WO2012135080A2

WO2012135080A2 - Ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing

Info

Publication number: WO2012135080A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/030496
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew Young
Original assignee: Pneufluid Technologies, Llc
Priority date: 2011-04-01
Filing date: 2012-03-26
Publication date: 2012-10-04
Also published as: WO2012135080A3

Abstract

A venting apparatus that permits several inexpensive means to modify conventional liquid dispensing containers into self-venting liquid dispenser containers, by limiting "glugging" and improving flow rate. The ventilator apparatus can have an elongated spout, at least one air vent, and/or a push-on attachment assembly that interacts with and attaches to form an air-tight/leak-free connection with an orifice of a dispensing container. The ventilator apparatus can alternatively be an insertable and resealable air vent for use with or without an elongated spout or any attachments to a dispensing container orifice. The ventilator apparatus may be inserted through the dispensing end or sidewall of a pre-existing or commercially available dispensing container.

Description

VENTILATOR APPARATUS FOR EQUABLE LIQUID DISPENSING

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/470,745 filed April 1, 2011, which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to air vent components that improve liquid dispensing from closed liquid containers.

Description of Related Art

[0002] The packaging industry creates disposable, single-use, thin-walled, plastic containers for the purpose of being filled with a wide variety of liquids including household and industrial chemicals (automotive fluids, cleaning agents, agrochemical products, food products, oil, etc.) that are sold to consumers. The container's sole purpose is to provide a safe and effective way to deliver liquid product contents to the consumer.

[0003] However, when pouring a liquid from an unvented container with a single, small opening (or any closed container such as a plastic bottle, jug, closed head pail, closed head drum, or the like), the flow rate of the liquid can be impaired. As liquid is dispensed from a container, air must be drawn into the container to replace dispensed liquid. When dispensing liquid from containers with a single opening, this phenomenon causes a so-called glugging or glug.

[0004] Glugging can be affected by several factors. For instance, container openings can affect flow rates. The more restricted the container opening (the smaller the opening), the more difficult it is for air to be drawn into the container. Therefore, glugging usually increases as the diameter of the dispenser opening decreases. If a pour spout with a reduced outside diameter is installed on such a container's opening, the glugging effect can be greatly increased; and the liquid's flow rate during dispensing can become extremely slow. In situations where flow pressure is increased, for example, from larger capacity containers, the glugging effect is increased still thereby resulting in an even poorer flow rate.

[0005] In situations where the flow rate exceeds air intake, a partial vacuum can be created. When pouring from thin-walled plastic containers (especially single-use disposable containers), the vacuum created during pouring can cause the thin walls of the container to collapse as the container struggles to draw air in, to replace the displaced liquid. The collapsed container walls can further contribute to the glugging problem. In any case, the irregular flows caused by glugging can contribute to splashing and spillage of liquid contents.

[0006] It follows that companies have a great interest in minimizing glug induced splashing/spilling as well as improving the flow rate during pouring. Not only is it wasteful, but liquid contents can be hazardous (e.g., flammable, corrosive, etc.). Further, environmental laws and regulations may require companies to exercise greater care to minimize spills of particular substances. Likewise, an increased risk of product liability arising from spills of hazardous/flammable liquids can motivate companies to find new ways to aid consumers with dispensing liquid products.

[0007] One present solution to the glugging problem is increasing the diameter of the container's single opening or by molding a separate, small diameter air vent into the threaded neck of the container's opening, which is also connected to the inside of the top handle of the container. The air vent provides a small passageway for air to be drawn into the container while the liquid exits the container via its threaded neck opening. However, when a pour spout is attached to the threaded neck of either a large diameter single-opening container or a container molded with the above-mentioned air vent, the glugging effect returns because the pour spout obstracts the air vent preventing it from functioning. Also, the small diameter of the pour spout itself contributes to glugging, since air drawn in through the spout opening limits flow during liquid dispensing.

[0008] There exists in the art a pour spout that contains a fixed tube mounted within aperture and running into the spout's body (U.S. Patent No. 4,105,148). While this device permits air to enter the container, it does not solve the glugging problem. One problem is that while quickly dispensing a liquid (e.g., under high pressure and high flow conditions) the air intake cannot keep up with the liquid dispensing output. Under these circumstances, glugging and splashing often occurs. Further, this device leaks while positioned at various pouring angles; initially poured liquids can leak from the fixed tube (air vent) until a sufficient vacuum is created to draw air in through the tube to overcome the leakage.

