U.S. patent application number 13/859881 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for bottle with integral filler spout.
The applicant listed for this patent is BAR'S PRODUCTS, INC.. Invention is credited to Patrick E. Mulry, Clayton Parks, Jr..
Application Number | 20130292425 13/859881 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49328058 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130292425 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mulry; Patrick E. ; et
al. |
November 7, 2013 |
BOTTLE WITH INTEGRAL FILLER SPOUT
Abstract
A bottle assembly includes a pouring spout which is integral
with or affixed to a bottle. The pouring spout has an exterior
surface having a smooth, feature-free length of at least 1 inch and
which is configured so as to not interfere with closure members
found in fuel filler necks of fuel tanks.
Inventors: |
Mulry; Patrick E.; (Alto,
MI) ; Parks, Jr.; Clayton; (Linden, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BAR'S PRODUCTS, INC. |
Holly |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49328058 |
Appl. No.: |
13/859881 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61622597 |
Apr 11, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/568 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/122 20130101;
B65D 25/48 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/568 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/38 20060101
B65D035/38 |
Claims
1. A sealable bottle assembly having an integral pouring spout,
said bottle assembly comprising: a bottle configured to retain a
liquid in an interior volume thereof; a pouring spout projecting
from said bottle, said pouring spout having an interior surface
defining a fluid flow passage in communication with the interior
volume of said bottle, said fluid flow passageway defining an
opening in said spout; said pouring spout being further configured
so that its exterior surface defines a cylindrical portion having a
smooth, feature-free length dimension of at least 1 inch commencing
at said opening; and a cap configured and operable to removably
engage said spout and establish a fluid-tight seal thereto which
closes said opening.
2. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein the said smooth,
feature-free length dimension is selected from the group consisting
of: at least 1.5 inch, at least 2 inches, at least 3 inches, or at
least 4 inches.
3. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said spout is not curved
along said feature-free length dimension.
4. The bottle assembly of claim 1 wherein the diameter of said
spout along said feature-free length dimension is in the range of
0.75 to 1.25 inch.
5. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein the length dimension of
the spout is at least two times greater than the maximum diameter
of said spout.
6. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said cap releasably
engages said pouring spout through at least one mechanical
connector feature.
7. The bottle assembly of claim 6, wherein said mechanical
connector feature comprises a threaded feature.
8. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said cap engages an
exterior surface of said pouring spout.
9. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said cap engages an
interior surface of said pouring spout.
10. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said cap further
includes a plug portion which projects into the fluid flow passage
of said pouring spout.
11. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said pouring spout is
integrally formed with said bottle.
12. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said pouring spout is
removably attachable to said bottle.
13. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said bottle assembly is
formed from a polymeric material.
14. The bottle assembly of claim 13, wherein said polymeric
material is a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene,
polypropylene, or the like.
15. A method for the delivery of a fluid product comprising the use
of the bottle assembly of claim 1.
16. A sealable bottle assembly having an integral pouring spout,
said bottle assembly comprising: a bottle configured to retain a
liquid in an interior volume thereof; a pouring spout projecting
from said bottle, said pouring spout having an interior surface
defining a fluid flow passage in communication with the interior
volume of said bottle, said pouring spout being configured so as to
be capable of activating one or more mechanical features associated
with the inner surface of a fuel tank filler neck; and a cap
configured and operable to removably engage said spout and
establish a fluid-tight seal thereto which closes said fluid flow
passage.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 61/622,597 filed Apr. 11, 2012, the contents of which
are included herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates, in general, to containers for
storing and dispensing liquids. More particularly, the invention
relates to containers having an integral pouring spout which is
operable to interact with and activate closure members in fuel tank
filler necks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Automotive products such as fuel additives are usually
provided in the form of a fluid and typically are poured into the
fuel tank of a motor vehicle by consumers. And, it is known in the
prior art to supply fuel additives in bottles which include a
relatively long neck or spout which can project into the filler
neck of a fuel tank. Recently manufacturers of motor vehicles have
begun equipping their fuel tanks with filler necks which include
spring loaded interior flaps or other closure members. The purpose
of these structures is to seal the fuel tank so as to prevent
escape of fumes and limit unauthorized tampering with, or theft of,
fuel. These features are configured so that insertion of a fuel
pump nozzle into the filler neck will activate and open the spring
loaded closure members.
[0004] However, consumers have come to find that presence of these
closure members makes it very difficult to pour fuel additives into
the tank. In some instances the spout portions of prior art bottles
may not be long enough, and/or of a sufficient diameter, so as to
activate the closure members; and in other instances, features such
as threading, pouring lips, flanges or the like found on the
exterior of the spout can actually interfere with the operation of
the closure members, possibly causing expensive-to-repair damage to
them. In an attempt to overcome the shortcoming of prior art
additive packages, consumers have been utilizing screwdrivers,
dowels, knife blades, and like items to open the spring loaded
closure members and allow for introduction of a fuel additive. As
will be appreciated, in addition to being complicated and possibly
damaging the closure members, such operations often result in
spillage of the additive material.
