U.S. patent application number 14/120758 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-11 for continuous, complete, automatic, non-leaking, non-aerating, positive pressure one-piece vent and pouring combination utilizing one direct venting aperture.
The applicant listed for this patent is Craig E. Brown, Robert J. Brown. Invention is credited to Craig E. Brown, Robert J. Brown.
Application Number | 20160039583 14/120758 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44655183 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160039583 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Craig E. ; et
al. |
February 11, 2016 |
Continuous, Complete, Automatic, Non-Leaking, Non-Aerating,
Positive Pressure One-Piece Vent And Pouring Combination Utilizing
One Direct Venting Aperture
Abstract
A vent prevents a vacuum within an inverted container of liquid
and eliminates components found in other container vents. The vent
utilizes a conical or other shaped venting tube extending from the
closure or a reservoir with reservoir extension and an air conduit
extending inferiorly from a closure. The closure is either a leak
resistant or leak proof seal. The superior aspect of the reservoir
contains an inferiorly projecting air conduit, opening at the
volumetric center of the reservoir. The reservoir extension
projects distally into the container to reach the inferior aspect
of the container. The vent provides an airway between the outside
and the interior of the container so air freely passes to the
distal aspect of the container without contaminating the liquid.
Any liquid within the reservoir extension then collects in the
reservoir during inversion of the container and then returns to the
container when upright.
Inventors: |
Brown; Craig E.;
(Chesterfield, MO) ; Brown; Robert J.;
(Chesterfield, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Brown; Craig E.
Brown; Robert J. |
Chesterfield
Chesterfield |
MO
MO |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44655183 |
Appl. No.: |
14/120758 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13065411 |
Mar 22, 2011 |
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14120758 |
|
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61340993 |
Mar 25, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/481 ;
222/478 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/32 20130101;
B65D 47/06 20130101; B65D 47/2018 20130101; A61J 11/04 20130101;
A47G 19/2266 20130101; A61J 11/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 47/32 20060101
B65D047/32; B65D 47/20 20060101 B65D047/20; B65D 47/06 20060101
B65D047/06 |
Claims
1. A container venting its interior to the atmosphere and resisting
formation of a vacuum when the container is inverted to dispense a
liquid therefrom, the container comprising: the container having a
neck for the admission of liquid into the container for usage, the
container having a closure upon its neck, the closure being one of
an external threaded closure and an inserted plug closure, the
closure having an upper exterior surface having a vent aperture and
a spout aperture; an internal venting tube in communication with
the vent aperture for preventing formation of a vacuum within the
inverted container having applied liquid and preventing leakage of
liquid when the container is used for dispensing its liquid; an
internal accepting flange having a curved recess, the internal
accepting flange being concentric with the internal venting tube; a
venting reservoir for positioning within the container, the venting
reservoir having a superior aspect that locates proximate the
closure, and an opposite inferior aspect, for locating proximate
the bottom of the container, the venting reservoir having a
proximal first end and an opposite second end projecting
sufficiently downwardly into the container so that upon inversion
of the container the second end extends above the liquid therein,
the venting reservoir having a detent adapted for insertion into
the curved recess of the internal accepting flange; a drinking
spout provided upon and extending through the closure and in
communication with the spout aperture, the drinking spout provided
liquid to flow out of the container when it is inverted, and the
drinking spout having a liquid aperture outwardly of the spout
aperture, and extending substantially above the closure of the
container, and the liquid aperture being in communication with the
liquid within the container such that when inverted the liquid may
be dispensed; and the spout provided upon the closure and arranged
lateral of the closure in its connection, and the venting aperture
arranged diametrically and spaced from the spout aperture and the
spout as locating through the closure for the container, such that
when the container is inverted, and liquid is dispensed from the
container, the venting reservoir and its second end extending
towards the bottom of the container will more quickly extend above
the level of the liquid in the inverted container to accelerate the
venting of air into the container during the consumption of its
contained liquid.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein the vent reservoir is
detachable from the internal accepting flange.
3. The container of claim 1 wherein the internal vent tube and the
vent reservoir segregates air from any liquid in the container so
as to minimize aeration within the container.
4. The container of claim 1 further comprising an external vent
tube in communication with the vent aperture and extending out of
the closure.
5. The container of claim 1 further comprising a check valve formed
within the drinking spout to prevent the discharge of liquid from
the container until a slight vacuum is generated upon the spout to
draw liquid from within the container.
6. The container of claim 5 wherein the check valve is formed of
silicone.
7. The container of claim 1 wherein the spout has a cylindrical
extension connecting at one end to the spout, the opposite end of
the cylindrical extension is formed as a spoon shaped device,
whereby liquid may be dispensed from the container for flowing
through the spout and its cylindrical extension and onto the spoon
to provide for the feeding of a regulated amount of liquid.
8. The container of claim 1 wherein the second end of the vent
reservoir has inherent buoyancy so as to rise to the surface of any
liquid located within the inverted container to provide for the
admission of air for venting of the container during discharge of
any contained liquid.
9. The container of claim 1 wherein the container is a sports
bottle.
10. The container of claim 1 wherein the container is a wine
bottle.
11. A container venting its interior to the atmosphere and
resisting formation of a vacuum when the container is inverted to
dispense a liquid therefrom, the container comprising: the
container having an interior and a neck for the admission of liquid
into the interior of the container for usage, the container having
a closure upon its neck, the closure being an external threaded
closure, the closure having an upper exterior surface having a vent
aperture and a spout aperture and a lower interior surface; an
internal venting tube integral with the lower interior surface and
in communication with the vent aperture for preventing formation of
a vacuum within the inverted container having applied liquid and
preventing leakage of liquid when the container is used for
dispensing its liquid; an internal accepting flange integral with
the lower interior surface and having a curved recess, the internal
accepting flange being concentric with the internal venting tube; a
venting reservoir for connection to the internal accepting flange
and positioned within the container, the venting reservoir having a
superior aspect that locates proximate the closure, and an opposite
inferior aspect, for locating proximate the bottom of the
container, the venting reservoir having a proximal first end and an
opposite second end projecting sufficiently downwardly into the
container so that upon inversion of the container the second end
extends above the liquid therein, the venting reservoir having a
detent adapted for insertion into the curved recess of the internal
accepting flange; a drinking spout provided upon and extending
through the closure and in communication with the spout aperture,
the drinking spout provided liquid to flow out of the container
when it is inverted, and the drinking spout having a liquid
aperture outwardly of the spout aperture, and extending
substantially above the closure of the container, and the liquid
aperture being in communication with the liquid within the
container such that when inverted the liquid may be dispensed; and
the spout provided upon the closure and arranged lateral of the
closure in its connection, and the venting aperture arranged
diametrically and spaced from the spout aperture and the spout as
locating through the closure for the container, such that when the
container is inverted, and liquid is dispensed from the container,
the venting reservoir and its second end extending towards the
bottom of the container will more quickly extend above the level of
the liquid in the inverted container to accelerate the venting of
air into the container during the consumption of its contained
liquid.
12. The container of claim 11 wherein the vent reservoir is beveled
inwardly.
13. The container of claim 11 wherein the vent reservoir is
detachable from the internal accepting flange.
14. The container of claim 11 wherein the internal vent tube and
the vent reservoir segregates air from any liquid in the container
so as to minimize aeration within the container.
15. The container of claim 11 further comprising an external vent
tube in communication with the vent aperture and extending out of
the closure.
16. The container of claim 11 further comprising a check valve
formed within the drinking spout to prevent the discharge of liquid
from the container until a slight vacuum is generated upon the
spout to draw liquid from within the container.
17. The container of claim 16 wherein the check valve is formed of
silicone.
18. The container of claim 11 wherein the spout has a cylindrical
extension connecting at one end to the spout, the opposite end of
the cylindrical extension is formed as a spoon shaped device,
whereby liquid may be dispensed from the container for flowing
through the spout and its cylindrical extension and onto the spoon
to provide for the feeding of a regulated amount of liquid.
19. The container of claim 11 wherein the second end of the vent
reservoir has inherent buoyancy so as to rise to the surface of any
liquid located within the inverted container to provide for the
admission of air for venting of the container during discharge of
any contained liquid.