[0009] A container with an air vent inserted internally into an empty space is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,853,114. The air vent has rigid line portions that are angled in both the outlet region and hollow space of the container, as well as an internalized shut-off member. While this device can permit air to enter the container for improved liquid dispensing, the shut-off mechanism can restrict air intake. Further, its rigid design can make it unworkable for containers of various sizes and handle configurations. Further, its relative complexity makes it undesirable as this device is substantially more expensive to produce than the invention.

[0010] Another solution for glugging involves the addition of a secondary opening in the container, which functions to draw air into the container as fluid exits through the container's opening (with or without an attached pour spout). This type of secondary container opening/vent is molded into the dispensing end (top) of the container and can be closed via an attached threaded closure cap or plug. This secondary opening operates solely as a vent and is intended to remain closed until the user opens just prior to pouring from the container. While this solution is viable, it requires the package to have an additional opening, thereby increasing opportunity for tampering and/or spillage. It also requires the added steps of removing/replacing the vent cap or plug between use and storage.

[0011] The secondary air vent is normally not feasible for use with single-use, thin-walled, disposable containers because it is too costly. Secondary openings in conventional dispensing containers are usually produced by drilling the container dispensing end or sidewall during production thereby requiring the use of additional plastic to produce more costly, thicker sidewalls for shape retention. Furthermore, excessive costs are incurred because the drilling process creates plastic debris inside the container requiring that the container be thoroughly cleaned and all debris removed. Additionally, extensive costs can also be incurred to produce new container molds used to produce a container with a small threaded vent opening to accommodate a separately produced vent cap closure or vent plug. Furthermore, the secondary opening poses a leakage risk. If the user is not careful during pouring, by tipping the container at an improper angle or too great an angle, by excessively squeezing the container, or even by forgetting to close the vent, some of the container's liquid could accidently spill from the open air vent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides a cost effective solution for equable pouring of liquids from plastic disposable liquid dispensing containers, such as those commonly used for household and industrial chemicals (automotive fluids e.g. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), agrochemical products, cleaning agents, food products, oil, etc.).

[0013] According to one embodiment, a ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing may include an elongated spout having a spout body, a flexible neck, a spout end, and a push- on attachment assembly for attaching the elongated spout to a threaded container orifice. The ventilator apparatus may further include an air vent having a first vent orifice, and a second vent orifice. The air vent may be flexible and insertable into a container orifice. The first vent orifice may be located upon the elongated spout, and the second vent orifice may be in a location made remote from a container orifice when the air vent is fully inserted into the container.

[0014] In accordance with another embodiment, the elongated spout and the air vent may be molded together. Furthermore, the flexible neck may be expandable and collapsible. Additionally, the air vent may be axially positioned and moveable in unison within the flexible neck. In certain embodiments, the air vent may be molded and connected externally to the flexible neck such that the air vent is moveable in unison with the flexible neck. The air vent may further include a pliable means to orient the second vent orifice in an air filled space of a container. Additionally, the air vent may include a hydrophobic and/or an oleophobic membrane proximal the second vent orifice.

[0015] According to another embodiment of a ventilator apparatus, a section of the air vent that is flexible and insertable into a container orifice may be bent over the flexible neck and clipped into a storage clip while not in use. The flexible neck may be fully collapsed to minimize the length of the elongated spout for compactness. The spout end may be rifled and the spout end may be interchangeable upon a flexible neck having one or more receiving grooves that engage with a corresponding number of ridges on an end of the flexible neck being remote to the push-on attachment assembly.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the push-on attachment assembly may include multiple non-threaded fasteners positioned annularly on an interior wall of the removable push-on attachment assembly. Multiple non-threaded fasteners desirably facilitate attachment and removal of the push-on attachment from the threaded container orifice. The push-on attachment assembly is desirably modular, connectable to the elongated spout, and has an interchangeable molded seal. Additionally, the push-on attachment assembly may be keyed, modular, removable, and connectable to the spout assembly. Furthermore, the push-on attachment assembly may have a tapered annular seal coaxially positioned between the spout body and multiple non-threaded fasteners.

