AU2018312303B2

AU2018312303B2 - Liquid Pouring Member and Container

Info

Publication number: AU2018312303B2
Application number: AU2018312303A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Shuji BUNNO; Yusuke FUJIMURA; Kazutoshi Ikeda; Takashi Makabe; Yamato Nojiri; Kaori TADA
Original assignee: Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc
Current assignee: Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc
Priority date: 2017-08-04
Filing date: 2018-08-03
Publication date: 2023-12-14
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-03
Also published as: EP3663223A4; CN110914170B; JP2019031331A; EP3663223A1; AU2018312303A1; CN110914170A; JP7066134B2; CA3071620A1; EP3663223B1

Abstract

Provided is a member for discharging a liquid which is capable of effectively preventing the liquid from spurting when a container is opened. An inner plug 1 is provided with: a nozzle part 2; a base part 3 for engaging with a mouth portion of the container; and a hollow cylindrical skirt portion 4. The nozzle part 2 has a nozzle upper portion 5 extending from an upper face 16 of the base part 3 and a nozzle lower portion 6 extending from a lower face 17 of the base part 3. The nozzle upper portion 5 has a discharge opening 7, and the nozzle lower portion 6 has an inflow opening 8, forming an inner passage 9 running from the inflow opening 8 to the discharge opening 7. The nozzle lower portion 6 is disposed inside of the skirt portion 4 in the radial direction and has a tip part 11 with an oblique face 12, and the inflow opening 8 is formed in the oblique face 12. The nozzle lower portion 6 has a columnar part 10 extending perpendicularly from the lower face 17 of the base part 3. The columnar part 10 has a side face 24 and a bottom face 25, wherein an edge section between the side face 24 and the bottom face 25 forms a corner part 13 having a 90˚ angle. The tip part 11 projects from the skirt portion 4, and a constricted section 20 is formed in the inner passage 9, the passage having a smaller cross-sectional area in said constricted section than in other sections.

Description

DESCRIPTION LIQUID POURING MEMBER AND CONTAINER TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid pouring member and a container.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A generally employed container has a nozzle attached to a plug fitted to an opening

of a container that contains liquid such as liquid medicine so as to be poured to the diseased

part. After pouring the liquid, the nozzle is capped. There may be the case that when

removing the cap for the subsequent use of the container, the liquid remaining on the inner

wall surface of the nozzle is extruded under the internal pressure higher than the external

pressure, causing accidental sprouting from the nozzle.

[0003] PTL 1 discloses the technique for solving the above-described problem. Referring

to Fig. 1 of PTL 1, the plug fitted to the disclosed squeeze container includes a mount fitting

cylinder 3 to be internally fitted to the neck portion 2 of the container 1, a straight cylindrical

nozzle 5 disposed while projecting from the mount fitting cylinder 3 substantially vertically

upward, and an outlet hole 4 penetrating through the nozzle 5. The lower end of the nozzle

is formed as an inclined plane marked by substantially T-like symbol.

[0004] Each of the nozzle 5 and the outlet hole 4 of the plug in the description of PTL 1 is

substantially vertically thin and long shaped. Although the liquid adheres to the inner wall

surface of the outlet hole 4 as foam when pouring the liquid, external air flowing into the

container 1 through the outlet hole 4 after pouring the liquid forces the foam to fall down to

the lower end of the nozzle 5. At this time, the foam falling down to the lower end of the

nozzle 5 easily drops into the container 1 along the inclined plane marked by substantially

T-like symbol of the lower end of the nozzle 5. This may prevent the liquid that has

adhered to the inner wall surface of the outlet hole 4 and the nozzle 5 from being kept

remained. Accordingly, the remaining foam-like liquid is never extruded from the outlet

hole 4 when removing the cap 8 in the subsequent pouring.

[0005] If the liquid remains on the inner wall surface of the mount fitting cylinder 3 (skirt), and in the gap between the inner wall of the skirt 3 and the lower end of the nozzle 5, the

remaining liquid may infiltrate into the outlet hole 4 by the capillarity. The disclosed

technique as PTL 1 may fail to prevent spouting of the infiltrated liquid under the internal

pressure upon removal of the cap 8.

CITATION LIST PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] PTL 1: Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-48561

SUMMARY OF INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid pouring member

and a container, capable of effectively preventing the liquid from spouting upon opening.

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0008] For the purpose of solving the above-described problem, the present invention provides a liquid pouring member that includes a nozzle, a base to be engaged with an

opening of a container, and a hollow cylindrical skirt extending from the base to be fitted into

the opening of the container. The nozzle includes a nozzle upper part that extends from an

upper surface of the base opposite the skirt, and includes an outlet port for pouring a liquid

content from the container, a nozzle lower part that is formed in a radial inner side of the skirt

while extending from a lower surface of the base, and includes an inlet port through which the liquid content flows from the container, and an inner passage formed from the inlet port

to the outlet port while passing through the nozzle lower part and the nozzle upper part. The

nozzle lower part includes an end portion with an inclined surface in which the inlet port is

formed. The end portion has at least a part protruding from the skirt. A constriction is

formed inside the inner passage of the nozzle lower part. The nozzle lower part and the

skirt are configured to form a relatively radially wide portion and a relatively radially narrow portion between the nozzle lower part and an inner wall of the skirt adjacent to the nozzle lower part.

