U.S. patent application number 14/272242 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-13 for vented pour spout.
This patent application is currently assigned to Container Packaging Systems, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Container Packaging Systems, LLC. Invention is credited to Jon Stratton.
Application Number | 20140332568 14/272242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51864092 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140332568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stratton; Jon |
November 13, 2014 |
Vented Pour Spout
Abstract
A pour spout has an elongate body with a primary flow channel
and a secondary flow channel, a dispensing orifice at one end of
the pour spout, and an attachment end at an opposite end of the
pour spout. An air vent is positioned nearer the attachment end and
has an air inlet into the elongate tubular body and in fluid
communication with the secondary flow channel. The air vent allows
air to flow from the inlet opening into the secondary flow channel
and toward the attachment end during pouring of liquid from the
dispensing end of the pour spout.
Inventors: |
Stratton; Jon; (Churubusco,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Container Packaging Systems, LLC |
Churubusco |
IN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Container Packaging Systems,
LLC
Churubusco
IN
|
Family ID: |
51864092 |
Appl. No.: |
14/272242 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61820475 |
May 7, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/481.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 7/005 20130101;
B65D 47/32 20130101; B65D 47/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/481.5 |
International
Class: |
B67D 3/00 20060101
B67D003/00 |
Claims
1. A pour spout comprising: an elongate tubular body having a
primary flow channel and a secondary flow channel of a smaller
cross-sectional area than the primary flow channel; a dispensing
orifice at a dispensing end of the pour spout; an attachment end at
an opposite end of the pour spout; and an air vent positioned
nearer the attachment end and having an inlet opening into the
elongate tubular body and an air flow path in fluid communication
with the secondary flow channel, wherein the air flow path allows
air to flow from the inlet opening into the secondary flow channel
and toward the attachment end during pouring of liquid from the
dispensing end of the pour spout.
2. A pour spout according to claim 1, wherein the inlet opening
faces radially outward from the elongate body.
3. A pour spout according to claim 1, wherein the inlet opening
faces axially toward the dispending end.
4. A pour spout according to claim 3, wherein the inlet opening is
spaced radially from the secondary flow channel.
5. A pour spout according to claim 3, wherein the inlet opening is
provided on an inlet tube of the air vent, the inlet tube being
spaced radially from the secondary flow channel.
6. A pour spout according to claim 5, wherein the air flow path is
a circuitous path.
7. A pour spout according to claim 1, wherein the air flow path is
a circuitous path.
8. A pour spout according to claim 1, wherein the air vent includes
a vent tube with a portion received in the secondary flow
channel.
9. A pour spout according to claim 1, wherein the air vent further
comprises: an inlet tube spaced radially from the secondary flow
channel and defining an air channel; a bypass passage adjacent the
secondary flow channel and in fluid communication with the air
channel; and an air return outlet in fluid communication with the
bypass channel and the secondary flow channel.
10. A pour spout according to claim 9, wherein the inlet opening is
on an end of the inlet tube, wherein an air return outlet provides
fluid communication between the secondary flow channel and the
bypass passage, wherein the bypass passage is in fluid
communication with an end of the inlet tube opposite the inlet
opening, and wherein the inlet opening is positionally staggered
relative to the air return outlet and is closer to the dispending
end of the pour spout than the air return outlet.
11. A pour spout according to claim 9, wherein the bypass passage
includes a pair of the bypass passages on opposite sides of a
portion of the elongate tubular body.
12. A pour spout according to claim 9, further comprising: a vent
tube having an exposed portion extending beyond and away from the
attachment end of the pour spout and a blocking portion within the
secondary flow channel.
13. A pour spout according to claim 12, wherein the blocking
portion covers open sides of the bypass passage facing the
secondary flow channel but does not cover the air return
outlet.
14. A pour spout according to claim 9, further comprising: a check
valve having a valve chamber within part of the inlet tube and a
valve body within the valve chamber, the check valve closing off
the air channel with the pour spout in an upright orientation with
the dispensing end generally elevated above the attachment end.
15. A pour spout according to claim 9, wherein the air vent and the
elongate body are integrally molded as a one piece structure.
16. A pour spout according to claim 15, further comprising a vent
tube partially inserted into the secondary flow channel and having
an exposed portion protruding beyond and away from the attachment
end.
17. A pour spout according to claim 1, wherein the elongate tubular
body has a first tube section and a second tube section arranged
side-by-side adjacent one another, the first tube section defining
the primary flow channel and the second tube section defining the
secondary flow channel.
18. A pour spout according to claim 17, further comprising a nozzle
segment at a distal end of the primary tube section, the nozzle
segment defining an outlet channel and the dispensing orifice.
19. A pour spout according to claim 18, wherein the primary flow
channel transitions gradually within a transition region from a
non-round cross-section shape into a cylindrical shape of the
outlet channel.
20. A pour spout according to claim 19, wherein the secondary flow
channel merges with the primary flow channel and the outlet channel
at least within or downstream of the transition region.
21. A pour spout according to claim 18, wherein the outlet channel
has a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area
of the primary flow channel.
22. A pour spout according to claim 17, wherein the secondary flow
channel has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape and the primary
flow channel has a non-round shape, and wherein the primary flow
channel has a cross-sectional area that is greater than a
cross-sectional area of the secondary flow channel.
23. A pour spout according to claim 1, wherein the air flow path
flows first toward the dispensing end of the pour spout and then
via the secondary flow channel toward the attachment end of the
pour spout during pouring of liquid from the dispensing end of the
pour spout.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of
U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/820,475 filed May 7, 2013
and entitled "Vented Pour Spout." The entire content of this prior
filed provisional application is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The present disclosure is generally directed to pour spouts
for liquid containers, and more particularly to a vented spout that
allows pouring liquid from such a container while allowing air back
into the container to replace the lost liquid.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Pour spouts that vent, i.e., venting spouts, and containers
with vents, i.e., vented containers are known in the art. A typical
refillable liquid container of the type that stores liquid and
dispenses the liquid from a pour spout has a vent feature or
venting capability of some type. The vent is provided to allow air
to enter the container as liquid is dispensed to replace the lost
liquid and equalize pressure in the container. This allows the
liquid to keep flowing from the container during pouring.
