WO2014027341A1

WO2014027341A1 - A pourer for a container

Info

Publication number: WO2014027341A1
Application number: PCT/IL2013/050659
Authority: WO
Inventors: Or Agassi; Reuven Marko
Original assignee: Or Agassi; Reuven Marko
Priority date: 2012-08-14
Filing date: 2013-08-03
Publication date: 2014-02-20

Abstract

A container top comprising a sealable pourer is provided. The sealable pourer includes a cap to ensure that the pouring nozzle is sealed, or otherwise closed, when in a first position of the cap allow free flow of the liquid content of the container when in a second position. In one embodiment, the cap is rotated about a symmetry axis of the nozzle to achieve sealing of the pouring nozzle. The sealable pourer is temporarily or permanently affixed to the container.

Description

A POURER FOR A CONTAINER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims the benefit of US provisional application No. 61/682,983 filed on August 14, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] The invention relates to a pourer for a container using a container, for example a bottle, for the dispensing of liquid materials. More specifically the invention relates to a pourer permanently or temporarily affixed to a container.

BACKGROUND

[003] Generally, pourers have a nozzle that is used for the dispensing of liquid and typically formed as a tube in some form or shape. When dispensing beverages, such as alcoholic beverages a pourer is placed on the bottle for the purpose of making it easier for the bar person to dispense the beverage quickly and efficiently. Typical pourers are not sealable and remain open. The problem of leaving the pourer on the bottle is that at the end of the work day it is necessary to somehow seal the pourer to prevent the tendency of various insects to be drawn to the sugars associated with the presence of such alcoholic beverages which may then render the bottle useless for future use. US patent 3,630,419, for example, addresses partially the problem by placing a lid on the nozzle, such that when the bottle is tilted the lid opens and allows for the flow of liquid while when placed vertically the lid, due to gravity, closes.

[004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art it would be advantageous to provide a pourer that is affixed permanently or temporarily to a container. It would be further advantageous if such a solution would not impact the efficiency of use of the container.

SUMMARY [005] Certain embodiments disclosed herein include a pourer for a container of liquid. The pourer comprise a base having a first end, a second end, an outer wall that extends from the first end to the second end, and an inner wall opposite the outer wall that extends from the first end to the second end, the base being attachable to the container of liquid and having a hollow interior to enable liquid to flow through the base; a nozzle affixed to the first end of the base, the nozzle having an internal wall and an external wall, a first opening extending from the external wall to the internal wall to allow liquid to travel from the container through the base and out of the nozzle, and a second opening extending from the internal wall to the external wall to allow air to travel from the nozzle through the base and into the container; and a cap slidably attached to the nozzle and having a first opening that corresponds with the first opening of the nozzle and a second opening that corresponds with the second opening of the nozzle, the cap having a first position about the nozzle where the first and second openings of the cap are not aligned with the first and second openings of the nozzle, respectively, to prevent liquid from flowing through the first opening of the nozzle, and a second position about the nozzle where the first and second openings of the cap are aligned with the first and second openings of the nozzle, respectively, to allow liquid to flow through the first opening of the nozzle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[006] The subject matter disclosed herein is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a pourer in from a front side showing the sealing of the liquid nozzle by a twisting cap according to various embodiments.

[008] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the pourer from a back side showing the sealing of the air tube by a twisting cap.

[009] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the pourer in an opened (dispense) position by a twisting cap. [0010] Figure 4 is a cross section of a portion of the pourer in a sealed position by a twisting cap.

[0011] Figure 5 is a cross section of a portion of the pourer in an opened position by a twisting cap.

[0012] Figure 6 is an enlargement of the area of the pouring nozzle in an opened position with a sealing o-ring.

[0013] Figure 7 is a right side isometric view of one embodiment of a sealable pourer assembly.

[0014] Figure 8 is a left side elevation view thereof.

[0015] Figure 9 is a front elevation view thereof.

[0016] Figure 10 is a rear elevation view thereof.

[0017] Figure 11 is a top plan view thereof.

[0018] Figure 12 is a bottom plan view thereof.

[0019] Figure 13 is a left rear isometric view of another embodiment of a sealable pourer.

