Liquid Dispensing Spout

Abstract

A liquid dispensing spout with a housing having a top open end with an outer threaded end, a bottom open end with an inner threaded end, an outer portion and an inner portion. The bottom open end is adapted to mount to a container. The inner portion has an open channel extending between the top open end and the bottom open end. A non-moving valve is positioned in the open channel proximate the inner threaded end. A cap is attached on the top open end along the outer threaded end and configured to prevent the escape of vapor and liquid inside the container when not in use. The non-moving valve is substantially triangular in shape thereby providing a dual passage of the liquid and controlling the flow of the liquid and air flowing back from the container such that the liquid gently flows out at a greatly reduced velocity.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

[0003] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

[0004] 1. Technical Field of the Disclosure

[0005] The present disclosure relates in general to fluid dispensers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an improved liquid dispensing spout attached to a container containing liquid allowing the dual passage of the liquid in a controlled and uniform manner at a greatly reduced velocity and eliminating the need for any moving parts.

[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0007] Liquid dispensers are used to transfer the liquid stored in one container to another containers. The liquid dispensers are attached to the bottles containing liquids and allow the liquid to be dispensed in a uniform manner. Traditional liquid dispensers use either a manifold system that acts as a one way valve, or multiple tubes working in conjunction with one-way valves to allow air and the liquid to flow out of a spout and dispense the liquid.

[0008] One of the existing liquid dispensers discloses an improved pouring spout of the type of one's which are detachably connected to a filling container for transferring liquid in a receiving container. These kind of pouring spouts include an inlet tube for receiving liquid from the filling container, and an outlet tube telescopically mounted to slide onto the inlet tube for guiding liquid therefrom into the receiving container. The spout also comprises a liquid valve which opens and closes automatically upon sliding of the outlet tube. The spout further comprises an air passage and an air valve for regulating an air flow inside the spout from the receiving container into the receiving container, such that the flow of liquid inside the spout stops automatically when the receiving container is full, thereby avoiding spillage of liquid. However, the improved pouring spout uses multiple tubes to dispense the liquid and a valve system to control the flow of liquid. Moreover, the spout involves certain complications in order to prevent leakage of liquid through the air vents, especially when the spout is first opened.

[0009] Another existing spill inhibiting spout discloses a spout for mounting on a liquid container to provide controlled dispensing of liquid therefrom includes a manual control for stopping the flow of liquid through a pouring tube and an automatic control to prevent spills due to overfilling. Manual control over the amount of liquid flowing through the pouring opening of the spout is provided by a preferably tubular rod having a stop mounted at one end and a push button actuator at the other end of the rod. The spout includes a body with the pouring tube extending from one side and the push button for opening the stop to dispense liquid on the other side of the body. The automatic control is provided through a vent tube which extends through a port in the pouring tube and is connected to the tubular rod which is provided with at least one hole. When the level of liquid in a receiving tank rises over the port, no air enters the liquid container and consequently the flow of liquid from the pouring tube is discontinued. However, the system does not have any arrangements to eliminate splashing or excess liquid being discharged from the bottle containing liquid.

[0010] Another existing non-spilling detachable pouring spout is configured to transfer liquid from a non-vented filling container to a receiving container. This spout having a spout body defining an open passageway extending from an open first end to an open second end this open passageway having a generally tubular shaped hollow inner conduit positioned within the first hollow passageway, and defining a second hollow passageway. An intermediate sleeve is configured for attachment to the device and is further configured to seal against portions of the spout body and the inner conduit so as to variously control the flow of materials out of the spout body. The movement of said sleeve is controlled by movement of a child resistant sheath. However the system does not provide any method to prevent the vaporization of fluid when not in use.

