrates a side view, in perspective, of the inner race with the cutter positioned within the inner race
• Figure 30a shows a bottom view, in perspective, of the mouthpiece and tamper proof ring in a first position
• Figure 30b is a top view, in perspective, of the inner race and cutter in a first position
• Figure 31a is a top view, in perspective, of the cutter
• Figure 31b is a bottom view, in perspective, of the cutter
• Figure 32a is a top view, in perspective, of the inner race.
• Figure 32b is a side view of the inner race.
• Figure 33a is an enlarged sectional view, of the assembled components of the spout, in a first position as further illustrated in Figure 33b.
• Figure 33b is a partial top view of the assembled components of the spout, in a first position.
• Figure 34a is an enlarged sectional view, of the assembled components of the spout, in a second position as further illustrated in Figure 34b.
• Figure 34b is a partial top view of the assembled components of the spout, in a second position.
• Figure 35a is a top view of the assembled components of the spout attached to the surface of the container, with the spout being in the first position.
• Figure 35b is a bottom view of the assembled components of the spout when the spout is in the first position.
• Figure 36a is a side view of the assembled components of the spout, showing the dispensing tip of the spout, when the spout is in the first position, and the cutter has pierced the container wall.
• Figure 36b is a bottom view of the assembled components of the spout, in the second position.
• Figure 37a is a side view of the assembled components of the spout, in a third position,
• Figure 37b is a bottom view of the assembled components of the spout, in the third position.
• a first embodiment of a disposable fluid container 1 is shown.
• the container 1 is a bag-like structure made of relatively thin, flexible film.
• thin thermoplastic material is used.
• the flexible film may be reinforced with one or more layers of laminated film.
• rigid outer walls may enclose an inner liner made from thin flexible film.
• the container 1 defines a chamber 2 for containing a dispensable edible fluid, including by a way of example, a beverage, edible paste, condiment, sauce, a topping and the like.
• the stored fluid defines a top fluid level 4 adjacent top edge 3 of the container 1.
• a channel 11 is defined by a narrow strip of flexible film 9 extending vertically along side wall 7 of the container 1.
• the channel 11 extends vertically between bottom edge 5 of container 1 and top edge 3.
• the narrow strip of flexible film 9 together with the inside surface of side wall 7 define the channel 11 for fluid communication between the fluid entrance 30, near bottom edge 5, extending vertically to an outwardly facing opening 13 adjacent edge 3 and above fluid level 4.
• the opening 13 may be sealed with a removable cover, for example, a removable patch to prevent access to the contents of the container.
• the cover may be of sufficient dimension and shape to cover a sufficient surface area surrounding opening 13 to provide a clean user contact surface after the cover is removed for access to opening 13.
• the narrow flexible film strip 9 defines channel 11 in which the diameter 15 of opening 13 is greater than the width 17 of channel 11. Opening 13 is generally round. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that a wide variety of shapes and configurations are possible for the channel 11, entrance 30 and opening 13. The examples described in the figures are merely illustrative of the wide variety of other possible variations which fall within the scope of the invention.
• the channel 11 in this embodiment is shown as a relatively straight channel of relatively uniform width 17 extending along its entire length between opening 13 and fluid entrance 30.
• a channel may be convoluted, for example a serpentine shape extending from a point adjacent the bottom edge 5 of container 1 up to an opening adjacent top edge 3.
• the channel may be located at or near an edge of any of the side walls of the container shown in Figure 1.
• the channel is located on a relatively large front wall 7 to facilitate easy access by the user to the opening 13.
• Disposable container 1 is initially sealed with a cover (not shown) overlying opening 13. (An example of a sample cover 14 is shown in Figure 10.) The user will remove the cover to gain access to opening 13, and ultimately, the fluid contents of the container. The user will be able to express or drink fluid from the contents of the container. Enclosed dome 19 prevents entry of any trapped air within the head space of the chamber 2 (between fluid level 4 and upper edge 3) into the channel 11 when the container is upright.
• the generally circular area of side wall 7 which overlays opening 13 provides an initial seal against access to the fluid contents of the container 1.
