US3361307A - Liquid dispensing device - Google Patents

Description

G. CLARE Jan. 2, 1968 LIQUID DISPENSING DEVICE Filed Sept.

FI G.2

INVENTOR. George Clare ATTORNEY Y B Y United States Patent Jersey Filed Sept. 27, 1965, Ser. No. 490,264 ll Claim. (Cl. 222-489) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention is directed to a liquid dispensing device which is adapted to be fitted to a relatively large mouth opening of a container, bottle or the like for facilitating the pouring of the liquid content therefrom, and to prohibit the surging of the liquid through the mouth opening of the container. The pouring device comprises essentially a tubular member having a diameter substantially less than that of the mouth opening of the bottle and which tubular member is concentrically disposed with respect to the mouth opening of the container. A laterally extending flange is connected adjacent the upper end of the tubular member to define a closure for the annular mouth opening of the container circumscribing the tubular member. The tubular member is provided With a full open upper end portion and a bottom wall portion which is extended into the neck of the container. A plurality of spaced longitudinally extending slots or openings are formed in the wall portion of the tubular member between the bottom end and the laterally extending flange. An elongated nipple circumscribing a vent opening is connected to the bottom wall and is arranged to extend inwardly of the container.

This invention relates generally to a pourer construction, and more specifically to a pourer construction for use as an in-bottle pourer for dispensing a fluid or liquid therefrom.

Heretofore, much difficulty has been encountered in pouring a fluid, as for example, a liquid from a container, bottle or the like into a glass or receptacle. This difliculty is particularly aggravated when a liquid is dispensed from a container or bottle having a relatively large size mouth opening, as for example, the mouth opening of a gallon or half gallon jug. This difficulty was encountered because the mouth opening of such containers is so large that in dispensing a liquid therefrom there usually resulted an uncontrollable surging of liquid through the mouth opening. For this reason, it frequently happened that much of the liquid being dispensed was spilled beyond the periphery of the glass or receptacle into which such liquid is being poured. This same difliculty is encountered when a liquid is being poured from a regular sized container or bottle to a relatively small glass or receptacle. The pourers heretofore utilized in an effort to obviate this difliculty were constructed so that they could only be applied to the mouth opening of the bottle or container only after the original cap had been removed. Consequently, after each pouring operation, it was necessary to remove the pourer from the container before the container could be capped with its original closure to prohibit evaporation and/or accidental spillage of the liquid from the container.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a pourer which can be readily utilized as an in-bottle pourer to obviate the above noted disadvantages, and which when placed within the mouth opening of a container will not interfere with the structure of the original closure or cap of the container.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved pourer construction which can be readily fitted into the mouth opening of a container and which is constructed and arranged to define separate and distinct liquid flow passages and air venting passage to result in an uninterrupted, smooth, spill-proof, fluid flow when the container has been tilted to dispense the fluid or contents therefrom.

Another feature of this invention resides in a pourer construction which prohibits uncontrolled surging of the liquid therethrough upon dispensing of a liquid from its container.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved pourer construction which permits the last remnant portion of the liquid contained within the container to be dispensed therefrom.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved pourer construction which is relatively simple in construction, can be inexpensively fabricated, and which is positive in operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide an in bottle pourer which can be readily applied to the opening of a container whereby the regular closure of a container can be readily threaded over the neck of the bottle with the pourer in place therein.

The foregoing objects and other features and advantages of this invention are attained by a pourer construction adapted to be fitted to the mouth opening of a container, bottle or the like. The pourer comprises essentially a tubular member having a diameter which is substantially less than that of the mouth opening of the bottle adapted to receive the same. A laterally extending flange is connected adjacent the upper end of the tubular memher to define a closure for the bottle opening. The flange is provided with means whereby the pourer may be detachably secured to the mouth opening of the container.

In accordance with this invention, the tubular member is provided with a full open, upper end portion and a bottom end wall which extends into the neck of the container. A plurality of spaced slots or openings are formed in the wall portion of the tubular member. The openings are wholly disposed between the bottom end wall of the tubular member and the flange. Accordingly, the openings define a plurality of fluid outlets for dispensing the fluid from the container during a dispensing operation. A means on the bottom end wall of the tubular member is provided to define an opening for venting the interior of the container to the atmosphere in dispensing the fluid therefrom to result in a smooth, non surging, spill proof flow.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision of an improved pourer construction which can be readily utilized as an iu-bottle pourer and which is constructed to define an air venting passage which is separate and distinct from the fluid flow passageways wherein each is rendered operative regardless of the position in which the container is held during a dispensing operation to dispense a fluid therefrom in a controllable manner.

