U.S. patent application number 12/176322 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-17 for easy pour low profile flow control dispensing cap.
Invention is credited to Kenny J. Springer.
Application Number | 20090230075 12/176322 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41061868 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090230075 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Springer; Kenny J. |
September 17, 2009 |
EASY POUR LOW PROFILE FLOW CONTROL DISPENSING CAP
Abstract
The inventions relate to containers that store liquids and/or
particle solids and the removable caps that are used to stop
contents from leaving the containers when the cap is in a closed
position and to allow contents to be poured from the container in
an open position. The caps may be used in a system that includes
containers designed to stack together or to be otherwise stored
together in a manner that minimizes the storage space required for
such containers. The caps may include a base and a nipple having a
low profile such that the top of the nipple does not protrude
beyond the top of the base. The base may include a counterbore that
is sufficiently large in diameter to allow the nipple to be grasped
when in a closed position. The present inventions may be practiced
with a stopper that interacts with the nipple to close the path
through which fluid may flow.
Inventors: |
Springer; Kenny J.;
(Anaheim, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patentique PLLC
P.O. Box 5803
Bellevue
WA
98006
US
|
Family ID: |
41061868 |
Appl. No.: |
12/176322 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61035652 |
Mar 11, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/228 ;
215/329; 215/355 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/247
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/228 ;
215/329; 215/355 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/00 20060101
B65D051/00; B65D 41/04 20060101 B65D041/04; B65D 39/00 20060101
B65D039/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for controlling the flow from a container, said
apparatus comprising a base comprising a first base end located
outside of the container and a second base end inserted into the
container; an annular opening having a first end and second end,
said annular opening having an axis substantially perpendicular to
said first or second base end; a counterbore having a counterbore
axis substantially parallel to said annular opening axis; and a
nipple comprising a first end and a second end, said second end
inserted into the annular opening of said base, said nipple
operably configured to move between positions comprising an open
position and a closed position.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end of the nipple is
substantially flush with said first base end when the apparatus is
in a closed position.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is removably
attached to said container.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said base further comprises
threads for removably attaching said base to said container.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flow from the container is
retarded when said apparatus is in a closed position.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the diameter of said
counterbore is sufficient to allow said nipple to be grasped in a
closed position.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base further comprises a
stopper proximate to said second base end, wherein said nipple
contacts said stopper when in a closed position to retard the flow
of liquid from the container.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said stopper is circular.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said stopper is connected to
the base with at least one support.
10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said nipple comprises an
annular opening.
11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the wall of said nipple
annular opening contacts the outer diameter of the stopper in a
closed position to retard flow from the container.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said annular opening in
contact with said stopper is chamfered.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said nipple further
comprises a nipple counterbore at said second end, and wherein the
wall of said nipple counterbore contacts the stopper in a closed
position to retard flow from the container.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the wall of said nipple
counterbore is chamfered.
15. A method of retarding the flow of liquid from the container,
said method comprising coupling a base and a nipple such that the
nipple may move between positions comprising an open position and a
closed position, wherein said base comprises (i) a first base end
located outside of the container and a second base end inserted
into the container; (ii) an annular opening having a first end and
second end, said annular opening having an axis substantially
perpendicular to said first or second base end and (iii) a
counterbore having a counterbore axis substantially parallel to
said annular opening axis; and wherein said nipple comprises a
first end and a second end; said the first end of the nipple is
substantially flush with said first end of said base in a closed
position and the diameter of said counterbore is sufficient to
allow said nipple to be grasped in the closed position; removably
attaching the coupled base and nipple to said container; and moving
the nipple into a closed position.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein said base comprises threads for
removably attaching said base to said container and said method
further comprises attaching the coupled base and nipple to said
container with said threads.
