WO2021111391A1 - A flask - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the field of fluid containers having measurement capabilities that aim to eliminate explosion hazard. The present disclosure envisages a flask 100 comprising a hollow body 10 and a neck region 20 extending from the body 10 having a mouth opening 28 for introducing the fluid into the body. A calibrated scale 22 is marked on the neck region, and configured to indicate volume of fluid contained therein. A static charge removing means 30 is provided on to the flask for removing charge from the flask 100 and dissipating charge to ground. The tamper-proof flask eliminates explosion hazard while facilitating accurate measuring of fluid volume.

Description

A FLASK

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to fluid containers and more particularly to a tamper-proof measurement flask.

BACKGROUND

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

Volume of a fluid being dispensed is checked by pouring the liquid into a calibrated container. Pouring of liquids into the container builds static electricity which is necessary to be dissipated, as there is a chance of explosion in case the liquid is inflammable. Metals therefore find application as the construction material of the container. However, if such a container is made of thin sheet, deforming the container becomes easy for a person just by denting. A deformed container then shows a false measurement of fluid volume, and thus the accurate measurement of the fluid quantity is compromised. Moreover, metals expand or contract due to their coefficient of thermal expansion which further puts limitations on the use of metals for such a container. On the other hand, if containers with non-metallic material of construction are used, electric grounding becomes a problem, as they do not conduct and hence do not provide a path for dissipation of static electricity. This makes them unsuitable in handling inflammable fluids such as fuels.

There is, therefore, felt a need of a measurement container which overcomes the aforementioned problems.

OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a flask.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a flask that is tamper-proof. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a flask that accurately measures the quantity of fluid contained therein.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a flask that has a lower value of coefficient of thermal expansion. Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a flask that facilitates grounding of static charge.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a flask that offers protection against indentations and shocks with the help of a protective jacket .

Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a flask that facilitates visibility of the contents therein.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure discloses a flask comprising a hollow body and a neck region extending from the body having a mouth opening for introducing the fluid into the body. A calibrated scale is provided on the neck region, and configured to indicate volume of fluid contained therein. The flask further comprises a static charge removing means fitted to the flask for removing charge from within the flask and dissipating it to ground.

The flask as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the static charge removing means comprises a first section extending into the body, a second section fixed to the rim of the mouth opening, a third section contouring along outer surface of the neck region and the body, a fourth section fixed to the base of the body. The four sections are electrically conductive.

In another embodiment, a first jacket is provided that encloses the body and defines first slit openings for viewing contents within the body. A second jacket is provided that encloses the neck region and defines second slit openings for viewing the calibrated scale.

The flask is made of borosilicate, quartz or soda lime glass or a polymeric material or a combination thereof.

The first jacket and the second jacket are made of metal, plastic or elastomer. The flask is configured to indicate accurate volume of fluid contained therein.

The flask has a foam that is disposed between the first jacket and the outer surface of the body to provide cushioning to the body.

The flask has a foam that is disposed between the second jacket and the outer surface of the neck region to provide cushioning to the neck region.

In an embodiment, the body has a spherical, hemispherical or pear shape.

The shape of the first jacket conforms to the outer surface of the body while the shape of the second jacket conforms to the outer surface of the neck region.

In an embodiment, the first jacket and the second jacket are two-piece moulds joined by fastening means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

The flask of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a flask, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a flask, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a flask, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the flask of figure 3;

Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the flask of figure 3;

Figure 6 shows a left side view of the flask of figure 3;

Figure 7 shows a front view of the flask of figure 3;

Figure 8 shows a right side view of the flask of figure 3; Figure 9 shows a top view of the flask of figure 3; and Figure 10 shows a bottom view of the flask of figure 3.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 - body 12 - first jacket 14 - first slit openings

16 - handle 20 - neck region 22 - calibrated scale 24 - second jacket 26 - second slit openings

28 - mouth opening 30 - static charge removing means 30a - first section 30b - second section 30c - third section

30d - fourth section 100 - flask

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.

The present disclosure envisages a tamper-proof flask for measuring fluid quantities accurately while being resistant to explosion hazard. The flask (hereinafter referred to as “flask 100”) is described herein below with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 9.

As shown in the figure 1, the flask 100 comprises a hollow body 10 for collecting a fluid. Fluid is poured into the body 10 is usually a fuel such as gasoline or diesel which needs to be checked accurately for its dispensed volume. This facilitates accurate cost calculation of the volume of the fuel. The flask 100 further comprises a neck region 20 integral with the body 10 (as shown in figure 1) having a mouth opening through which a fluid is poured by a dispenser. The dispenser is typically made of a metal. A calibrated scale is marked on the neck region 20 that facilitates indication of the fluid volume contained inside the flask 100. The handle 16 facilitates firm grip to hold the flask 100 during filling and emptying.