[0005] As will be explained hereinbelow, the present invention is
directed to a container system for fuel additives and the like
which is configured and operable to mimic a fuel delivery nozzle
and properly activate closure members associated with a fuel tank
so as to allow an additive product to be introduced thereto.
Furthermore, the system of the present invention provides for the
fluid-tight closure of the packaging without compromising its
operation. These and other advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the drawings, discussion, and description which
follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to a sealable bottle
assembly having an integral pouring spout which is compatible with
fuel tank filler spouts having internal closure features. The
bottle assembly includes a pouring spout which is configured to
project from an associated bottle. The pouring spout has an
interior surface which defines an opening in the spout and is in
communication with the interior volume of the bottle. The spout is
further configured so that its exterior surface defines a
cylindrical portion having a smooth, feature-free length dimension
of at least 1 inch commencing at the opening. The bottle assembly
further includes a cap configured and operable to removably engage
the spout and establish a fluid-tight seal which closes the opening
in the spout. In particular instances, the smooth, feature-free
length dimension is at least 1.5 inches and in certain instances at
least 2 inches, or at least 3 inches, or at least 4 inches. In
particular embodiments, the spout is configured so as to not be
curved along its feature-free length dimension. The diameter of the
spout along its feature-free dimension may be in the range of 0.75
to 1.25 inch. The cap may be configured to engage the spout by
means of a mechanical connector feature such as a screw thread. In
particular instances, the cap may engage the spout via the spout's
inner surface, while in other instances it may engage the spout via
its exterior surface. The spout may be formed integrally with a
bottle or it may be configured so as to engage a separately formed
bottle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of bottle and
spout combination in accord with the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another
embodiment of pouring spout and bottle in accord with the present
invention; and
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the present invention wherein a spout member is configured so as to
be separately attachable to a bottle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention may be implemented in a number of
configurations and embodiments, and some particular embodiments of
the invention will be shown for purposes of explanation and
illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are
within the scope of the invention. In general, the present
invention is directed to sealable bottle assemblies having a bottle
portion which is configured to retain a liquid in an interior
volume thereof. The system further includes a pouring spout which
projects from the bottle and has an interior surface defining a
fluid flow passage in communication with the interior volume of the
bottle. The pouring spout is generally configured so that its
exterior surface defines a cylindrical member having a smooth
surface which is of a length and diameter sufficient to activate
filler neck closure members but is devoid of threading or other
interfering features which could compromise the operation of the
closure mechanism in a fuel tank filler neck. Generally, the
exterior surface is not substantially curved along at least a
portion of its length. As a result of this combination of features,
the spout can readily be introduced into the filler neck of a fuel
tank.
[0011] While the spout is described as having a portion which is
cylindrical and non-curved, it is to be understood that the spout
may be slightly tapered with regard to its central axis. In accord
with the present invention, the filler spout is configured to
activate, and not damage or otherwise interfere with flaps, valves,
or other closure members which are included in the filler neck of a
fuel tank; and in that regard, its configuration generally mimics
the size and shape of a nozzle spout on a typical gasoline or
diesel fuel pump.
[0012] In general, the filler spout will have an exterior surface
defining a smooth, feature-free length of at least 1 inch, and in
certain instances a length of at least 1.5 inch, such as a length
of at least 2 inches, such as a length of at least 3 inches or a
length of at least 4 inches. The exterior diameter of the
feature-free portion of the spout is generally in the range of
about 0.75-1.25 inch, although it is to be understood that in
particular applications these dimensions may be varied. In specific
instances, the length of the feature-free portion filler spout is
greater than its largest diameter, and in specific instances at
least twice its greatest diameter. In the context of this
disclosure, a "feature-free" portion is understood to be free of
threading, flanges, protrusions, or other such features which will
interfere with the operation of flaps, valves, or other closure
members which are included in the filler neck of a fuel tank.
Typically such interfering features will project from the surface
of the spout by more than a millimeter, and in particular by more
than 2 millimeters, as for example by more than 3 millimeters.
Also, such interfering features will present a sharply angled
junction with the surface of the spout, such as an angle of greater
than 30 degrees, and in particular an angle of 45 degrees or more.
Noninterfering features may be included in the spout, and such
features may include projections which are of less than 3
millimeters and/or which do not present a sharply angled junction
with the spout. Non-interfering features may also include
inwardly-directed projections, such as detents and the like for
retaining additional elements, such as flow-control elements, in
the spout.
[0013] In accord with a further aspect, the assembly of the present
invention includes a cap which is configured and operable to
removably engage the spout and establish a fluid-tight seal which
closes the fluid flow passage. It is significant that the sealing
features do not compromise the function of the spout in activating
any closure members and the like which are incorporated into the
filler neck of the fuel tank.
[0014] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a first embodiment
of a bottle assembly of the present invention. The assembly
includes a bottle portion 10 which is configured to define an
interior volume which retains a liquid product such as a fuel
additive therein. The bottle portion 10 is shown in FIG. 1 as being
generally cylindrical; however, it is to be understood that other
configurations of bottle may likewise be utilized in the present
invention. A pouring spout portion 12 projects from the bottle 10
and defines a fluid flow passageway 14 which establishes
communication with the interior volume of the bottle. As will be
seen from FIG. 1, the pouring spout 12 is generally cylindrical in
shape and is not significantly curved along its longitudinal axis.