17. A packaging system comprising at least one flow control
apparatus comprising a base comprising a first base end located
outside of the container and a second base end inserted into the
container; an annular opening having a first end and second end,
said annular opening having an axis substantially perpendicular to
said first or second base end; a counterbore having a counterbore
axis substantially parallel to said annular opening axis; and a
nipple comprising a first end and a second end, said second end
inserted into the annular opening of said base, said nipple
operably configured to move between positions comprising an open
position and a closed position; at least one container configured
to be stacked to minimize spacing between containers; wherein when
said flow control apparatus is attached to said container, the flow
control apparatus is substantially flush with or below an adjacent
surface or container.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein a surface of said container is
indented at the attachment of the flow control apparatus.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the first end of the nipple is
substantially flush with said first end of said base in a closed
position and wherein the diameter of said counterbore is sufficient
to allow said nipple to be grasped in the closed position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/035,652, filed Mar. 11, 2008, the contents of
which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] This disclosure relates to containers that store liquids
and/or particle solids and the closure mechanisms or caps for
openings in the containers from which the contents exit. This
disclosure also relates to container systems that are designed to
minimize space when stacked together and closure mechanisms and
caps that facilitate the storage and transport of multiple
containers.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The disclosure relates to containers that store liquids
and/or particle solids and the removable caps that are used to stop
contents from leaving the containers when the cap is in a closed
position and to allow contents to be poured from the container in
an open position. The caps may be used in a system that includes
containers designed to stack together or to be otherwise stored
together in a manner that minimizes the storage space required for
such containers.
[0004] In a first aspect, the disclosure includes an apparatus that
includes at least two parts engaged or coupled together. The
apparatus may be changed from an open to a closed position to
control the flow of contents from the container.
[0005] In a second aspect, the disclosure includes a method of
retarding the flow of contents from a container by using an
apparatus that allows contents to flow from a container in an open
position and retards such flow in a closed position.
[0006] In a third aspect, the apparatus and methods of the
disclosure are practiced in relation to a container system in which
containers are configured to minimize spacing between containers,
thereby decreasing storage area requirements and reducing storage
and shipping costs.
[0007] In an embodiment of the disclosures, the apparatus includes
a base and a nipple such that the top of the base and the nipple
are substantially flush or level when the apparatus is in a closed
position. Pulling up on the nipple will move the apparatus into an
open position.
[0008] In another embodiment of the disclosures, the assembly
includes a base and a nipple in which the base includes an opening
in which the nipple is seated and a counterbore that permits
grasping of the nipple when the assembly is in a closed
position.
[0009] In yet a further embodiment, the assembly includes a stopper
that is integrated into the base and used in conjunction with the
nipple to retard, inhibit, mitigate or prevent the contents of the
container from leaving when the assembly is in a closed
position.
[0010] The apparatus may be used with any container that stores
liquids and/or particle solids. In an alternative embodiment, the
apparatus is used with containers that are designed to minimize
their volumetric footprint for storage such that when the apparatus
is attached to the container, the apparatus does not protrude and
create wasted space, but is instead substantially flush or below
the surface of an adjacent container or surface. Use of the
apparatus in this context ensures that the containers can be
efficiently stacked in storage areas. Non-limiting examples of
storage areas include production factories, production facilities,
factories, product wholesale warehouses, wholesale and retail
distribution centers, retail stores, delivery vehicles, storage
facilities, shipping facilities, shelves, product displays, boxes
and cartons. Use of the apparatus in this context furthermore
permits the redesign of existing product packaging to create
economic efficiencies in multiple stages of product manufacturing,
shipment and transport and sales.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] FIG. 1A shows an apparatus of the present invention in an
open position that permits flow from a container.
[0012] FIG. 1B shows an apparatus of the present invention in a
closed position that retards or inhibits flow from a container.
[0013] FIG. 1C illustrates the separate parts of an apparatus of
the present invention in an exploded view.
[0014] FIG. 2A shows a representative base of the present invention
when viewed from the first, or top, end. Line A-A represents a
theoretical line through which a sectional view is taken.
[0015] FIG. 2B represents a sectional view of the base through line
A-A of FIG. 2A.
[0016] FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate views of the base that include
portions of the second end and the first end, respectively.
[0017] FIG. 3A shows a representative nipple of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 3B shows a representative nipple of the present
invention when viewed from the first, or top, end. Line B-B
represents a theoretical line through which a sectional view is
taken.
