U.S. patent application number 09/816197 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-26 for first use flow-delay membrane for pourable containerized motor oils and other viscous fluids.
Invention is credited to Stewart, David A..
Application Number | 20020134801 09/816197 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25219943 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020134801 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stewart, David A. |
September 26, 2002 |
First use flow-delay membrane for pourable containerized motor oils
and other viscous fluids
Abstract
The present invention is a flexible disc-like membrane that is
burstable on demand. The membrane is adapted to accommodate an
accommodating container (approximately 32 fl. oz.) for automotive
type motor oils and other viscous fluids. The membrane serves to
contain a fluid content within a container at first use, while the
container (with cap removed) is being positioned for pouring and
until the consumer manually initiates the membrane to burst so as
to release the contained fluid into an engine or other equipment.
The present invention improves container content pour-ability by
allowing the consumer to manually initiate the release of a fluid
content to a free-flowing action at the proper time as to avoid
fluid content spillage without the need for the use of a funnel or
other pouring assistance.
Inventors: |
Stewart, David A.; (Petal,
MS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVID A. STEWART
874 LEEVILLE RD.
PETAL
MS
39465
US
|
Family ID: |
25219943 |
Appl. No.: |
09/816197 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/541.4 ;
222/490; 222/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2251/0087 20130101;
B65D 51/20 20130101; B65D 47/10 20130101; B65D 53/04 20130101; B65D
2251/0015 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/541.4 ;
222/490; 222/494 |
International
Class: |
B65D 047/10 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A substantially flat body of material having a perimetrical
portion and a core portion therein, for providing assistance in
pouring a viscous fluid from an accommodating container, therewith
said body of material comprising: (a) a diaphragm membrane means
wherein said membrane means is adapted to accommodate said
container at a substantially circular opening of a tubular spout
therein, for providing a seal to restrict said fluids within said
container, thereby replacing the usual seal of said container; and
(b) said membrane means is adapted to accommodate said container at
said opening therein, for allowing the usual closure of said
container; (c) wherein the improvement comprises a plurality of
yielding flap means within said membrane means for allowing said
membrane means to yield in an outward radiate manner therefrom said
core portion thereupon primary employment of said membrane means,
henceforth allowing said membrane means to be nonrestrictive,
thereby releasing said fluid therein said container to a natural
flowing action therefrom said container in a timely convenient
manner thereupon said employment of said membrane means, thus
preventing nuisance spillage of said fluid, therefore rendering
conventional supplementary pouring relief articles to be
nonessential.
2. The body of material according to claim 1 wherein said membrane
means comprises a pliable material, thereby allowing said flap
means to bend outwardly in a radial manner thereupon said
employment of said membrane means.
3. The body of material according to claim 1 wherein said membrane
means is a solid, disc-shaped configuration comprising a
circumferential portion, a central portion and two substantially
parallel opposing sides and includes on one side a plurality of
diametrical grooves wherein said diametrical grooves communicate
each other and said central portion in an intersecting manner and
said diametrical grooves communicate said circumferential portion
in an intersecting manner, therewith including on said one side
respective said diametrical grooves, a plurality of separation
seams whereby said separation seams provide a predetermined
yielding course of said flap means within said membrane means.
4. The body of material according to claim 3 wherein said membrane
means further includes on said one side a plurality of
substantially radial grooves wherein said radial grooves
communicate said diametrical grooves in an intersecting manner,
whereas said radial grooves parallel said circumferential portion
respectively in a concentric manner therefrom said central portion,
whereby said radial grooves provide assistance in the outward
bending action of said flap means thereupon said employment of said
membrane means.
5. The body of material according to claim 1 wherein the diameter
of said membrane means is adapted to accommodate said container at
a variable rate diameter of said opening, wherein normally said
membrane means is approximately {fraction (15/16)} inches in
diameter to accommodate a usual diameter of said opening.
6. The body of material according to claim 1 wherein the major
portion thickness of said membrane means is adapted to accommodate
a variable rate diameter of said membrane means, wherein normally
said thickness of said membrane means is approximately {fraction
(3/64)} inches being proportional to a diameter of about {fraction
(15/16)} inches therein said membrane means.