The flask further includes a static charge removing means 30 comprising a first section 30a extending into the body 10, a second section 30b fixed to the rim of the mouth opening, a third section 30c contouring along outer surface of the neck region 20 and the body 10, a fourth section 30d fixed to the base of the body 10. The four sections (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) are electrically conductive. The static charge removing means 30 is typically in the form of a metallic ring, which is affixed to the mouth opening of the neck region 20. The static charge removing means 30 is of a conductive metal such as copper, aluminium, silver and the like. This ring extends in the form of a thin metallic strip into the inner portion of the flask 100 as well as onto the outer portion of the flask 100 along the first jacket 12 and the second jacket 24 till the bottom of the flask 100. The static charge removing means 30 in the form of the metallic strip is affixed to the handle and contours along the handle. The static charge removing means 30 thus remains in contact with the fluid inside the body 10 and terminates at a base metal ring affixed to the bottom of the body 10. The four sections are electrically conductive. The static charge removing means 30 facilitates dissipation of the electric charge to the ground carried by a user or a built up electric charge due to a fluid dispensing means, thereby preventing the generation of a spark due to static discharge. Thus, possibility of explosion hazard is avoided. The dispensing means comprises typically a nozzle located at a hose outlet which is inserted into the flask 100 for dispensing a fluid.

The flask 100 is made of a brittle material such as borosilicate, quartz or soda lime glass or a polymeric material or a combination thereof as these materials are insensitive to thermal variations. The body 10 made of glass has a low co-efficient of expansion and gives acceptable volume changes across a wide range of temperature change, thus making brittle material a suitable choice for the body 10. Even in case the body 10 is damaged, the tampering is visible to the customer. The flask 100 of the present disclosure prevents denting/tampering by a user, as compared to conventional containers that can be easily dented or tampered. The flask 100 of the present disclosure indicates accurate fluid volume.

In a second embodiment (as shown in figure 2), the body 10 and the neck region 20 are fixedly attached to each other. A glue with suitable bonding properties is applied between the mating surfaces of the body 10 and the neck region 20. In the second embodiment as shown in figure 2, the body 10 is provided with a first jacket 12 that encompasses the body 10 and a second jacket 24 that encompasses the neck region 20. The first jacket 12 defines first slit openings 14 to facilitate viewing of the contents filled inside the body 10. Similarly, the second jacket 24 defines second slit openings 26 to facilitate viewing of the calibrated scale marked on the neck region 20. A foam material (not shown in figures) is provided between the first jacket 12 and the body 10, as well as between the second jacket 24 and the neck region 20, which facilitates obtaining a cushioning effect against incident shocks due to mishandling. The first jacket 12 and the second jacket 24 are typically made of a metal, a plastic or an elastomer. The first jacket 12 conforms to the outer surface of the body 10 and the second jacket 24 conforms to the outer surface of the neck region 20.

In a third embodiment (as shown in figure 3), the body 10 and the neck region 20 are removably attached to each other as shown in figure 3. The body 10 and the neck region 20 are fastened together with fastening means such as threaded joints, bolted joints or the like.

In an embodiment (as shown in figure 2), the first jacket 12 and the second jacket 24 are molded into a two-piece construction that are joined together by suitable fastening means.

In an embodiment, the shape of the body 10 is selected from the group consisting of a sphere, a hemisphere or a pear.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a flask that:

• is tamper-proof;

• measures accurate quantity of a fluid;

• insensitive to thermal variations; and • eliminates fire hazard.

The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Any discussion of materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary. While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A flask (100) comprising:

• a hollow body (10);

• a neck region (20) extending from said body (10) having a mouth opening (28) for introducing a fluid into said hollow body (10);

• a calibrated scale (22) provided on said neck region (20), said calibrated scale (22) configured to indicate volume of fluid contained therein; and

• a static charge removing means (30) fitted to said flask (100) for removing charge from within said body (100) and dissipating the charge to ground.

2. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said neck region (20) is integral with said hollow body (10).

3. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said neck region (20) is fixedly attached to said hollow body (10).

4. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said neck region (20) is removably attached to said hollow body (10) by fastening means.

5. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said static charge removing means (30) comprises:

• a first section (30a) extending into said body (10);

• a second section (30b) fixed to the rim of said mouth opening (28);

• a third section (30c) contouring along outer surface of said neck region (20) and said body (10);

• a fourth section (30d) fixed to the base of said body (10); said first section (30a), said second section (30b), said third section (30c) and said fourth section (30d) being electrically conductive.

6. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first section (30a) is in electrical contact with the inner surface of said body (10).

7. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first jacket (12) encloses said body (10), said first jacket (12) defining first slit openings (14) for viewing contents within said body (10).

8. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second jacket (24) encloses said neck region (20), said second jacket (20) defining second slit openings (26) for viewing said calibrated scale (22).

9. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said static charge removing means (30) is made of a conductive metal.

10. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flask (100) is made of borosilicate, quartz, soda lime glass, or a polymeric material or a combination thereof.

11. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flask (100) is made of a transparent material.

12. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first jacket (12) and said second jacket (24) are made of metal, plastic or elastomer.

13. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flask (100) is configured to indicate accurate volume of fluid contained therein.

14. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein foam is disposed between said first jacket (12) and the outer surface of said body (10) to provide cushioning to said body (10).

15. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein foam is disposed between said second jacket (24) and the outer surface of said neck region (20) to provide cushioning to said neck region (20).

16. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body (10) has a spherical, hemispherical or pear shape.

17. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein shape of said first jacket (12) conforms to the outer surface of said body (10).

18. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein shape of said second jacket (24) conforms to the outer surface of said neck region (20).

19. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first jacket (12) is a two-piece mould joined by fastening means.

20. The flask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second jacket (24) is a two-piece mould joined by fastening means.