[0006] In some instances, the vent is provided on the container
itself. Such a vent is typically spaced from the dispensing orifice
as well as the spout connected to the orifice. The vent on these
types of containers typically has its own plug. The plug typically
must be manually opened before pouring and then manually closed
when done so that liquid doesn't evaporate from the container
during storage. The spout also typically must be removed and/or
reconfigured when not being used. Also, the dispensing orifice must
be capped separately from the vent in order to seal the container
for storage. If the container is tipped too much during pouring or
if the liquid is poured out too quickly, liquid sometimes can leak
from the vent.
[0007] On some containers or products of this type, the spout may
have a venting feature or vent capability. Some solutions have
provided a vent that extends directly through the side of the
spout. These types of vents typically leak liquid during the
initial pour, at least until air begins to flow back into the
container to fill the lost fluid space. Some solutions have
provided a vent that extends along the length of the spout. These
types of vents typically take a long time to begin allowing air to
reenter the container. This is because the air back flow through
the vent passage must first overcome a long column of liquid
exiting the vent passage or channel before reaching the container
interior. Also, these types of pour spouts typically have a
separate air channel and liquid channel along a majority of the
spout length. However, the separate channels typically share a
single mouth or air and liquid passage at the dispensing end of the
spout. This can reduce the flow rate of liquid discharged from the
spout and can create a significant "glug" effect where air back
flow periodically interrupts the liquid flow exiting the dispensing
end of the spout.
[0008] Other solutions are found on anti-spill pour spouts and
other more elaborate systems. Some employ a mechanical shut-off
system or valve, which can be costly to manufacture, are likely to
be expensive to purchase, and can fail or malfunction during use.
Other solutions use a vent that must have a pressure or vacuum
differential to open the vent, such as a "duck bill" style valve. A
delay typically occurs before the valve opens. Also, the duck bill
valve part reduces air flow rate through the valve. In containers
of relatively heavy wall thickness, the walls do not collapse,
which would otherwise aid liquid flow until the valve opens. Also,
the size of the valve can limit the flow rate of air back into the
bottle so that the valve cannot keep up with liquid exiting the
container.
SUMMARY
[0009] In one example according to the teachings of the present
disclosure, a pour spout includes an elongate tubular body having a
primary flow channel and a secondary flow channel of a smaller
cross-sectional area than the primary flow channel. A dispensing
orifice is provided at a dispensing end of the pour spout. An
attachment end is provided at an opposite end of the pour spout. An
air vent is positioned nearer the attachment end and has an inlet
opening into the elongate tubular body and an air flow path in
fluid communication with the secondary flow channel. The air flow
path allows air to flow from the inlet opening into the secondary
flow channel and toward the attachment end during pouring of liquid
from the dispensing end of the pour spout.
[0010] In one example, the inlet opening can face radially outward
from the elongate body.
[0011] In one example, the inlet opening can face axially toward
the dispending end.
[0012] In one example, the inlet opening can face the dispending
end and can be spaced radially from the secondary flow channel.
[0013] In one example, the inlet opening can be provided on an
inlet tube of the air vent. The inlet tube can be spaced radially
from the secondary flow channel and can face the dispensing end of
the pour spout.
[0014] In one example, the air flow path is a circuitous path.
[0015] In one example, the inlet opening can be provided on an
inlet tube of the air vent. The inlet tube can be spaced radially
from the secondary flow channel and can face the dispensing end of
the pour spout. The air flow path can be a circuitous path.
[0016] In one example, the air vent can include a vent tube with a
portion received in the secondary flow channel.
[0017] In one example, the air vent can further include an inlet
tube spaced radially from the secondary flow channel and defining
an air channel. A bypass passage can be adjacent the secondary flow
channel and can be in fluid communication with the air channel. An
air return outlet can be fluid communication with the bypass
channel and the secondary flow channel.
[0018] In one example, the inlet opening can be on an end of an
inlet tube. An air return outlet can provide fluid communication
between the secondary flow channel a bypass passage. The bypass
passage can be in fluid communication with an end of the inlet tube
opposite the inlet opening. The inlet opening can be positionally
staggered relative to the air return outlet and can be closer to
the dispending end of the pour spout than the air return
outlet.
[0019] In one example, the air vent can include two bypass passages
on opposite sides of a portion of the elongate tubular body. The
bypass passages can be in fluid communication the secondary flow
channel and with the inlet opening.
[0020] In one example, the air vent can include a vent tube having
an exposed portion extending beyond and away from the attachment
end of the pour spout and a blocking portion within the secondary
flow channel.
[0021] In one example, the air vent can include a vent tube having
a blocking portion within the secondary channel. The blocking
portion can cover open sides of bypass passages that face the
secondary flow channel while not covering air return outlets of the
bypass passages.
[0022] In one example, the air vent can have a check valve with a
valve chamber aligned in flow communication with the air flow path
and a valve body within the valve chamber. The check valve can
close off the air flow path in an upright orientation with the
dispensing end generally elevated above the attachment end.
[0023] In one example, at least portions of the air vent and the
elongate body can be integrally molded as a one piece
structure.
[0024] In one example, the pour spout can include a vent tube
partially inserted into the secondary flow channel and having an
exposed portion protruding beyond and away from the attachment
end.
[0025] In one example, the elongate tubular body can have a first
tube section and a second tube section arranged side-by-side
adjacent one another. The first tube section can define the primary
flow channel and the second tube section can define the secondary
flow channel.