[0019] FIG. 3C represents a sectional view of the nipple through
line B-B of FIG. 3A.
[0020] FIG. 4A illustrates a representative apparatus of the
present invention when viewed from the first, or top, end. Line C-C
represents a theoretical line through which a sectional view is
taken.
[0021] FIG. 4B shows an apparatus of the present invention in an
open position that permits flow from a container in a sectional
view through line C-C of FIG. 4A
[0022] FIG. 4C shows an apparatus of the present invention in a
closed position that retards or inhibits flow from a container in a
sectional view through line C-C of FIG. 4A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MODES OF PRACTICING THE DISCLOSURE
[0023] The present invention is an Easy Pour Low Profile Flow
Control Dispensing Cap, which is a closure mechanism for containers
that store liquids, particle solids or a mixture of liquids and
solids. The caps include at least a nipple and a base that can be
screwed onto a container that has matching threads. Alternatively,
the cap can snap onto a container that is configured to receive the
cap. The nipple and the base are held together by a series of
ridges designed to permit the nipple and base to be snapped
together initially while making it difficult for the parts to be
separated during normal use of the cap. When snapped down
completely into a closed position, the assembly will keep the
product in the container from leaking out. Importantly, the low
profile of the cap makes the cap ideal for use in packaging systems
that minimize the storage footprint of the containers and therefore
require caps that do not protrude beyond the volumetric envelope of
the container. For example, the containers may be designed in the
shape of a rectangular prism to minimize wasted space when stored
in cartons and boxes, or to be stacked efficiently. Use of the
inventive low profile cap that is flush with or below the sides of
other containers or other surfaces will also minimize wasted
storage space for such containers.
[0024] The present invention also includes a gripping feature that
makes it easy for users to grip the nipple and open the cap to pour
out the products. The nipple may include a lateral flange or other
protrusion from at its top end that can be used to pull or push the
nipple with fingers relative to the base. In the alternative, the
nipple may include a flange or other lateral protrusion at its top
end that permits gripping by tools or other mechanical means.
[0025] The caps may include a stopper. The base, nipple and stopper
may be configured to control the flow of the product from a
container in an open position. When the cap is attached to a
container in a closed position, flow of contents is retarded or
inhibited. When the cap is in an open position, the contents of the
container can pass through the cap. Thus flow can be controlled
through one or more cap positions, including without limitation an
open and closed position. In addition, the quantity and rate of
flow can be varied by changing the configurations of the base,
nipple and/or stopper. The ability to control flow as described in
contrast to caps that have no device to control flow is
advantageous for all users to improve control and placement of the
content stream and to prevent spills. Use of the caps for children,
the disabled and the elderly who may have difficulty pouring or
handling larger and heavier containers is also beneficial.
[0026] In an alternative embodiment, the caps may be used to
control the flow from other sources. Non-limiting examples of such
sources include hoses, faucets and spigots. The caps may be screwed
or snapped onto such sources.
[0027] As described herein, the disclosure includes an apparatus
for controlling the flow of liquid and/or particle solids from a
container or other source. The apparatus includes a base comprising
a first end and a second end, or a top and a bottom. The ends of
the base may be used to approximate a top and bottom plane for the
base. The first base end is located external to the container. The
second end of the base is inserted into an opening in the
container. The base has an annular opening, or hole, that passes
through the base from the top end to the bottom end. This hole has
an axis substantially perpendicular to at least one end of the
annular opening or at least one end of the base. The base has at
least one counterbore with an axis substantially parallel to the
axis of the annular opening at its top or first end. The apparatus
also includes a nipple comprising a first end and a second end, or
a top and a bottom. The nipple is coupled to or engaged with the
base to permit a telescoping or sliding movement of the nipple
relative to the base to place the apparatus in an open or closed
position. The nipple is configured to fit into the hole of the
base, and the second end of the nipple may be inserted into the
hole through the top end of the hole in the base. Non-limiting
examples of the apparatus include a screw cap and a snap-top cap
and caps that include both screw and snap features.