7. A substantially flat body of material having a perimetrical
portion and a core portion therein, for providing assistance in
pouring a motor oil and like fluid therefrom a container of variant
capacities for containing said fluid, wherein the usual of said
capacities is approximately 32 fluid ounces, therewith said body of
material comprising: (a) a diaphragm membrane means wherein said
membrane means is durably affixed to said container at a
substantially circular fill and discharge usual opening of said
container at the open end of a tubular spout therein said
container, said membrane means is affixed to said container at a
substantially circular rim of said opening thereafter filling said
container with said fluid, thus sealing said fluid within said
container, thereby allowing said membrane means to supersede the
usual seal of said container; and (b) said membrane means is
affixed to said container at said rim of said opening wherein said
membrane means is fitted flush with the perimeter of said rim,
thereby allowing the normal capping of said container; (c) wherein
the improvement comprises a plurality of yielding flap means within
said membrane means for allowing said membrane means to fracture
radiately outward therefrom said core portion thereupon first use
of said membrane means, henceforth allowing said membrane means to
release said fluid previously restricted therein said container, to
a gravity free-flowing action therefrom said container in a timely
convenient manner thereupon first use of said membrane means, thus
preventing random scatter of said fluid, therefore obsolescing the
usual flow-guiding and flow-controlling pouring assistance
supplements.
8. The body of material according to claim 7 wherein said membrane
means comprises a flexible material, thereby allowing said flap
means to become radially curved in an outward bending manner
therefrom said core portion thereupon said first use of said
membrane means.
9. The body of material according to claim 7 wherein said membrane
means is a solid, substantially circular body comprising a
circumferential portion, a central portion and two substantially
parallel opposing sides and includes on one side a plurality of
diametrically linear grooves along the major portion diameter of
said circular body, wherein said Linear grooves communicate each
other and said linear grooves communicate said central portion in
an intersecting course, and wherein said linear grooves communicate
said circumferential portion in an intersecting course, therewith
including on said one side respective said linear grooves a
plurality of separation seams whereby said separation seams provide
a predesignated separating form of said flap means within said
membrane means.
10. The body of material according to claim 9 wherein said membrane
means further includes on said one side a plurality of radially
curved grooves, wherein said curved grooves communicate said linear
grooves in an intersecting course, whereas said curved grooves
parallel said circumferential portion respectively in a concentric
manner therefrom said central portion, and said curved grooves
provide assistance in the outward bending action of said flap means
thereupon said first use of said membrane means.
11. The body of material according to claim 7 wherein said membrane
means is normally about {fraction (15/16)} inches in diameter.
12. The body of material according to claim 7 wherein said membrane
means is normally about {fraction (3/64)} inches in thickness.
13. A substantially flat body of material having a perimetrical
portion and a core portion therein, for providing convenience in
pouring a motor oil and like fluid therefrom a container of
variable measure capacities for containing said fluid, wherein the
usual of said capacities is about 32 fluid ounces, therewith said
body of material comprising: (a) a diaphragm membrane means wherein
said membrane means is permanently secured to a usual fill and
dispense opening of said container at an unsealed end of a tubular
spout therein said container, said membrane means is secured to
said container at a circumference rim of said unsealed end of said
tubular spout thereupon filling said container with said fluid,
subsequently sealing said fluid within said container, thereby
allowing said membrane means to serve as and replace the usual seal
of said container; and (b) said membrane means is secured to said
container at said rim wherein said membrane means is adapted to
equal the outside diameter of said rim allowing the usual capping
of said container; (c) wherein the improvement includes a plurality
of yielding flap means within said membrane means for allowing said
membrane means to fissure radiately outward therefrom said core
portion thereupon first use of said membrane means, hence allowing
said membrane means to release said fluid therein to a free-flow
pouring action therefrom said container in a timely, convenient
manner thereupon said first use of said membrane means, thereby
avoiding undesired spillage of said fluid, and providing an
alternative for individual extension items of pouring
assistance.