[0026] In one example, the pour spout can include a nozzle segment
at a distal end of elongate tubular body. The nozzle segment can
define an outlet channel in flow communication with the primary
flow channel and can define the dispensing orifice.
[0027] In one example, the primary flow channel can transition
gradually within a transition region of the elongate tubular body
from a non-round cross-section shape into a cylindrical shape of an
outlet channel of a nozzle segment at the distal end of the
body.
[0028] In one example, the secondary flow channel can merge with
the primary flow channel and an outlet channel of a nozzle segment
at least within or downstream of a transition region between the
primary flow channel and the outlet channel.
[0029] In one example, an outlet channel of a nozzle segment at the
distal end of the elongate tubular body can have a cross-sectional
area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the primary flow
channel.
[0030] In one example, the secondary flow channel can have a
cylindrical cross-sectional shape and the primary flow channel can
have a non-round shape. The primary flow channel can have a
cross-sectional area that is greater than a cross-sectional area of
the secondary flow channel.
[0031] In one example, the air flow path can flow first toward the
dispensing end of the pour spout and then via the secondary flow
channel toward the attachment end of the pour spout during pouring
of liquid from the dispensing end of the pour spout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent upon reading the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of a vented
pour spout constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
present disclosure and connected to a liquid container in an
upright orientation.
[0034] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the vented pour spout and liquid
container shown in FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows the vented pour spout and liquid container of
FIG. 1 inverted to a pouring or dispensing orientation.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows a close up perspective view of the vented pour
spout shown in FIGS. 1-3.
[0037] FIG. 5 shows a top plan view of the vented pour spout of
FIG. 4.
[0038] FIG. 6 shows a proximal or attachment end view of the vented
pour spout of FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0039] FIG. 7 shows a cross-section taken along line 7-7 of the
vented pour spout of FIG. 6.
[0040] FIG. 8 shows a close up cross-section view taken from circle
8-8 of a portion of the distal or dispensing end of the vented pour
spout of FIG. 7.
[0041] FIG. 9 shows a close up cross-section view taken from line
9-9 of the air vent portion of the vented pour spout of FIG. 4 and
from circle 9-9 of the air vent portion of the vented pour spout of
FIG. 7.
[0042] FIG. 10 shows a perspective cross-section view of the
proximal or attachment end of the vented pour spout of FIG. 9,
including the air vent portion but with a tube of the air vent
portion removed for clarity.
[0043] FIG. 11 shows a cross section taken along line 11-11 of the
air vent portion of the vented pour spout of FIG. 9.
[0044] FIG. 12 shows a close up cross-section view taken from
circle 12-12 of a portion of the liquid container and vented pour
spout of FIG. 3 and immediately after fluid begins to flow from the
container through the vented pour spout.
[0045] FIG. 13 shows the portions of the liquid container and
vented pour spout of FIG. 12 but after air has begun to flow back
through the air vent portion into the liquid container
interior.
[0046] FIG. 14 shows a top view of another example of a vented pour
spout constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention.
[0047] FIG. 15 shows a side view of the vented pour spout of FIG.
14.
[0048] FIG. 16 shows a close up cross-section view of a portion of
a liquid container and an air vent portion of the vented pour spout
of FIGS. 14 and 15 after air has begun to flow back through the air
vent into the liquid container interior.
[0049] FIG. 17 shows of a perspective view of another example of an
air vent portion of a vented pour spout constructed in accordance
with the teachings of the present invention and with the vented
pour spout in the orientation depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0050] FIG. 18 shows a close up cross-section view of the air vent
portion taken along line 18-18 of the vented pour spout of FIG. 17
and with a check valve in a closed position.
[0051] FIG. 19 shows the air vent portion of FIG. 18 but with the
vented pour spout in the pouring or dispensing orientation depicted
in FIGS. 3 and 12 and with the check valve in an open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0052] The disclosed vented pour spout (hereinafter the "pour
spout") embodiments and features are designed to solve or improve
upon one or more of the above-noted and/or other problems and
disadvantages with prior known venting containers and/or vented
pour spouts. In one example, a pour spout is disclosed that has a
primary liquid flow channel and a secondary channel that join near
a common dispensing orifice at a dispensing or distal end of the
pour spout. The secondary channel has an air vent portion
(hereinafter the "air vent") near a proximal or attachment end of
the pour spout to admit air back into the interior of the container
while pouring liquid from the container. In one example, liquid
initially flows from the container to the dispensing orifice
through the secondary channel until air flows back through the air
vent and a relatively short length of the secondary channel to the
container interior. In one example, the air vent is arranged as
part of and/or on part of the secondary channel. In one example,
the air vent defines a circuitous air flow path and prevents liquid
leaking from the air vent while initially pouring liquid from the
container and until air flows back through the air vent into the
container interior. In one example, the air vent is positioned so
that air flows upstream through a portion of the vent, then
downstream through another portion of the vent, and then back
upstream through a portion of the secondary channel and into the
container interior. These and other objects, features, and
advantages of the disclosed pour spouts will become apparent to
those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading this
disclosure.
[0053] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a
representation of a conventional or generic liquid container 20.
The container generally has a bottom 22, a side wall 24 extending
up from a perimeter of the bottom 22, and a top wall 26 joined to
the upper end of the side wall. The container 20 also has a handle
28 on the top wall 26 for carrying the container and to help with
holding the container while emptying the container. The container
20 ha an interior space 30 (see FIG. 3) defined above the bottom
22, within the side wall 24, and below the top wall 26. The
interior space 30 typically holds a volume of liquid. The space 30
can be filled and emptied through an opening 32 in the top wall 26
of the container 20. The opening 32 can be surrounded by a threaded
collar as is known in the art for receiving a pour spout, closure
cap, or the like.