[0020] Figure 14 is a left side elevation view thereof, the right side elevation being identical.

[0021] Figure 15 is a front elevation view thereof.

[0022] Figure 16 is a rear elevation view thereof.

[0023] Figure 17 is a cross-section taken along line 11 -1 1 in Figure 16.

[0024] Figure 18 is a top plan view thereof.

[0025] Figure 19 is a bottom plan view thereof.

[0026] Figure 20 is a right side isometric view of one embodiment of a cap of the sealable pourer.

[0027] Figure 21 is a left side isometric view thereof.

[0028] Figure 22 is a front elevation view thereof.

[0029] Figure 23 is a rear elevation view thereof.

[0030] Figure 24 is a top view thereof.

[0031] Figure 25 is a bottom view thereof.

[0032] Figure 26 is cross-section taken along line 20-20 in Figure 22.

[0033] Figure 27 is a cross-section taken along line 21 -21 in Figure 24. [0034] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a pourer accordance with one embodiment having a spring mounted sliding cap.

[0035] Figure 29 is a cross section of the pourer according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 30 is a schematic diagram of a sealable pourer according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0037] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of a sealable pourer affixed to a container according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0038] Figure 32 is a schematic diagram of a pourer affixed to a container according to another embodiment.

[0039] Figure 33 is a schematic diagram of a sealable pourer affixed to a container according to another embodiment.

[0040] Figure 34 is a cross-section of a sealable pourer according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 35 is a cross-section of a sealable pourer affixed to a container according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The embodiments disclosed herein are only examples of the many possible advantageous uses and implementations of the innovative teachings presented herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed inventions. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. In general, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in plural and vice versa with no loss of generality. In the drawings, like numerals refer to like parts through several views.

[0043] According to various embodiments a sealable pourer is equipped with a cap to ensure that the pouring nozzle and air tube outlet are sealed, or otherwise closed, when in a first position of the cap and allow free flow of the liquid content of the bottle when in a second position. In one embodiment, the cap is rotated about a symmetry axis of a cone shaped nozzle to achieve sealing of both the air passage and the pouring nozzle. Furthermore, the air tube has a sharp edge to enable piercing of a seal cover of the container top. [0044] Reference is made to Figs. 1 , 2 and 3 where exemplary and non-limiting schematic diagrams of a pourer 100 implemented in accordance with one embodiment shown. Fig. 1 depicts the pourer 100 from a front view in the sealed position. The pourer 100 is comprised of a base 110 that is hollow and equipped with engaging elements 170 that secure the pourer 100 in a bottle's neck (not shown). According to one embodiment, the base 110 further comprises a unidirectional valve integrated therein. The unidirectional valve prevents the pouring of liquids to the container.

[0045] According to another embodiment, the base 110 may further comprise a separated stopper placed over the unidirectional valve. When inverting the pourer 100 and pouring liquid therefrom, the separated stopper stops the pouring upon reaching the unidirectional valve. The base 110 is affixed to a neck 180, also hollow that is further equipped with a stopper 160. The neck 180 provides a tilting of the nozzle as further explained herein below. The stopper 160 provides sealing of the bottle opening once the pourer is inserted all the way in, and further prevents pushing the pourer into the bottle beyond a predefined position.

[0046] A nozzle 140 is affixed to the neck 180 and is also hollow. The nozzle 140 has an opening that allows liquid to flow through from the bottle, through the hollow base 110 and hollow neck 180 so that the liquid can be dispensed from the bottle. In one embodiment, the nozzle 140 is cone-shaped. An air tube 150 is affixed to the nozzle 140 and protrudes through the nozzle 140 such that the airflow in not impacted by the flow of liquid inside of the nozzle 140 itself.

[0047] The sealing of the nozzle, is provided by a cap 120 mounted over the nozzle 140. The cap 120 includes a first opening 130 generally corresponding to the opening in the nozzle 140 in size and a second opening 190 generally corresponding to the opening in the nozzle 140 resulting from the protrusion of the air tube 150 through the side of the nozzle 140.