[0017] In accordance with another embodiment, a ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing includes an elongated spout having a spout body, a flexible neck, a spout end. The ventilator apparatus may further include a push-on attachment assembly for attaching the elongated spout to a threaded container orifice. Additionally, the ventilator apparatus may include an air vent having an expansion tank, the air vent having a first vent orifice, a second vent orifice. [0018] The air vent may be attached to the ventilator apparatus at a position between the push-on attachment assembly and the flexible neck. The first vent orifice may be positioned remotely from the second vent orifice relative to the threaded container orifice. The air vent may further include a hydrophobic and/or an oleophobic membrane proximal the first vent orifice. The expansion tank may include one of a coiled chamber, a funnel-shaped expansion tank, or a double-hull configured expansion tank. The elongated spout and the air vent may be molded together and the flexible neck may be expandable and collapsible.

[0019] According to yet another embodiment, the spout end may be interchangeable upon a flexible neck having one or more receiving grooves that engage with a corresponding number of ridges on an end of the flexible neck being remote to the push-on attacliment assembly. The push-on attacliment assembly may include multiple non-threaded fasteners positioned annularly on an interior wall of the removable push-on attacliment assembly. The multiple non-threaded fasteners desirably facilitate push-on attacliment to and removal from the threaded container orifice. The push-on attacliment assembly may be modular and connectable to the elongated spout. Additionally, the push-on attachment assembly may have an interchangeable molded seal. In another embodiment, the push-on attacliment assembly may have a tapered annular seal coaxially positioned between the spout body and multiple non-threaded fasteners. The push-on attacliment assembly may be keyed, modular, removable from, and connectable to the spout assembly.

[0020] In accordance with another embodiment, a ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing may include an air vent having a first vent orifice, a clip, a formable joint, and a second vent orifice. The ventilator apparatus may further include a hydrophobic and/or an oleophobic membrane proximal the second vent orifice. Additionally, the ventilator apparatus may include a pliable means to orient the second vent orifice in an air filled space of a container. In another embodiment, the ventilator apparatus may include a two-stage barbed insertion element and a seal that is fixable into a hole punctured into a thin-walled plastic container body. The ventilator apparatus may have a factory-sealed diaphragm, an attached molded snap-on resealable cap, and a molded cap or cap strap spike. The ventilator apparatus may further include a hydrophobic and/or an oleophobic membrane that is fixed inside the vent.

[0021] According to yet another embodiment, a method of cleanly inserting an insertable and resealable ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing into a thin-walled liquid dispensing container may include the step of placing the thin-walled liquid dispensing container under positive pressure. Next, a sidewall opening may be formed in the thin-walled liquid dispensing container with a metal tool having a sharp pointed conical tip with an optional heated element. The ventilator apparatus may then be inserted into the opening. The optional heated element desirably melts the plastic around the sidewall opening, which creates a seal and effectively welds the insertable and resealable ventilator apparatus into the thin-walled dispensing container.

[0022] Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from reading the following detailed description of the invention in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0023] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a ventilator apparatus having a flexible neck, push-on attachment assembly and an internal air vent;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a ventilator apparatus having a flexible neck, push-on attachment assembly and an external air vent;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a ventilator apparatus having a push-on attachment assembly and expansion tank;

[0026] FIG. 4 is another longitudinal cross-sectional view of a ventilator apparatus having a push-on attachment assembly and expansion tank;

[0027] FIG. 5 is yet another longitudinal cross-sectional view of a ventilator apparatus having a push-on attachment assembly and expansion tank;

[0028] FIG. 6 is both a top view and a cross-sectional view of an attachment insert;

[0029] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an elongated spout with a rifled spout end and an optional interchangeable spout end;

[0030] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a collar of a push-on attachment assembly;

[0031] FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional view of a collar of a push-on attachment assembly;

[0032] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a standard dispensing container modified with a ventilator apparatus;

[0033] FIG. 11 is another view of a ventilator apparatus; and

[0034] FIG. 12 is another view of a ventilator apparatus having a clip and formable joint. Further, there are additional 30 sheets included, which provide photographs of certain features, variations and embodiments of ventilation apparatuses. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0035] For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial orientation terms, if used, shall relate to the referenced embodiment as it is oriented in the accompanying figures, or as otherwise described in the following detailed description. However, it is to be understood that the embodiments described hereinafter may assume many alternative variations and embodiments. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures and described herein are simply exemplary and should not be considered as limiting.