Another feature of this invention resides in a pourer construction having fluid flow passageways which will allow draining of the last remnant portions of the liquid from the container in which such pourer is utilized.

Another feature of this invention resides in an improved pourer construction which can be utilized as an in-bottle pourer and which, when in position, will not interfere with the conventional closure cap for sealing the mouth opening of the container in which such pourer is utilized.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specification in which,

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a pourer construction.

FIGURE 2 illustrates a sectional view of a pourer construction of FIG. 1, as applied to the mouth opening of a container or bottle taken along line 22 on FIG. 3.

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of FIG. 2.

FIGURE 4 is a vertical sectional view of a modified pourer construction taken along line 4-4 on FIG. 5, as applied to the mouth opening of a container.

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of the modified pourer construction of FIG. 4.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 a pourer construction it) embodying the concept of the instant invention. As shown, the pourer 1d is applied to the mouth or neck opening 11 of a container 12., as for example, a bottle or the like adapted to contain a fluid content. In the illustrated form of the invention, the neck portion 11 of the container may be provided with external threads 13 adapted to receive a screw cap or closure 14 of generally conventional construction.

The pourer of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 comprises a tubular portion or member 15 which is adapted to be inserted into the mouth opening 11 of the bottle 12. The diameter of the tubular member 15 extending into the neck or mouth opening 11 of the container is substantially less than that of the mouth opening 11. A laterally extending flange 16 is connected to the tubular member 15 adjacent the upper end thereof to define the closure or seal for the mouth opening 11 of the container. A circumscribing de pending skirt 17 is integrally formed with the peripheral edge portion of flange 16. The inner periphery of the skirt 17 is provided with an inwardly projecting bead 18 to detachably secure the pourer to the neck of the bottle by frictional engagement, as shown.

The upper end of the tubular member 15 is provided with a full open end 19 which is circumscribed by an outwardly flared pouring lip 20. The lower end of the tubular member is provided with a bottom Wall 21.

In accordance with this invention, a plurality of elongated slots or openings 22 are circumferentially spaced about wall portions of the tubular member. As shown, the c-ircumferentially spaced openings 22 are defined as elongated slots which are wholly contained between the flange 16 and the bottom end wall 21 of the tubular member. These openings 22 define fluid passageways through which the contents of the container 12 is dispensed whenever the container is tilted into a dispensing position.

A means is provided in the bottom end wall for venting the container to atmosphere to effect fluid flow during a dispensing operation. In the illustrated form of the invention, the venting means comprises a nipple 23 extending from the bottom wall 21. The nipple 23 is provided with a longitudinally extending bore 24 which connects the interior of the bottle 12 to the atmosphere. It will be noted that the diameter of the bore 24 which defines the vent opening is substantially less than that of the tubular member 15.

In operation, it is to be noted that when the container 12, with the pourer 10 properly secured to the mouth opening 11 thereof, is tilted into a dispensing position, the initial surge of the fluid or liquid through the pourer is initially retarded by the bottom end wall 21 of the pourer. Accordingly, as the air is venting into the interior of the container through the bore of the nipple 23 the liquid displaced by the air flowing thereinto is dispensed through the openings 22 formed in the circumferential wall port-ion of the tubular member and out through the open end 19 of the pourer 10. In this manner, it is to be noted that there is no interference between the air venting into the container and the liquid dispensing therefrom. Accordingly, the separate, distinct and positive separation of the venting means 23 and fluid flow passageways 22 results in the elimination of any gurgling and/or surging of the liquid as it is being dispensed from the container 12. Accordingly, a smooth, uniform stream or flow is attained over which an operator can exercise considerable degree of control in the pouring of a fluid from a container to a receptacle.

With the pourer construction 10 described, it is rendered possible to pour from a container of any given size a quantity of liquid without spilling and/ or over-shooting the glass or receptacle adapted to receive the same.