[0048] The cap 120 rotatable about a symmetry axis of the nozzle 140. In an embodiment, the cap 120 is horizontally rotatable about a symmetry axis of the nozzle 140 between two positions, one of which includes a stopper. The pourer may further include a child resistant mechanism. The child resistant mechanism may be comprised of a screw thread included on the neck 180 which screws on an inner screw thread included on the nozzle 140. The retention of the screw threads prevents the opening of the pourer 100 unless an axial pressure in addition to a rotational pressure is formed on the nozzle 140 downwards to the neck 180. In Fig. 1 a front view of the pourer 100 is shown where the cap is in a position where the first opening 130 is not aligned with the corresponding opening in the nozzle 140. This is achieved, for example, by twisting the cap 120 sufficiently to achieve this goal, for example by 90 degrees. Similarly, in Fig. 2 a back view of the pourer 100 is shown where the cap is in a position where the second opening 190 is not aligned with the corresponding opening for the air tube 150. The result is that in this position the pourer is sealed and the liquid content cannot be poured.

[0049] In Fig. 3, the cap 120 is twisted such that the first opening 130 is aligned with the opening in the nozzle 140 and the second opening 190 is aligned with an opening of the air tube 150. In this position, liquid may be easily dispensed from the pourer 100. It would be further understood that while a cone design was shown other designs may be used without departing from the various embodiments disclosed herein. However, this solution is best suitable for symmetrical nozzles.

[0050] Figs. 4, 5 and 6, show various cross sections 200 of a portion of the pourer to further explain its operation. In Fig. 4 the cap 120 is in a sealing position. The cap 120 is further equipped with a rim 210 that corresponds to niches 708 in the nozzle 140 so that once the cap 120 is placed over the nozzle 140 it is generally locked in one of its two positions. It should be noted that the rim 210 may include an o-ring affixed on the cap 120.

[0051] The air tube 150 is shown to protrude through the side of the nozzle 140. In this position both the air tube 150 and the pouring opening of the nozzle 140 are blocked by the cap 120. In Fig. 5, the cap is twisted about the symmetry axis 230 such that the first opening 130 corresponds to the pouring opening of the nozzle 140 and the second opening 190 corresponds to the air tube 150. In this position pouring can take place.

[0052] To further enable tight sealing of the openings, for example, the first opening 130, may be equipped with a sealing o-ring, as shown with respect of cross- section 300 of Fig. 6. In this embodiment, the o-ring is placed over the first opening 130

9 to ensure sealing so that the beverage does not pour into the slightest gap between the nozzle 140 and the cap 120. An o-ring may of course be used also with the second opening 190. In one embodiment, the cap 120 is coated with a sealing material layer (not shown) to ensure better sealing between the nozzle 140 and the cap 120. Such a sealing layer may be made of various materials including, but not limited to, rubber, Teflon®, or any other appropriate sealing material. In yet another embodiment, the rim 210 is designed to allow locking of the cap 120 with respect of the nozzle 140 so that the cap cannot inadvertently swivel around the axis 230.

[0053] Figs. 7 through 27 depict various embodiments of the pourer 700 where the cap 120 is equipped with turning wings, for example turning (twisting) wings 705 and 710, that may be appropriately positioned to allow the user to grip and move the cap 120 between the closed and opened positions of the pourer 700 with ease. A stopper 720 stops the twist of the cap 120 at the closed or opened positions. In an embodiment, a logo, an icon, a text, or the like, can be printed, embossed, or otherwise affixed to, for example, any one of the sides 722 or 724 of the cap 120. The embodiment illustrated in

[0054] Another embodiment of the pourer is shown in Fig. 28, which demonstrates an exemplary and non-limiting schematic diagram of a portion of a pourer 800 having a spring mounted sliding cap 810 that is biased toward the sealed position. For simplicity only the upper portion of the pourer is shown and it can be affixed to the neck 180 instead of the nozzle 140 discussed with respect of Figs. 1 -27 above.