[0036] The modular expandable/collapsible spout and venting designs described herein permit several inexpensive means to modify conventional liquid dispensing containers into self- venting liquid dispenser containers, which do not glug and have a good flow rate. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1, the ventilator apparatus 100 can have an elongated spout and an air vent. The elongated spout can have a spout end 120 that adjoins to a spout body 102 that adjoins to a flexible neck 104 and/or a push-on attachment assembly 106 that interacts with and attaches the ventilator apparatus 100 to the orifice of a dispensing container. The flexible neck 104 can comprise an accordion fold or Z-fold sidewall to further facilitate an increased range of motion as well as for expansion and/or collapse of the flexible neck 104, thereby permitting the ventilator apparatus 100 to be used for liquid dispensing in irregular positions/locations.

[0037] For no-glug dispensing of a liquid, the ventilator apparatus 100 can have an air vent tube 108. Prior to use, the air vent tube 108 can be inserted into the dispensing container and positioned into specific space within the dispensing container by manipulation of the air vent tube 108 at a flexible joint 110. For example, depending upon the shape of the dispensing container, the air vent tube 108 can be directed in the various hollow spaces within the dispensing container (e.g., underneath a molded handle or inside the molded handle if the containers mouth/opening is molded with a small secondary vent passage leading into the containers handle).

[0038] When attached to a dispensing container, the ventilator apparatus 100 forms a liquid tight seal between the push-on attachment assembly 106 and the orifice of a dispensing container, air can be drawn into the air vent tube 108 through a first orifice 112 and out into a dispensing container though a second orifice 116. Further still, the second orifice 116 of the air vent tube is optionally equipped (e.g., molded or glued) with a membrane(s) (e.g., a hydrophobic and/or an oleophobic membrane available from W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.) that functions as a one-way check valve, which permits the free passage of air into the container while additionally inliibiting possible passage of liquid into the air vent tube.

[0039] The air vent tube 108 can be fixed at an axial position by one or more vent tube supports 114 within the flexible neck of the ventilator apparatus. The vent tube supports 114 help maintain the position of the air vent tube 108 in unison with the flexible neck 104, so as not to disturb equable dispensing of liquid from a spout end 120 during movement of the flexible neck 104. It is to be appreciated that ventilator apparatus 100 can be produced to form a single molded unit. For example, air vent tube 108 can be molded with spout end 120 and so on. While not in use, the air vent tube 108 can be clipped into a storage clip 118, the flexible neck 104 and air vent tube 108 can be fully collapsed in unison to minimize the length of the spout for compactness.

[0040] Certain features of the ventilator apparatus 100 can be arranged to minimize production costs while providing for alternative dispensing applications. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the ventilator apparatus 200 can have a flexible neck 204 and an air vent tube 208 that runs external therewith. The air vent tube 208 provides ventilation into a dispensing container for equable, glug-free dispensing while the ventilator apparatus 200 is attached to a dispensing container. The air vent tube 208 is flexible and moveable in unison with flexible neck 204, and can be fixed at one or more vent tube supports 216. It is to be appreciated that, like the ventilator apparatus 100, air vent tube 208 can be singly molded with spout end 218 and/or spout body 220 so as to comprise a respective unified piece(s).