20. The container of claim 11 wherein the container is a sports
bottle.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This continuation patent application claims priority to the
non-provisional patent application having Ser. No. 13/065,411,
filed on Mar. 22, 2011, which claims priority to the provisional
patent application having Ser. No. 61/340,993, filed Mar. 25, 2010,
which claims priority to the to the pending non-provisional
application Ser. No. 12/321,455 which was filed on Jan. 21, 2009
and which claims priority to the provisional application 61/062,754
which was filed on Jan. 29, 2008, which claims priority to the
pending non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/321,439 which was
filed on Jan. 21, 2009 and which claims priority to the provisional
application 61/062,817 which was filed on Jan. 29, 2008, to the
pending PCT application Serial No. US2009/000133 which was filed on
Jan. 9, 2009 designating the U.S., which claims priority to the
pending non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/291,749 which was
filed on Nov. 18, 2008, which claims priority to the provisional
application 61/003,635 which was filed on Nov. 19, 2007, to the
pending non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/072,465 which was
filed on Feb. 26, 2008, which claims priority to the pending
non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/002,468 which was filed on
Dec. 17, 2007, which claims priority to the abandoned
non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/258,966 which was
filed on Oct. 25, 2005, which claims priority to the pending PCT
application Serial No. US2006/022866 which was filed on Jun. 13,
2006 designating the U.S. which claims priority to the abandoned
non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/152,320 which was
filed on Jun. 14, 2005, which claims priority to the now patented
design patent application Ser. No. 29/226,482 which was filed on
Mar. 29, 2005, which claims priority to the non-provisional patent
application having Ser. No. 10/283,878, which was filed on Oct. 30,
2002, which was filed during the pendency of PCT application Serial
No. US2001/014,365 which was filed on May 4, 2001 designating the
U.S., and which claimed priority to U.S. provisional application
Ser. No. 60/202,851 filed on May 8, 2000, and is a continuation of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/065,411, which was filed on
Mar. 22, 2011.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] This disclosure relates to a range of proportions for a vent
and a pouring aperture working in combination to fully vent a
container in a fashion that is complete, continuous, non-leaking,
and without aerating and contaminating the liquid. Additionally,
the vent provides a positive pressure in the container to assist in
promoting release of the liquid on demand. This disclosure further
describes a vent for containers to prevent contamination of liquid
in the container. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a
vent that prevents the creation of a vacuum inside the container,
including containers for liquor, wine, sports drinks, rehydration
drinks, water and cola, and other liquids. The disclosure prevents
introduction of air into the liquid when poured, thus preventing
oxidation and other untoward reactions with the liquid of the
container, which alter the taste and quality of the liquid in the
container when dispensed.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The bottom, or distal, end of containers, particularly
liquor, and wine, and other liquid containers is moved upwardly to
pour liquid from the bottle, or container, and a vacuum forms
during the pour. Air enters the container to fill the vacuum so
that more liquid may pour from the container. The air that enters a
conventional container in the pouring position is lighter than the
liquid in the container and thus, seeks and travels to the most
superior portion of the container, that is, its highest point, or
its inverted bottom in this pouring position, which is the distal
aspect of the container. In traveling to the distal portion of the
container, the air contaminates the liquid as it mixes with it, and
precipitates chemical reactions within the liquid. Any air that
also mixes into the liquid is another untoward outcome of pouring
that occurs from prior art containers.
[0004] Many liquids require precise ingredients, and these
ingredients are manufactured or grown under strictly controlled
conditions. The combining of these ingredients also undergoes close
monitoring in a controlled environment, as does the handling of the
ingredients and the product in every stage of manufacturing. Also,
the handling of the final product has similar tight controls for
optimization. Liquors, wines, and other beverages serve as prime
examples of the precision and excellence found in a particular
industry; The growers of the ingredients of many types of liquor,
particularly wine, and the processors of liquors and other liquids,
take many precautions to ensure the maximal quality during every
step of the production process. But, oxidation of many of the
ingredients of wine may occur and diminish the quality of the wine,
possibly to the point of consumer rejection. Other unfavorable
chemical reactions occur due to the introduction of air into other
conventional containers of liquid, such as cola, including the
introduction of other airborne chemicals, pollutants, particulates,
and the like that may co-contaminate the liquid. Unfortunately,
these unfavorable reactions occur repeatedly to the remaining
liquid in a conventional container with each pour. The undesirable
effects increase many times over as air is frequently reintroduced,
with continuing contamination of the liquid. Manufacturers of other
liquids have similar and significant need to prevent the
contamination of liquids by air.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0005] Prior art containers that hold and pour liquids and have
disadvantages such as leaking, introducing air into the liquid, not
pouring on demand, not venting the container, not providing a
positive pressure inside the container, and utilizing more than one
component to the vent. Some containers utilize a vent, including
liquor bottles and other liquid containers. Frequently, however,
such prior art vents require an orientation of the vent, in an
upward position, such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,168,221 to Parker. If the
vent is not oriented correctly, a significant amount of liquid is
spilled from the vent to the outside of the container and typically
onto the user of the container. Prior art containers may leak
because of container or container component compression in any
container direction. Containers may increasingly leak from an
increasing amount of pressure on the container or its components
and increasing dispenser size. Leaks often take place with the
prior art container's reservoir being in an inverted position.
Leaks also appear when the neck size increases.
[0006] One prior art vent terminates at the wall of the reservoir,
which requires an orientation of the container to prevent leakage.
Another prior art container, when in the dispensing position with a
portion of the vent tube directed toward the bottom of the
container and submersed in the liquid, introduces air into the
liquid and only limited venting takes place, and only after a
vacuum has formed. Many prior art containers introduce a multitude
of air bubbles into the liquid in the container. Prior art
containers also suffer a prolonged lack of venting due to the
capillary action of a small vent tube and may trigger a partial
vacuum. Further, over tightening of a collar upon an existing
container leads to a complete vacuum. Also, prior art containers
may trigger the occurrence of negative pressure in the container.
Some of the prior art containers utilize a check valve to slow or
prevent liquid from leaking from the container, but a negative
pressure must form in the container in order for the valve to open,
which introduces other negative effects. Prior art containers also
prevent the beneficial effect of formation of positive pressure
formation in the container.
[0007] During pouring from a prior art container, the path of the
liquid stream frequently becomes erratic, thereby making
measurement of the liquid dispensed difficult. Prior art
containers, especially those of glass, are more difficult to
manufacture. Other prior art containers require drilling a hole
into the neck of a narrow-neck container as a separate operation.
Some other prior art containers attach their reservoirs to the
container, utilizing a needle nose pliers, grasping the short vent
tube and inserting it into the hole in the neck of the container.
Sometimes a ring is attached to the reservoir in order to center
the reservoir. However, a reservoir with an attached ring becomes
impossible to insert into any size container because the ring
centers the reservoir in the center of the neck, preventing
insertion of the small vent tube into the neck of the container. If
the ring is omitted, the above venting mechanism only has support
from the small vent tube in the neck of the container. Tightening
the closure too tightly on many prior art containers seals the vent
closed, making it inoperable. Further, improper sealing at the
closure then may lead to leakage outside the container. A fair
number of prior art containers cannot be completely disassembled,
which prevents cleaning and results in bacterial buildup and
residue, and therefore prevents reuse. Prior art containers also
take few steps to prevent the problems associated with air blending
with the liquids in the containers. Alas, prior art containers
alter the quality of liquid product contained therein as air enters
the liquid. Each usage of a prior art container brings in a volume
of air that leads to oxidation and other contamination of liquid.
Usage and air entrainment lead to the chemical reactions that
change the liquid regarding smell, color, taste, and air content
among other things. These changes may accumulate and adversely
affect the value of the liquid, leading ultimately to its removal
from store shelves.
[0008] During pouring from prior art containers, liquid within the
venting tube may frequently leak from the container. Liquid also
lags and remains in the venting tube, that is, slowly evacuates
from the venting tube and returns to the container during inversion
and usage of the container. In using prior art containers, the
users often do not have the desired rate of pouring of liquid out
of the container and also do not have an even rate of pouring of
liquid. Prior art containers with vents exhibit a hesitancy of
initial liquid flow as the liquid pours from the container upon
inversion. Also, the reservoir extension, avoids seeking the distal
and lateral aspect of the container, which may lead to contact of
the liquid with air, thus degrading the liquid in the
container.
[0009] Also, one version of a prior art vent 3168221 to Parker,
which is slightly smaller than the pouring spout, is cylindrical
and extends from the outside of the container to the bottom of the
container, and leaks a significant amount of fluid from the vent
when poured, due to the lack of a significant air pressure stream
in the vent to propel the liquid in the air vent back into the
container before it leaks to the exterior of the container. In
another version of the vent to Parker, the vent is much smaller in
relation to the liquid pouring spout and liquid either pours slower
than desired from the liquid spout or won't pour at all due to lack
of venting relative to the rate of liquid being poured. Also, in
the patent to Parker, as well as those to others, the vent doesn't
extend to the bottom of the container, which minimizes the venting
of the container, as liquid overlying the exit of the vent
prohibits air entry into the vent and container, until a sufficient
detrimental vacuum has formed in the container. In all of the
versions of the patent to Parker, contamination of the liquid by
the air entering the container occurs, and no desirable positive
pressure is present in the container at the onset of pouring.
[0010] Some current containers utilize no venting at all into the
container and attempt to vent through the drinking aperture of the
container while the user is drinking the liquid. If a large
aperture at the top of the container is used to drink from, in
order to mimic a cup, spilling easily occurs, especially with
children and anyone engaging in any type of movement while
attempting to drink.
[0011] Some containers have resorted to a smaller aperture in the
container, which also introduces multiple disadvantages. The
primary disadvantage to that arrangement is that air must enter the
container through the liquid as the liquid exits, which aerates the
liquid exiting the container as well as the liquid remaining in the
container. Aeration has multiple significant disadvantages, as is
outlined. Another disadvantage of a small drinking aperture in an
unvented container is that a vacuum is present in the container,
which slows liquid flow and doesn't allow for control of removing
the liquid.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0012] Liquid occupies a container, preferably closed at its
aperture to prevent spillage, unless opened for pouring. The
closure of the container may be of any type, either locating on the
interior of the aperture of the container or on the exterior of the
container over the aperture. Both closures locations typically
provide a spill-resistant or spill-proof closure.