14. The body of material according to claim 13 wherein said
membrane means is composed of a synthetic latex rubber that is
compatible with said container and said fluid, wherein said rubber
allows said flap means to deflect radially outward therefrom said
core portion thereupon said first use of said membrane means
15. The body of material according to claim 13 wherein said
membrane means is a solid, substantially circular form comprising a
circumferential portion, a central portion and two substantially
parallel opposing sides, therewith including on one side a
plurality of diametrically straight grooves continuing the major
portion diameter of said circular form, wherein said straight
grooves communicate each other in an intersection course and said
straight grooves collectively communicate said central portion in
an intersecting course and wherein each end of said straight
grooves communicate said circumferential portion in an intersecting
course, therewith including on said one side a plurality of
separation seams respective to the long axial center of said
straight grooves, wherein said separation seams provide a
predetermined sectoral yielding path of said flap means within said
membrane means.
16. The body of material according to claim 15 wherein said
membrane means further includes on said one side a plurality of
radially circular grooves wherein said circular grooves communicate
each end of said straight grooves in an intersecting course,
whereas said circular grooves parallel said circumferential portion
concentrically therefrom said central portion, wherein said
circular grooves assist in the outward bending action of said flap
means thereupon said first use of said membrane means.
17. The body of material according to claim 13 wherein the diameter
of said membrane means is adapted to accommodate variable rate
diameters of said rim, wherein the usual diameters of said membrane
means is approximately {fraction (15/16)} inches to accommodate the
usual outside diameter of approximately {fraction (15/16)} inches
of said rim.
18. The body of material according to claim 13 wherein the major
portion thickness of said membrane means is adapted proportionally
to variable diameters of said membrane means, wherein the usual
diameter of said membrane means is approximately {fraction (15/16)}
inches, therewith the usual major portion thickness of said
membrane means is approximately {fraction (3/64)} inches.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to common containers
(approximately 1 U.S. quart--32 fl. oz.) for automotive type motor
oils and other viscous fluids where a burstable membrane is adapted
to accommodate an accommodating container to postpone the first use
free-flowing action of a containerized fluid in a manner that
avoids fluid content spillage when pouring the fluid content into
an engine or other equipment.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] The current use of high density polyethylene (plastic)
rectangularly shaped containers (approximately 32 fl. oz.) for
motor oil and like fluids with an offset or centrally located
tubular spout and a circular spout opening has improved ease of
pour-ability for consumer usage to some degree over former use of
cylindrical composite fiber containers that had no spout or spout
opening. The invention of (Doering, U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,142)
discloses a polyethylene rectangular container (approximately 32
fl. oz.) for motor oil with an offset tubular spout, as does the
design of (Kearse et al., U.S. Pat. No. D352,904) and the design of
(Bridger et al., U.S. Pat. No. D337,946). The disclosure of
(Frazer, U.S. Pat. No. D314,509) includes a substantially
rectangular container with a centrally oriented tubular spout.
These containers all have provided some improvement to
containerized fluid pour-ability but there is still a need for
further improvement, especially at first use when the container is
at maximum fullness of content. The prior art rectangular
containers mentioned and others still lend themselves to content
spillage at the beginning of pouring action because when rotating a
container (with the usual cap removed) from the normal position
(spout opening upward) to the inverted position for pouring (spout
opening downward) there is an uncontrolled outward surge of the
container content before the opening end of the container spout can
be placed fully within the oil fill or other fluid fill opening of
an engine or other equipment. Some of the prior art containers are
particularly designed with offset and/or angular spouts to allow
pouring to begin by rotating a container from the normal position
(spout opening upward) to the horizontal position for pouring
(spout horizontal) to align the opening end of the container spout
with the engine oil or other fluid fill opening, thereby allowing a
slower emptying of the container content to reduce uncontrolled
content surge and reduce content spillage. These containers remain
vulnerable to first use content spillage at the beginning of
pouring, partially because of the containers' fullness of content
and partially because of obstructions encountered on the engine or
other equipment (hoses, belts, brackets, etc.). Most engines have
fluid fill intake openings that are less than accessible to
positioning a container fully in a pouring position (inverted or
horizontal) to begin pouring before content spillage can occur. In
most cases only after a portion of the container contents have been
emptied can the container be handled with relative ease, as when
the contents of a container are only partially emptied at the first
use application, i.e. the pouring action of a container content is
stopped before emptying all of the content at the first use
application, at some later time the pouring action is re-started
with the unused content of the container for a second application
with minimal chance of content spillage for the second application.