[0011] Another existing no-spill cup construction and valve assembly provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve near the spout, causing the valve to invert which unblocks an opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed position, with the valve pressed against a center seal-off, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective. The cup assembly further allows liquid flow to be regulated between regular or maximum flow and minimal flow levels or rates by rotating the position of the valve assembly in the cover of the cup. However the system does not provide any means to regulate the air flow for preventing spillage of liquid.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need for an improved liquid dispensing spout that would allow the liquid to be dispensed with a controlled and uniform manner. Such a needed liquid dispensing spout would eliminate the need to incorporate the one-way valves and multiple tubes to dispense the liquid. Such a needed device would include a triangular shaped non-moving valve that would be configured to provide a dual passage of liquid and eliminate the need for any moving parts thereby preventing splashing or excess liquid being discharged from the container. Such a needed device would regulate the air flow for preventing spillage of liquid. Such a liquid dispensing spout would also include a cap to close the container when not in use to prevent the vaporization of the liquid from the container. Finally, the liquid dispensing spout would be inexpensive and once installed in the container, the liquid dispensing spout can be reused multiple times.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present embodiment is an improved liquid dispensing spout that is attached to at least one container containing liquid allowing the liquid to be dispensed with a controlled and uniform manner. The liquid dispensing spout is configured to eliminate splashing or excess liquid being discharged from the at least one container containing the liquid. The liquid dispensing spout comprises a housing having a top open end with an outer threaded end, a bottom open end with an inner threaded end, an outer portion and an inner portion. The bottom open end is adapted to mount to the attached container. The inner portion includes an open channel extending between the top open end and the bottom open end. A non-moving valve is positioned in the open channel adjacent to the inner threaded end. The non-moving valve is substantially triangular in shape thereby providing a dual passage of liquid and controlling the flow of liquid and air flowing back from the attached container such that the liquid gently flows out at a greatly reduced velocity. A cap is attached on the top open end along the outer threaded end of the liquid dispensing spout. The cap prevents the escape of vapor and liquid inside the attached container when not in use.

[0014] The non-moving valve minimizes the liquid flowing out of the attached container. The air is able to pass along top of the non-moving valve and allows the attached container to breath and pass the liquid along the bottom open end of the liquid dispensing spout. The triangular shape of the non-moving valve eliminates the need of moving parts while dispensing the liquid.

[0015] The non-moving valve provides the dual passage of both liquid being poured out and air flowing back into the attached container to facilitate the equilibrium required to have a smooth and controlled pouring of the liquid from the liquid dispensing spout. The triangular design of the non-moving valve allows the diversion of the liquid to the bottom open end and the passage of air along the top open end, keeping equilibrium during the entire process of pouring the liquid out of the attached container.

[0016] The non-moving valve allows the air to circulate from the top open end in the liquid dispensing spout to an opening of the attached container and liquid being transferred along the liquid dispensing spout is restricted such that the liquid gently flows out at a greatly reduced velocity. The liquid dispensing spout is configured to fit on various sized bottles and the length of the liquid dispensing spout allows the dispensing of the liquid into hard to reach areas with greater ease and control. The unique triangular design of the non-moving valve eliminates the need to incorporate the one-way valves and multiple tubes to dispense the liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention, thus the drawings are generalized in form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid dispensing spout in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid dispensing spout wherein a cap is detached from the liquid dispensing spout of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the liquid dispensing spout in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid dispensing spout when in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0023] Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or only address one of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below.

[0024] Turning first to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a liquid dispensing spout 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The liquid dispensing spout 10 comprises a housing 12 having a top open end 14 with an outer threaded end 16, a bottom open end 18 with an inner threaded end 20, an outer portion 22 and an inner portion 24. The bottom open end 18 is adapted to mount to at least one container 26. The inner portion 24 includes an open channel 28 extending between the top open end 14 and the bottom open end 18. The housing 12 further comprises a non-moving valve 30 positioned in the open channel 24 proximate the inner threaded end 20 and configured to provide dual passage of the liquid. The liquid dispensing spout 10 controls the flow of liquid and air flowing back from the at least one container 26 such that the liquid gently flows out at a greatly reduced velocity.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the liquid dispensing spout 10 wherein the cap 32 is detached from the liquid dispensing spout 10 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The cap 32 is attached on the top open end 14 of the housing along the outer threaded end 16. The cap 32 prevents the escape of vapor and liquid inside the at least one container 26 when not in use.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the liquid dispensing spout 10 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The non-moving valve 30 is positioned in the open channel 24 proximate to the inner threaded end 20. The non-moving valve 30 is substantially triangular in shape thereby controlling the flow of liquid from the at least one container 26. The non-moving valve 30 provides the dual passage of the liquid to minimize the liquid flowing out of the at least one container 26. The air is able to pass along top of the non-moving valve 30 and allows the at least one container 26 to breath and pass the liquid along the bottom open end of the liquid dispensing spout 10. The triangular shape of the non-moving valve 30 eliminates the need of moving parts while dispensing the liquid.