[0013] The first aperture conducts liquid and typically has two
ends: proximal and distal. The proximal end typically extends to
the superior and lateral surface of the closure and may be of any
configuration to assist in pouring the liquid from the container.
The distal end of the liquid aperture typically ends at the distal
end of the closure. Any portion of this aperture may contain a
hollow conduit for optimization of the direction and amount of the
fluid flow. A liquid conduit may be inserted into the liquid
aperture of the closure at any time during preparation or usage of
the container to assist in pouring. A liquid conduit may also come
already attached to the closure to assist in pouring. The liquid
conduit may be fixed or adjustable in its configuration. The second
aperture contains an air aperture vent.
[0014] The preferred embodiment of this disclosure consists of only
one additional part, a reservoir and its extension, which is
attached to a container and its closure. The disclosure may consist
of the reservoir with its extension; the closure and the reservoir
with its extension; or, alternatively, the container, the closure,
and reservoir with its extension. The reservoir is typically larger
than the extension and the extension is typically conical and
larger superiorly. An internal venting tube, which is molded as an
extension of the closure, has its superior aspect open to the
outside ambient air and its inferior aspect open to the volumetric
center of the reservoir, thereby providing double venting. The
internal venting tube eliminates the need for an additional
component for the flow of air, which is unique to this disclosure.
Previously, the internal venting tube, which required the
attachment of another component for functioning, is now a component
of the closure, thereby eliminating the need for attachment of
another component for proper functioning.
[0015] In the preferred embodiment, the disclosure operates when
liquid is introduced into the container, which then is sealed
during manufacturing. Optionally, the container may be filled by
the consumer. As the container is inverted and liquid pours from
the container though the liquid aperture and any attached liquid
conduit, air enters the air conduit. The air then proceeds into the
reservoir and its extension and enters the distal aspect of the
container, avoiding contact with the liquid in the container. Air,
while traversing the reservoir and its preferable conical
extension, expels any liquid remaining in the reservoir extension,
thereby allowing uninterrupted venting of the container. A small
amount of liquid may enter and be contained in the proximal aspect
of the reservoir during pouring of the liquid, and this liquid is
returned to the container upon resumption of the upright
positioning of the container. A volume of air, equal to the volume
of liquid removed, is introduced into the superior aspect of the
container during pouring of the liquid from the container, to
eliminate the vacuum in the container.
[0016] Several embodiments of the current disclosure may be seen.
The venting mechanism of the present disclosure includes various
shapes. The components of the embodiments may reside in different
locations within the disclosure and relative to one another.
[0017] In another embodiment, a venting tube is conically shaped
along its entire length. Alternatively, the venting tube may be
cylindrical though its length.
[0018] In embodiments of the current disclosure, the venting tube
extends from outside the container or closure to the distal,
internal aspect of the container, such that it is preferably above
the level of the liquid in the container when the container is
inverted to empty the liquid from the container. This ensures
continuous and full venting of the container without aeration and
contamination of the liquid in the container. It also ensures that
a positive pressure is present in the container, so that the liquid
may be withdrawn from the container on demand, without the
interference of vacuum, which is present in traditional containers.
Alternatively, the venting tube may be of any size or shape and any
reservoir present may be of any size or shape and may contain an
optional internal vent tube. Also, any venting tube may contain a
flange to retain the venting tube in position and may also contain
an internal flange to retain liquid and prevent leakage. Leakage is
also prevented due to the diameters of the vent and pouring
apertures. The range of proportions of internal diameters of the
venting tube to the pouring aperture, approximately 1:2.5 (venting
tube internal diameter: liquid aperture) allows for rapid and
simultaneous reentry of the liquid inside the venting tube into the
container followed by air entry above the level of liquid when the
container is inverted.
[0019] Thus, for the first time, utilizing a one piece--venting
mechanism, continuous and full venting, without leaking, without
aerating, and without contaminating the liquid in the container
takes place, while providing a positive pressure in the container,
for removal of liquid on demand without the interference of vacuum,
as seen in traditional containers. An additional embodiment shows a
flange at the superior aspect of the venting tube to retain the
tube in position and a thickening of the internal wall of the
superior wall of the vent, which may help retain fluid within the
venting tube during unusual situations. Preferably the vent tube
has a generally conical shape throughout its entire length. In
other embodiments, a conical shape may extend for a variable
distance of the tube and it may have a distinct shape at and for
any portion of its length, and may be attached in any fashion,
either directly or indirectly, to the closure, dispenser, or body
of the container.
[0020] Alternatively, the container vent locates superiorly to the
closure or in another position on the container or associated parts
and includes a double-venting reservoir with an associated
reservoir extension projecting inferiorly from the inferior aspect
of the reservoir to approximate the inferior and lateral edge of
the container. The vent may be variably shaped. An air conduit
extends distally from the superior aspect of the reservoir
preferably into the volumetric center of the reservoir and is in
contact with the ambient air outside the liquid container. The
reservoir is larger in diameter than its extension. The reservoir
and its extension may consist of one or more pieces. The reservoir
extension projects to the inferior aspect of the container, and may
be attached to the reservoir with a press fit and may be of any
length to adjust to the size of the container. The reservoir and
its extension may be of any size and shape. Preferably, the
extension of the reservoir is not linear to the air conduit of the
reservoir. This prevents any liquid that may enter the reservoir
during usage from access to the air conduit in the superior aspect
of the reservoir. The reservoir and its accompanying superiorly
located air conduit and inferiorly located extension are attached
or preassembled to the closure or other aspects of the container or
associated parts.
[0021] Both the extension of the reservoir and the venting tube
embodiments may be preferably composed of a buoyant material or a
material that is shaped to seek the superior aspect of the
container while in the inverted position, which is accomplished by
them floating, by their shapes leading to the airspace, or any
other means of positioning themselves to reside in the airspace of
the container during usage, to minimize any contact of the liquid
with air. Different combinations of these components would be
preferable in certain containers.
[0022] In another embodiment, the second aperture communicates with
the venting tube, with the tube approximating the aperture and
extending into the container, preferable to the inferior aspect of
the container, and preferably superior to the liquid of the
container when the container is inverted.
[0023] Alternatively, the second aperture of the closure
approximates the reservoir with its air conduit and the extension
of the reservoir and extends through the length of the container
from the proximal to the distal ends. The reservoir may have a
position on the superior aspect of the closure, but may have a
position in any location, including the interior of the container.
Any ends of the apertures and conduits may contain caps. The
reservoir and its extension, as well as a venting tube, may be
packaged individually or together to be used with a closure,
container, air and/or fluid conduits, or any combination
thereof.
[0024] In the venting tube embodiment of the disclosure, while in
the upright position, has liquid in the venting tube, and when the
container is inverted during usage, the inwardly moving air
expediently evacuates this liquid into the interior of the
container and conducts the air concurrently to the superior aspect
of the inverted container, while ensuring no contamination of the
liquid in the container with air. In this embodiment, the venting
tube, with its preferred conical shape, ensures that the liquid
within it, while in the upright position, remains in the tube.
Also, the tube assures that during usage, liquid does not exit the
container because the liquid is rapidly evacuated from the
conically or otherwise shaped venting tube back into the container
during inversion and usage of the container. This is accomplished
by air quickly entering the tube to vent the container during
usage. Both the volume of air in the superior aspect of the
conically or otherwise shaped tube and the differential amounts of
air in the two ends of the conically or otherwise shaped venting
tube along with the approximate ratio of the venting tube to
pouring aperture contribute to the unique ability of the venting
tube to quickly evacuate the liquid within the tube. The venting
tube resting in the airspace of the container during inversion and
usage also contributes to venting, as the liquid in the venting
tube doesn't have to displace any liquid overlying the venting tube
in order to enter the container.
[0025] Also, in one embodiment, the superior aspect of the conical
or other shape of the venting tube assists in holding any remaining
liquid in the venting tube when the container is inverted for
usage. This may be done by any reservoir or material in the
internal portion of superior aspect of the venting tube. In
addition, the vent ensures that the desired rate of pouring of
liquid to the exterior of the container is obtained, that an even
rate of pouring of liquid out of the container is obtained, that
the liquid comes out the container upon inversion of the container
during usage without hesitancy, and that there is no initial large
egress of liquid from the container with initial inversion of the
container. Another embodiment consists of the conical or otherwise
shaped vent located on the interior of the container, contoured to
the container, closure, or liquid dispenser, ending in the inferior
aspect of the container, such that air is channeled to the inferior
aspect of the container. Another embodiment shows a check valve in
one or more portions in order to prevent the flow of liquid out of
the vent, and subsequently the container, while the vent allows for
the entry of air into the container as liquid is removed from the
container. Also, the disclosure and its embodiments preferably seek
the superior aspect of the container during usage to minimize any
contact of the liquid with air. Flanges may be present in any
configuration externally to assist with tube positioning and
internally to assist in prevention of leakage of fluid from the
container in certain embodiments. In addition, all surfaces of the
disclosure may consist of various textures, various degrees of
smoothness, and various shapes in order to enhance the return of
liquid to interior of the container during usage.
[0026] Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present
disclosure will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of the
presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiment of
the present disclosure when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
[0027] Before explaining the current embodiment of the disclosure
in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not
limited in its application to the details of construction and to
the arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology employed
herein are for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting.
[0028] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a new and
improved vent for wine, liquor, and other fluid containers that do
not contaminate liquid in the container with air during usage,
particularly pouring.