[0055] The nozzle 890 has a first opening 880 for the dispensing of the liquid. It is further equipped with an air tube 870 protruding through the side of the nozzle 890 to allow the flow of air into the container as was explained herein above. The sliding cap 810 has a rim 860 to fit around the nozzle 890, fitting into a niche 895 to allow the sliding cap 810 to move up and down with respect of the slot 890. The sliding cap 810 is equipped with a first opening 830 to correspond to the opening 880 of the nozzle 890, and a second opening 850 to correspond with the air tube 870. A spring 840 is mounted between the sliding cap 810 and the top of the nozzle 890. Upon pressing on the sliding cap 810 the spring 840 becomes depressed, the rim 860 slides within the slot 895, thereby depressing the spring 840, and as a result, aligning the opening 830 with the opening 880 becomes aligned and the opening 850 with the opening of the air tube 870. Hence, with the sliding cap 810 in the depressed position it is possible to pour the liquid, while in the released position the pourer 800 is sealed.

[0056] In one embodiment, a sealing o-ring is placed, for example, on the first opening 820 for better sealing. In yet another embodiment, a locking mechanism (not shown) is used to lock the sliding cap in the depressed position when pressed downwards. Another press releases the sliding cap to return to its original and locked position. In another embodiment, the spring 840 is replaced by other means, such as pneumatic means, enabling the depressing and release of the sliding cap 810 with respect of the nozzle 890. The embodiments depict in Figs. 7 through 27 are further discussed and shown in a US Design Patent D678.768 and co-pending US Applications 13/252,345 assigned to the common 29/460,128, and 29/443,459, assigned to the common assignee and are incorporated herein by reference.

[0057] Fig. 29 depicts an embodiment of the pourer 700, wherein the air tube 120 comprises a sharp edge. The sharp edge is appropriately positioned to allow it to pierce a seal, commonly used to hermetically seal fluid goods.

[0058] Fig. 30 depicts an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a pourer according to one embodiment disclosed herein. The pourer 3000 comprises a cap 120, as discussed in greater detail hereinabove including, but not limited to, variations thereof. The cap 120 comprises a first opening 130 from which the liquid is poured and an air opening 190 (not specifically shown here but as explained in greater detail hereinabove with respect of embodiments of the cap 120). The cap 120 is positioned over a nozzle 140 as explained in greater detail hereinabove. In one embodiment, the nozzle 140 may have an air tube 150 as discussed hereinabove, however, the air tube 150 may be reduced to a mere opening in the tube that can align or not with the cap 120 air opening 190 as the case may be and as further discussed hereinabove. The neck 160 is designed to fit a container either temporarily, i.e., it can be affixed or removed at will be a user using the pourer 3000. Temporary affixing may be achieved for example, and not by way of limitation, mechanically, chemically, etc., without departing from the scope of the invention. In another embodiment, the pourer 3000 is affixed to the container permanently by various means of affixing, for example, and without limitations, mechanically, chemically, by heat, and other appropriate means of affixation, all without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0059] Fig. 31 depicts an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment 3100 of the pourer 3000 of Fig. 30 affixed to a container 31 10, in a non-limiting embodiment, the container 31 10 is a type of a bottle of sort, made of any appropriate material. The pourer 3000 may be affixed to the container 3110 either temporarily, i.e., removable by the user, or permanently, i.e., not removable by a user.

[0060] Fig. 32 depicts an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment 3200 of the pourer 3000 of Fig. 30 affixed to a container 3210. The pourer 3000 may be affixed to the container 31 10 either temporarily, i.e., removable by the user, or permanently, i.e., not removable by a user.

[0061] Fig. 33 depicts an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment 3300 of the pourer 3000 of Fig. 30 in its closed position affixed to a container 3310. In this non- limiting embodiment, the container 3310 used, for example, as a carton container or a pouch for storage of milk, juice, and the like made of any appropriate materials. The pourer 3000 may be affixed to the container 3310 either temporarily, i.e., removable by the user, or permanently, i.e., not removable by a user. According to one embodiment, a tamper evidence 3320 connects between the stopper 720 and the carton 3310. During the first pouring of the liquid from the container 3310, the cap 120 is twisted to its open situation and the tamper evidence 3320 is respectively detached.