[0041] While both vent tubes 108 and 208 serve to promote equable liquid dispensing in the present invention, a ventilator apparatus (e.g., ventilator apparatus 100) can alternatively employ other venting features. An expansion tank can be molded and arranged to have multiple shapes and internal volumes on a ventilator apparatus (e.g., ventilator apparatus 100). For instance, expansion tanks of the present invention may be a coiled chamber, a funnel-shaped expansion tank, or a double-hull configured expansion tank. For instance, in FIG. 3 the ventilator apparatus 300 can have an expansion tank 304 that is molded and arranged to have multiple shapes and internal volumes, and is either incorporated with or attached to a spout body 302 or a push-on attachment assembly 306 or an attachment insert 600. While the expansion tank 304 can be any shape to accommodate various venting means, expansion tank 304 can have a modified funnel shape that can serve to collect any seepage from the flexible neck 318 during dispensing of a liquid. Further, the expansion tank 304 has a first vent 308 and second vent 310, which permit the passage of air from the external atmosphere without spillage of the liquid contents from the dispensing container. Further still, the first vent 308 is optionally equipped with a membrane (e.g., a hydrophobic and/or an oleophobic membrane available from W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.) fixed thereto or proximally within the ventilator apparatus 300, which permits the free passage of air while additionally inhibiting possible passage of liquid outward from the ventilator apparatus 300, thereby serving as a one-way check valve. As a liquid is poured through the ventilator apparatus 300, a vacuum is slowly created thereby drawing air into the container through the expansion tank 304. The expansion tank 304 will contain any fluid that passes through the second vent 310. Moreover, as the vacuum increases during pouring, liquid overflow can be drawn from the expansion tank 304 back into the ventilator apparatus 300.

[0042] The ventilator apparatus 300 also shows a push-on attachment assembly 306, which can have a tapered end 312 that supports a tapered seal 314, attached to a spout base 316 while inserted into a dispensing container. The spout base 316 holds the tapered seal 314, forming a friction fit when attached to a dispensing container orifice.

[0043] Another example of an expansion tank (e.g., expansion tank 304) can be seen in FIG. 4. In ventilator apparatus 400, expansion tank 404, incorporated with or attached to spout body 402 or a push-on attachment assembly 406, has a helical or coiled vent passage 414. The vent passage 414 has a first vent 408 and a second vent 410, and serves to prevent accidental spillage from the ventilator apparatus 400 while promoting good air flow for equable pouring from a liquid dispensing container.

[0044] The ventilator apparatus 400 also has a push-on attachment assembly 406, having multiple non-threaded fasteners 412 (e.g., barbs or tabs) arranged annularly upon the inner wall of the collar of push-on attachment assembly 406. The multiple non-threaded fasteners 412 can permit the elongated spout to be tightly attached to a container, without leaking, yet also can permit the elongated spout to be easily removed (by gently pulling and twisting off) and/or reused by serving to reversibly fix the ventilator apparatus 400 to any threads upon the orifice of a dispensing container. Further, the push-on attachment assembly 406 is optionally molded or fit with at least one O-ring installed into grooves 416, which form a friction fit between the O-rings and non-threaded fasteners 412 when attached to a dispensing container orifice.

[0045] Yet another example of an expansion tank can be seen in FIG 5. In ventilator apparatus 500, expansion tank 502, incorporated with or attached to spout body 506, has at least one hollow hull configuration 518. The hollow hull configuration 518 has at least a first vent 508 and a second vent 510, and serves to prevent accidental spillage from the ventilator apparatus 500 while promoting good air flow for equable pouring from a liquid dispensing container.

[0046] The ventilator apparatus 500 also has a push-on attachment assembly 514, having non-tlireaded fasteners 512 (e.g., barbs or tabs) arranged annularly upon the inner wall of a push-on attachment assembly 514. The non-threaded fasteners 512 serve to reversibly fix the ventilator apparatus 500 to any threads upon the orifice of a dispensing container. Further, the push-on attachment assembly 514 is optionally fit with a tapered seal 516, which form a friction fit between the tapered seal 516 and non-threaded fasteners 512 when attached to a dispensing container orifice.