[0029] Another object of the disclosure is to provide a vent that
is proportional to the pouring aperture, such that full and
continuous venting will occur, with no aeration of the liquid, no
spilling of the liquid through the vent, and a positive pressure in
the container.
[0030] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that supplies air to the bottom and superior aspect of the
container during removal of liquid from the container in usage.
[0031] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
so that no vacuum forms in the container.
[0032] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that liquid may be removed from the container on demand because of
the absence of a vacuum in the container.
[0033] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that accommodates containers of various sizes.
[0034] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that is primarily a linear vent for venting a container.
[0035] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
so that an internal or external closure may be utilized to close
the container.
[0036] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that does not use an insert resting on the superior aspect of the
container.
[0037] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that may be oriented in any direction.
[0038] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that may be used in any direction without leakage.
[0039] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that no leakage occurs with dispenser compression in any container
direction.
[0040] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that fits upon any size container neck.
[0041] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that no leakage occurs with increasing amount of pressure and with
increasing dispenser size.
[0042] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that no leakage will occur with the reservoir in an inverted
position.
[0043] Another object of several embodiments of the disclosure is
to provide such a vent that any residual fluid in a conical venting
tube, a reservoir, or a distal reservoir extension is captured in
the dependent aspect of the conical venting tube, a reservoir, or a
distal reservoir extension during usage and then returned to the
container upon upright positioning.
[0044] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that no leakage will occur with increasing container neck size.
[0045] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that does not function at the sidewall of the reservoir thus
preventing the requirement for a specific orientation to prevent
leakage.
[0046] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that has its air conduit located in the volumetric center of the
reservoir thus eliminating the need for orientation of the
container to prevent leakage.
[0047] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that may be used at any angle.
[0048] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that does not introduce air bubbles.
[0049] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that does not form a vacuum within itself or adjacent components of
a container.
[0050] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that allows for positive pressure formation in the container.
[0051] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
where its distal reservoir extension clears itself of any liquid
due to consistent airflow into the venting unit during usage.
[0052] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that provides a predictable stream of liquid during pouring.
[0053] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that allows for easy measurement of the amount of liquid
dispensed.
[0054] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that permits ready production of the reservoir and the extension
because of a single uncomplicated molded part.
[0055] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that may be made of one part.
[0056] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that lacks vent attachment incompatibilities.
[0057] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that does not require tools for its assembly.
[0058] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that has its reservoir and distal reservoir extension thoroughly
supported by the closure of any other desirable portion of the
container.
[0059] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that does not permit over tightening of the collar and an
interruption in venting.
[0060] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that does not require drilling a hole into the neck of the
container for it to work.
[0061] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that does not have a press fit into a hole in the neck of the
container.
[0062] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that may be disassembled and thoroughly cleaned of all matter and
bacteria.
[0063] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that has cleanable and thus reusable parts.
[0064] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that is readily marketable to the consuming public through existing
supply outlets.
[0065] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that solves recognized problems in liquid contamination and vacuum
formation.
[0066] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that retains the quality of liquid product because air is not
introduced into the liquid.
[0067] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that prevents oxidation of liquid with vent usage.
[0068] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that inhibits and prevents chemical reactions that change and alter
liquid within the container during vent usage.
[0069] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that prevents changes in liquid odor with vent usage.
[0070] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that stops any changes in the color of the liquid during with vent
usage.
[0071] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that prevents changes in the taste of the liquid with vent
usage.
[0072] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that hinders any changes in the liquid from the vent usage that
would adversely affect the value of the liquid in the
container.
[0073] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent,
of many shapes but preferably its conical shape, that liquid within
the reservoir exits and returns to the container during upright
positioning and does not leave the container.
[0074] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent,
of many shapes but preferably its conical shape, which the liquid
rapidly evacuates from the distal reservoir extension back into the
container during inversion and usage of the container.
[0075] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent,
of many shapes but preferably its conical shape, which the user
obtains a desired rate of pouring of liquid to the exterior of the
container.
[0076] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent,
of many shapes but preferably its conical shape, which the user
obtains an even rate of pouring of liquid from the container.
[0077] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent,
of many shapes but preferably its conical shape, which the liquid
pours from the container upon inversion during usage of the
container without hesitancy.
[0078] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent,
of many shapes but preferably its conical shape, which no initial
undesirable large egress of liquid from the container occurs upon
initial inversion of the container during usage.
[0079] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that the distal reservoir extension and the conical venting tube
both preferably seek the distal and lateral aspect of the container
during usage, thus minimizing any contact of the liquid with
air.
[0080] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that it is inexpensive to manufacture and is disposable.
[0081] Another object of the disclosure is to provide such a vent
that uncomplicated to manufacture.
[0082] Another object of the disclosure is to provide a vent that
vents air into the venting tube and enables rapid and efficient
removal of liquid from the conical venting tube and the distal
reservoir extension during usage.
[0083] Another object of the disclosure is to provide more
attachments to the superior aspect of a container or closure
utilizing continuous, complete, automatic, non-leaking,
non-aerating, positive pressure one-piece vent and pouring
combination utilizing one direct venting aperture such that the
container contents exit onto any desirable surface that assists in
feeding or any other purpose. One example is that an item such as a
spoon may be attached to the end superior aspect of the container,
and the contents of the container may be deposited on the spoon and
then consumed.
[0084] Other variations and modifications to the subject matter of
this disclosure may be considered to those skilled in the art upon
review of the disclosure as described herein. The ideas presented
are not intended to limit the scope or application of the device,
or its method of usage.
[0085] These together with other objects of the disclosure, along
with the various features of novelty that characterize the
disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims
annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure
[0086] Other variations and modifications to the subject matter of
this disclosure may be considered to those skilled in the art upon
review of the disclosure as described herein. The ideas presented
are not intended to limit the scope or application of the device,
or its method of usage. These, together with other objects of the
disclosure, along with the various features of novelty that
characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in
the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a
better understanding of the disclosure, its operating advantages
and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be
had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which
there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the disclosure. In
accordance with these and other objects, the present disclosure
will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0087] In referring to the drawings,
[0088] FIG. 1 is a front view of a liquid container;
[0089] FIG. 2 is a front view of a liquid container pouring into
another vessel;
[0090] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a reservoir connecting to the
closure in the preferred embodiment;
[0091] FIG. 3A shows a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
closure with an off center aperture that receives a nipple;
[0092] FIG. 3B shows a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
closure with a centered aperture that receives a nipple;
[0093] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of reservoir connected to closure
with alternate embodiment of a check valve;
[0094] FIG. 5 is a side view of a liquid container containing the
conical vent and pouring aperture;
[0095] FIG. 6 is a top view of a liquid container containing the
conical vent and pouring aperture;
[0096] FIG. 7 is side view of a liquid container containing the
conical vent with optional flanges both external and internal to
the diameter of the venting aperture;
[0097] FIG. 8 is a side view of a liquid container containing the
cylindrical vent and pouring aperture;
[0098] FIG. 9 is a top view of a liquid container containing the
cylindrical vent and pouring aperture;
[0099] FIG. 10 is side view of a liquid container containing the
cylindrical vent with optional flanges both external and internal
to the diameter of the venting aperture;
[0100] FIG. 11 is a side view of a liquid container having a
conical reservoir and a cylindrical reservoir extension;
[0101] FIG. 11a is a side view of a liquid container having a
cylindrical reservoir and a conical reservoir extension;
[0102] FIG. 12 is a side view of a liquid container having a
conical reservoir for its full length;
[0103] FIG. 13 is a side view of a liquid container having a
conical reservoir for its full length where the reservoir opens
through the closure using an aperture;
[0104] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a liquid container having a
cylindrical reservoir that opens at the closure and then tapers for
its full length;
[0105] FIG. 14A is a sectional view of a liquid container and vent
as in FIG. 14, and additionally has a flanged end opening at the
closure;
[0106] FIG. 15 is a side view of a liquid container having a
conical reservoir opening at the closure with a cylindrical
reservoir extension;
[0107] FIG. 16 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
liquid container where a conical reservoir opens in the neck of a
container;
[0108] FIG. 17 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
liquid container where a conical reservoir opens below the neck of
a container;
[0109] FIG. 18 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
liquid container where a conical reservoir opens in the wall of a
container well below the neck;
[0110] FIG. 19 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
liquid container similar to FIG. 16 but where an upper extension
from a conical reservoir opens in the neck of a container;
[0111] FIG. 20 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
liquid container similar to FIG. 17 but where an upper extension
from a conical reservoir opens below the neck of a container;
[0112] FIG. 21 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
liquid container similar to FIG. 18 but where an upper extension
from a conical reservoir opens in the wall of a container well
below the neck;
[0113] FIG. 22 is a top view of a liquid container including the
plug or stopper of an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0114] FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the closure and appended
reservoir with flexible conduit of an alternate embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0115] FIG. 24 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
liquid container where the closure is inserted into the neck of the
container and has a conical reservoir and a cylindrical reservoir
extension;
[0116] FIG. 25 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
liquid container where the closure is inserted into the neck of the
container and has a conical reservoir for half its length and a
cylindrical reservoir extension;
[0117] FIG. 26 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
liquid container where the closure is inserted into the neck of the
container and has a conical reservoir and a cylindrical reservoir
extension;
[0118] FIG. 27 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
liquid container where the closure is inserted into the neck of the
container and has a conical reservoir for its full length;
[0119] FIG. 28 is a side view of an inverted liquid container
including the closure within the neck of a container for an
alternate embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0120] FIG. 29 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
liquid container where the closure is inserted into the neck of the
container and has a conical reservoir and a flexible air
conduit;
[0121] FIG. 30 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
liquid container where the closure is inserted into the neck of the
container and has a conical reservoir for half its length and a
flexible air conduit;
[0122] FIG. 31 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
liquid container where the closure is inserted into the neck of the
container and has a conical reservoir for over half its length and
a flexible air conduit; and,
[0123] FIG. 32 shows perspective view from below of an alternate
embodiment of the closure with an off center liquid spout and a
check valve for the liquid spout; and
[0124] FIG. 33 shows an embodiment of the disclosure with one of
any configuration of attachments to the container or closure, which
allows for various consistencies of liquids or solids to be
dispensed from the container and presented when desired in any
amount and from any type of surface.