Therefore it is still the first use of the individual container
that is most likely to cause content spillage without the use of a
funnel or other pouring assistance.
[0005] The invention of (Maguire, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,467)
discloses a two-piece on/off pouring spout able to be coupled to
some types of common containers for motor oil or like fluids. This
prior art is relatively inexpensive and improves container content
pour-ability by allowing the container to be inverted before the
content flow is released, but this invention has to be continually
coupled and un-coupled from one container to another, i.e. the
average automotive engine oil change usually requires 3 to 5
separate (32 fl. oz.) oil containers. In addition, this invention
as with funnels or other pouring assistance devices will retain an
oily film which has to be continually cleaned of product oil or
like fluid and further has to be continually cleaned of dust, and
foreign particles that tend to settle an oily surfaces.
[0006] In the case of small engines such as lawn mowers or other
equipment where the oil fill intake opening is smaller than the
average 32 fl. oz. container spout opening and where such equipment
requires only one or less than one 32 fl. oz. container of oil to
fill the equipment, the present inventions' primary use (first use
delay of fluid content free-flow) may be by-passed if desired.
Puncturing (popping-open) the flow delay membrane (of an
accommodating container) inwardly with thumb or forefinger after
the container cap removal and before positioning the container for
pouring will allow the container to be used in the conventional
manner, using a funnel or some form of pouring assistance to guide
the uncontrolled content surge when pouring the fluid content. Even
when the primary use of the flow delay membrane is occasionally
by-passed, the present invention serves a secondary function by
replacing and serving as the usual seal for the container when the
container is originally filled, sealed and capped. However most oil
and related fluid container manufacturers now produce container
sizes specifically for small engines such as a 20 fl. oz. container
for lawn mowers and like equipment.
[0007] The intended consumer usage of the present invention is
automotive and industrial by improving containerized oil and
related fluid pour-ability, but other uses may apply. The present
invention can be manufactured and applied inexpensively enough to
be used once and then discarded with the accommodating container
when emptied. Most motor oil and like fluid containers are emptied
at first use, i.e. the average automotive engine crankcase capacity
for oil fill is from 3 to 5 U.S. quarts (96 fl. oz. to 160 fl.
oz.), thus in the case of a 41/2 U.S. quart (144 fl. oz.) capacity
engine oil fill, 4 individual 1 U.S. quart (32 fl. oz.)
accommodating containers would be emptied at first use and a
5.sup.th 1 U.S. quart (32 fl. oz.) accommodating container is only
partially emptied at the first use. In this case the consumer
temporarily recaps the partially emptied 5.sup.th container until
the next use. The 5.sup.th partially emptied container can later be
un-capped and then completely emptied with far less chance of
content spillage during a second use because of the previously
removed quantity of oil at the first use of the 5.sup.th container
even though the flow delay membrane of the 5.sup.th container was
ruptured at the first use of the 5.sup.th container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is a first use flow delay membrane to
postpone the first use free-flowing action of a pourable viscous
fluid (motor oil and other fluids) from an accommodating container
(approximately 1 U.S. quart--32 fl. oz.), until such container can
be properly positioned for pouring as to avoid fluid content
spillage without the need for the use of a funnel or other pouring
assistance device. The flow delay membrane serves as a temporary
diaphragm by blocking the container content free-flow while the
consumer inverts the container (positions the container spout
opening end downward) and until the consumer can place the
container spout opening end fully within the oil fill or other
fluid fill intake opening of an engine or other equipment, allowing
the consumer to initiate, on demand, the rupture of the membrane,
thereby allowing the free-flow action of the fluid content to begin
after the accommodating container is properly positioned for
pouring.