[0009] Preferably, the nozzle lower part includes a column portion vertically extending

from the lower surface of the base, and the column portion includes a side surface and a

bottom surface from which the end portion extends. In this case, more preferably, the bottom surface has the same height as an edge of the skirt.

[0010] More preferably, the constriction is formed from a position at the same height as the bottom surface to an inner side of the column portion.

[0011] More preferably, an edge portion as an intersection between the side surface and the bottom surface forms an angular portion at an angle of 90.

[0012] The end portion may include a convex portion axially extending along aside surface

of the radially narrow portion for guiding falling droplets. Preferably, the convex portion radially protrudes in a range not in excess of a diameter of the column portion.

[0013] The nozzle lower part according to another preferred embodiment has no stepped

portion, and extends up to the end portion.

[0014] In the present invention, the structure having the radially wide and narrow portions

may be formed by the means (1) to (3) to be described below, for example.

(1) The nozzle lower part extends from a position on the lower surface of the base, biased from a center of the skirt to form the radially wide and narrow portions. At this time, the nozzle upper part may extend from a biased position on the upper surface of the base in

alignment with the nozzle lower part. Alternatively, only the nozzle lower part is biasedly positioned from the center of the skirt, and the nozzle upper part may extend concentrically

with the skirt.

(2) The skirt further includes a partial inner circumferential wall that partially surrounds

the nozzle lower part in a radial inner side of an outer circumferential wall of the skirt. The

radially narrow portion is formed between the nozzle lower part and the partial inner

circumferential wall adjacent to the nozzle lower part. The radially wide portion is formed between the nozzle lower part and the inner wall of the skirt adjacent to the nozzle lower part in a region where the partial inner circumferential wall is not formed.

(3) The nozzle lower part includes a portion with relatively large thickness, and a

portion with relatively small thickness of an outer circumference of the inner passage. The

radially narrow portion is formed between the portion with large thickness and the inner wall

of the skirt, and the radially wide portion is formed between the portion with small thickness and the inner wall of the skirt.

[0015] Preferably, a length of the inner passage from the constriction to the outlet port is equal to or longer than 5 mm.

[0016] Concerning the structure for fitting the member according to the present invention to the container, the base includes a top having the upper surface and the lower surface, and a

side surface extending downward from the top. A thread may be formed on an inner wall of the side surface for threaded engagement with a thread formed over an outer circumference

of a side surface of the opening of the container. In this embodiment, a cap for closing the outlet port by covering at least the nozzle upper part may be provided. In this case, a thread

is formed on an inner wall of the cap, and a thread is formed over an outer circumference of the side surface of the nozzle upper part for threaded engagement with the thread of the cap.

[0017] Concerning another structure for fitting the member according to the present

invention to the container, the base may be a plate-like member including the upper surface

and the lower surface. In this case, the plate-like member is engaged with a top end portion

of the opening of the container to lock further entry of the inner plug into the container. In

this embodiment, a cap for closing the outlet port by covering at least the nozzle upper part

may be provided. In this case, a thread is formed on an inner wall of the cap for threaded

engagement with a thread formed over an outer circumference of the side surface of the

opening of the container.

[0018] According to a preferable embodiment of the present invention, as the capped

member, an upper cap for closing the outlet port by covering at least the nozzle upper part

may be provided. The base is a lower cap to be fitted to the opening of the container, and the upper cap is pivotally connected to the lower cap to allow opening and closing.

Preferably, the upper cap is configured to be engaged with the lower cap in a snap-fit manner

when the upper cap is closed.

[0019] More preferably, the cap or the upper cap according to the respective embodiments

includes a protrusion to be inserted into the outlet port when the cap or the upper cap is

closed.

[0020] Concerning the member according to the respective embodiments, preferably, the

nozzle upper part includes a liquid drip-off portion formed over an outer circumference of an

end portion of the nozzle upper part.

[0021] The inclined surface of the end portion of the nozzle lower part maybe directed to

either the wide portion or the narrow portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Fig. 1 shows an inner plug according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

in which Fig. 1(a) is a plan view, Fig. 1(b) is a front view, Fig. 1(c) is a sectional view taken

along line A-A' of Fig. 1(a), and Fig. 1(d) is a bottom view.

Fig. 2 shows a cap for covering the inner plug as shown in Fig. 1, in which Fig. 2(a) is a plan

view, Fig. 2(b) is a front view, Fig. 2(c) is a sectional view taken along line B-B'of Fig. 2(a),

and Fig. 2(d) is a bottom view.

Fig. 3 shows an assembled body formed by fitting the inner plug as shown in Fig. 1 to the

container, and closing the inner plug with the cap as shown in Fig. 2, in which Fig. 3(a) is a

plan view, Fig. 3(b) is a front view, and Fig. 3(c) is a sectional view taken along line C-C' of

Fig. 3(a).