[0125] These same reference numerals refer to the same parts
throughout the various figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0126] The present disclosure overcomes the prior art by providing
a venting tube enabling return of any liquid in the venting tube
back into the container without leakage out of the container. The
present disclosure provides a vent to overcome the disadvantages of
the prior art by providing a liquid aperture, an air aperture, and
a venting mechanism of various shapes and proportions to
simultaneously vent a container and prevent leakage from the
container while utilizing a preferably conical mechanism and
utilizing only one additional part to the container and closure.
Additionally, double venting and a reservoir are utilized.
[0127] Another embodiment of the present disclosure overcomes the
prior art limitations by providing a closure, venting, and related
components that fit on or within the neck of a liquid container,
such as a wine bottle, sports bottle, or other container, and
minimizes the mixing of air with liquid not yet poured from the
container while eliminating spillage from the container during
pouring.
[0128] Another embodiment utilizes a vent tube. The vent tube
extends from the exterior of the container to the interior inferior
aspect of the container.
[0129] FIG. 1 illustrates a liquid container B, which is
illustrative of the prior art, with liquid L placed therein. The
liquid has a surface S denoting the top of the liquid, above which
any air in the container collects. The container B has a narrow
neck N generally centered upon the container and extending
outwardly from the main portion of the container. The container has
a closure as at C upon the neck that retains the liquid within the
container following manufacture and keeps air out of the container
prior to opening.
[0130] To consume the liquid in a prior art container, a user
removes the closure C and then grasps the container. During usage
of a container B, that is, pouring, a user tips the container and
orients the container with the neck N generally downward as shown
in FIG. 2. With the neck downward, the bottom of the container B is
generally upward which moves the liquid L towards the neck and the
surface S in the direction of the bottom. As the liquid exits the
neck into a glass G, air enters the neck N and travels through the
liquid L and breaks the surface S to locate above the liquid. As
described above, air passing through the liquid in most of the
prior art introduces various reactants and pollutants into the
liquid, which is particularly detrimental in those individuals who
are rehydrating and consuming large amounts of liquids. This
affects most particularly those in sports that are intense and
require optimal heart rate control, as air introduction into the
stomach, which causes stomach distension, disrupts the body's
automatic heart rate adjustments that are necessary for optimum
performance. Also, those with a discriminating palate can detect
alterations to the liquid brought on by the passage of air through
the liquid.
[0131] FIG. 3, the preferred embodiment, a closure 5 is noted. The
closure allows for passage of both air and fluid through
appropriate passages without fluid entering the air passage and
vice versa. If mixing of air and liquid do occur, as they do in the
prior art, leaks and ingestion of air during intake occur. The
closure 5 turns upon the neck in a threaded connection to the
container. The closure 5 has a perimeter flange 12 with internal
threads that engage the threads of the neck. The closure has its
surface 2, visible to the user, generally perpendicular to the
perimeter flange. The surface has a spout 4 formed therein for
passage of fluids from the container to a user. The spout is here
shown as a round cylinder as seen by a user. Spaced away from the
spout, generally centered in the closure, the closure has its
aperture 15 for venting of the container during usage, that is, the
passage of air. Generally, all embodiments of the disclosure
preferably have the venting mechanism located in the center of the
closure. In this embodiment, the aperture represents the exterior
opening of an internal venting tube 8. The internal venting tube 8
approximates the surface 2 and passes through the closure 5. The
internal venting tube 8 generally has a constant diameter and
hollow construction for passage of air there through. Opposite the
spout 4, the closure has an accepting flange 7 that extends
inferiorly from the closure. The accepting flange is generally
round, though here shown as two spaced apart walls in a section
view. The accepting flange has a frusto-conical interior shape with
a curved recess 17 approximately half way along the depth of the
accepting flange. The curved recess defines a plane generally
parallel to the surface 2 and extends around the internal
circumference of the accepting flange.
[0132] The accepting flange receives a reservoir 6, generally a
hollow cylinder with an open top 19 and a partially closed bottom
20. The bottom has an aperture 21 from which extend a conically
shaped reservoir extension 18. The reservoir in combination with
the reservoir extension 18 extends the vent to proximate the bottom
of a container. The reservoir has its top slightly beveled inwardly
as at 19a where the bevel generally matches the interior
frusto-conical shape of the accepting flange. The reservoir
superior side wall also includes at least one detent 19b here shown
as two protrusions outwardly from the beveled portion of the top as
at 19a. The detents can have the form of separate spaced apart
protrusions. Preferably, the detents form a ring upon the perimeter
of the superior side wall so that the detent fits into the recess
17 of the accepting flange. Alternatively, the reservoir may attach
by friction fit or any other attachment to the accepting flange.
The detent and the recess cooperate to secure the reservoir to the
accepting flange of the closure. The internal venting tube 8
extends into the reservoir when secured to the accepting flange.
The internal venting tube generally opens at the volumetric center
of the reservoir so that the internal venting tube allows passage
of air regardless of the angle of the reservoir, that is, the
internal venting tube remains above the surface of any liquid
within the reservoir.
[0133] FIG. 3A shows an alternate embodiment of the closure 5 where
it has an internal venting tube 8 having a aperture 15 on the
surface 2. Offset from the aperture, the closure may have a
truncated spout 4 having a height above the surface opposite the
internal venting tube of approximately the thickness of the closure
or consist of any other type of aperture. The closure has an
aperture to receive a typical spout, nipple or other aperture 23
typically having a flat flange 23a from which extends a spout,
nipple or other aperture 23b. Alternatively, the spout or other
form of drinking aperture may come attached to the closure or
otherwise be associated with the closure. When installed as shown,
the 3 nipple passes its elongated spherical tip through the spout
or other aperture 4 and away from the closure. The flat flange of
the nipple then abuts the closure opposite the surface 2. The
closure has sufficient diameter to provide for the internal venting
tube and the accepting flange 7 and the diameter of the flat flange
23a of the spout, nipple or other aperture.
[0134] Then FIG. 3B shows another alternate embodiment of the
closure 5 with a generally flat surface 2 and a depending perimeter
flange 12 as previously described, where it has an internal venting
tube 8 having a flush aperture 15 with the surface 2. Centered upon
the surface of the closure, this alternate embodiment has a
shortened spout or other aperture 4 which may have a height above
the surface. The closure has an aperture to receive a typical
spout, nipple or other aperture 23 having a flat flange 23a from
which extends a spout, nipple or other aperture, and which may
consist of an elongated spherical tip 23b as known in the art. When
installed as shown, the nipple passes its elongated spherical tip
through the spout 4 and away from the closure. The flat flange of
the nipple then abuts the closure opposite the surface 2. The
closure has sufficient diameter to provide for the internal venting
tube and the accepting flange 7 and the diameter of the flat flange
23a of the nipple. The accepting flange is generally round and
concentric with the internal vent tube. The accepting flange 7 has
the recesses 17 partially along its length that receive the detents
19b from the reservoir as shown.
[0135] FIG. 4 shows, as above, the reservoir 6 fits its top 19 into
the accepting flange 7 with the internal venting tube 8 extending
into the volumetric center of the reservoir. The top of the
reservoir secures to the accepting flange as the detent 19b engages
the recess 17. Offset from the aperture 15, this embodiment of the
closure has its spout 4 typically of greater diameter than the
internal venting tube 8. The spout extends generally perpendicular
to the surface 2 of the closure with the majority of the spout
outwardly from the surface. The spout also extends generally
parallel to the internal venting tube 8 and within the perimeter
flange 12. The spout has two opposite ends, one end opening to the
atmosphere away from the closure and another end locating into the
closure. The other end of the spout includes an optional check
valve 22. The check valve allows passage of liquids outwardly from
the closure but prevents introduction of liquids and gases through
the spout and the check valve into the container. Typically, the
check valve forms integrally with the closure. In an alternate
embodiment, the check valve is a separate component attached to the
closure during manufacturing.