[0028] In some embodiments, when in a closed position the first end
of the nipple is substantially flush with the first end of the
base. In most instances, the first end of the base, or the upper
surface, will be substantially flat. In other cases, the upper
surface of the base will be slightly curved. In some cases, the
first end of the nipple, or the upper surface of the nipple, will
be flat. In other cases, the upper surface of the nipple may have a
slight curvature. When in a closed position, the top end of the
base and the top end of the nipple may form a substantially smooth
or flat surface. The upper surfaces of the base and the nipple may
be configured to be substantially flat in combination when in a
closed position. In the alternative, the upper surfaces of the base
and/or nipple may be curved, but configured such that the combined
surfaces are relatively smooth and continuous in the closed
position.
[0029] In some cases, the closure will be substantially flush with
the external surface of the container that contacts without
limitation adjacent containers or surfaces of storage devices such
as shelves, boxes, cartons. The top of the closure in a container
may contact adjacent surfaces without increasing the total amount
of space between the two containers. In other cases, the top of the
closure when in a closed position will have a low profile such that
no contact with other surfaces occurs. In yet other cases, the top
of the closure in a container may contact adjacent surfaces
resulting in a de minimis increase the total amount of space
between the two containers.
[0030] The apparatus of the disclosure achieves a low profile that
can improve storage efficiencies by decreasing the total volume of
space required for storage. In some embodiments, the container will
include an indentation or a step-down area that allows the low
profile cap to be seated lower relative to other surfaces of the
container.
[0031] In other embodiments, the apparatus may be practiced with a
base having at least one counterbore diameter sufficiently large to
permit the nipple to be grasped when the apparatus is in a closed
position. In the closed position, the nipple may be substantially
flush with the top of the base and difficult to pull out of the
closed position without sufficient clearance. The counterbore may
provide clearance for the fingers or for tools to grasp the nipple
and/or its flange in order to pull or push the nipple. In some
cases, the counterbore will be circular, and the diameter of the
counterbore will exceed the greatest diameter of the nipple or its
flange to permit the use of fingers or tools to grasp the nipple in
a closed position. In some embodiments, the radius of the
counterbore will exceed the greatest radius of the nipple or its
flange from about 0.4 inch to 1 inch. In other embodiments, the
radius of the counterbore will exceed the greatest radius of the
nipple by at least 0.3 inch. In other cases, the counterbore, while
not circular, also provides sufficient clearance for fingers or
tools to grasp the nipple and/or its flange.
[0032] In many cases, an apparatus in which when in a closed
position the first end of the nipple is substantially flush with
the first end of the base may be practiced together with an
apparatus that includes a counterbore diameter sufficiently large
to permit the nipple to be grasped when the apparatus is in a
closed position.
[0033] In some embodiments, the nipple may be moved between at
least an open and a closed position. The flow of liquid and/or
particle solids will be inhibited or retarded when the apparatus in
a closed position is attached to a container, and flow will be
permitted when the apparatus is in an open position. In the open
position, a flow path will be provided by openings in the base, the
nipple and/or the stopper. The apparatus permits a controlled flow
from the container and furthermore features of the apparatus may be
changed to provide varying flow speeds and rates. Features that may
be changed include without limitation hole sizes, stopper size and
thickness, support sizes and thicknesses.
[0034] In some embodiments, the apparatus is removably attached to
the container. The apparatus may be practiced with a base that
comprises a rotational axis and threads that allow the base to be
threaded onto a mating feature on a container. The threads permit
the apparatus to also be removed from the container. Alternatively,
the apparatus may be snapped onto the container with means known to
those of skill in the art. In some cases, the apparatus may include
both threads and snap-on features that permit the apparatus to be
snapped on or off the container as well as threaded on or off the
container. In many embodiments the container will include a device
or feature that mates with the threads or snaps of the
apparatus.
[0035] In many embodiments, the annular opening or hole of the base
will have more than one diameter. In these cases, the nipple may
also have more than one diameter matching the diameters of the
base. In addition, many embodiments will include at least one ridge
that protrudes from the wall of the annular opening to retain the
nipple in the apparatus. In such cases, the nipple will also
include at least one ridge that protrudes from the external wall
and is initially forced past the retention ridge of the base to
engage the nipple with the base. In this context the nipple is
snapped into the hole and retained by the nipple ridge, which does
not permit the nipple to separate from the base because the force
required to pull the nipple ridge past the retention ridge in the
base is greater than the force used to operate the apparatus in the
normal course of usage.