• the overlying portion of side wall 7 represents a seal 21 which may be pierced, removed or destroyed in some other manner to gain access to the fluid contents
• seal 21 is broken, the user will bring his/her mouth to opening 13, allowing the user to draw fluid from the bottom of the container, through fluid entrance 30, vertically upwardly through channel 11 and out through opening 13
• Figure 2 shows the narrow strip of flexible film 9 secured against front wall 7 of the container 1
• Figure 2 is a sectional, interior view of the container in which the bottom wall of the container has been removed for added visibility
• Figures 6 to 9 show a second embodiment of the flexible walled, bag-like container 1'
• the narrow strip of flexible film 9' defines a vertical channel 11' extending between fluid entrance 30' and modified opening 13' adjacent upper edge 3 of the container 1'
• the opening 13' faces outwardly against a corresponding overlying portion of side wall 7' Opening 13' does not have access to the head space within the enclosed chamber of the container other than via fluid communication through fluid entrance 30' Opening 13' is closed against direct communication to the head space by a generally flat enclosure 19' made of flexible film or other suitable material
• the user may gain access to the fluid contents of container 1' by breaking a corresponding seal 21' defined by a portion of side wall 7 overlying outwardly facing opening 13' (It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that certain embodiments will be filled and sealed during manufacture so that there is no head space or virtually no head space between the fluid level and top edge If the container is made of sufficiently flexible material, the container may be designed to progressively collapse as more fluid is withdrawn, to
• Figures 10 to 12 inclusive illustrate a second embodiment of a bag-like fluid container 10
• the container is shown with a generally trapezoidal profile
• the container comprises an assembled spout which includes a mouthpiece 12
• the mouthpiece 12 may be moved between three positions represented by a first position A, a second position B and a third position C
• Container 10 defines a bottom edge 20 and a top edge 18
• optional mouthpiece 12 is provided with an overlying protective cover 14 to seal the mouthpiece against dirt
• the protective cover may also act as a seal, and to discourage accidental displacement of mouthpiece 12 from position A to position B
• Mouthpiece 12 defines a user contact surface 16
• user contact surface 16 generally corresponds to the portion of the mouthpiece 12 which the user may take into his/her mouth when drinking from the container
• mouthpiece 12 is shown in position A which corresponds to a closed and unused position.
• position A indicates to a potential user that the container has not been previously opened. Furthermore, the mouthpiece is closed to prevent access to the fluid contents of the container. In position B, the mouthpiece is open for fluid communication with the contents of the container. Movement from position A to position B may also correspond to destruction of an interior seal (see for example Figure 18) to allow access to the fluid contents.
• the mouthpiece 12 may be provided with features to prevent mouthpiece 12 from returning to position A. Mouthpiece 12 may be further displaced from position B to position C to re-close the container, to prevent access to the fluid contents. In position C, the position of the mouthpiece 12 indicates to the user that the container has been previously opened.
• This embodiment provides one example of the many different types and configurations of mouthpieces which may be used to achieve similar results.
• FIGs 13, 14 and 15 illustrate the container 10 as shown in Figure 10, in which the mouthpiece is shown in the first position A.
• First position A corresponds to a position in which the mouthpiece is closed and also indicating that the mouthpiece has not been previously opened.
• mouthpiece 12 comprises two major components, a dispensing tip 38 which connects with and rotates relative to a base member 28. In position A, dispensing tip 38 is spaced apart from base rim 29, forming a gap G.
• Base 28 is securely affixed to first wall 22 of the container 10.
• Mouthpiece 12 is positioned between bottom edge 20 and top edge 18. More specifically, in this example, mouthpiece 12 is positioned adjacent upper edge 18.
• Base 28 is securely attached to first wall 22 of the container 10.
• an adhesive may be used to secure base rim 29 to wall 22. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the mouthpiece may be secured to the container in other ways.
• dispensing tip 38 When mouthpiece 12 is in position A, dispensing tip 38 is pointed inwardly toward the body of the container. In that position, cutter 40 is positioned outwardly from the thin film defining first wall 22. Seal 24 remains intact over opening 23 to prevent outward flow through channel 26. Fluid within the chamber 2 of the container 10 is in fluid communication with the channel 26 via fluid entrance 30. However, when the mouthpiece 12 is in position A, opening 13 is sealed and there is no fluid communication between the chamber of the container 10 and the exterior of mouthpiece 12.