Fig. 4 is an explanatory view representing how the inner plug as shown in Fig. 1 is operated

in the use, in which (1) shows a state where the container is filled with liquid, the inner plug

as shown in Fig. 1 is fitted to the container as indicated by Fig. 3(c), and the capped container

is laid sideways, (2) shows a state where the container is brought into an upright posture from

the state (1), (3) shows an initial state where the cap is detached from the container in the

state (2), and (4) shows the state (3) after passage of short time.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line D-D' of the state (2) as shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 shows an inner plug according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in

which Fig. 6(a) is a plan view, Fig. 6(b) is a front view, Fig. 6(c) is a sectional view taken

along line E-E'of Fig. 6(a), and Fig. 6(d) is a bottom view.

Fig. 7 shows an inner plug according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in

which Fig. 7(a) is a plan view, Fig. 7(b) is a front view, Fig. 7(c) is a sectional view taken

along line F-F'of Fig. 7(a), and Fig. 7(d) is a bottom view.

Fig. 8 shows an inner plug according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in

which Fig. 8(a) is a plan view, Fig. 8(b) is a front view, Fig. 8(c) is a sectional view taken

along line G-G'of Fig. 8(a), and Fig. 8(d) is a bottom view.

Fig. 9 shows an inner plug according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which

Fig. 9(a) is a plan view, Fig. 9(b) is a front view, Fig. 9(c) is a sectional view taken along line

H-H' of Fig. 9(a), and Fig. 9(d) is a sectional view representing a state where the inner plug

as shown in Fig. 9(c) is fitted to the container, and capped, and Fig. 9(e) is a bottom view.

Fig. 10 shows a hinged cap in an opened state according to a sixth embodiment of the present

invention, in which Fig. 10(a) is a plan view, Fig. 10(b) is a front view, Fig. 10(c) is a right

side view, Fig. 10(d) is a back view, Fig. 10(e) is a bottom view, and Fig. 10(f) is a sectional

view taken along line I-I' of Fig. 10(b).

Fig. 11 shows the hinged cap in a closed state according to the sixth embodiment of the

present invention, in which Fig. 11(a) is a plan view, Fig. 11(b) is a front view, Fig. 11(c) is a

right side view, Fig. 11(d) is a back view, Fig. 11(e) is a bottom view, and Fig. I l(f) is a

sectional view taken along line J-J' of Fig. 11(b).

Fig. 12 shows a hinged cap in an opened state according to a seventh embodiment of the

present invention, in which Fig. 12(a) is a plan view, Fig. 12(b) is a front view, Fig. 12(c) is a

right side view, Fig. 12(d) is a back view, Fig. 12(e) is a bottom view, and Fig. 12(f) is a

sectional view taken along line K-K'of Fig. 12(b).

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The embodiments according to the present invention will be described below

referring to the drawings.

(First Embodiment)

Figs. 1(a) to 1(d) show an inner plug 1 as a liquid pouring member according to a

first embodiment of the present invention. The inner plug 1 fitted to a container that

contains the liquid content such as the liquid medicine is a member that allows pouring of the

liquid content as described below. The inner plug 1 may be produced into an integral part

through the injection molding process. However, it maybe arbitrarily produced without being limited to the above-described process.

[0024] As Fig. 1(c) shows, the inner plug 1 includes a nozzle 2, abase 3 to be engaged with

an opening of the container (not shown), and a hollow cylindrical skirt 4 extending from the

base 3 for fitting to the inner opening of the container. The nozzle 2 includes a nozzle upper

part 5 (Fig. 1(b)) extending from an upper surface 16 of the base 3 in a direction opposite the skirt 4, and a nozzle lower part 6 extending from a lower surface 17 of the base 3. The

nozzle upper part 5 includes an outlet port 7 for pouring the liquid content from the container.

The nozzle lower part 6 includes an inlet port 8 into which the liquid content flows from the

container. An inner passage 9 is formed from the inlet port 8 to the outlet port 7 while penetrating through the nozzle lower part 6 and the nozzle upper part 5.

[0025] Referring further to Fig. 1(c), the nozzle lower part 6 is formed in the radial inner

side of the skirt 4, and includes an end portion 11 with an inclined surface 12. The inlet port

8 is formed in the inclined surface 12. The nozzle lower part 6 includes a column portion

vertically extending from the lower surface 17 of the base 3. The column portion

includes aside surface 24 and a bottom surface 25. An edge portion between the side

surface 24 and the bottom surface 25 forms an angular portion 13 at an angle of 90.

Preferably, the bottom surface 25 has the same height as an edge of the skirt 4, and has the

end portion 11 extending therefrom. In this case, the end portion 11 protrudes from the skirt

4. The inner passage 9 includes a constriction 20 with its sectional area of a passage smaller than that of the other part. Preferably, the constriction 20 is formed at the lower position closer to the end portion 11. More preferably, the constriction 20 is formed into the column portion 10 from the position at the same height as the bottom surface 25. Preferablythe length of the inner passage 9 between the constriction 20 and the outlet port 7 is as long as possible, for example, equal to or longer than 5 mm, and more preferably, equal to or longer than 10 mm.