[0036] In some embodiments, the annular opening or hole of the base
includes a second ridge that acts as a detent or catch to keep
nipple in a closed position. The nipple can be moved in and out of
the closed position with normal operating force, which pulls or
pushes the nipple ridge past the detent ridge in the base hole.
[0037] In many embodiments, the outer diameter or diameters of the
nipple will match the diameter or diameters of the annular opening
in a manner that ensures a precision fit.
[0038] In other embodiments, the base will further comprise an
outer perimeter with ridges and/or grooves that are helpful in
gripping the base, especially when the base is screwed onto a
container. The outer perimeter may for example include without
limitation one or more rough or sandpaper like surfaces, grooves,
pebbled surfaces, dimpled surfaces, ridges and other
protrusions.
[0039] In some cases, the nipple of the disclosure further
comprises a flange or other lateral protrusion at the first or top
end of the nipple. This flange allows the nipple to be grasped by
fingers or mechanical grasping means. Force applied to the flange
will move the flange relative to the base and allow it to travel or
telescope along the annular opening of the base. The movement of
the nipple may be limited by the ridges in the base and nipple.
[0040] In yet further embodiments, the disclosure includes an
apparatus for controlling the flow of liquid and/or particle solids
from a container. The apparatus may include a stopper that is
located within the annular opening of the base that, when in
contact with the nipple, retards or inhibits the contents of the
container from leaving when the apparatus is in a closed position.
In some embodiments, the stopper will be located proximate to the
second end of the annular opening in the base. The stopper may be
located within the container when the cap is attached to the
container. In some embodiments, the stopper comprises a circular
disc with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the annular
opening. In other cases, the stopper may comprise a different shape
that matches the shape of the bottom of the nipple. In some cases,
the stopper will be integrated with the base with at least one
support connecting the base and the stopper. The support is
configured to provide a space through which the contents of the
container may flow when the apparatus is in an open position. The
shape and structure of the supports may be varied to provide
different size and shape openings through which the contents of the
container will flow. In some cases, the stopper and its support or
supports are separated from the base and connected to a flange or
other structure. The separate stopper is configured to position the
stopper within the hole in the base such that when in contact with
the nipple, flow is retarded in the closed position.
[0041] In some embodiments, the nipple will include an annular
opening passing from the first end through the second end of the
nipple, and the internal wall of the nipple annular opening will
contact the stopper in a closed position to retard or inhibit the
contents of the container from leaving. The second end or bottom of
the nipple is inserted into the hole in the base where the stopper
is also located. In other embodiments, the nipple will further
comprise a counterbore at the second end of the nipple and the
internal wall of the counterbore will contact the stopper in a
closed position to retard or inhibit the contents of the container
from leaving. In many embodiments, the portion of the internal wall
of the nipple annular opening or the nipple counterbore that
contacts the stopper will be chamfered. In the alternative, the
opening in the nipple and the shape of the stopper are not
substantially circular and may without limitation be square, oval
or rectagonal.
[0042] In some embodiments, the stopper may be used together with
an apparatus that when in a closed position the first end of the
nipple is substantially flush with the first end of the base. In
other embodiments, the stopper may be practiced with a base having
a counterbore diameter sufficiently large to permit the nipple to
be grasped when the apparatus is in a closed position. In yet other
embodiments, the stopper may be used together with both an
apparatus that when in a closed position the first end of the
nipple is substantially flush with the first end of the base and
with a base having a counterbore diameter sufficiently large to
permit the nipple to be grasped when the apparatus is in a closed
position.
[0043] In some embodiments, the containers may contain liquids.
Non-limiting examples of containers include bottles, cartons,
sports bottles, water bottles and jugs. The caps may be produced in
different sizes and heights to conform to the size of the product
container. Similarly, the configuration of the stopper, base and
nipple can be modified to provide optimal flow characteristics
depending on the size and dimensions of the specific container
and/or its contents. The colors of the caps and general shapes of
the base, nipple and stopper may be varied.