[0054] FIGS. 1-3 show one example of a pour spout 40 that is
constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure.
The pour spout 40 is attached to the opening 30 of the container
20. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 20 and pour spout 40 are in an
upright orientation, such as when the container is being
transported, stored, and/or not being emptied. In this orientation,
the bottom wall 22 of the container 20 rests on a surface and the
pour spout 40 extends upward from the opening 32 above the top wall
28. In FIG. 3, the container 20 and pour spout 40 are shown as
being tipped to a pouring or dispensing orientation. In this
orientation, the container can be at least somewhat tipped, as
shown, or can even nearly completely inverted so that liquid L will
be dispensed from the pour spout 40. In order to completely empty
the interior space 30, the bottom wall 22 is typically elevated at
least part way above the top wall 26 with the opening 32 near the
lowest elevation of the container. This allows gravity to draw
liquid down toward the opening 32.
[0055] As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the
art, the shape, configuration, and construction of the container 20
can be varied from the example shown and described herein. The
container 20 is not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure or the appended claims. Details of the container 20 can
be altered significantly without affecting the disclosed pour
spout. The container 20 can be plastic, metal, or another material.
The container shape can be rectangular as shown or can be round or
another suitable shape. The size and storage volume of the interior
space 30 can be virtually any desired or suitable size as well.
[0056] FIGS. 4 and 5 show close up, more detailed views of the pour
spout 40. The pour spout 40 in this example generally has a tubular
body 42 that defines two ends of the pour spout. One end of the
pour spout 40 is an attachment end or proximal end 44 that is
configured to connect or attach to the container opening 32. In
this example, the attachment end 44 has a female connector 46 with
a radial extending flange 48 and an annular skirt 50 extending
axially from the perimeter of the flange. One or more internal or
female screw threads (not shown) can be formed on the interior
surface of the skirt 50. The female threads can mate with and
engage male threads (also not shown) on a collar 52 (see FIG. 3) of
the opening 32. The female connector 46 of the pour spout 40 can
thus be screwed onto the male collar 52 and attached to the
container 20 at the opening 32. The attachment end construction can
vary and can be configured to accommodate a variety of dispensing
opening configurations found on liquid containers.
[0057] The other end of the pour spout 40 is a dispensing end or
distal end 60 that is opposite the attachment end 44 on the tubular
body 42. The dispensing end 60 of the pour spout 40 forms a
dispensing orifice 62 that opens into the interior of the tubular
body 42. The tubular body 42 in this example is constructed to form
two separate fluid flow paths along a majority of the length of the
pour spout 40. In the disclosed example, the tubular body 42 has
two distinct tube elements or tube sections 64 and 66. A first one
of the tube sections 64 has an outer wall 68 that defines a primary
flow channel 70 through the tube section along its length. A second
one of the tube sections 66 has an outer wall 72 that defines a
secondary flow channel 74 along its length.
[0058] In this example, the tubular body 42 has a joint 76 that
connects or joins the first and second tube sections 64, 66 to one
another over a length of the tube sections. In the disclosed
example, the joint 76 is a thin film of material that is formed
integrally with both tube sections 64, 66 to connect the two
sections together. In one alternate example, the joint 76 can take
on other forms, such as a plurality of smaller spaced apart webs
connected to both tube sections. In another alternate example, the
first and second tube sections 64, 66 may be connected to one
another only at or near the two opposed ends of the tubular body.
In this example, the first and second tube sections 64, 66 are
arranged side by side adjacent one another. In another alternate
example, the second tube section 66 may be positioned internal to
and extend along the primary flow channel within the first tube
section 64.
[0059] The outer wall 68 of the first tube section 64 is at least
partially corrugated or fluted, as is the outer wall 72 of the of
the second tube section 66. The flutes or corrugations are
circumferential so as to add flexibility to each of the tube
sections 64, 66, and thus to the tubular body 42. In this example,
a central portion 78, 80 of the respective outer walls 68, 72 are
not fluted or corrugated. The optional combination of fluted
portions and non-fluted portions can add a desired or predetermined
amount of stiffness or rigidity and/or flexibility to the tubular
body 42, as needed or desired for a particular application. In this
example, providing the tubular body 42 with a degree of intended
flexibility can allow the pour spout 40 to bend during use. This
allows the pour spout 40 to be more easily directed into a
receiving vessel with less precision and without having to tip the
container as much as if the spout were straight and stiff.
[0060] Further, the cross-sectional shape of the first and second
tube sections 64, 66, and thus the primary and secondary flow
channels 70, 74 can vary. In this example, the secondary flow
channel 74 is essentially round or circular and the primary flow
channel 70 is somewhat half-moon shaped, as can be seen in FIG. 6.
The cross-sectional area of the primary flow channel is greater
than that of the secondary flow channel, as the primary flow
channel is the liquid dispensing channel, as will be described
below. However, the relative size difference between the primary
and secondary flow channels 70, 74 can also vary from the example
shown and described herein. The outer wall construction of the
tubular body 42, including the first and second tube sections 64,
66 can thus vary within the spirit and scope of the present
disclosure. The disclosure and the appended claims are not limited
to the specific examples shown and described herein.
[0061] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the proximal ends of the
primary and secondary flow channels 70, 74 of the respective first
and second tube sections 64, 66 each terminate and open into the
radial flange 48 of the female connector. Thus, each is open to and
in fluid communication with the interior space 30 of the container
20 when the pour spout 40 is attached to the collar 52 of the
opening 32. The primary and secondary flow channels 70, 74 are each
offset from one another and from the center of the radial flange in
this example because the two tube sections 64, 66 are side-by-side
adjacent one another and not concentric with one another. However,
at least the primary flow channel 70 may be aligned with the center
of the radial flange, if desired.