[0062] Fig. 34 depicts an exemplary and non-limiting cross-section view 3400 of the pourer 3000 affixed on a container 3310. According to this embodiment, the pourer 3300 comprises a threaded element 3330, for example, a threaded knife or a threaded nut. As the cap twists, the threaded element 3330 is pushed down and tears a lid 3340 situated at the bottom part of the pourer 3000 in order to keep the liquid in the container 3310 sealed. The lid may be of aluminum, nylon and any other appropriate material.

[0063] Fig. 35 depicts an exemplary and non-limiting cross-section view 3500 of the pourer 3000 in its open position affixed on a container 3310. According to this embodiment, by twisting the cap 120, the threaded element is respectively twisted and pushed down, tearing the lid 3340 and therefore allows the pouring of the liquid from the container 3310. [0064] A person skilled-in-the-art should readily note that other embodiments of the invention may be achieved without departing from the scope of the disclosed invention. For example, but not by way of limitation, other bases and/or engaging elements may be used to affix the nozzle to the opening of the container of a liquid. All such embodiments are included herein.

[0065] While the disclosed embodiments have been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A pourer for a container of liquid, comprising:

a base having a first end, a second end, an outer wall that extends from the first end to the second end, and an inner wall opposite the outer wall that extends from the first end to the second end, the base being attachable to the container of liquid and having a hollow interior to enable liquid to flow through the base;

a nozzle affixed to the first end of the base, the nozzle having an internal wall and an external wall, a first opening extending from the external wall to the internal wall to allow liquid to travel from the container through the base and out of the nozzle, and a second opening extending from the internal wall to the external wall to allow air to travel from the nozzle through the base and into the container; and

a cap slidably attached to the nozzle and having a first opening that corresponds with the first opening of the nozzle and a second opening that corresponds with the second opening of the nozzle, the cap having a first position about the nozzle where the first and second openings of the cap are not aligned with the first and second openings of the nozzle, respectively, to prevent liquid from flowing through the first opening of the nozzle, and a second position about the nozzle where the first and second openings of the cap are aligned with the first and second openings of the nozzle, respectively, to allow liquid to flow through the first opening of the nozzle.

2. The pourer of claim 1 , wherein the base is permanently attached to the container.

3. The pourer of claim 1 , further comprising a hollow air tube having a first end and a second end, the first end of the air tube being engaged with the second opening of the nozzle.

4. The pourer of claim 3, wherein the second end of the air tube further comprises a sharp end portion.

5. The pourer of claim 1 , wherein the cap includes an o-ring that extends from the outer wall of the nozzle to an interior portion of the cap, the o-ring being coaxially aligned with a pair of openings selected from the group consisting of the first openings of the cap and the nozzle, and the second openings of the cap and the nozzle.

6. The pourer of claim 1, wherein the internal wall of the nozzle is coated with a sealing material layer.

7. The pourer of claim 1 , wherein the nozzle includes a niche located on the external wall of the nozzle, and the cap includes a rim on an interior portion of the cap that interfaces with the niche of the nozzle.

8. The pourer of claim 1 , wherein the cap is rotatable about the nozzle between the first position and the second position.

9. The pourer of claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism to lock the cap into one of the first position and the second position.

10. The pourer of claim 1 , further comprising a retracting means for automatically returning the cap to the first position from the second position upon release of the cap.

11. The pourer of claim 10, wherein the retracting means includes any one of: a spring and pneumatic means.

12. The pourer of claim 1 , wherein the cap further comprises at least one of: a printed logo on at least one side, an embossed logo on at least one side, a printed icon on at least one side, an embossed icon on at least one side, a printed text on at least one side, and an embossed text on at least one side.

13. The pourer of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a screw thread and the nozzle includes a corresponding screw thread, the screw thread of the base and the corresponding screw thread of the nozzle being sized and shaped to engage each other to attach the nozzle to the base.

14. The pourer of claim 13, wherein the screw threads of the base and the nozzle are sized and shaped to allow opening of the pourer only when axial pressure and rotational pressure are applied on the nozzle toward the base.

15. The pourer of claim 1 , further comprising a unidirectional valve attached to the base, the unidirectional valve being oriented to prevent liquids from entering the container. ^

16. The pourer of claim 15 further comprising a stopper located in the base and proximate to the unidirectional valve.