[0026] Referring to Fig. 1(d), in the embodiment, the nozzle lower part 6 extends

downward from the position on the lower surface 17 biased from the center of the skirt 4,

thus forming a radially wide portion 22 and a radially narrow portion 23. In the

embodiment, as Fig. 1(a) shows, the nozzle upper part 5 also extends from the biased position on the upper surface 16 of the base 3 in alignment with the nozzle lower part 6. As shown in the drawing, the inclined surface 12 of the end portion 11 of the nozzle lower part 6 is

directed to the wide portion 22. However, the inclined surface 12 may be directed to the narrow portion 23, for example, or arbitrarily directed without the present invention being limited to the one as described above (applicable to the other embodiment).

[0027] Referring to Fig. 1(c), the base 3 includes a top 14 having the upper surface 16 and

the lower surface 17, and a side surface 15 extending downward from the top 14. A thread 18 is formed on an inner wall of the side surface 15 for threaded engagement with a thread

formed over an outer circumference of a side surface of the opening of the container. As

Fig. 1(b) shows, a thread 19 is formed over an outer circumference of the side surface of the

nozzle upper part 5. A liquid drip-off portion 21 is formed over the outer circumference of

an end portion of the nozzle upper part 5.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows a cap 30 for covering the nozzle upperpart 5 of the innerplug 1 as

shown in Fig. 1. Referring especially to Fig. 2(c), a thread 31 is formed on an inner wall of

the cap 30. A protrusion 33 is formed on a back surface of a top plate 32 of the cap 30.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a state in which the inner plug 1 as shown in Fig. 1 is fitted to a

container 40, and the cap 30 as shown in Fig. 2 covers the inner plug 1. Referring

especially to Fig. 3(c), a thread 42 is formed over an outer circumference of the side surface

of an opening 41 of the container 40. The thread 18 of the inner plug 1 is threadedly engaged with the thread 42 of the container so that the skirt 4 of the inner plug 1 is fitted to the inside of the open space of the opening 41 of the container 40. Accordingly, the inner plug 1 may be fitted to the container 40.

[0030] Threadedly engaging the thread 31 of the cap 30 with the thread 19 of the nozzle

upper part 5 allows attachment of the cap 30 to the inner plug 1. At this time, the protrusion

33 of the cap 30 is inserted into the outlet port 7 of the nozzle 2. Accordingly, there is no

risk that the liquid content of the container 40 leaks outside while the cap 30 is attached to the inner plug 1. Furthermore, air-tightness in the container may be retained.

[0031] Functions of the inner plug 1 according to the first embodiment will be described referring to Figs. 4 and 5.

[0032] Referring to Fig. 4, the inner plug 1 is fitted to the container 40 as shown in Fig. 3 that contains a liquid content 43 such as the liquid medicine, and is covered with the cap 30.

The container is then laid sideways as shown in the state (1) first. In the state (1) in which

the container is laid sideways, the liquid content 43 flows into the inlet port 8, and passes

through the constriction 20 by the capillarity. As the outlet port 7 is closed with the

protrusion 33 of the cap 30, air remains in the inner passage 9. Because of the resultant air

pressure, the liquid content 44 that has reached the constriction 20 remains in the inner

passage near the constriction 20 and the inlet port 8.

[0033] As the state (1) in which the container is laid sideways is brought into the upright

posture as indicated by the state (2), the liquid content that has gathered around the inner plug

1 in the state (1) in which the container is laid sideways cannot sustain its own weight, and

falls down. Some amount of the liquid content is kept adhering to the inner wall of the

inner plug 1 under the surface tension. Referring to Fig. 5, among the liquid content

gathered between the nozzle lower part 6 and the inner wall of the skirt 4, the liquid content

gathered in the radially wide portion 22 moves toward the narrow portion 23 under the

capillary attraction. (see arrow marks of Fig. 5). Referring back to Fig. 4, it is shown that

the liquid content 45 that has moved toward the narrow portion 23 and gathered cannot

sustain its own weight, thus falling down. The end portion 11 having the inlet port

8 protrudes downward farther than the edge of the skirt 4. Furthermore, as the angular

portion 13 at an angle of 90 is formed, the liquid content to be gathered around the inlet port 8 under the capillary attraction may be minimized.

[0034] Referring to Fig. 4, detachment of the cap 30 from the container in the state (2)

brings the container into the state (3) in which the outlet port 7 is released. As a result, an

action for venting expansion force of air remaining in the container works. The internal

pressure of the container acts to equalize the outside pressure so that the liquid content

gathered around the constriction 20 is forced out to move upward through the inner passage 9 as indicated by a reference numeral 46 in the state (3).