[0009] The flow delay membrane is a flexible, circular, disc-like
membrane that includes radial grooves and diametric grooves and
further includes separation seams along the diametric grooves for
the membrane to be ruptureable (burstable) on demand. The present
invention is diametrically dimensioned to accommodate the variant
spout opening diameters of random variable types of containers
(usually but not limited to 32 fl. oz.). A fluid filled and cap
sealed accommodating container having the flow delay membrane in
place is opened (container cap removed), thereby exposing the top
side of the flow delay membrane intact, the container is then
properly positioned for pouring. The consumer can, at this point,
manually compress (squeeze) the container to pressurize the fluid
content within the accommodating container, which in turn
pressurizes the inside (bottom side) of the flow delay membrane
causing the membrane to yield (rupture) radially outward from the
diametric center of the membrane along the separation seams, thus
releasing the gravity free-flow of the previously restricted
container fluid content directly into the fluid fill opening of an
engine or other equipment, thereby avoiding undesired content
spillage and eliminating the need for the use of a funnel or other
pouring assistance device.
[0010] The present invention is sufficiently inexpensive to be used
once and then disposed of along with the accommodating container
when emptied; can replace the usual seal (leak seal) of the
accommodating container; and further does not interfere with the
usual capping (cap closure) material or process of the
accommodating container. Accordingly several objects and advantages
of the present invention are to provide:
[0011] (a) A flow delay membrane that is adapted to the usual spout
opening end rim of a motor oil or other viscous fluid common
container.
[0012] (b) A flow delay membrane that can replace some types of
usual seals (plastic or composite fiber) that are sometimes placed
snuggly within and flush to the inside top of the usual cap of the
container, and a flow delay membrane that can replace other types
of usual seals (plastic, composite fiber, or metallic foil) that
are sometimes affixed to the container usual spout opening end rim
(for sealing only) at the time of the container filling and capping
process.
[0013] (c) A flow delay membrane that can be incorporated into a
common container for motor oil or other viscous fluids at the time
of the container filling without changing the usual filling,
sealing and capping process that the fluid filling manufacture uses
to originally fill, seal and cap the container.
[0014] (d) A flow delay membrane that serves to avoid content
spillage when pouring a fluid content, and a flow delay membrane
that eliminates the need for the use of a funneling (flow guiding)
device or other supplementary pouring assistance when pouring a
fluid content.
[0015] (e) A flow delay membrane that improves pour-ability of a
contained viscous fluid from an accommodating container at first
use by delaying the natural free-flowing action of the contained
fluid until, (with the usual cap removed) the container can be
rotatively inverted (spout opening end positioned downward) and
until the container can be maneuvered to having the container spout
opening end being placed fully within the fluid fill opening of an
engine or other equipment.
[0016] (f) A flow delay membrane whereby the consumer can manually
initiate the free-flowing action of the contained fluid from an
accommodating container, at the consumer's readiness, directly into
the fluid fill opening of an engine or other equipment.
[0017] (g) A flow delay membrane that can be manufactured and
applied cheaply enough to be discarded along with the accommodating
container once the container contents have been emptied.
[0018] (h) A flow delay membrane that allows the normal air flow
into an accommodating container where the normal airflow helps to
facilitate a container content free-flow normally from a common
container, hence normal air flow being allowed into the
accommodating container by way of the open flow delay membrane once
the accommodating container has been positioned for pouring and the
flow delay membrane has been ruptured, and a flow delay membrane
that can be by-passed (if occasionally desired) by punching through
the membrane with thumb or forefinger before positioning the
accommodating container for pouring to enable the use of the
accommodating container in the conventional manner by employing a
supplementary pouring assistance device.