[0027] The non-moving valve is configured to facilitate the equilibrium required to have a smooth and controlled pouring of the liquid from the liquid dispensing spout 10 that is mathematically formulated for optimum efficiency. The triangular design of the non-moving valve 30 allows the diversion of the liquid to the bottom open end 18 and the passage of air along the top open end 14, keeping equilibrium during the entire process of pouring the liquid out of the at least one container 26. The liquid dispensing spout 10 allows the air to pass through the liquid dispensing spout 10 so that the liquid is controlled and does not spill during the process of pouring the liquid. The liquid dispensing spout 10 allows the air to pass along the top open end 14 in relation to the liquid flowing out along the bottom open end 18, so that it will always be a steady stream flowing out of the liquid dispensing spout 10.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid dispensing spout 10 when in use. When the air circulates from the top open end in the liquid dispensing spout 10 to an opening of the at least one container 26 the liquid transferred along the liquid dispensing spout 10 is restricted such that the liquid gently flows out at a greatly reduced velocity.

[0029] The liquid dispensing spout 10 is configured to fit on various sized bottles and the length of the spout provides the dispensing of the liquid into hard to reach areas with greater ease and control. The unique triangular design of the non-moving valve eliminates the need to incorporate the one-way valves and multiple tubes to dispense the liquid.

[0030] The liquid dispensing spout 10 is easily applicable for home use, business and commercial applications. The liquid dispensing spout 10 is inexpensive and once installed in the at least one container, the liquid dispensing spout 10 can be reused multiple times.

[0031] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, the shape of the non moving valve 30 can be modified. It is intended that the scope of the present invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing spout comprising: a housing having a top open end with an outer threaded end, a bottom open end with an inner threaded end, an outer portion and an inner portion, the bottom open end being adapted to mount to at least one container, the inner portion having an open channel extending between the top open end and the bottom open end; a non-moving valve positioned in the open channel proximate the inner threaded end; and a cap attached on the top open end along the outer threaded end; whereby the non-moving valve is substantially triangular in shape thereby providing a dual passage of a liquid and controlling the flow of the liquid and air flowing back from the at least one container such that the liquid gently flows out at a greatly reduced velocity.

2. The liquid dispensing spout of claim 1, wherein the liquid dispensing spout is adaptable to eliminate splashing and excess flow of the liquid from the at least one container containing the liquid.

3. The liquid dispensing spout of claim 1, wherein the cap is configured to prevent escape of vapor and liquid inside the at least one container when not in use.

4. The liquid dispensing spout of claim 1, wherein said spout is configured to fit on various sized containers and length of the liquid dispensing spout allows dispensing of the liquid in hard to reach areas with greater ease and control.

5. The liquid dispensing spout of claim 1, wherein the triangular shape of the non-moving valve is configured to eliminate the need of moving parts while dispensing the liquid.

6. A liquid dispensing spout comprising: a housing having a top open end with an outer threaded end, a bottom open end with an inner threaded end, an outer portion and an inner portion, the bottom open end being adapted to mount to at least one container, the inner portion having an open channel extending between the top open end and the bottom open end; a non-moving valve positioned in the open channel proximate the inner threaded end, the non-moving valve being configured to provide a dual passage of a liquid thereby controlling the flow of the liquid from the at least one container; and a cap attached on the top open end along the outer threaded end, the cap being configured to prevent the escape of vapor and liquid inside the at least one container when not in use; whereby the non-moving valve is substantially triangular in shape thereby providing the dual passage of the liquid and controlling the flow of the liquid and air flowing back from the at least one container such that the liquid gently flows out at a greatly reduced velocity.

7. The liquid dispensing spout of claim 6, wherein the triangular shape of the non-moving valve is configured to eliminate the need of moving parts while dispensing the liquid.

8. The liquid dispensing spout of claim 6, wherein said spout is configured to fit on various sized containers and length of the liquid dispensing spout allows dispensing of the liquid in hard to reach areas with greater ease and control.

9. The liquid dispensing spout of claim 6, wherein the liquid dispensing spout is adaptable to eliminate splashing and excess flow of the liquid discharged from the at least one container containing the liquid.