[0062] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the distal ends of the
primary and secondary flow channels 70, 74 each terminate short of
the dispensing orifice 62 at the dispending end 60 of the pour
spout. Instead, the tubular body 42 has an nozzle segment 82 that
defines an outlet channel 84 on the dispensing end 60 of the pour
spout 40. The terminus of the nozzle segment 82 also forms the
dispensing orifice 62 at the end of the outlet channel 84. The
nozzle segment 82 has a generally round or circular cross-section
in this example. The first tube section 64 transitions smoothly
along a transition region R into the nozzle segment 82. Thus, the
outer wall 68 and primary flow channel 70 gradually transition from
the somewhat half-moon or non-round shape to the circular or round
shape of the nozzle segment 82 and outlet channel 84. The second
tube section bends near the distal end and is directed toward the
first tube section 64 and the nozzle segment 82.
[0063] In this example, the cross-sectional area of the outlet
channel 84 can be at least slightly less than that of the primary
flow channel 70 and the surface on the interior of the outlet
channel 84 is smooth and cylindrical. The surface condition and
shape can create a smooth dispensed liquid flow from the pour spout
40 during use. The step down in diameter or flow area from the
primary flow channel 70 to the outlet channel 84 allows for a
slight fluid pressure build up that creates a strong liquid flow at
the dispensing orifice 62 of the pour spout 40 during use. As shown
in FIG. 8, the secondary flow channel 74 opens into the combined
primary flow channel 70 and outlet channel 84 at a point slightly
downstream of the end of the primary flow channel, i.e. at least
within or downstream of the transition region R. This, combined
with the fluid pressure build up can aid in performance of the pour
spout 40 during use, as is discussed in greater detail below.
[0064] The pour spout 40 in this example has an air vent 90, as
shown in FIGS. 7 and 9-11. The air vent 90 in this example is
formed, at least in part, as an integral portion or component of
the second tube section 66. The air vent 90 generally has an inlet
tube 92 with an inlet opening 94 facing toward the distal end or
dispensing end 60 of the pour spout 40 and defining an air passage
95 along its length. The air inlet tube 92 is parallel with but
spaced from the second tube section 66 and carried thereon. In this
example, the air inlet tube 92 is arranged relative to the second
tube section 66 in a manner similar to a sighting scope on a long
barreled weapon. The other end 96 of the inlet tube 92 is blocked
or closed axially but opens radially inward into the secondary flow
channel 74. A pair of bypass passages 98 is formed protruding
outward from and along opposite sides of the outer wall 72 of the
second tube section, as best illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The
bypass passages are inwardly or radially open to the secondary flow
channel 74, are in flow communication with the air channel 95 of
the inlet tube 92, and extend back toward the dispensing end 60 of
the pour spout 40. Though two bypass passages are disclosed in this
example, the air vent 90 could function with only one of the
passages.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 11, a vent tube 100 is seated
concentrically in the proximal end of the secondary flow channel
74. An exposed portion 102 of the vent tube 100 extends beyond the
radial flange 48 away from the female connector 46. A blocking
portion 104 of the vent tube 100 extends into the secondary flow
channel 74 a distance sufficient to cover a majority of the open
sides of the bypass passages 98, leaving only an end portion of the
passages uncovered. These end portions define air return outlets
106 of the air valve 90 and open into the secondary flow channel
74. The air vent 90 thus defines a circuitous air return or air
flow path formed, in combination, by the air inlet opening 94, the
air channel 95 in the inlet tube 92, the bypass passages 98, the
air return outlets 106, and the vent tube 100, as is further
discussed below. The vent tube 100 can be fixed in place by a
suitable adhesive, sonic welding, heat welding, or the like.
Alternatively, the outside diameter of the vent tube 100 can be
slightly oversized and can be forced into the proximal end of the
secondary flow channel 74 after molding and while the material is
still hot. The vent tube 90 can be fixed in place by a material
bond, by an interference fit, or both as the material of the second
tube section cools and shrinks.
[0066] FIGS. 12 and 13 depict how the pour spout, and particularly
the air vent 90, functions during use. As the container 20 and pour
spout 40 are first tipped from the upright orientation of FIGS. 1
and 2 to a dispensing or pouring orientation, such as that in FIG.
3, liquid L will flow from the interior space 30 through the
opening 32 and into the pour spout 40. Specifically, with reference
to FIG. 12, liquid L will first flow into both the primary flow
channel 70 and the secondary flow channel 74 of the first and
second tube sections 64, 66, respectively. The circuitous flow path
of the air vent 90 will prevent liquid from flowing up the bypass
passages and out the air inlet tube 92 and thus prevent leaking of
fluid via the air vent.
[0067] After only a very short period of time, such as 5 second or
less, or even a fraction of a second, lost fluid from the container
20 will leave a void within the interior space 30. As is known, air
needs to enter the interior space to fill the lost liquid void, or
liquid will eventually stop flowing. The air vent 90 in this
example provides the path of least resistance for air return. It
would require a significant pressure differential, and thus a
greater elapsed time, to overcome the head pressure created by the
long column of liquid in the smaller sized second tube section 66
before air would enter the dispensing orifice 62 and return up the
pour spout 40 to fill the lost liquid void. Air can instead enter
the air vent 90, which is much closer to the attachment end 44 and
thus the interior space 30 of the container 20. Air entering the
air vent 90 need only overcome a much lower head pressure of a
fraction of the length of second tube section 66, which is the
liquid column between the air return outlets 106 and distal end of
the exposed portion 102 of the vent tube 100.
[0068] Specifically, with reference to FIG. 13, as soon as the
pressure differential reaches the head pressure of this fractional
portion of the second tube section 66, air will flow into the
interior space via the air vent 90. Air first enters the inlet
opening 94 and flows upward (in the dispensing orientation of FIG.