• base 28 has a hollow core 32 which is capable of fluid communication with a first conduit segment 34. However, in position A, first conduit segment 34 is not aligned with second conduit segment 36. Consequently, fluid communication is not possible between the base and dispensing tip.
• FIGs 16, 17 and 18 illustrate mouthpiece 12 when it is open for fluid communication in position B.
• Dispensing tip 38 points outwardly to position B.
• dispensing tip 38 extends above upper edge 18 of the container for convenience.
• by rotational movement of dispensing tip 38 from position A to position B dispensing tip 38 has advanced toward, and into contact with, base rim 29.
• cutter 40 has pierced former seal 24, creating a destroyed seal 24'.
• fluid communication has been established with the interior of the container, namely, chamber 2, partially enclosed dome 19, through the opening established through broken seal 24' and into hollow core 32 of base 28.
• Bottom face 39 of dispensing tip 38 is in contact with the adjacent surface of base rim 29, thus closing the gap G which formerly existed between the dispensing tip and base.
• the hollow core 32 of base 28 is in fluid communication with first conduit segment 34.
• First conduit segment 34 is aligned for fluid communication with second conduit segment 36, thereby providing for fluid communication between the contents of the container, the mouthpiece, and the exterior thereof.
• an internal threaded arrangement may be provided between base 28 and dispensing tip 38. By rotating dispensing tip 38 from position A to position B, dispensing tip 38 advances toward base 28 and into destructive contact with seal 24. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other arrangements may be provided to selectively destroy a seal provided between the chamber and the exterior thereof.
• dispensing tip 38 is shown in position C such that mouthpiece 12 does not provide fluid communication between the contents of the container and the exterior thereof. Specifically, in this position, first conduit segment 34 is no longer aligned with section conduit segment 36. Accordingly, in position C, mouthpiece 12 is sealed against fluid communication between the contents of the container and the outside thereof.
• Figures 22 to 27 illustrate the disassembled components of one example of the mouthpiece described herein.
• a neck 52 extends outwardly from base rim 29.
• Neck 52 defines a sleeve with a hollow core 32 which communicates with first conduit segment 34.
• the neck 52 is also provided with first stop 56 and second stop 58.
• neck 52 is partially inserted into receiving slot 42 defined within the base of dispensing tip 38.
• base rim 29 and bottom face 39 of dispensing tip 38 are spaced apart by a defined gap G. When in position A, the dispensing tip 38 may be advanced toward position B.
• dispensing tip 38 advances toward position B, bottom face 39 approaches base rim 29, while cutter 40 advances into, and ultimately pierces, seal 24 as shown in Figures 17 and 18.
• catch 54 advances past first stop 56 to prevent retreating movement of dispensing tip 38 from position B toward position A. In effect dispensing tip 38 is thereby limited to movement in this embodiment between position B and position C.
• catch 54 engages against second stop 58.
• first conduit segment 34 and second conduit segment 36 are mis-aligned and thereby closed against fluid communication.
• Figures 28a to 37b inclusive illustrate the components of another embodiment of a spout of the present invention.
• the assembled body of the spout serves as a valve to control fluid flow from within a corresponding fluid container. More particularly, the components of the spout are shown in an exploded series of drawings.
• Figs. 28a to 28d Figure 28a shows mouthpiece 60 having a drinking tube 61.
• Figure 28b illustrates a tamper proof ring 65.
• Figure 28c shows a race 75 and Figure 28d shows a cutter 90.
• the four illustrated components are molded in pairs as further described below.
• the mouthpiece 60 (shown in Figure 28a) is molded to the tamper proof ring 65 (shown in Figure 28b) and the inner race 75 (shown in Figure 28c) is molded with the cutter 90 (shown in Figure 28d).
• the two molded, paired parts (the first paired part being mouthpiece 60 and tamper proof ring 65 and the second paired part being inner race 75 and cutter 90) are press-fit together in a nested configuration.
• the mouthpiece 60 comprises a housing 64 which is slide-fit over the inner race 75 shown in Fig 28c.