[0035] Upon passage of a short time in transition from the state (3) to the state (4), the

extruded liquid content splashes before reaching the outlet port 7 while passing through the

long inner passage 9 as indicated by a reference numeral 47. Then air in the container is

communicated with outside air to bring the pressure into the ordinary state. The liquid

content gathered in the radially narrow portion 23 falls down by its own weight. Even if a

small amount of the liquid content remains, the remaining liquid is reduced from the portion

around the inlet port 8 upon removal of the cap 30 because of the end portion 11 having the inlet port 8 protruding downward farther than the edge of the skirt 4, and the angular portion

13 at an angle of 900. This makes it possible to effectively prevent spouting of the

remaining liquid upon removal of the cap.

[0036] As described above, the embodiment prevents the liquid content from spouting as a

result of detaching the cap 30.

[0037] The liquid content to be contained in the container 40 includes materials for dental

use, for example, the dental adhesive material such as a dental bonding material, the

pretreatment agent for dental use such as the dental primer, the denture-base material such as

the instantaneous polymerized resin and lining material, the dental lubricant, the dental

etching agent, the dental cleaning material, and the medicines for dental use, the medical

adhesive, the medicine, industrial adhesive, and medicine. However, arbitrary materials may be contained in the container without the invention being limited to those described above.

[0038] (Second Embodiment)

In the first embodiment, the nozzle 2 is entirely biased from the center of the base 3 and the skirt 4 to form the radially wide portion 22 and the radially narrow portion 23. In

the second embodiment according to the present invention, another means is used for forming

the radially wide and narrow portions without the invention being limited to the example as

described above.

[0039] Fig. 6 shows an inner plug lb according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 6, no reference numerals are used for designating the similar

components to those of the first embodiment, or the same reference numerals suffixed by "b"

may be used. The detailed explanation of those components, thus will be omitted.

[0040] As Figs. 6(a), 6(b), 6(c), and 6(d) show, a nozzle 2b is entirely formed

concentrically with a base 3b. That is, a nozzle upper part 5b and a nozzle lower part 6b are

formed concentrically with a skirt 4b, and not biased unlike the first embodiment.

[0041] As Figs. 6(c) and 6(d) show, the skirt 4b further includes a partial inner

circumferential wall 50 that partially surrounds the nozzle lower part 6b in the radial inner side of the outer circumferential wall of the skirt 4b. As a result, a radially narrow portion

23b is formed between the nozzle lower part 6b and the partial inner circumferential wall

adjacent to the nozzle lower part 6b, and a radially wide portion 22b is formed between

the nozzle lower part 6b and the inner wall of the skirt 4b adjacent to the nozzle lower part 6b

in a region where the partial inner circumferential wall 50 is not formed.

[0042] The second embodiment may provide the similar effects and advantages to those

derived from the first embodiment.

[0043] (Third Embodiment)

A third embodiment includes means for further improving the function of the first

embodiment in which the liquid content 45 that has been moved to the narrow portion 23, and gathered with time cannot sustain its own weight, and falls down as shown in the state (2) of Fig. 4.

[0044] Fig. 7 shows an inner plug le according to the third embodiment. ReferringtoFig.

7, no reference numerals are used for designating the similar components to those of the first embodiment, or the same reference numerals suffixed by "c" may be used. The detailed

explanation of those components, thus will be omitted.

[0045] As Figs. 7(c) and 7(d) show, an end portion 1c has a convex portion 51 for guiding

falling droplets, axially extending along the side surface of a radially narrow portion 23c.

The convex portion 51 radially protrudes in a range not in excess of the diameter of a column

portion 10c.

[0046] According to the third embodiment, the liquid content that has moved to the narrow

portion 23c, and gathered with time cannot sustain its own weight, and falls down when

bringing the container 40 into the upright posture as indicated by the state (2) of Fig. 4 and

Fig. 5. As the convex portion 51 serves to guide the falling droplets, it is possible to reduce

the remaining liquid more effectively.

[0047] Fig. 7 shows an example having the convex portion 51 for guiding the falling

droplets added to the structure of the first embodiment. This applies to the second

embodiment as described above, and the fourth to sixth embodiments to be described later.

[0048] (Fourth Embodiment)

In the first embodiment, the nozzle 2 is entirely biased from the center of the base

3 and the skirt 4 to form the radially wide portion 22 and the radially narrow portion 23. A

fourth embodiment of the present invention corresponds to a modified example of the first

embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 8 shows an inner plug Id according to the fourth embodiment of the present

invention. Referring to Fig. 8, no reference numerals are used for designating the similar

components to those of the first embodiment, or the same reference numerals suffixed by "d"

[0050] As Figs. 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c) show, a nozzle upper part 5d of the fourth embodiment

is formed concentrically with a base 3d and a skirt 4d.

[0051] As Figs. 8(c) and 8(d) show, likewise the first embodiment, a nozzle lower part 6d

extends from a position on a lower surface 17d of the base 3d, biased from the center of the

skirt 4d to form a radially wide portion 22d and a radially narrow portion 23d between the

nozzle lower part 6d and an inner wall of the skirt 4d adjacent to the nozzle lower part 6d.