13) toward the attachment end 44 along the air channel 95 of the
inlet tube 92. Air then flows back toward the dispensing end 60
along the bypass passages 98, but cannot yet enter the secondary
flow channel 74 because of the obstruction created by the blocking
portion 104 of the vent tube 100. Air enters the secondary flow
channel 74 downstream of the vent tube 100 via the air return
outlets 106 and then flows back up the vent tube 100 into the
interior space 30, as depicted by the bubbles 108 in FIG. 13. Once
the air vent 90 provides return air in this manner to the interior
space 30 of the container, liquid will only flow through the
primary flow channel 70 to the dispensing orifice 62 of the pour
spout. The air vent 90 functions to prevent air return through the
dispensing orifice 62, which will prevent the "glug" or air gulping
effect. This in turn results in smooth and continuous liquid flow
from the pour spout 40. The circuitous air flow path created by the
air vent 90 in this example can prevent liquid from leaking from
the vent inlet opening 94 during the initial liquid flow of FIG. 12
and until the air vent begins to provide a flow of return air as in
FIG. 13. The air must flow first toward the container and then away
from the container before flowing back toward the container through
the vent tube 100 and secondary flow channel 74.
[0069] As noted above, where the primary and secondary flow
channels 70, 74 merge over the length of the pour spout 40 can
provide a specific benefit. During the initial few seconds or less
of a pour, dispensed liquid will flow through both flow channels
70, 74, as noted above. When sufficient vacuum is created in the
container 20, liquid stops flowing through the secondary flow
channel 74 and air comes in through the inlet tube 92. This air
returns to the interior space 30 in the container 20. Testing has
shown that at this point, liquid can back flow up the secondary
channel 74 and leak from the air vent 90. Liquid will be flowing
faster, and thus with lower pressure through the nozzle segment 82
and slower and at a higher pressure through the primary channel 70.
Testing has also shown that at least a portion of the secondary
flow channel 74 should merge into the smaller sized nozzle segment
82. According to Bernoulli's equation and effect, this lowers the
pressure at the merge point, which lowers the likelihood of liquid
backup along the secondary channel 74. Testing showed that the
leakage through the air vent 90 occurred when the secondary channel
74 merged only into the primary channel 70, resulting from a higher
pressure at the merge point. When the secondary channel 74 flows
into the smaller diameter nozzle segment 82, a pressure drop occurs
at the merge point, allowing fluid to flow freely and eliminating
any backup in the secondary channel.
[0070] The function and performance of the air vent 90, including
how quickly the air vent begins to provide return air flow after
initial pouring, can be designed and tuned to a particular
application and pour spout size and design. For example, the length
and/or diameter or cross-sectional area of the inlet tube 92,
bypass passages 98, and vent tube 100, the depth of insertion of
the vent tube, as well as the size of the openings between the
bypass passages 98 and inlet tube and the size of the air return
outlets 106 can be varied to achieve desired air vent performance
characteristics.
[0071] FIGS. 14-16 depict another example of a pour spout 120
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
disclosure. In this example, the pour spout 120 has an elongate
tubular body 122 of a similar construction to that of the body 42
described above. The body has a first tube section 124 defining a
primary flow channel 126 therein and has a second tube section 128
defining a secondary flow channel 130 therein. In this example, the
entire lengths of the first and second tube sections 124, 128
between an attachment end 132 and a dispending end 134 is fluted or
corrugated. This just illustrates that the structure of the tubular
body 122 can change from the earlier described example within the
scope of the disclosure. The dispensing end 134 can be similar in
construction to the dispending end 60 discussed above. The
attachment end 132 can also be similar in construction to the
attachment end 44 and female connector 46 discussed above.
[0072] However, an alternate example of an air vent 136 is provided
that has a simpler construction in comparison to the air vent 90
discussed above. In this example, the air vent 136 includes a vent
tube 138 with an exposed portion 140 protruding beyond and
extending away from the attachment end 132. The vent tube 138 also
has a blocking portion 142 received within the secondary flow
channel 130. The blocking portion extends completely through a
cylindrical part of the secondary flow channel 130 and a short
distance along a fluted or corrugated part of the second tube
section 128. For example, as depicted in FIG. 16, the vent tube 138
can extend to a depth of several flutes or corrugations, such as
four such flutes 144 in this example. The outside surface of the
blocking portion 142 is tightly seated, bonded, adhered, or
otherwise sealed against the inner surface of the cylindrical
portion of the secondary flow channel 130. This will prevent air
from passing along the outside of the vent tube 138 during use.
There is a space or gap between the outside surface of the vent
tube 138 and the inside surfaces of the fluted portion of the
secondary flow channel 130 as depicted in FIG. 16.
[0073] The air vent 136 further has an inlet opening 146 formed
through the wall of the second tube section 128. In this example,
the inlet opening 146 is formed upstream of the end of the vent
tube 136, such as through the wall between the second and third
flutes 144 on the second tube section 128. During use, the air vent
136 will function in a similar manner to that described above for
the air vent 90 upon achieving a threshold pressure differential
within the lost liquid void in the container 20. In this example,
air will begin to flow as shown in FIG. 16 by entering the inlet
opening 146 and into the secondary flow channel 130. However, the
air must first flow downstream between the vent tube 138 and the
inside surface of the secondary flow channel 130. The air will then
flow around the end of the vent tube 138 and then upstream within
the vent tube to the interior space 30 of the container 20, as
depicted by the bubbles 108.
[0074] The performance of the vent 136 can be tuned by again
altering the length and depth of insertion of the vent tube 136,
the diameter or cross-section of the vent tube, the distance
between the end of the vent tube and the inlet opening, and the
size of the inlet opening. Liquid leakage during the initial pour
stage as represented in FIG. 12 can be prevented or minimized
accordingly and depending on the particular pour spout 120 size and
intended application.