[0044] Non-limiting examples of liquids stored in the containers
used in conjunction with food product packaging include water,
milk, juice, soda, energy drinks, cooking oil and soy sauce.
Non-limiting examples of liquids stored in the containers used in
conjunction with non-food product packaging include motor oil,
windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze, dishwashing soap, hand soap,
household and industrial cleaning liquids and supplies and laundry
detergents.
[0045] In some embodiments, the nipple and base are made of the
same material. In other embodiments, the nipple and base are made
of different materials. Non-limiting examples of materials include
food grade plastics and non-food grade plastics, HDPE (high density
polyethylene), food grade polyethylene, Polypropylene,
Polycarbonates, PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) and PET
(polyethylene terephthalate).
[0046] As described herein, the disclosure includes a method of
retarding or inhibiting the flow of liquids and/or particle solids
from a container comprising coupling a base and a nipple to permit
movement of the nipple to and from a closed position, wherein said
base comprises (i) a first end and a second end inserted into the
container; (ii) an annular opening having a first end and second
end, said annular opening having an axis substantially
perpendicular to at least one end of the annular opening or at
least one end of the base; and (iii) a counterbore having a
counterbore axis substantially parallel to said annular opening
axis; and wherein said nipple comprises a first end and a second
end, said second end inserted into the annular opening of said
base; said the first end of the nipple is substantially flush with
said first end of said base in a closed position and the diameter
of said counterbore is sufficient to allow said nipple to be
grasped in the closed position; moving said nipple into a closed
position; and moving the nipple into a closed position. Of course,
the nipple may be pushed into a closed position before attaching
the cap to the container, or the user can ensure that the closure
is in a closed position before or after attachment. The container
may include an opening into which the second of the base is
inserted and a device that mates to the threads or snap-on features
of the cap. Alternatively, such mating features may be integral to
the container.
[0047] In some embodiments, the method further includes a base
comprising a rotational axis and threads for removably attaching
the apparatus to the container. The method may be practiced with a
base that comprises threads that allow the base to be threaded onto
a mating feature on the container. The threads permit the apparatus
to also be removed from the container. Alternatively, the method
may be practiced with an apparatus that may be snapped onto the
container with means known to those of skill in the art. In some
cases, the method may be practiced with an apparatus that may
include both threads and snap-on features that permit the apparatus
to be snapped on or off the container and threaded on or off the
container.
[0048] As described herein, the disclosure includes a packaging
system comprising a flow control apparatus comprising a base
comprising a first end and a second end, an annular opening having
a first end and second end, said annular opening having an axis
substantially perpendicular to at least one end of the annular
opening or at least one end of the base; a counterbore having a
counterbore axis substantially parallel to said annular opening
axis, and a nipple comprising a first end and a second end, said
nipple coupled to said base to permit movement of the nipple to and
from a closed position and at least one container configured to be
stacked to minimize spacing between containers, wherein when said
flow control apparatus is attached to said container, the flow
control apparatus is substantially flush with or below an adjacent
surface.
[0049] The containers of the packaging system are configured to
minimize the space between the containers when stacked or stored
together for efficient storage and transport. Non-limiting
containers of the disclosure include milk jugs as described by S.
Rosenbloom, "Solution or Mess? A Milk Jug for a Green Earth," New
York Times (online), Jun. 30, 2008. The containers of the system
may include a step-down or an indentation at the point of
attachment of the cap to account for the cap height. Alternatively,
the container may include a recess in which the cap is seated such
that the top of the closure is substantially flush with the surface
of the container.
[0050] In some embodiments, the system will be practiced with the
first end of the nipple substantially flush with said first end of
said base in a closed position. In other embodiments, the system
will be practiced with the diameter of the base counterbore
sufficient to allow said nipple to be grasped in the closed
position. Of course, the system may be practiced with both the
first end of the nipple substantially flush with said first end of
said base in a closed position and/or the diameter of the base
counterbore sufficient to allow said nipple to be grasped in the
closed position. A stopper of the present disclosure may be used
with these embodiments as well.