[0052] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the nozzle upper part 5d and the

nozzle lower part 6d are not aligned with each other, an inner passage 9d has a part that is bent in the nozzle lower part 6d as shown in Fig. 8(c). The effects and advantages similar to

those of the first embodiment may be derived from the fourth embodiment. As the nozzle

upper part 5d is positioned at the center of the inner plug 1d, the cap may have the same axial

center as that of the container.

[0053] (Fifth Embodiment)

In the first and the fourth embodiments, at least the nozzle lower part is biased from

the center of the skirt to form the radially wide and narrow portions. In the second

embodiment, the partial inner circumferential wall 50 is provided to form the radially wide

and narrow portions. The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples.

In a fifth embodiment according to the present invention, another means is provided to form the radially wide and narrow portions. In an example according to the fifth embodiment, the cap is differently shaped.

[0054] Fig. 9 shows an inner plug le according to the fifth embodiment of the present

invention. Referring to Fig. 9, no reference numerals are used for designating the similar

components to those of the first embodiment, or the same reference numerals suffixed by "e" may be used. The detailed explanation of those components, thus will be omitted.

[0055] As Figs. 9(a) to 9(d) show, a nozzle 2e according to the fifth embodiment is entirely

formed substantially concentrically with a base 3e. That is, a nozzle upper part 5e and an

end portion 11 e of a nozzle lower part 6e are formed concentrically with a skirt 4e, and not

biased unlike the first embodiment.

[0056] As Figs. 9(c) to 9(e) show, an outer circumference (column portion 10e) in an inner

passage 9e of the nozzle lower part 6e has a relatively thick portion 52, and a relatively thin

portion 53. A radially narrow portion 23e is formed between the thick portion 52 and the

inner wall of the skirt 4e, and a radially wide portion 22e is formed between the thin portion

53 and the inner wall of the skirt 4e.

[0057] The effects and advantages similar to those of the first embodiment may be derived

from the fifth embodiment.

[0058] As Figs. 9(b) and 9(c) show, the base 3e of the inner plug le according to the fifth

embodiment is a plate-like member 14e having an upper surface 16e and a lower surface 17e.

As Fig. 9(d) shows, the plate-like member 14e is engaged with a top end portion of the

opening 41 of the container 40 to lock further entry of the inner plug le into the container 40.

[0059] The nozzle upper part 5e according to the fifth embodiment has no thread to be

threadedly engaged with the thread of the cap, but is adaptable to a cap 30e (Fig. 9(d))

different from the cap 30 as shown in Fig. 2. The cap 30e has a thread 54 on its inner wall.

The thread 54 is threadedly engaged with the thread 42 formed over the outer circumference

of the side surface of the opening 41 of the container 40 to allow the cap 30e to be attached to

the container 40 to which the inner plug leis fitted. At this time, a protrusion 33e of the

cap 30e may be fitted to an outlet port 7e of the nozzle.

[0060] The fitting structure of the inner plug le, and the structure of the cap 30e according

to the fifth embodiment are applicable to the respective embodiments described above so

long as they are structurally configurable. For example, the fitting structure and the cap 30e

as shown in Fig. 9(d) are easily applicable to the embodiment, for example, having the nozzle

upper part not biased from the center of the skirt.

[0061] (Sixth Embodiment)

As the cap for the inner plug of the respective embodiments according to the present

invention, the cap 30 as shown in Fig. 2, and the cap 30e as shown in Fig. 9(d) have been

described. A sixth embodiment will provide a cap differently structured from those as

described in the embodiments.

[0062] Fig. 10 shows a hinged cap If according to the sixth embodiment of the present

invention in an opened state. Fig. I Ishows that the hinged cap if is in a closed state.

[0063] Referring to Fig. 10, especially to Figs. 10(c) and 10(f), a lower cap 3f of the hinged

cap if includes a hinge support portion 64, and a locking portion 65 formed at a side counter

to the hinge support portion 64. An upper cap 60 is pivotally connected to the hinge support

portion64 via ahinge 61f and a spring 69. A lever 62 elastically pivoting about a fulcrum

68 is disposed above the upper cap 60. A hook 63 is formed at an end portion of the lever

62. As Figs. 10(a) and 10(f) show, a protrusion 66 is formed on a back surface of a top

plate of the upper cap 60. A guard 67 is formed around the protrusion 66.

[0064] As Fig. 11(b) to1 l(d), and 11(f) show, when pivotally moving the upper cap

toward the nozzle upper part 5f, both edges of the upper cap 60 and the lower cap 3f are

tightly engaged to close the hinged cap If. Atthis moment, the hook 63 of the lever 62 is

engaged with the locking portion 65 of the lower cap 3f in a snap-fit manner for locking so

that the upper cap 60 is not carelessly opened. For opening the upper cap 60, the upper

portion (at the side of a finger catcher) of the lever 62 is pressed toward the axial center to

easily release the engagement between the hook 63 and the locking portion 65 so that the upper cap 60 is opened. As Fig. 11(f) shows, when the upper cap 60 is closed, the

protrusion 66 is inserted into an outlet port 7f of the nozzle upper part 5f. This may prevent

the liquid content in the container from leaking out in the closed state of the upper cap 60,

and retain air-tightness in the container. The nozzle upper part has a liquid drip-off portion

21f formed thereon. As Figs. 10(a) and 10(f) show, the upper cap 60 has a portion with

further reduction in thickness, that is, a thinned portion 70f.