[0075] In order to prevent spilling or evaporation from the
container when stored or not in use, a user can plug or stop both
the dispensing orifice 62 on the disclosed pour spouts and the air
inlets 94 and 146 of the air vents 90 and 136. A tether cap 150
(see FIGS. 1 and 2) is often provided on the dispensing end 60 or
134 of a pour spout and such a cap can be provided in the disclosed
examples to plug or cap off the dispensing orifice. In one example,
a similar type of plug or cap (not shown) may be provided, if
desired, to plug or stop the inlet openings of the air vents.
[0076] In another example, the disclosed air vents 90, 136 could be
provided with a check valve that automatically seats against a
portion of the air flow path to close off the path when the pour
spouts 40, 120 are oriented in the upright orientation as depicted
in FIGS. 1 and 2. The air vent 136 would have to be modified in
some manner to add such a check valve feature. FIGS. 17-19
illustrate a check valve arrangement for an air vent similar to the
air vent 90 of FIGS. 1-3.
[0077] With reference to FIG. 17, a portion of a pour spout 160 is
depicted and has an alternate example of an air vent 162 embodied
thereon. The air vent 162 has an inlet tube 164 with an inlet
opening 166 and an air channel 168 defined within the tube. The air
vent 162 also has a bypass passages 170 formed integrally along
opposite sides of a second tube section 172 of the pour spout 160.
One end of each bypass passage 170 is in fluid communication with
the air channel 168. The bypass passages 170 terminate at their
other ends at air return outlets 174. In this example, the air
return outlets 174 wrap part way around the second tube section
172, with one wrapping above and one wrapping below the section, as
shown in FIG. 18. This is to show another of many design
modifications that can be made to the disclosed air vents, such as
the air vent 90.
[0078] The air vent 162 also includes a vent tube 176 with an
exposed portion 178 protruding beyond and away from an attachment
end 180 of the pour spout 160. The vent tube 176 also has a
blocking portion 182 seated within the secondary flow channel 184
of the second tube section 172. The blocking portion 180 again
extends along and covers the open sides of a majority of the length
of the bypass passages 170, leaving the air return outlets 174
uncovered. As depicted in FIG. 19, the function of and the flow
path through the air vent 138 is essentially the same as that
described above with respect to the air vent 90 and as depicted in
FIGS. 12 and 13, though the path along the bypass passages is not
illustrated in FIG. 19.
[0079] The air vent 138 in this example has a check valve 190. The
inlet tube 164 has a valve chamber 192 formed by an increased
diameter portion within the air channel 168. The check valve 190
also has a valve body or ball valve 194 housed within the valve
chamber 192. An air inlet end 196 of the valve chamber 192 can be
configured so as to prevent the valve body 194 from closing or
sealing off this end of the chamber. Grooves or channels can be
formed, though not shown herein, to allow continued air flow around
the valve body 194 at the inlet end 196 this direction, even if the
body is seated against this end of the chamber. A valve seat 198 is
provided at the opposite downstream end of the valve chamber 192 in
this example. The valve body 194 can seat against the valve seat
198 to seal off or close this end of the valve chamber 192.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 18, with the pour spout 160 in the upright
orientation of FIGS. 1 and 2 during periods of non-use, the valve
body is seated by gravity against the valve seat 198. This closes
off the air flow path within the air vent 138. Thus, liquid will
not evaporate from the container through the air vent in this
example when the pour spout 160 and container are in the upright
orientation. As shown in FIG. 19, with the pour spot 160 in the
pouring or dispensing orientation of FIG. 3, the valve body 194 can
float about the valve chamber 192, opening the valve seat 198 at
the outlet end of the valve chamber and allowing air to flow
through the air channel 168 of the inlet tube 164.
[0081] Another feature of both the pour spout 40 and the pour spout
160 is illustrated with reference to FIG. 18 (and reference to the
components of FIGS. 9 and 10). The air vents 90 and 162 are each
constructed in a similar manner and specifically address leakage
from the air vent when the pour spout 40 or 160 is returned from
the dispensing orientation of FIGS. 3, 12, and 13 and FIG. 19,
respectively, to the upright orientation of FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIG.
18. Regarding the vent 162 and FIG. 18, the inlet opening 166 on
the inlet tube 164 is staggered relative to the air return outlets
174 of the bypass passages 170. In the upright orientation of FIG.
18, the inlet opening 166 is positioned above the elevation of the
air return outlets 174. The same is true for the air vent 90 and
its inlet opening 94 and air return outlets 106. After pouring and
returning the pour spout 90 or 162 to the upright orientation, some
piqued will flow back through the primary flow channel and the
secondary flow channel to the container interior 30. Liquid flowing
through the secondary flow channel 74 or 172 could back fill the
bypass passages 98 or 170 via the air return outlets. If the inlet
openings were at or below the elevation of the air return outlets,
leakage of liquid could potentially occur. However, with the inlet
tubes being longer (in the direction of the dispending end) and of
larger diameter than the bypass passages, no liquid will leak from
the air vents when the pour spout is returned to the upright
orientation.
[0082] The foregoing pour spout examples are described with some
specificity and detail. However, the invention and the scope of the
appended claims are not intended to be limited only to the
disclosed and described examples. Changes and modifications can be
made to the disclosed pour spouts without departing from the spirit
and scope of the disclosure. Also, specific combinations of
aspects, features, parts, and components are provided for each of
the pour spout examples disclosed and described herein. However,
the disclosure and the scope of the appended claims are not
intended to be limited to only these specific combinations. Other
combinations of these aspects, features, components, and parts can
and are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present
disclosure. Each aspect, feature, part, and component disclosed and
described herein can be utilized alone or can be combined with one
or more of the other features, aspects, parts, and components.