[0019] A further object and advantage of the present invention is
to provide a flow delay membrane that becomes secured against the
inside top of the usual cap of an accommodating container by the
usual capping of the accommodating container when the fluid filling
manufacturer factory seals (caps) the container, whereby the flow
delay membrane cannot be accidentally or intentionally ruptured
before the factory emplaced cap is removed by the consumer. These
and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the
detailed description and drawings, which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the flow delay membrane and
a phantom outline perspective of the spout, spout opening and end
rim of an accommodating container (partially shown container) for
motor oil or related fluid (approximately 32 fl. oz.) to which the
flow delay membrane is projected to be attached.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a broken-out partial view on an enlarged scale of
the flow delay membrane perspective of FIG. 1 at a V-groove
end.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a view of an accommodating container for motor oil
or related fluid (approximately 32 fl. oz.), the flow delay
membrane projected to be attached to the accommodating container, a
container usual seal and a container usual cap, all in an exploded
perspective.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective of an accommodating container
(approximately 32 fl. oz.) for motor oil or related fluid, the flow
delay membrane being attached in place to the accommodating
container, the accommodating container being hand held with the
accommodating container in the inverted position for pouring (spout
opening end downward) and with the spout opening end being fully
within a motor oil or other fluid fill opening, (fluid fill opening
shown in phantom outline) while the container is being manually
compressed (squeezed) by hand to pressurize the container contents,
thereby causing the flow delay membrane to rupture (pop-open). The
flow delay membrane is shown ruptured (popped-open), the container
content (not shown).
[0024] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the top of the flow delay membrane
showing the flaps, the separation seams and the circumference ring
formed by the V-grooves communicating with the U-grooves (the
membrane shown intact).
[0025] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the bottom of the flow delay
membrane of FIG. 5 (all distinguishing features hidden).
[0026] FIG. 7 is a section on an enlarged scale of the flow delay
membrane (off centered view) shown in tact as indicated by line
7-7.
[0027] FIG. 8A is a section on an enlarged scale of the flow delay
membrane (centered view) shown intact as indicated by line
8A-8A.
[0028] FIG. 8B is a section on an enlarged scale of the flow delay
membrane (centered view) shown ruptured (popped-open) as indicated
by line 8B-8B.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the flow delay membrane
shown ruptured (popped-opened).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] As illustrated and described by the drawings and other
reference the present invention is a substantially flat disc-like
diaphragmatic membrane 10. Membrane 10 is flexible and is adapted
to accommodate an accommodating container 12. Container 12 having
an approximate capacity of one U.S. quart (32 fl. oz.) for
containing motor oil or other fluids. Membrane 10 is accommodated
at the end of a threaded tubular spout 14 of container 12 (FIGS. 1
and 3). More specifically, membrane 10 is permeated to a circular
rim 16 of spout 14 where rim 16 defines and surrounds a circular
opening 18 which is the fill or discharge opening at spout 14 of
container 12 (FIGS. 1 and 3). Container 12 is normally positioned
for filling, transport and storage with opening 18 of spout 14
facing upward and where opening 18 is normally regarded as the top
of the container. Container 12 is normally comprised of plastic
(polyethylene) and is usually rectangular in shape. Membrane 10 is
comprised of a synthetic latex rubber or rubber-like material that
is compatible with common automotive fluids such as motor oil and
related fluids and is compatible with container 12 (the
accommodating container) to which membrane 10 is to be
accommodated. An average size for a preferred embodiment of the
present invention is approximately {fraction (15/16)} inches in
diameter and approximately {fraction (3/64)} inches in thickness
(major portion thickness), but not limited to these dimensions. The
true diameter, thickness and relative shape of the present
invention is dictated by the variable spout opening end sizes and
spout opening end shapes of the many diverse types of containers
(approximately 32 fl. oz.) to which the present invention is to be
adapted.