[0065] The structure of the nozzle has been described in the sixth embodiment, taking the

first embodiment as the example. It is also possible to apply the structure of the nozzle

according to any one of the second to the fourth embodiments to the sixth embodiment.

[0066] (Seventh Embodiment)

A seventh embodiment is a modified example of the hinged cap according to the

sixth embodiment. The similar components to those of the sixth embodiment will be designated with the same reference numerals, and the components corresponding to the sixth embodiment will be designated with the same reference numerals suffixed by "g". The detailed description will be made with respect only to the feature different from the sixth embodiment.

[0067] Fig. 12 shows a hinged cap lg according to a seventh embodiment of the present

invention in an opened state.

[0068] As Fig. 12(a) shows, a hinge 61g according to the seventh embodiment has its

strength enhanced by increasing its width larger than that of the hinge 61f according to the

sixth embodiment. As Figs. 12(a) and 12(f) show, a thinned portion 70g of the upper cap

is larger than the thinned portion 70f according to the sixth embodiment. Accordingly, a

lower cap 3g has a thinner portion, that is, a thinned portion 71g. This makes it possible to suppress the weight increase as a result of enlarging the hinge 61g.

[0069] Likewise the first embodiment, the end portion 11f of the nozzle lower part 6f

according to the sixth embodiment extends from the bottom surface 25 of a column portion

f to form the angular portion 13. Meanwhile, a nozzle lower part 6g according to the

seventh embodiment extends straight to an end portion 11g while having no stepped portion. That is, in the seventh embodiment, components corresponding to the bottom surface 25 of

the column portion 10f, and the angular portion 13 are not formed (Feature 1). Thenozzle

lower part 6g according to the seventh embodiment allows its side surface of the portion from

the lower surface to the end portion 1Ig to be differently shaped from the column portion as

described in other embodiments.

[0070] An inclined surface 12f of the end portion 11f according to the sixth embodiment is

directed to the wide portion 22f. Meanwhile, an inclined surface 12g of the end portion 11g

according to the seventh embodiment is directed to a narrow portion 23g (Feature 2).

[0071] The respective embodiments according to the present invention have been described.

The present invention is not limited to those examples but may be arbitrarily modified. It is

possible to apply the feature of an embodiment to the other embodiment so long as it is

structurally configurable. For example, at least one of the features 1 and 2 of the nozzle structure according to the seventh embodiment may be applied to the first to the sixth embodiments. It is also possible to apply either the feature 1 or 2 to the seventh embodiment.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0072] 1, 1b, Ic, ld, le inner plug

lf, lg hinged cap 2, 2b, 2e nozzle

3, 3b, 3d, 3e base

3f, 3g lower cap 4, 4b, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g skirt

, 5b, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g nozzle upper part

6, 6b, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g nozzle lower part

7, 7e, 7f, 7g outlet port

8 inlet port

9, 9e, 9d inner passage , 1Oc, 1Oe, 1Of column portion

11, 11c, 11d, 1le, 11f, 1lg end portion

12, 12f, 12g inclined surface

13 angular portion

14 top 14e plate-like member

side surface

16, 16e upper surface

17, 17e lower surface

18 thread (inner plug)

19 thread (nozzle upper part)

, 20c constriction

21,21f,21g liquid drip-off portion

22, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, 22g wide portion

23, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e, 23f, 23g narrow portion

24 side surface

bottom surface

,30e cap

31 thread (cap) 32 top plate

33, 33e protrusion

container

41 opening (container)

42 thread (container)

43 liquid content (inside the container)

44 liquid content (constriction)

liquid content (narrow portion)

46 liquid content (inner passage)

47 splashed liquid content

partial inner circumferential wall

51 convex portion

52 portion with relatively large thickness

53 portion with relatively small thickness

54 thread (inner wall of the cap)

upper cap

61f, 61g hinge

62 lever

63 hook

64 hinge support portion

locking portion

66 protrusion

67 guard

68 fulcrum

69 spring f, 70g, 71g thinned portion

Claims

1. A liquid pouring member comprising:

a nozzle;

a base to be engaged with an opening of a container; a hollow cylindrical skirt extending from the base to be fitted into the opening of the

container; wherein: the nozzle includes:

a nozzle upper part extending from an upper surface of the base opposite

the skirt, the nozzle upper part including an outlet port for pouring a liquid content from the

container; a nozzle lower part formed in a radial inner side of the skirt while extending

from a lower surface of the base, the nozzle lower part including an inlet port through which

the liquid content flows from the container; and an inner passage formed from the inlet port to the outlet port while passing

through the nozzle lower part and the nozzle upper part, wherein the nozzle lower part includes an end portion with an inclined surface in which the inlet port is formed, the end portion having at least a part protruding from the skirt;

a constriction is formed inside the inner passage of the nozzle lower part; and

the nozzle lower part and the skirt are configured to form a relatively radially wide

portion and a relatively radially narrow portion between the nozzle lower part and an inner

wall of the skirt adjacent to the nozzle lower part.