• outer edge 62 is molded along the base of mouthpiece 60 to the lugs 67 (shown in Fig 28b) to detachably secure the tamper proof ring 65 to the mouthpiece 60.
• Groove 70 receives the raised base profile 77 when the tamper proof ring 65 is press-fit to the inner race 75.
• Stopper 63 is provided on the outside surface of housing 64 and serves to prevent the user from returning the mouthpiece 60 to its first position after the mouthpiece 60 has been moved to the second position.
• the tamper proof ring 65 there are three recesses 68, which are asymmetrically shaped, to receive the three corresponding stoppers 78 on inner race 75.
• the recesses 68 are used to locate, in one position only, the mouthpiece 60 relative to the inner race 75 when the paired parts are press-fit in their assembled position.
• the stoppers 78 are engaged within recesses 68 to prevent the tamperproof ring 65 from turning when the mouthpiece 60 is broken away from the tamper proof ring and turned to the second position (to open the spout for fluid flow).
• the lugs 67 will break off between the mouthpiece and the tamper proof ring, producing an audible noise (for example, a cracking sound) to alert the user that the spout has been opened and that the container has been cut to provide access to its fluid contents.
• the seal formed by the container wall is broken to permit a user to dispense fluid from within the container.
• Stoppers 66 on the tamper proof ring 65 interact with the stoppers 63 of the mouthpiece 60.
• the stopper 63 engages with the stoppers 66, pushing stoppers 66 outwardly away from the housing 64, in a spring-like action.
• stoppers 66 spring inwardly, toward the outer surface of housing 64.
• the stoppers 63, 66 are shaped appropriately to prevent the user from returning the mouthpiece 60 to the first position (its original, sealed position). That is, the stoppers 63, 66 are shaped to permit the one pair of stoppers to slide over the other in a clockwise direction when the spout is moved toward the second position and to prevent the user from returning the spout to the first position.
• the inner race 75 is a circular plastic piece having a wall 76, which serves as a valve when the inner race 75 is slide-fit inside of the mouthpiece 60, preventing fluid from flowing between the inside of the container and the mouthpiece.
• a fluid passageway is created and fluid is allowed to flow from the inside of the container to the outside of the container.
• the inner surface 85 of inner race 75 defines a stopper to prevent the mouthpiece 60 from traveling more than 270 degrees.
• the surface 85 defines a groove 84 in which the emboss 105 (shown in Fig 30a) travels.
• a stopper 82 is provided on the inside surface of the inner race 75.
• the surface 95 of the cutter 90 will abut against the stopper 82 to prevent the cutter 90 from rotating when pressure is exercised on the cutter.
• the stopper 82 will act as a sliding guide for the cutter 90.
• the inner race 75 defines a ring 79 which engages, in a snap-fit manner, along a groove 108 defined on the inner surface of the mouthpiece 60, to prevent the mouthpiece 60 from being removed from the inner race 75 after assembly. This feature may be used to deter young children from removing the mouthpiece 60 from the inner race 75.
• Stopper 78 on the inner race 75 engages with the recess 68 of the tamper proof ring 65 to align the parts in proper orientation and to prevent the tamper proof ring from turning.
• the raised profile 77 of the inner race 75 engages with the groove 70 of the tamper proof ring 65 to prevent the tamper proof ring 65 from being removed after the parts are snapped in place.
• the cutter 90 has a generally circular, tubular body, with two arcuate ramps 92, 92' which serve to create a linear, outward movement of the cutter 90 relative to the housing 64 when the stud 103 (shown in Figure 30a) of the mouthpiece 60 engages against the arcuate ramps 92, 92' and the mouthpiece 60 is rotated.
• Elongated surface 95 on stopper 93 engages with the stopper 82 of the inner race 75 to prevent the cutter 90 from rotating while the mouthpiece 60 is turning.
• the cutter 90 has a splined recess 98 to allow fluid to flow from the interior of the container to the mouthpiece 60.
• stopper 94 serves to rotate the cutter 90 when stopper 94 is in contact with the surface 104 of the leg 103 of the mouthpiece 60 (shown in Figure 30a).
• the cutter 90 is then free to rotate as the leg 103 engages against the stopper 94.
• the cutter 90 will rotate during the last 90 degrees of the rotation of the mouthpiece 60.