[0051] Those of skill in the art will recognize that the inventions
of the present disclosure may be practiced with washers that may be
integrated or separate from the base, nipple, stopper and
container.
[0052] The citation of documents herein is not to be construed as
reflecting an admission that any is relevant prior art. Moreover,
their citation is not an indication of a search for relevant
disclosures. All statements regarding the date(s) or contents of
the documents is based on available information and is not an
admission as to their accuracy or correctness.
[0053] Having now generally provided the disclosure, the same will
be more readily understood through reference to the following
examples which are provided by way of illustration, and are not
intended to be limiting of the disclosure, unless specified.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0054] In FIG. 1C, the apparatus 1 comprising a base 2 and a nipple
3 is shown in an exploded view.
[0055] Base 3 is shown in FIGS. 2A through 2D. Base 3 includes a
first end 6 and a second end 7. FIG. 2A illustrates the base from
the top end looking down, while FIG. 2C shows the base with a
portion of the top or first end, and FIG. 2D shows the base with a
portion of the bottom or second end that is inserted into a
container.
[0056] The base includes an annular opening or hole 13 that has
diameters 24 and 25 and top and bottom openings 27 and 28,
respectively. A counterbore 4 is centered about hole 13.
[0057] The hole further comprises a retention ridge 8 and detent
ridge 20 as well as a groove 9 defined by detent ridge 20 and the
decrease in diameter of the hole from 24 to 25.
[0058] The base 3 also includes threads 5 used to attach the base
to the container.
[0059] In FIGS. 2A through 2C, the stopper 10 is illustrated as
connected to the second end of the base by four supports 11. Four
spaces 12 are defined by the gaps between the supports 11, the
stopper 10 and the end of the base 7.
[0060] Ridges 26 are included at the outer perimeter of the base
that allow a user to grip the base easily. The outer perimeter is
located external to the container.
[0061] Nipple 3 is shown in FIGS. 3A through 3C. The nipple has a
first or top end 14 and a second or bottom end 15. The nipple also
includes an annular opening or hole 19, with corresponding hole
openings 29 and 30. The internal wall of the hole has a chamfer 16
proximate to second end 15. The exterior of the nipple includes
diameters 21 and 22 as well as chamfer 23 proximate to second end
15. Ridge 17 is illustrated as near the transition between
diameters 21 and 22. Nipple flange 18 is shown at the first or top
end of the nipple.
[0062] FIGS. 1A and 4B show the apparatus of the present invention
in an open position. Nipple end 15 is inserted into base hole
opening 27. The nipple 3 is retained in base 2 by retention ridge
8. The nipple ridge 17 must be forced past ridge 8 to detach the
nipple from the base. The amount of force necessary to detach the
nipple is substantially greater than the normal force used to
operate the apparatus. In this open position, the contents of the
container may flow through space 12, diameters 25 and 24 of the
hole in the base, and through hole 19 of the nipple.
[0063] FIGS. 1B and 4C show the apparatus of the present invention
in a closed position. In the closed position, chamfer 16 contacts
stopper 10 to seal the path through which fluid can travel. The
nipple 3 is kept in the closed position by nipple ridge 17, which
is seated in groove 9 and retained by detent ridge 20. During
normal use of the apparatus, sufficient force is applied to
overcome detent ridge 20 and allow nipple ridge 17 to move in and
out of groove 9.
[0064] In the figure shown, the first end of the nipple 14 is
substantially flush with the first end of the base 6 in the closed
position.
[0065] All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entireties, whether previously specifically
incorporated or not.
[0066] Having now fully described the inventive subject matter, it
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the same can
be performed within a wide range of equivalent parameters and
conditions without departing from the spirit and scope of the
disclosure and without undue experimentation.
[0067] While this disclosure has been described in connection with
specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is
capable of further modifications. This application is intended to
cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure
following, in general, the principles of the disclosure and
including such departures from the present disclosure as come
within known or customary practice within the art to which the
disclosure pertains and as may be applied to the essential features
hereinbefore set forth.
* * * * *