[0047] It is also conceived that a ventilator apparatus (e.g., ventilator apparatus 200) can have many attachment means for fixing to a dispensing container. For example, in FIG. 6, attachment insert 600 can engage with or be fitted into a spout body (e.g. spout body 220) thereby serving as a modular push-on attachment assembly (e.g. push-on attachment assembly 106). Attachment insert 600 (for example, a singly-molded rubber piece or a thermoelastic polymer piece) can have at least one key 604 that aligns and/or fixes, snaps or locks the attachment insert 600 in a spout body (e.g. spout body 220). The attachment insert 600 has multiple non-threaded fasteners 606 (e.g., barbs or tabs) that can be arranged annularly on the interior wall of the attachment insert 600, as well as a seal 608, which is keyed to a mating spout body 610. The multiple non-threaded fasteners 606 can permit an elongated spout (e.g., the elongated spout of ventilator apparatus 100) to be tightly attached to a dispensing container, without leaking, yet also can permit the elongated spout to be easily removed and/or reused. The attachment insert 600 can also be fitted with a tapered seal 612, which permits attachment of a ventilator apparatus (e.g., ventilator apparatus 100) to container orifices of various sizes. Attachment insert 600 can be molded with an expansion tank such as a coiled chamber (e.g., expansion tank 404) with a helical or coiled vent passage that may optionally be equipped with a membrane (e.g., a hydrophobic and/or an oleophobic membrane) which permits the free passage of air while additionally inhibiting possible passage of liquid outward from the ventilator apparatus, thereby serving as a oneway check valve.

[0048] With reference to FIG. 7, spout end 700 can be interchangeable with a ventilator apparatus (e.g., ventilator apparatus 100) and/or rifled-like. The rifling 702 can be cut or molded into spout end 700 and resembles the helical grooves found in the barrel of a gun or firearm. The rifled spout end 700 can improve the flow-rate and glugging by putting a rotation or spin on the dispensable fluid, thereby creating a vortex of sorts and improving flow by increasing air intake or venting during liquid dispensing. The spout end 700 can also provide different twist rates by altering the rifling 702 and spout bore 704. Regarding optional interchangeability, spout end 700 can be interchangeable upon a flexible neck (e.g., flexible neck 104). The spout end 700 can have one or more receiving grooves 706 that engage with a corresponding number of ridges 708 on the end remote to the push-on attachment assembly (e.g., push-on attachment assembly 106) of flexible neck 710 (e.g., flexible neck 104).

[0049] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, non-threaded fasteners 802 and/or 902 (e.g., barbs or tabs) can be arranged annularly upon the inner wall of a collar 804. For example, the non-threaded fasteners 802 and/or 902 can be arranged in a helical pattern upon the inner wall of collar 804. The non-threaded fasteners 802 and 902 serve to reversibly fix a ventilator apparatus (e.g., ventilator apparatus 100) to the tlireads upon the orifice of a dispensing container while also permitting removal of the ventilator apparatus by gently pulling and twisting it off the container's orifice. It should be appreciated that the collar 804 is conceivably fashioned to any push-on attachment assembly (e.g., push-on attachment assembly 106) of a ventilator apparatus, and as referenced in FIGS. 8 and 9, may utilize a gasket 806 placed between the container orifice and spout body to form a leak proof seal.

[0050] Regarding FIG. 10, a ventilator apparatus 1000 can be an insertable and resealable dispensing container air vent. The ventilator apparatus 1000 comprises a two-stage barbed insertion element 1002 and a seal 1004 (e.g., an O-ring) design that allows the air vent to permanently snap into the hole previously punctured into the container's body (via a clean insertion method) while providing an air-tight/leak-proof seal.

[0051] In FIG. 11, a ventilator apparatus 1100 can be an insertable and resealable dispensing container air vent. The ventilator apparatus 1100 further depicts a two-stage insertion element 1102 and a seal 1104 (e.g., an O-ring) design that allows the air vent to permanently snap into a hole previously punctured into the container's body (via a clean insertion method) while providing an air-tight/leak-proof seal. There is an opening 1106 on a first end of the ventilator apparatus 1100, which is optionally molded or fit with a thin film or seal 1112. The thin film or seal 1112 prevents leakage from the opening 1106 prior to use, and can easily be punctured with a tool such as a knife, screwdriver or a seal punch 1108 that is optionally part of a molded ventilator apparatus cap 1110 or a cap strap 1114.

[0052] It should be appreciated that either ventilator apparatus 1000 or ventilator apparatus 1100 can be fashioned with an optional hydrophobic and/or oleophobic membrane (e.g., available from W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.) that is fixed inside (e.g., molded or glued) the insertable ventilator apparatus 1000 or 1100 which acts as a one-way check valve by promoting ventilation into a dispensing container while preventing fluid from exiting through the ventilator apparatus 1000 or 1100, when permanently inserted through a sidewall of a dispensing container.