• surface 96 represents a relatively small area where the cutter 90 is attached (during the molding process) to the inside of the inner race 75 via a connective bridge at the base of recess 81.
• the connective bridge at surface 96 is relatively small and is designed to break when force is exerted by the mouthpiece 60 against the cutter 90 during the outward movement.
• the connective bridge at surface 96 will break away during movement from the first position toward the second position, and the cutter 90 will be free to move outwardly.
• the drinking tube 61 is shown in a drinking position corresponding to the second position of the spout.
• the lugs 67 are detached to the edge 62 of the mouthpiece 60.
• the lugs 67 were broken when the mouthpiece 60 was rotated clockwise from the first position to the second position.
• FIG 29b the cutter is shown inside the inner race, in their original molded position.
• the cutter 90 is shown as it is attached to the inner race 75 after molding.
• Arcuate ramp 92 defines a ramp that works with the leg 103 provided within the mouthpiece 60.
• the emboss 105 (shown in Figure 30a) on the mouthpiece 60 is provided to travel in groove 84 defined along the top of the inner race 75.
• the stopper 85 is part of the inner race 75 and is provided to limit the range of travel of the mouthpiece 60 from its start position to a maximum of 270 degrees.
• Figure 30a shows a bottom view, in perspective, of the mouthpiece 60.
• the sectional views in Figures 33a and 34a show the interior features of the assembled spout.
• main post 107 serves to guide the cutter 90 and provide a structure supporting the legs 103 which will be contacting and exerting pressure against the ramp 92 of the inner race 75.
• Groove 108 defined along the interior surface of the mouthpiece 60, is snap-fit over the ring 79 of the inner race 75. Opening 106 defines a fluid entrance for the fluid to flow into the drinking tube 61.
• the inside diameter of the mouthpiece 60 is slide-fit against the outside surface of wall 76 of the inner race 75.
• the interior configuration of the mouthpiece 60 prevents the liquid from flowing out from the container unless the mouthpiece 60 is moved into the second position (i.e., the open position) in which the two openings 106 defined by the mouthpiece 60 and opening 80 defined by the inner race 75 are properly aligned to allow such flow.
• Emboss 105 is situated within the mouthpiece 60, at the top of the interior surface of the housing 64. Emboss 105 engages and travels within groove 84 of the inner race 75. Emboss 105 also acts as a stopper or travel limiter against the edge of the stopper 85 of the inner race 75. Bottom surface 101 of the tamper proof ring 65 is flush with bottom surface 102 of the mouthpiece 60. In a preferred embodiment, both of the surfaces 101 and 102 may be welded, glued, or otherwise secured to the exterior surface of the container. For example, suitable materials may be selected to permit the parts and container to be ultrasonically welded or bonded. Similarly, suitable adhesives may be chosen to bond parts made of appropriate materials, which in many instances will be plastics.
• the adhesives should be of sufficient strength and exhibit minimal elasticity, so that when force is exerted against the cutter, there will be no de-lamination of the adhesive and no consequent loss in the cutting/piercing force to be exerted by the cutter against the wall of the container.
• Figure 30b shows a top view of the inner race 75 in which lug 93 is attached at the bottom of the inner race 75, in recess 81.
• Figures 31a and 31b show top and bottom views of the cutter 90 in perspective.
• the outer surface of the cutter 90 is flush with the outer surface of a first tooth 97 located at one end of a row of teeth, whereas teeth 91 are recessed away from the outside surface of the cutter 90.
• Recess 98 is not provided with any teeth.
• the first tooth 97 is configured such that its front surface (leading edge) is rounded.
• the row of teeth is configured in this manner so that when the cutter 90 pierces linearly through the wall of the container, the row of teeth will initially make an indent in the wall of the container.
• a flap 125 corresponding to a portion of the wall of the container is severed in the area of the recessed teeth 91.
• tooth 97 defines a greater cutting radius relative to the teeth 91.
• tooth 97 will plow and push open the flap of film, leaving a partially uncut segment attached to the wall of the container, thus forming the flap 125.
• This partial uncut segment will hold the flap 125 and prevent the cutout portion of the wall (i.e., the flap) from entering the mouthpiece 60 or clogging opening 106 of the mouthpiece.