[0031] Molded into and defining the topside of membrane 10 is a
plurality of diametric grooves 20 (preferred embodiment) along a
plurality of axes of membrane 10 where grooves 20 intersect each
other at the diametric center of membrane 10. For illustration
purposes, grooves 20 are shown along the X-axis and the Y-axis of
the preferred embodiment of membrane 10 (FIGS. 5 and 6) with
grooves 20 continuing the major portion diameter of membrane 10
(FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8A, 8B and 9). From the diametric center of
membrane 10, grooves 20 are in a radiate form extending outwardly
and are V-shaped in cross section in the preferred embodiment but
not limited to this form or shape. The depth of grooves 20 is
through the major portion thickness of membrane 10 forming a
plurality of separation seams 22 along and relative to grooves 20,
with seams 22 being the remaining portion thickness of membrane 10
along grooves 20. The preferred V-shape (in cross section) of
grooves 20 serves to create a clean straight debris free separation
along the longitudinal centers of grooves 20 at seams 22 when
membrane 10 is ruptured (popped-open). Grooves 20 and seams 22
shown in (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B and 9). Seams 22 shown intact
(FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8A) and shown separated (FIGS. 4, 8B and
9). In combination with grooves 20 there is molded into membrane 10
a plurality of radial grooves 24 (U-shape in cross section) in
communication with grooves 20 (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, 8A, 8B and 9)
which forms and defines a plurality of symmetrically radiate and
substantially triangular pop-open flaps 26 (flaps 26 shown in all
FIGS.). The preferred U-shape of grooves 24 serves to define and
facilitate of plurality of bending bases 28, one base 28 at each
flap 26 of membrane 10. Bases 28 at flaps 26 of membrane 10 where
membrane 10 is shown ruptured (popped-open), shown in (FIGS. 8B and
9). Bases 28 at flaps 26 of membrane 10 where membrane 10 is shown
intact, shown in (FIGS. 1 and 8A). Grooves 20 communicating with
grooves 24, in addition to defining flaps 26, serve to form and
define a circumference ring edge 30 including and encircling
membrane 10 (ring edge 30 shown in all FIGS.). The depth of grooves
24 is shallow leaving the major portion thickness of membrane 10 at
base 28 (FIGS. 8A and 8B) to insure that flaps 26 do not separate
from ring edge 30 at base 28 when membrane 10 is ruptured, membrane
10 shown ruptured (FIGS. 8B and 9).
[0032] Membrane 10 is adapted to accommodate an accommodating
container, (after the container has been normally filled with a
fluid) by permeating ring edge 30 of membrane 10 flush to rim 16 at
spout 14 of container 12 thereby sealing opening 18 of the
container spout and allowing the normal capping (process and
material) of container 12 (filling and capping not shown). Membrane
10 (FIGS. 1 and 3) is shown in the projected attaching position to
container 12, the attached position of membrane 10 to container 12
is shown in (FIG. 4) with membrane 10 ruptured. A threaded usual
cap 32 (FIG. 3), when threadedly mated to spout 14 there provides
compression to the accommodated membrane (membrane 10) at a
top-side 42 of membrane 10 (top-side 42 shown all FIGS.) further
sealing container 12 and thereby preventing membrane 10 from being
ruptured before cap 32 is removed by the consumer, (cap 32, not
shown mated to spout 14). Membrane 10 can serve as and replace a
thin wafer-like usual seal 34 (FIG. 3). Seal 34 in some
applications is a plastic or composite fiber material that is
placed snuggly inside cap 32 before container 12 is capped. In
other applications seal 34 is a plastic, composite fiber, or
metallic foil material that is affixed to rim 16 at spout 14 of
container 12 before container 12 is capped. Both applications of
seal 34 are for sealing only, (applications of seal 34 not
shown).
[0033] Upon removing cap 32 from the accommodating container,
membrane 10 serves to delay the gravity free-flow of the container
fluid content (content not shown) while the accommodating container
is being inverted and maneuvered to having the opening end (opening
18) of spout 14 fully within a fluid fill usual opening 36 of an
engine or other equipment, which is the proper pouring position for
the pouring action of the container fluid content to begin
conveniently (FIG. 4 opening 36 in phantom outline). Once the
container is maneuvered fully into a proper pouring position, the
consumer can then manually initiate membrane 10 to rupture thereby
releasing the free-flow of the container content (FIG. 4 shows
membrane 10 as ruptured, free-flow of container content not shown).
Content spillage from a common container (without membrane 10)
occurs mostly at first use when the container is at peak fullness
and while the container is being maneuvered and is usually
encountering obstacles on the engine or other equipment, i.e.
hoses, belts, brackets etc. (content spillage and obstacles not
shown).