[0136] FIG. 5 shows the side view of the liquid container and
demonstrates the preferably conical venting tube extending from the
top of the container to the inferior aspect of the container. Here,
the closure 5 secures upon a neck N of the container, here shown as
a bottle, though other containers are foreseen. The neck extends
upwardly from an end, generally the top, of the bottle. The neck
has external threads that engage internal threads 11 upon the
interior of a perimeter flange 12 of the closure. The flange
extends around the perimeter of the closure generally perpendicular
to a surface 2 of the closure through which pass the vent 1 and the
spout 4. In this view, the vent passes flush through the closure,
as at 13, and enters the container. The vent is generally
elongated, hollow, and tapered as it extends beyond the closure
inferiorly to proximate the bottom, as at B', of the bottle. The
vent typically tapers at least 1/2 of 1% from the closure towards
its tip, as at 14, but may taper any amount. The tip also has a
slight bevel, that is, angled cut to prevent clogging proximate the
bottom. Further, the closure 5 has the spout 4 extending upwardly
from the surface 2 or opposite the neck N. In this embodiment, the
spout remains integral with the closure while alternatively the
spout may be a separate piece inserted into the closure. As in FIG.
1, the spout preferably has an area, here represented by its
internal diameter, approximately 2.5 times that of the vent.
Generally, when a reservoir is not present, the preferred ratio of
the fluid aperture to the venting aperture is 2.5:1 in various
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0137] Another embodiment, demonstrated in FIG. 6, shows the top
aspect of the liquid container and demonstrates one proportion in
the range of proportions of the internal diameters of the pouring
aperture and the superior aspect of the preferably conical venting
tube. This figure shows the top of a closure for a container B, a
vent 1 in the closure 5, and a spout 4 proximate the vent that
minimizes the mixing of air with liquid not yet poured from the
container. The vent and spout have a proportional relationship
generally where the diameter of the spout is generally 2.5 times
that of the diameter of the vent. Here the vent and the spout are
shown being round so the proportion of the area is reflected in
their diameters. Though a round vent and a round spout are shown,
the Applicants foresee alternate shapes for the openings provided
the ratio of areas remains similar. FIG. 6 generally shows the
proportions of the internal diameters of the spout 4 and the
superior aspect of the vent 1. Though a closure 5 is shown, the
Applicants foresee that the vent and the spout of the disclosure
can be inserted directly into a completely closed top of a
container and function similarly provided the proportions of the
disclosure are maintained.
[0138] FIG. 7 shows the side view of the liquid container and
demonstrates the preferably conical venting tube extending from the
top to the bottom of the container. Also demonstrated are optional
flanges 9, 10. Optional flange 9 is external to the diameter of the
venting tube and may help maintain the position of the venting
tube. Optional flange 10 is internal to the venting tube and may
help with retention of any fluid in the venting tube while the
container is in use. In an alternate embodiment of the disclosure,
FIG. 7 shows the container B as a bottle as in FIG. 5 with a
closure 5 upon the neck N. The closure has an integral spout 4 as
before. The closure though has an aperture 15 in the surface 2. The
aperture allows venting of the container in combination with the
spout as is commonly known. This alternate embodiment though
provides a vent 1 placed through the aperture generally tapered as
before but with a stop flange 9 upon one end of the vent with the
other end of the vent having a beveled cut, as at 14, as previously
described. The stop flange extends around the perimeter of the vent
and outwardly from the vent. The stop flange prevents the vent from
falling through the aperture and into the bottle. Further, the stop
flange continues inwardly as a retainer flange 10 that partially
closes the vent. The retainer flange holds residual fluid in the
vent when the container is inverted during usage.
[0139] FIG. 8 shows the side view of the liquid container and
demonstrates the cylindrical venting tube extending from the top of
the container to the inferior aspect of the container. FIG. 8 then
shows the closure 5 secured upon a neck N of the bottle but with an
alternate embodiment of the vent. As before, the neck extends
upwardly from the top of the bottle. The neck has external threads
that engage internal threads 11 upon the interior of a perimeter
flange 12 of the closure. The flange extends around the perimeter
of the closure, perpendicular to the surface 2 of the closure
through which pass an alternate embodiment of the vent as at 16 and
the spout 4. In this view, the vent passes flush through the
closure, as at 13, and enters the container. The vent is generally
an elongated, hollow cylinder of constant diameter that extends
beyond the closure inferiorly to proximate the bottom, as at B', of
the container. The alternate embodiment of the vent 16 has its tip
14, also with a slight bevel for clog prevention typically close to
the bottom. As before, the spout 4 extends upwardly from the
surface 2 or opposite the neck N for ease of use. In this
embodiment, the spout remains integral with the closure but may
also be provided as a separate piece for insertion during
manufacturing or by the end user through the closure. All
embodiments may utilize a spout integral to the closure, or may
attach any spout to the closure. As in FIG. 6, the spout has an
area, here represented by its internal diameter, approximately 2.5
times that of the vent.
[0140] FIG. 9 shows the top aspect of the liquid container and
demonstrates one proportion in the range of proportions of the
internal diameters of the pouring aperture and the superior aspect
of the cylindrical venting tube. This figure shows the top of a
closure for a container C, a vent 1 in the closure 5, and a spout 4
along with the vent, that minimizes the mixing of air with liquid
not yet poured from the container. The vent and spout have a
proportional relationship generally where the area of the spout is
approximately 2.5 times that of the area of the vent. Here the vent
and the spout are shown being round so the proportion of the area
is reflected in their diameters. Though a round vent and a round
spout are shown, the Applicants foresee alternate shapes for the
openings provided the ratio of areas remains similar. FIG. 9
generally shows the proportions of the internal diameters of the
spout 4 and the superior aspect of the vent 1. Though a closure 5
is shown, the Applicants foresee that the vent and the spout of the
disclosure can be inserted directly into a completely closed top of
a container and function similarly provided the proportions of the
disclosure are maintained.
[0141] FIG. 10 shows the side view of the liquid container and
demonstrates a cylindrical vent tube extending from the top to the
bottom of the container. Also demonstrated are optional flanges 9,
10. Optional flange 9 is external to the diameter of the venting
tube and may help maintain the position of the venting tube.
Optional flange 10 is internal to the venting tube and may help
with retention of any fluid in the venting tube while the container
is in use. Here this figure shows the container B as a bottle with
a closure 5 upon the neck N. The closure has its integral spout 4
and its aperture 15 in the surface 2. This alternate embodiment
though provides the vent 16 placed through the aperture generally
cylindrical as before but with a stop flange 9 upon one end of the
vent with the other end of the vent having a beveled cut, as at 14,
as previously described. The stop flange extends around the
perimeter of the vent and outwardly from the vent, generally having
a greater diameter than the diameter of the aperture 15. The stop
flange prevents the vent from falling through the closure and into
the bottle. Further, the stop flange continues inwardly as a
retainer flange 10 that partially closes the vent, similar to FIG.
7.
[0142] FIG. 11 demonstrates an alternate embodiment of the
disclosure where the container B has a generally narrow neck N. The
neck has a closure 5 threadedly engaged to the neck. The closure
has its surface 2 as before that has an aperture 24 that vents air
into the container and a nearby aperture 25 that passes fluid. This
embodiment has a short section of tube utilized as an optional
fluid conduit 26 placed through the fluid aperture 25. The closure
also admits an external venting tube 27 through the aperture 24.
The venting tube is generally elongated and narrow as it extends
from the closure into the neck of the container. The venting tube
merges with a conical or otherwise shaped (FIG. 11A) reservoir 6,
generally at the proximal or wide end, of the reservoir. Distal to
the reservoir, extension 18 extends proximate to the distal end of
the container. The reservoir extension typically has a length
greater than the reservoir and a generally conical shape with a
beveled opening proximate the bottom B' of the container. FIG. 11A
shows a similar embodiment to FIG. 11, and demonstrates a
cylindrical rather than conical reservoir 6.
[0143] FIG. 12 demonstrates another alternate embodiment of the
disclosure with a narrow neck N upon a container B. The neck has a
closure 5 threadedly engaged to it. The neck extends upwardly from
an end, generally the top, of the container. The neck has external
threads that engage internal threads 11 upon the interior of a
perimeter flange 12 of the closure. The flange extends around the
perimeter of the closure generally perpendicular to a surface 2 of
the closure through which pass the internal vent 28 and the
optional fluid conduit 26. The closure has its surface 2 with the
air aperture 24 and a nearby aperture 25 that passes fluid. This
embodiment has a short section of tube utilized as an optional
fluid conduit 26 placed through the fluid aperture 25. The closure
also admits a shortened internal venting tube as at 28 through the
aperture 24. The air conduit 28 maintains communication with
ambient air outside the container B. The air aperture 24 passes the
ambient air into the venting tube 1. In this view, the air conduit
28 passes through the closure and enters the container. The vent,
as at 1, is generally elongated, hollow, and tapered as it extends
beyond the closure inferiorly to proximate the bottom, as at B', of
the bottle. The vent typically tapers at least 1/2 of 1% from the
closure towards its tip, as at 14. The tip also has a slight bevel,
that is, angled cut to prevent clogging proximate the bottom. In
this embodiment, the air conduit and optional fluid conduit 26 may
both be integral to the closure or may be separate pieces. As
before, the aperture 25 for liquid passage has an diameter
approximately 2.5 times that of the aperture 24 for venting
air.