[0083] The disclosed pour spouts can be fabricated using higher
tech materials and molding processes and techniques. However, the
disclosed pour spouts also are suitable for lower tech materials
and molding processes and techniques. The disclosed vented pout
spouts can be formed of a polymer material and can be blow molded
or injection molded. The vented pour spouts can alternatively be
made from other suitable flexible materials or can be formed of a
rigid polymer material, a composite material, a metal material, or
combinations thereof. The disclosed pour spouts can be fabricated
for continued use and durability or can be fabricated for limited
or one-time use as a disposable item. The materials used can be
recycled plastic material and/or the pour spouts can be recyclable
as well. The disclosed pour spouts can be fabricated in two parts,
such as the tubular body as a unitary molded or integral piece and
the vent tube as a secondary added piece. These two pieces can be
fabricated from two different materials or from the same material.
Alternatively, the pour spouts can be fabricated from multiple
separate components that are joined or assembled after
fabrication.
[0084] In each example, creating a circuitous air flow path from
the air inlet opening to the vent tube helps to avoid liquid
leaking from the air vent during initial pouring from the
container. Both gravity and the near immediate pressure
differential created by fluid flowing past the vent hole prevents
liquid from leaking from the air vent.
[0085] In each disclosed example, during the initial pour, liquid
will flow from the container through both the primary and secondary
flow channels, as well as through the vent tubes, toward the
dispensing end of the spout. As liquid leaves the container, a
vacuum is created within the emptied portion of the container
interior. As the pressure differential reaches a threshold
pressure, air will enter the air vent in the spout and travel back
through the liquid. Because the vent tube is relatively short, the
column of liquid within the vent tube is relatively small. Thus,
the air entering the vent hole will travel back through the vent
tube into the container to replace the lost liquid and equalize the
pressure. Also because the vent tube is relatively short, this will
occur almost immediately because there is very little liquid (short
column of liquid) in the vent tube to overcome. Further, there is
no cracking pressure of a valve that needs to be overcome. The vent
tube is open at either end.
[0086] The vent tubes can be a separate component installed or
added to the pour spouts. The vent tubes can also be an integrally
molded or an otherwise integrally formed component of the pour
spout structures. Both gravity and the near immediate pressure
differential created by fluid flowing past the air vents helps to
prevents liquid from leaking from the air inlets of the vents
disclosed herein. Once the air vents begin to take in air, no
liquid will flow through the secondary flow channels. When a
container is near empty, the container pressure begins to equalize
with atmosphere. At that point, some liquid may again flow or
trickle through the secondary flow channel. A nominal amount of the
liquid could leak through the air vent, such as on the air vent 138
in FIGS. 14-16, if the pour spout is inverted. However, the
disclosed pour spouts can be oriented on the container in any
rotational orientation and will perform as intended. If the
container is only part way emptied and the container is returned
upright, some liquid may flow from the dispensing end and back
through the secondary flow channel to the container Again, if the
pour spout is inverted, a nominal amount of liquid could leak from
the air vent, such as the air vent 138 of FIGS. 14-16
[0087] One advantage of the disclosed vented pour spouts is that
the dispensing spout is combined with the air vent. This eliminates
the need for a separate venting orifice on the container. On a
typical container, as noted above, the user must remove both the
separate dispenser opening cap and the vent plug before use and
then replace both cap and plug after use. Leakage of fluid through
the vent is also eliminated in the vented pour spouts disclosed
herein.
[0088] The disclosed vented pour spouts provide a reliable,
inexpensive, leak-free venting solution for liquid containers, such
as fuel cans, gas cans, and the like. The disclosed vented pour
spouts provide a flexible, inexpensive pour spout that also creates
an air vent on containers of this type. The disclosed vented pour
spouts establish a fluid outlet for dispensing liquid from the
container while also establishing an airway from the dispending end
of the pour spout back into the container interior. The disclosed
pour spouts allow for uninterrupted flow of fluid from the
container. The disclosed pour spouts can have a vent opening
through a wall of the pour spout well upstream of the dispensing
end of the spout so only liquid exits the dispensing end. This can
result in a pour spout having a limited or fixed diameter
dispensing nozzle with a higher flow rate, which allows the
container to dispense liquid quicker. The disclosed spouts prevent
the glugging effect created in conventional containers caused by
air returning or entering the container through the fluid
dispensing channel, which interrupts the flow of liquid.
[0089] The examples of FIGS. 1-3 and 17-19 can address and
eliminates any nominal liquid leakage issue noted above where the
pour spout may be inverted, i.e., the air vent is pointing downward
during use. With the pour spout in a generally vertical or upright
orientation with the dispending end directed upward, the liquid
will run down the secondary flow channel and into the container,
bypassing the air vent.
[0090] In one aspect of the disclosure, a vented pour spout can
incorporate an air inlet through a wall of the pour spout well
upstream of the dispensing end of the spout while only liquid exits
the dispensing end of the spout. In one aspect of the disclosure, a
vented pour spout can incorporate an air inlet through a wall of
the spout in combination with a vent tube. In one aspect of the
disclosure, a vented pour spout can incorporate an air inlet
through a wall of the spout in combination with a short vent tube
positioned within a flow channel of the spout. In one aspect of the
disclosure, a vented pour spout can incorporate an air inlet
through a wall of the spout in combination with a short vent tube
that has one end positioned downstream of the air inlet and an
opposite end positioned upstream of the air inlet. In one aspect of
the disclosure, a vented pour spout can incorporate an air inlet
through a wall of the spout in combination with a circuitous air
flow path to a short vent tube in a channel of the spout.
[0091] Although certain vented pour spouts for liquid containers,
and aspects, features, parts, and components for such spouts, have
been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the
present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not
limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all
embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall
within the scope of permissible equivalents.
* * * * *