[0053] Further, both ventilator apparatus 1000 and ventilator apparatus 1100 have a clean insertion method for pennanent insertion into a dispensing container, preferably through a sidewall at the top (e.g. dispensing end^ack of a dispensing container. The liquid dispensing container can be placed under internal positive pressure so as to prevent contaminants from entering any opening formed during the production process, as well as prevent shape distortion of thin-walled liquid dispensing containers while a metal tool with a sharp pointed conical tip, shaped like an awl, punctures a hole in a sidewall of the container followed by the permanent insertion of either the ventilator apparatus 1000 or 1100 as it is snapped into the punctured hole. Further still, a method of installing a ventilator apparatus 1000 and/or ventilator apparatus 1100 into a liquid dispensing container may also include a variable temperature heating element used to heat the metal tool with a sharp pointed conical tip, which softens the dispensing container sidewall for easier puncturing of the hole during production. Insertion of ventilator apparatus 1000 or ventilator apparatus 1100 into a heated sidewall opening can seal and effectively weld either ventilator apparatus into the dispensing container.

[0054] Now turning to FIG. 12, a ventilator apparatus 1200 can clip-on to the opening of liquid dispensing containers by means of a clip 1202. The ventilator apparatus 1200 is insertable into a container opening at a second vent 1204 and position by means of a formable joint 1206. The ventilator apparatus 1200 can be directed, positioning the second vent 1204 into a predetermined hollow space within the container (e.g. such as underneath a molded dispensing container handle). When attached to a dispensing container, the ventilator apparatus 1200 promotes air intake through a first vent 1208 and out into a dispensing container though a second vent 1204. As contemplated above, the ventilator apparatus can also be optionally equipped with a hydrophobic and/or oleophobic membrane(s) fixed (e.g., molded or glued) into the second vent 1204 that can allow air to pass through the second vent 1204 into the container, but prevent liquid from escaping the container. The hydrophobic and/or oleophobic membrane is optionally placed proximally to the second vent 1204, and acts as a one-way check valve that will allow air to pass through it while preventing fluid from escaping. [0055] While several embodiments of a ventilator apparatus for equable pouring of a liquid were described in the foregoing detailed description, those skilled in the art may make modifications and alterations to these embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, it is to be understood that this disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The invention described hereinabove is defined by the appended claims and all changes to the invention that fall within the meaning and the range of equivalency of the claim are embraced within their scope.

Claims

THE INVENTION CLAIMED IS

Claim 1 : A ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing, comprising:

an elongated spout, comprising a spout body, a flexible neck, a spout end, and a push-on attachment assembly for attaching the elongated spout to a threaded container orifice; and

an air vent, comprising a first vent orifice, and a second vent orifice, wherein the air vent is flexible and insertable into a container orifice, the first vent orifice is located upon the elongated spout, and the second vent orifice being in a location made remote from a container orifice when the air vent is fully inserted into the container.

Claim 2: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 1, wherein the elongated spout and the air vent are molded together.

Claim 3 : The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 2, wherein the flexible neck is expandable and collapsible.

Claim 4: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 2, wherein the air vent is axially positioned and moveable in unison within the flexible neck.

Claim 5: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 2, wherein the air vent is molded and connected externally to the flexible neck such that the air vent is moveable in unison with the flexible neck.

Claim 6: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 1, wherein the air vent further comprises a pliable means to orient the second vent orifice in an air filled space of a container.

Claim 7: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 1, wherein the air vent further comprises a hydrophobic and/or an oleophobic membrane proximal the second vent orifice. Claim 8: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 1 , wherein a section of the air vent that is flexible and insertable into a container orifice can be bent over the flexible neck and clipped into a storage clip while not in use, and wherein the flexible neck can be fully collapsed to minimize the length of the elongated spout for compactness.

Claim 9: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 1 , wherein the ventilator apparatus is disposable or reuseable.

Claim 10: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 1 , wherein the spout end is rifled.

Claim 11 : The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 1 , wherein the spout end is interchangeable upon a flexible neck having one or more receiving grooves that engage with a corresponding number of ridges on an end of the flexible neck being remote to the push-on attachment assembly.