[0144] FIG. 13 shows a similar container B with a closure 5 having
an aperture 25 for passing liquid through an optional fluid conduit
26 and venting air through an aperture 15 in the surface 2 of the
closure. The aperture 15 allows for venting of air through closure
12 but without an air conduit, thus eliminating one part. This
figure shows an optional liquid conduit 26 extending into the
container. The vent, as at 1, is generally elongated, hollow, and
tapered as it extends beneath the closure inferiorly to proximate
the bottom, as at B', of the bottle. The vent typically tapers at
least 1/2 of 1% from the closure towards its tip, as at 14. The tip
also has an angled cut to prevent clogging proximate the bottom. As
before, the aperture 25 for liquid passage has an area
approximately 2.5 times that of the aperture 15 for venting
air.
[0145] FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of the current disclosure
where the internal venting tube is preferably conical in a distal
portion of its length, as at 29, and inserted into the container B.
It may be inserted into any aspect of the container or closure.
This version of the current disclosure has an additional advantage
in that a current container need only be modified by providing a
liquid aperture, an aperture on the surface of container, cap,
plug, or similar device, and associating a preferably conical vent
to the air aperture. Many parts, costs, assemblies, leaks, time to
assemble, and other disadvantages of the prior art vanish when
utilizing this version. This figure shows the side view of the
liquid container B and demonstrates the conically shaped internal
venting tube 29 extending from the surface 2 of the closure to the
inferior aspect of the container. As before, the closure 5 secured
upon a neck N of the container using threads, internal threads 11
upon the interior of a perimeter flange 12 of the closure. The
flange extends around the perimeter of the closure, perpendicular
to the surface 2 of the closure through which connects the venting
tube as at 15 and the spout 4 shown as a short section of tube
extending above and beneath the surface of the closure. In this
view, the vent passes through the closure and enters the container.
The external venting tube is generally an elongated, hollow cone of
various diameters that extends beyond the closure inferiorly to
approximate the bottom, as at B', of the container. This embodiment
of the vent 29 has its tip 14, also with a slight bevel for clog
prevention so close to the bottom. In this embodiment, the spout
remains integral with the closure but may also be provided as a
separate piece for insertion during manufacturing or by the end
user through the closure. As in FIG. 5, the spout has an area, here
represented by its internal diameter, approximately 2.5 times that
of the vent.
[0146] FIG. 14A demonstrates the addition of an optional stop
flange 9 to the superior aspect of the internal venting tube 29.
The stop flange extends outwardly from the aperture 15 and prevents
the tube 29 from slipping into the container when as a separate
piece from the closure. Any of the venting tubes or other portions
of any versions may be cleaned and reused or may be disposable.
[0147] In FIG. 15, the preferably conical vent is situated such
that the superior aspect vents as at 15 from the closure 5 and
contains a preferably conical aspect in the proximal region as at
30 with a cylindrical vent extension 31 depending from the conical
aspect. The vent extension has a length that allows for its opening
as at 14 proximate the bottom B' of the container. The preferably
conical aspect may be in any location of the container or closure,
as shown in FIGS. 16, 17, 18, or any proportion or aspect of the
tube as later shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 16 shows the proximal region
30 opening as at 15 in the threaded region of the neck. FIG. 17
provides an opening 15 beneath the neck N where the proximal region
30 opens and has a stop flange 9 upon its perimeter. The proximal
region extends downwardly and inwardly into the container B with
the reservoir extension 31 further extending towards a corner of
the bottom B'. FIG. 18 next provides the opening 15 of the vent
well below the neck N and generally in a wall W. As before, the
proximal region 30 of the conical vent opens and utilizes its stop
flange 9 to prevent the vent from falling into the container B. The
proximal region extends downwardly and inwardly into the container
B with the reservoir extension 31 further extending preferably into
the airspace of B'.
[0148] FIG. 19 then shows the proximal vent 27 opening as at 15 in
the threaded region of the neck. This alternate embodiment of the
disclosure has the closure 5 threadily engaged to the neck. The
closure has its surface 2 as before that has an aperture 25 that
passes fluid but not an aperture that vents air as in previous
embodiments. This embodiment has a short section of tube utilized
as an optional fluid conduit 26 placed through the fluid aperture
25. The neck N of the container admits an external venting tube 27
that opens as at 15. The external venting tube is generally
elongated, narrow and curved as it extends from proximate the
closure and into the neck of the container. The external venting
tube merges with a conically shaped reservoir 6, generally at its
wide end as shown. Opposite the external venting tube, the
reservoir narrows in diameter to the reservoir extension 18 which
typically have a length greater than the reservoir. The generally
cylindrical reservoir extension has a beveled opening 14 proximate
the bottom B' of the container. Any combination of the previously
described arrangements of closure 5, opening 15, neck N, and the
various venting tubes with and without reservoirs meet the
performance characteristics of the disclosure. FIG. 20 further
shows the combination of the closure 5 upon a threaded neck N where
the external venting tube 27 opens below the threaded portion of
the neck. The external venting tube then continues downwardly into
the wide end of the reservoir 6 and its depending reservoir
extension 18 as shown. And, FIG. 21 has a container B with a neck N
closed by the closure 5. This embodiment though has the opening 15
in the wall W of the container. The opening admits the external
venting tube 27 for venting air from the atmosphere to the
container. The external venting tube then continues to the wide end
of the reservoir 6 which then continues to the reservoir extension
18 as shown. In the various embodiments previously shown and
described, an optional flange as at 9 and optional internal
proximal thickening as at 10 may be present, also in any
configuration.
[0149] FIG. 22 shows a plug 2, or closure. The plug has a generally
round shape to accommodate the shape of a round neck. However, the
plug may have an alternate shape to accommodate necks or container
openings of other shapes. The venting aperture and pouring aperture
are generally located upon a diametrical line across the plug in
this embodiment. Alternatively, the venting aperture may have a
location spaced away from the pouring aperture so long as air can
entered the vent tube.
[0150] FIG. 23 then shows a section view of one embodiment of an
embodiment of the present disclosure removed from a container B.
The disclosure, shown in top view in FIG. 22, has a plug 40,
generally round, to fit the neck N of a container. The plug is
generally an elongated cylinder with at least three flanges 40a,
generally mutually parallel and extending outwardly from the
cylinder. The flanges have an outside diameter generally that of
the inside diameter of the neck. Opposite the flanges and upon one
end, the plug has its top 40b that has a diameter at least slightly
more than the inside diameter of the neck. Preferably the top has a
diameter that exceeds the outside diameter of the neck. The plug
has two parallel lengthwise apertures that receive the liquid
conduit 41, and the air conduit 42.
[0151] The liquid tube 41, which is in contact with the liquid
aperture 25, has a cap 41a outwardly from the plug which a user can
remove to begin the flow of liquid from within the container. The
vent tube also has its cap 42a that fits upon the vent tube also
outwardly from the plug. A user can remove the cap 42a from the
vent tube to begin the flow of air into the container to eliminate
the vacuum beyond the surface of the liquid therein. Preferably,
the caps 41a, 42a have a common tether 42b secured to the plug that
prevents inadvertent loss. The internal venting tube 42 has a
generally elongated hollow cylindrical form. The internal venting
tube 42, or air conduit, preferably extends from slightly above the
top 40b of the plug, through the plug, and well below the plug as
at 42c. Away from the plug, opposite the top, the vent tube, as at
42c, has a slight bulge outwardly as at 43. Preferably the bulge
has a rounded outer surface and a diameter slightly more than the
outside diameter of the vent tube. Beneath the bulge 43, the vent
tube continues at its outside diameter and hollow construction, as
at 42d.
[0152] The bulge 43 of the vent tube 42 receives a stem 48a of a
reservoir plug 48. The stem 48a is a generally hollow, elongated
cylinder with an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside
diameter of the vent tube. The stem has sufficient length to slide
over the bulge 43 in the vent tube 42 thus securing the reservoir
plug 48 to the vent tube. The reservoir plug is generally
cylindrical. In one embodiment, the reservoir plug has a flange 48b
with a slightly larger diameter than the remainder of the reservoir
plug. The reservoir plug has an aperture there through that admits
the vent tube. The reservoir plug has a generally solid
construction outside of the aperture to prevent migration of fluids
and gases through the reservoir plug. The stem 48a is generally an
integral part of the reservoir plug 48 and centered thereon.
[0153] The reservoir plug 48 receives the reservoir 6 inwardly of
the flange 48b. The reservoir is generally hollow and cylindrical
in shape. The reservoir has an open superior end as at 47 and an
opposite partially hemispherical inferior end as at 20. The
inferior end has an aperture therein 21 that open to a reservoir
extension 18 that narrows to a tip as at 14. In this embodiment, a
flexible air conduit or hollow tubing 46 extends from the reservoir
6 to the surface of liquid within a container B when the container
is in the inverted position. The free end 49 of the tubing
generally approximates the bottom of the container or follows the
surface of the liquid when inverted while its opposite fixed end as
at 50 fits upon the outside surface of the tip 14. The tubing may
have buoyancy and sufficient length to exceed the height of the
container B and to avoid kinking of the tubing. It may also
approximate the air space of the container B while in the inverted
position. Air is free to enter the container through the air
aperture 24, which typically contains an air tube 42, into the
reservoir and then into the reservoir extension, above the surface
of the liquid remaining in the container B when inverted. The
reservoir has sufficient volume to contain liquid from the
reservoir extension when the container is inverted.