FIGURES 3 and 4 illustrate a modified form of the invention. In this form of the invention, the construction of the pourer 3 is substantially similar to that hereinbefore described with the exception that the depending skirt 31 by which the pourer 3i? is frictionally secured to the mouth opening 32 of the bottle or container 33 is defined as a depending skirt 34 which is integrally connected to the flange 35 at a point spaced inwardly the outer periphery thereof. Accordingly, the arrangement is such that the depending skirt 34 is provided with a diarreter which permits the same to be inserted into the mouth opening 32 of the container. Means in the form of serrations or threads 36 and the like circumscribe the outer surface of the skirt 34 to provide a firm frictional securement between the depending skirt 34 and the internal circumference of the mouth opening 32 or neck of the container. Accordingly, the pourer 34) of this embodiment can be readily secured to the opening 32 of the container 33 by simply inserting the skirt 34 into the mouth opening in the nature of a cork or the like. In operation, this pourer 39 operates in a manner similar to that herein described.

Also, it will be noted in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 that a conventional cap structure 37 can be readily threaded on the neck of the bottle with the pourer 30 in place therein to seal the mouth opening. Consequently, once the pourer St) has been initially disposed within the neck of the bottle, it can be maintained therein for the life of the container.

From the foregoing description, it will become appar cut that the respective embodiment it) and 3t disclosed herein are rendered operative regardless of the manner in which the bottle is held for dispensing the liquid or fluid therefrom. Consequently, in any dispensing position, the respective pourers 10 and 30 are constructed so that the air is vented into the bottle through the bore of the nipple connected to the bottom end walls thereof, simultaneously as liquid displaced thereby is being poured therefrom through the pourer openings. The arrangement is such that there is no interference between the air venting into the container and the fluid being displaced thereby to result in a smooth, well defined stream that can be readily controlled.

Each of the respective pourer embodiments 10 and 30 is simply constructed, and can be integrally formed of a suitable plastic material. Accordingly, the respective pourer embodiments are light in Weight, inexpensive and nontoxic. Also, pourers 10 and 30 are rendered readily expendable with the container in which they are utilized.

While the instant invention has been described with reference to several embodiments thereof, variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination with a container having a neck portion defining a relatively large mouth opening through which the contents of said container may be dispensed regardless of the manner in which the container is tilted and for controlling the flow of fluid through said relatively large mouth opening, the improvement comprising (a) an integrally formed pourer fitted to the mouth opening of said container,

(b) said pourer including a tubular portion adapted to extend concentrically through said opening and into said container,

(c) said tubular portion being defined as a cylinder having a diameter which is substantially less than that of the mouth opening,

(d) said tubular portion having a full open upper end portion and an end wall at the bottom thereof, said end wall being disposed in the neck portion of the container so as to be in direct contact with the fluid in the container during a pouring operation,

(e) a laterally extending flange connected to said tubular portion intermediate the ends thereof,

(f) said flange defining a closure for said mouth opening circumscribing said tubular portion, whereby the portion of said tubular portion below said flange ex tends into the neck opening of said container,

(g) means for frictionally securing said pourer to the mouth opening of said container,

(h) said tubular portion having a plurality of elongated, slotted openings formed therein,

(i) said openings being wholly confined between said flange and the bottom end wall of said tubular portion, said openings being circumferentially spaced about said tubular portion to define a fluid outlet in dispensing the contents of said container therefrom regardless of the direction in which the container is tilted during a pouring operation,

(j) and means for venting the interior of said container to the atmosphere in dispensing the contents of said container,

(k) said latter means including an elongated nipple connected centrally to the bottom of said tubular portion, and extending inwardly into said container,

(1) said nipple having a bore extending therethrough to vent said container, and

(m) said bore having a diameter which is substantially less than the diameter of said tubular portion,

(n) the bore of said nipple having one end venting directly into the interior of said container, and

(0) said container having external. threads formed about said mouth opening,

(p) and a closure adapted to be threadably connected to said mouth opening to seal said opening with said pourer in place therein.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 24,695 9/ 1959 Kirschenbaum 222-421 2,411,435 11/ 1946 Kirschenbaurn -1 222-421 2,718,987 9/ 1955 Kimball 222-207 X 2,796,205 6/1957 Kuzrna 222-464 3,091,373 5/ 1963 Kirschenbaum 222-479 3,098,586 7/ 1963 Wasserberg 222-478 3,181,744 5/1965 Hales 222-569 X FOREIGN PATENTS 775,066 5/ 1957 Great Britain. 873,459 7/1961 Great Britain.

ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner.

25 KENNETH N. LEIMER, Examiner.

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