As such, the pouring spout 12 mimics the size and shape of the
filler-neck-engaging portion of a typical fuel pump nozzle. As
noted above, the length dimension of the pouring spout is typically
greater than its greatest diameter.
[0015] The system further includes a cap 16 which is configured to
engage pouring spout 12 and establish a seal which closes the fluid
flow passageway 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the spout
includes a threaded portion 20 on its exterior surface and the cap
16 includes corresponding threads 22 on its interior surface. These
threads are at the base of the spout 12, and not in the
feature-free portion of the spout 12. In use, the cap is fit over
the spout 12 and rotated so as to engage the corresponding threads
20, 22 thereby sealing the package. As is understood in the art, an
additional seal, such as a tear-off foil or membrane seal, may
further be disposed atop the spout 12 so as to close the passageway
14. Such a membrane or foil type seal, in addition to enhancing the
integrity of the closure, provides indication of tampering.
Technology for affixing such seals is well known in the art.
[0016] While FIG. 1 shows an assembly in which the cap member 16
engages an outer surface of the spout 12 by means of threads, other
embodiments may be implemented in which the cap engages the spout
by means of threads internal to the spout. In such instance, the
spout retains a smooth exterior surface devoid of any features
which could interfere with its activation of closure members
associated with a fuel tank filler neck. Referring now to FIG. 2,
there is shown a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pouring
spout 12 and cap 16 embodying internal thread closures. As will be
seen from FIG. 2, the spout 12 defines a fluid flow passage 14 as
described with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 1. However, the
spout 12 is further configured to include a series of threads 20 on
its interior, fluid flow passageway, surface.
[0017] In FIG. 2, the cap 16 includes a threaded portion 22 which
engages the internal threading 20 of the pouring spout 12. It will
be further noted that the cap 16 in this embodiment includes a plug
portion 24 which, when the cap 16 is engaged with the pouring spout
12, projects into the fluid flow passageway 14 of the spout 12 so
as to further effect a fluid-tight seal. In this regard, the plug
portion 24 includes a sealing surface 26 which engages a
corresponding sealing surface 28 on the pouring spout 12.
[0018] FIGS. 1 and 2 show bottle assemblies in which the spout
portion is formed integrally with the bottle portion. However, it
is to be understood that such is not a requirement of the present
invention. The spout assembly may be configured so as to be
separately attachable to a conventional bottle. Such embodiments
are of commercial significance since they may be employed to
readily convert presently existing bottles to function in accord
with the present invention.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an embodiment of the
present invention in which a pouring spout 12 and associated cap,
generally similar to those shown in FIG. 2, are attached to a
conventionally configured bottle 10 by means of a second set of
threads. In this regard, the pouring spout 12 includes a set of
connector threads 30 which allow it to be coupled to conventional
threading 32 of the bottle 10. While FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in
which the spout 12 and cap 16 arrangement is internally threaded,
it will be readily apparent that externally threaded spout/cap
arrangements such as that of FIG. 1, may likewise be attached to a
preexisting bottle in accord with FIG. 3.
[0020] While the foregoing shows use of threaded couplers between
the cap, and spout, and between the spout and the bottle in the
instance of FIG. 3, it will be readily apparent to those of skill
in the art that other coupling arrangements such as locking tabs,
flanges, compression fittings, and the like may be adapted for use
in the present invention. Also, while the foregoing description and
discussion describe the pouring spout as being non-curved along its
length axis, it is to be understood that in various embodiments of
the invention the non-curved pouring spout may join the bottle
through a curved, corrugated, or flexible connection so as to
accommodate space limitations, bottle configurations, aesthetics,
or the like. It is the straight, feature-free portion of the
assemblage which is considered the pouring spout.
[0021] The bottle assemblies of the present invention may be
fabricated from materials typically employed for packages of this
type. In most instances, the packaging will be fabricated from
polymeric materials, and in particular, thermoplastic polymeric
materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. The
packaging of the present invention may be readily manufactured by
conventional forming techniques such as blow molding, rotational
molding, injection, extrusion, and the like. In some instances, the
bottle assemblies, or at least portions thereof, may be fabricated
from other conventional materials such as metals, glass, and the
like used either singly or in combination. All of such embodiments
are within the scope of the present invention.
[0022] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, still
other features may be incorporated into the pouring spout assembly
of the present invention. As mentioned above, flow control
elements, such as flow restrictors, flow delayers, mixing elements
and the like may be disposed within the fluid flow passage of the
spout. Also, it is to be understood that the cap portion may have
child-proof opening elements associated therewith. Various
child-proof closures are known in the art and may be readily
adapted to the present invention.
[0023] In view of the teaching presented herein, other
modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to
those of skill in the art. The foregoing drawings, discussion, and
description are illustrative of some specific embodiments of the
present invention but are not meant to be limitations upon the
practice thereof. It is the following claims, including all
equivalents, which define the scope of the invention.
* * * * *