Claim 12: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 1, wherein the push-on attachment assembly comprises multiple non- threaded fasteners positioned annularly on an interior wall of the removable push-on attachment assembly, and wherein the multiple non-tlxreaded fasteners facilitate attachment and removal of the push-on attachment from the threaded container orifice.

Claim 13: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 1, wherein the push-on attachment assembly is modular, connectable to the elongated spout, and has an interchangeable molded seal.

Claim 14: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 1, wherein the push-on attachment assembly having an interchangeable molded seal is keyed, modular, removable, and connectable to the spout assembly.

Claim 15: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 1, wherein the push-on attachment assembly has a tapered annular seal coaxially positioned between the spout body and multiple non-threaded fasteners. Claim 16: A ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing, comprising:

an air vent comprising an expansion tank, having a first vent orifice and a second vent orifice.

Claim 17: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 16, wherein the first vent orifice is positioned remotely from the second vent orifice relative to the threaded container orifice.

Claim 18: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 16, wherein the air vent further comprises a hydrophobic and/or an oleophobic membrane proximal the first vent orifice.

Claim 19: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 16, wherein the expansion tank comprises one of a coiled chamber, a funnel-shaped expansion tank, or a double-hull configured expansion tank.

Claim 20: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 16, wherein the elongated spout and the air vent are molded together.

Claim 21 : The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 16, wherein the flexible neck is expandable and collapsible.

Claim 22: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 16, wherein the ventilator apparatus is disposable or resuseable.

Claim 23: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 16, wherein the spout end is rifled.

Claim 24: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 16, wherein the spout end is interchangeable upon a flexible neck having one or more receiving grooves that engage with a corresponding number of ridges on an end of the flexible neck being remote to the push-on attachment assembly.

Claim 25: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 16, wherein the push-on attachment assembly comprises multiple non- threaded fasteners positioned annularly on an interior wall of the removable push-on attachment assembly, wherein the multiple non-threaded fasteners facilitate push-on attachment to and removal from the threaded container orifice.

Claim 26: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 16, wherein the push-on attachment assembly is modular and connectable to the elongated spout and has an interchangeable molded seal.

Claim 27: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 16, the push-on attachment assembly having a tapered annular seal coaxially positioned between the spout body and multiple non-threaded fasteners.

Claim 28: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 16, wherein the push-on attachment assembly has an interchangeable molded seal being keyed, modular, removable, and may be molded with an expansion tank such as a coiled chamber optionally fit with a hydrophobic and/or oleophobic membrane and further wherein the push-on attachment assembly is connectable to the spout assembly.

Claim 29: A ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing, which is insertable, fomiable and attachable to a container orifice, comprising an air vent having a first vent orifice, a clip, a fomiable joint, and a second vent orifice.

Claim 30: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 29, further comprising a hydrophobic and/or an oleophobic membrane proximal the second vent orifice.

Claim 31 : The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 29, further comprising a pliable means to orient the second vent orifice in an air filled space of a container. Claim 32: The ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 29, wherein the ventilator apparatus is disposable.

Claim 33: An insertable and resealable ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing, comprising a first orifice, a second orifice, and a vent therethrough; and a two-stage barbed insertion element and a seal that is fixable into a hole punctured into a thin-walled plastic container body while providing an air-tight/leak-proof seal.

Claim 34: The insertable and resealable ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 33, having a factory-sealed diaphragm, an attached molded snap-on resealable cap, and a molded cap or cap strap spike.

Claim 35: The insertable and resealable ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing according to claim 33, further comprising a hydrophobic and/or an oleophobic membrane that is fixed inside the vent.

Claim 36: A method of cleanly inserting an insertable and resealable ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing for permanently installing an insertable and resealable ventilator apparatus into a thin-walled liquid dispensing container, comprising placing the thin-walled liquid dispensing container under positive pressure;

forming a sidewall opening in the thin-walled liquid dispensing container with a metal tool having a sharp pointed conical tip with an optional heated element; and inserting a ventilator apparatus into said opening.

Claim 37: The method according to claim 36, wherein the optional heated element melts the plastic around the sidewall opening, which creates a seal and effectively welds the insertable and resealable ventilator apparatus for equable liquid dispensing when installed into the thin-walled dispensing container.