• the ramp 92 there is a surface 94 against which the legs 103 of the mouthpiece 60 engage to exert a force against the cutter 90, to rotate the cutter.
• the surface 95 of the cutter 90 is engaged against surface 86 of the stopper 82 positioned on the interior surface of the inner race 75 (shown in Figure 32a).
• the cutter 90 is prevented from rotating until the top of lug 93 has linearly passed under the edge 87. After the top of lug 93 clears edge 87, the cutter is rotated.
• FIG. 33a is a sectional view of the spout shown in Figure 33b, showing the interior of assembled spout.
• the lugs 67 after they are broken from the mouthpiece, exert a force against the outside of edge 62, which in turn maintains a force to prevent removal of the mouthpiece 60 from the inner race 75.
• Figure 33b is a top view of the assembled spout.
• Stopper 66 and 66' are positioned adjacent stoppers 63 and 63' of the mouthpiece 60.
• the mouthpiece 60 is shown in the first position.
• the lugs 67 are broken when the mouthpiece is turned clockwise toward the second position, to open the sealed container.
• the stoppers 63 and 63' 180 degrees, the stoppers 63, 63' will slide over stoppers 66, 66', pushing the tamper proof ring 65 outwardly and allowing the stoppers 63, 63' and 66, 66' to pass.
• the stoppers pass as shown in Fig 34b, the mouthpiece has rotated 180 degrees, and the spout is now in the drinking position.
• the acute inner angles of stopper 63, 63' now face the adjacent stoppers 66', 66, the acute angles of the stoppers 63, 63' prevent the counterclockwise rotation of the mouthpiece 60 from the second position toward the first position.
• Figure 34a shows a sectional view of the assembled spout of Figure 34b in the open, drinking position (the second position) after the cutter has traveled linearly toward the container and pierced the wall of the container.
• Ramp 92 is engaged with leg 103 of the mouthpiece and the centre post 107 guides the travel of the cutter 90.
• Figure 34a also shows groove 84 which defines a path for travel of emboss 105 (shown in Figure 30a).
• Figures 35a and 35b show side and bottom views of the mouthpiece when the container is sealed and unopened, and the spout is in the first position.
• the surfaces 88 and 69 of the inner race 75 and the tamper proof ring 65 are secured to the wall 120 of the container.
• the cutter is positioned within the inner race 75, and in turn, within the housing 64 of the mouthpiece 60.
• Figures 36a and 36b show side and bottom views respectively of the mouthpiece 60 after the mouthpiece has been rotated 180 degrees in a clockwise direction, from the first position to the second position.
• Area 98 of the cutter is shown, where there are no teeth, which also corresponds to the area 130 where the wall of the container will not be cut by the first tooth 97, but merely indented and stretched.
• Opening 106 in drinking tube 61 is in fluid communication with the opening 80 of the inner race 75.
• the cutter 90 has traveled linearly toward the container, piercing the wall 120 of the container leaving a flare 122 in the wall 120 of the container.
• Figures 37a and 37b show side and bottom views of the mouthpiece rotated to 270 degrees bringing the mouthpiece to a third position where the spout is closed against fluid flow.
• the cutter 90 has traveled by rotation and has made a cutout in an arc along the wall (equal to about three-quarters of a circle) leaving the area 130 uncut.
• the tooth 97 is shown at the extent of its travel, to one end of the segment 130.
• the area without teeth 98 is positioned to the right of the assembled spout, whereas in Fig 36b this area 98 without teeth, is positioned at the lower edge of the assembled spout.
• the area 130 corresponds to the uncut zone where the flap 125 remains connected to the wall 120 of the container.
• the first tooth 97 and a recessed tooth of the cutter 90 are shown when the spout is in the third position.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Closures For Containers (AREA)
• Bag Frames (AREA)

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Citations (9)

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• 2005
  • 2005-05-13 CA CA002507302A patent/CA2507302A1/en not_active Abandoned
• 2006
  • 2006-05-12 EP EP06741485A patent/EP1904379A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2006-05-12 US US11/913,117 patent/US20090200303A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2006-05-12 WO PCT/CA2006/000770 patent/WO2006119636A1/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (9)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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