2. The liquid pouring member according to claim 1, wherein:

the nozzle lower part includes a column portion vertically extending from the lower

surface of the base; and

the column portion includes a side surface and a bottom surface from which the end

portion extends.

3. The liquid pouring member according to claim 2, wherein the bottom surface has the same height as an edge of the skirt.

4. The liquid pouring member according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the constriction is formed from a position at the same height as the bottom surface to an inner side of the

column portion.

5. The liquid pouring member according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein an edge portion as an intersection between the side surface and the bottom surface forms an angular

portion at an angle of 900.

6. The liquid pouring member according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the end

portion includes a convex portion axially extending along a side surface of the radially narrow portion for guiding falling droplets.

7. The liquid pouring member according to claim 6, wherein the convex portion

radially protrudes in a range not in excess of a diameter of the column portion.

8. The liquid pouring member according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle lower part with no stepped portion extends up to the end portion.

9. The liquid pouring member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the nozzle lower part extends from a position on the lower surface of the base, biased from a center of the skirt to form the radially wide and narrow portions.

10. The liquid pouring member according to claim 9, wherein the nozzle upper part

extends from a biased position on the upper surface of the base in alignment with the nozzle

lower part.

11. The liquid pouring member according to claim 9, wherein only the nozzle lower part

is biasedly positioned from the center of the skirt, and the nozzle upper part extends

concentrically with the skirt.

12. The liquid pouring member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein:

the skirt further includes a partial inner circumferential wall that partially surrounds

the nozzle lower part in a radial inner side of an outer circumferential wall of the skirt; the radially narrow portion is formed between the nozzle lower part and the partial inner circumferential wall adjacent to the nozzle lower part; and the radially wide portion is formed between the nozzle lower part and the inner wall of the skirt adjacent to the nozzle lower part in a region where the partial inner circumferential wall is not formed.

13. The liquid pouring member according to any one of claims I to 8, wherein:

the nozzle lower part includes a portion with relatively large thickness of an outer

circumference of the inner passage, and a portion with relatively small thickness of the outer

circumference;

the radially narrow portion is formed between the portion with large thickness and

the inner wall of the skirt, and the radially wide portion is formed between the portion with

small thickness and the inner wall of the skirt.

14. The liquid pouring member according to any one of claims I to 13, wherein a length

of the inner passage from the constriction to the outlet port is equal to or longer than 5 mm.

15. The liquid pouring member according to any one of claims I to 14, wherein:

the base includes a top having the upper surface and the lower surface, and a side

surface extending downward from the top; and

a thread is formed on an inner wall of the side surface for threaded engagement with

a thread formed over an outer circumference of a side surface of the opening of the container.

16. The liquid pouring member according to any one of claims I to 14, wherein:

the base is a plate-like member including the upper surface and the lower surface;

and

the plate-like member is engaged with a top end portion of the opening of the

container to lock further entry of the liquid pouring member into the container.

17. The liquid pouring member according to claim 15, comprising a cap for closing the

outlet port by covering at least the nozzle upper part, wherein:

a thread is formed on an inner wall of the cap; and a thread is formed over an outer circumference of the side surface of the nozzle upper part for threaded engagement with the thread of the cap.

18. The liquid pouring member according to claim 16, comprising a cap for closing the outlet port by covering at least the nozzle upper part, wherein a thread is formed on an inner

wall of the cap for threaded engagement with a thread formed over an outer circumference of

the side surface of the opening of the container.

19. The liquid pouring member according to any one of claims I to 14, comprising an upper cap for closing the outlet port by covering at least the nozzle upper part, wherein:

the base is a lower cap to be fitted to the opening of the container; and

the upper cap is pivotally connected to the lower cap to allow opening and closing.

20. The liquid pouring member according to claim 19, wherein the upper cap is engaged

with the lower cap in a snap-fit manner when the upper cap is closed.

21. The liquid pouring member according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the cap includes a

protrusion to be inserted into the outlet port when the cap is closed.

22. The liquid pouring member according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the upper cap

includes a protrusion to be inserted into the outlet port when the upper cap is closed.

23. The liquid pouring member according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the nozzle upper part includes a liquid drip-off portion formed over an outer circumference of an

end portion of the nozzle upper part.

24. The liquid pouring member according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the

inclined surface of the end portion of the nozzle lower part is directed to the wide portion.

25. The liquid pouring member according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the

inclined surface of the end portion of the nozzle lower part is directed to the narrow portion.

26. A container for containing a liquid content, to which the liquid pouring member

according to any one of claims 1 to 25 is fitted.