[0034] The present invention prevents the gravity free-flow of the
container fluid content while container 12 is being inverted and
maneuvered fully into a proper pouring position until, at the
consumers' readiness, container 12 is manually compressed
(squeezed) by a consumer hand 38 (FIG. 4) to initiate the rupture
of membrane 10 thereby allowing the container fluid content
free-flow to begin (container content free-flow not shown).
Manually compressing (squeezing) container 12 pressurizes the
container fluid content (content not shown) thereby transferring
pressure to a bottom-side 46 of membrane 10 (bottom-side 46 shown
all FIGS.) causing the membrane to rupture at and along seams 22,
whereby flaps 26 of membrane 10 pop-open radially outward from the
diametric center of membrane 10, membrane 10 shown popped-open
(FIGS. 4, 8B and 9). The outward pop-open action of flaps 26 causes
grooves 24 to close, in cross section (FIG. 8B), and in turn
assists in the radial bending action of flaps 26 at bases 28
further allowing the outward swing travel of flaps 26 within
membrane 10 when the membrane is ruptured (FIG. 8B). Once container
12 is properly positioned for pouring and membrane 10 is ruptured
(popped-open), membrane 10 then releases the fluid content of
container 12 to a gravity free-flowing action (content free-flow
not shown) for complete or partial emptying of container 12 at the
first use of the accommodating container. In the case of partial
emptying of the accommodating container at the first use, container
12 can be inversely positioned from the pouring position (the spout
opening end downward) back to the normal position (the spout
opening end upward) to end the first use before complete emptying
of container 12 with far less chance of content spillage because of
reduced content at the end of the first use, and container 12 can
be later re-used at a second or further use with less chance of
content spillage at the second use because of reduced content
within container 12 at the start of the second use even though
membrane 10 was previously ruptured at the start of the first use
of container 12 (emptying of container 12 not shown).
[0035] Membrane 10 of the accommodating container can be manually
by-passed, (after the usual cap removal of the accommodating
container) where the consumer manually and inwardly punches-open
membrane 10 of container 12, using thumb, forefinger or other
object to enable the use of the accommodating container
conventionally without membrane 10 intact at the first use of
container 12, if occasionally desired, (punching-open membrane 10
of container 12 not shown). Membrane 10 cannot be prematurely
ruptured through inadvertently or intentionally compressing the
accommodating container (manually or otherwise) as long as the
factory emplaced cap 32 remains threadedly mated to spout 14 of
container 12, since an inside top area 40 (FIG. 3) of cap 32
normally compresses against a top-side 42 (FIG. 3) of membrane 10
when cap 32 is threadedly mated to spout 14 of the accommodating
container thereby preventing the untimely rupture of membrane 10
(cap 32 not shown mated to spout 14 of the accommodating
container).
[0036] The normal airflow into the spout opening of any of the
common containers mentioned and others assist in allowing the
outward natural free-flow of the fluid content from a common
container when the container usual cap is removed and the container
is inverted (inward air flow and outward content free-flow not
shown). When container 12 with membrane 10 in place and intact is
inverted; properly positioned for pouring; and membrane 10 is
manually initiated to rupture, membrane 10 then allows the normal
air flow into container 12 through a plurality of vertexial areas
44 formed by flaps 26 of membrane 10 when ruptured (FIGS. 4, 8B and
9) to assist in the outward natural free-flow action of the
accommodating container fluid content when pouring (air flow and
fluid content free-flow not shown).
[0037] Now having described a preferred embodiment of the present
invention this description should not be construed as limiting the
scope of the invention but as illustrations of the preferred
embodiment, for example, the V-shaped grooves and the U-shaped
grooves (in cross section) of the flow delay membrane may be of
different shapes or depths; the flow delay membrane may be composed
of other material; the pop-open flaps of the flow delay membrane
may be of other or uncommon shapes without departing from the
intended purpose and scope of the present invention. Therefore the
spirit and scope of the invention should be limited only by the
appended claims and their legal limitations rather than by the
illustrations and descriptions given.
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