[0154] FIG. 24 shows a similar venting tube to FIG. 11, with the
exception of a stopper or plug 40 utilized to seal the container B,
rather than the cap like closure 5 seen in FIG. 11. FIG. 24
demonstrates an alternate embodiment of the disclosure where the
container B has a generally narrow neck N. The neck has a plug 40
inserted within the narrow neck. The plug has its surface 2 as
before that has an aperture 24 that vents air into the container
and a nearby aperture 25 that passes fluid. This embodiment has a
short section of tube utilized as an optional fluid conduit 41
placed through the fluid aperture 25. The liquid conduit is
generally elongated and narrow as it extends from above the plug,
though the plug, and preferably flushes with the bottom of the
plug. The air aperture 24 admits an internal venting tube 42 that
extends from slightly above the surface, through the plug, and into
the container. The internal venting tube 42 extends into the
container as at 42c. This portion of the internal venting tube
bulges outward slightly as described in FIG. 23. Over the bulges,
the internal venting tube receives a grooved section, as at 6a,
extending above the reservoir 6. The grooved section extends
outwardly from the wide end of the reservoir as shown. Opposite the
grooved section, the reservoir narrows in diameter to a reservoir
extension 18. The reservoir extension typically has a length
greater than the reservoir and a generally conical shape, but may
be any shape, with a beveled opening proximate the bottom B' of the
container.
[0155] FIG. 25 shows similar construction and assembly of this
alternate embodiment as in FIG. 24. However, the reservoir 6 has a
greater length than in FIG. 24, and generally exceeds the length of
the reservoir extension 18. The reservoir extends the preferably
conical aspect of itself over a longer aspect of the vent of this
embodiment.
[0156] FIG. 26 shows similar construction and assembly as FIGS. 24
and 25, but the reservoir 6 again increases its length in
proportion to the reservoir extension 18. The reservoir has a
length of at least twice that of the reservoir extension. The
reservoir retains its generally conical shape for its length,
narrowing from a wide end proximate the internal venting tube to
its merge with the reservoir extension. FIG. 27 then shows a
reservoir 6 having a generally conical shape but without a
reservoir extension as shown in FIGS. 24-26. The reservoir has a
wide end proximate the internal venting tube 42c and the reservoir
then tapers to its beveled opening as at 14.
[0157] Building on the top view in FIG. 22, FIG. 28 shows an
embodiment of the present disclosure employed in a container B to
eliminate the blending of air in the liquid as shown in FIG. 2.
This embodiment has its plug 40 installed in the neck N of an
inverted container B. The container B has a quantity of liquid
therein with a surface S locating away from the neck and towards
the bottom of the container B. The plug has a pouring aperture and
liquid conduit 41 extending through its length and into the neck.
Generally parallel and near the liquid conduit 41, the venting
aperture and air conduit 42 extends through the plug and into the
vent. The internal vent tube, which is in contact with the venting
aperture, bulges slightly, as at 43, for securement of a reservoir
6. The reservoir has a generally elongated cylindrical form rounded
upon its inferior end as at 20. The inferior end of the reservoir
provides a connection for a section of the preferably conical
tubing 46. The tubing may have inherent buoyancy, that is, a
density less than the liquid, may elongate, and then may float upon
the surface S. The tubing opens at the surface, as at its free end
49, either through buoyancy or through its direction, and allows
introduction of air above the surface but not through the liquid
remaining in the container B.
[0158] FIG. 29 demonstrates an alternate embodiment of the
disclosure that has a venting mechanism as previously shown in FIG.
24. This venting mechanism has a preferably conically reservoir 6
with a grooved section 6a extending above the wide end of the
reservoir towards the plug 40. The grooved section slips over the
internal venting tube as at 6a. Opposite the grooved section, the
reservoir tapers and connects at its distal aspect to the end 50 of
a flexible vent extension 46, or tube. The free end 49 of the
flexible reservoir extension can move within the container. The
flexible vent extension typically has a length at least twice that
of the reservoir as shown.
[0159] Slightly different than FIG. 29, FIG. 30 has a reservoir 6
in communication with the internal venting tube 42 through an
enlarged section 6a. The reservoir, similar to FIG. 25, has a wide
end from which the grooved section extends and a taper over its
length. The reservoir in FIG. 30 has a greater length than in FIG.
29, approximately the same length as the flexible vent extension
46. As before, the end 50 connects to the narrow tip of the conical
reservoir and the free end 49 moves within the container during
usage, particularly inversion of the container.
[0160] FIG. 31 also differs slightly from FIG. 30 by increasing the
portion of the reservoir 6 of conical shape. The reservoir connects
at its tip to the end 50 of the flexible vent extension 46. This
reservoir has a length that greatly exceeds the length of the
flexible vent extension as shown.
[0161] And, FIG. 32 provides a perspective view of the bottom of a
closure 5 generally for a wide neck container though adaptable to a
narrow neck bottle. The closure 5 has its surface 2 that has an
aperture for passing liquids 24 and an aperture for venting air
from a container as at 25. The liquid aperture 24 opens through a
spout 4 integrally formed with the closure. The spout is generally
a hollow tubular shape. The spout extends away from the surface 2
and opposite the perimeter flange 12. The spout opens flush at the
surface within the flange 12. In this embodiment, the spout has an
internal diameter of its round shape. The spout receives an
optional check valve 52, generally of silicone, and a hollow
cylinder. The check valve has two ends, one open and the other
opposite end partially closed. The opposite end has two flaps
separated by a slit 52a. The slit widens and the flaps move
outwardly upon application of a partial vacuum by a user, such as a
suckling infant. Without a partial vacuum, the slit closes the
check valve which prevents liquid from passing through the spout.
The liquid aperture 24 and hence the spout 4 are generally off
center of the closure. Moving to the venting aperture 25, this
aperture is generally centered upon the closure and extends beneath
the surface 2 as an optional raised boss 51. The raised boss has a
round cylindrical shape with a thickness less than its diameter.
The raised boss forms integrally with the closure. The diameter of
the raised boss provides for a press fit connection of a reservoir
6. The reservoir has its length and then narrows to a reservoir
extension 18 as previously described. The venting aperture 25
extends through the surface and the thickness of the raised
boss.
[0162] In operation, one connects reservoir 6 to the closure or
associated components or aspects, if it is not already present. The
reservoir extension is preferably above the level of the liquid in
the container B when the container is inverted to empty the liquid
from the container.
[0163] This ensures continuous and full venting of the container
without aeration and contamination of the liquid in the container.
It also ensures the presence of a positive pressure in the
container, so that the liquid may be withdrawn from the container
on demand, without the interference of vacuum, which is present in
traditional containers, other than those of the current inventors.
Leakage is also prevented due to the diameters of the pouring
aperture, or liquid aperture, 25 and the venting aperture, or air
aperture 24. One range of proportions of internal diameters of the
pouring aperture to the venting tube is approximately 2.5:1 (liquid
aperture: venting tube internal diameter) and allows for rapid and
simultaneous reentry of the liquid inside the venting tube into the
container B followed by air entry above the level of liquid when
the container is inverted. Optional flanges as at 9, 10 are shown.
Optional flange 9, the stop flange, is external to the diameter of
the venting tube and maintains the position of the venting tube and
reservoir 6. Optional flange 10, the retainer flange, is internal
to the venting tube and retains any fluid in the venting tube or
reservoir 6 while the container is in use.
[0164] FIGS. 3 and 4 are the preferred embodiment of the infant
feeding version of the disclosure. The internal venting tube
provides an air conduit while keeping the liquid and the air flows
separate during usage as the reservoir retains any liquid that
moves proximally into the venting tube. The container may contain
any type of desired substance and the substance may be dispensed
using any type of dispensing device. Some common dispensing devices
are nipples in infant feeding bottles and spouts for containers
with sports liquids. Any liquid conduit or simply an aperture is
frequently used with liquor containers. Any type of dispensing
device may be used. Also, the liquid aperture may dispense a solid
or liquid substance onto a surface where any amount may accumulate
and subsequently be presented at any time and at any desired rate.
An example of this type of dispensing is allowing formula or any
other liquid to drop onto a spoon shaped device 60 to a certain
amount and then feeding an infant with a desired amount of the
liquid at a certain rate, as in FIG. 33. Alternatively, an aperture
in the container or closure or other portion of the substance
containing device may be utilized. In all embodiments, all portions
of both the air and liquid apertures and their associated
components may be integral to various portions of the container or
its associated parts, or come in any combination separately or
attached. All portions of the apertures and their associated parts
may be of any size or configuration that fulfills the requirements
of the disclosures.
[0165] Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this
disclosure may occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the
summary as provided herein, in addition to the description of its
preferred embodiments. Such variations or modifications, if within
the spirit of this development, are intended to be encompassed
within the scope of the disclosure as described herein. The
description of the preferred embodiment, as well as all
embodiments, as provided, and as shown in the drawings, is set
forth for illustrative purposes only.
[0166] From the aforementioned description, a container venting
mechanism has been described. Thus, for the first time, as
demonstrated in all versions of the current disclosure and without
utilizing a horizontal air conduit, this vent mechanism is uniquely
capable of continuous and full venting, without leaking, and
without aerating and contaminating the liquid in the container,
while providing a positive pressure in the container, so that
liquid may be removed on demand without the interference of vacuum,
as seen in traditional containers. This vent mechanism and its
various components may be manufactured from many materials,
including, but not limited to singly or in combination, polymers,
polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon,
ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their alloys, and
composites.
* * * * *