GB2457921A - A spout and closure assembly for a container - Google Patents

A spout and closure assembly for a container Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2457921A
GB2457921A GB0803694A GB0803694A GB2457921A GB 2457921 A GB2457921 A GB 2457921A GB 0803694 A GB0803694 A GB 0803694A GB 0803694 A GB0803694 A GB 0803694A GB 2457921 A GB2457921 A GB 2457921A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
sleeve
spout
cylinder
fixture
flange
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0803694A
Other versions
GB0803694D0 (en
Inventor
Paul Sleeman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
TULLMAN DESIGN Ltd
Original Assignee
TULLMAN DESIGN Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by TULLMAN DESIGN Ltd filed Critical TULLMAN DESIGN Ltd
Priority to GB0803694A priority Critical patent/GB2457921A/en
Publication of GB0803694D0 publication Critical patent/GB0803694D0/en
Publication of GB2457921A publication Critical patent/GB2457921A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/38—Devices for discharging contents
    • B65D25/40—Nozzles or spouts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/38—Devices for discharging contents
    • B65D25/40—Nozzles or spouts
    • B65D25/42—Integral or attached nozzles or spouts
    • B65D25/44—Telescopic or retractable nozzles or spouts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/061—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages with telescopic, retractable or reversible spouts, tubes or nozzles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/2012—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge formed by a rigid spout outlet and an overcap, the spout outlet being either pushed into alignment with, or pushed through an opening in the overcap, upon rotation of the latter
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/24—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/26—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/26—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts
    • B65D47/28—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having linear movement

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

A spout fixture 1 for a container, such as a milk container, comprising a frame member 2 and a spout member 3, in which the frame member comprises a housing, preferably in the form of a cylinder (fig 1, 4), with a first end 5 and a second end 6, a cap member 7 supported proud of said first end, and fixture means 8 adapted to fix the frame member to an outlet of a container with which it is used such that the first end of the housing is disposed inside said container, in which the spout member comprises a hollow body with a first end and a second end, in which the hollow body is arranged in said housing and is axially moveable, preferably by a simple axial movement, therein between a closed position in which the first end of the hollow body is proud of the first end of the housing and is fluidly closed by said cap member, and an open position in which the first end of the hollow body is spaced from said cap member.

Description

Spout Fixture This invention relates to a spout fixture, for use particularly, but not exclusively, to facilitate the ready dispensing of a beverage from a large container.
Milk is sometimes sold in very large plastic containers, containing up to 10 pints or more. Such containers commonly comprise the same size of neck and opening as smaller containers, so they can accommodate a commonly used screw cap. As such, it can prove awkward to dispense milk from these containers, because it begins to flow from the comparatively small opening at a shallow angie, and it is hard to judge how the dispensed milk will travel. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that the larger containers are also very tall, and the distance between the opening at the top and an adjacent bowl or cup may be large.
Another problem with plastic milk containers in general is that they are provided with annular openings to accommodate the screw caps, but liquid may not flow in a smooth and controllable way from such a shape of opening. In particular, due to surface tension the flow of liquid is wide compared to that obtained with a spout. As a result too much liquid can exit the opening at once, preventing sufficient air entering the container to replace It, which leads to an oscillation in the flow rate.
This can get so bad that it is not possible to prevent spillage. This problem is made worse the greater the weight of fluid acting on the opening, and is hence experienced most with the larger sizes of container.
It requires a certain level of basic dexterity to use a screw cap, and for most users this is not a particular problem. However, the disabled, frail or elderly can experience problems.
me present invention is intended to overcome some of the above problems.
Therefore, according to the present invention a spout fixture comprises a frame member and a spout member, in which the frame member comprises a housing with a first end and a second end, a cap member supported proud of said first end, and fixture means adapted to fix the frame member to an outlet of a container with which it is used such that the first end of the housing is disposed inside said container, in which the spout member comprises a hollow body with a first end and a second end, in which the hollow body is arranged in said housing and is axially moveable therein between a closed position in which the first end of the hollow body is proud of the first end of the housing and is fluidly closed by said cap member, and an open position in which the first end of the hollow body is spaced from said cap member.
Thus, the present invention provides a spout fixture which can be affixed to a large container of milk to provide greater control of the dispensing process, and which can also completely replace the standard cap because it has the facility to fluidly close the outlet of the container. In addition, it only requires a simple axial movement to open and close the container, which may be preferable to using a screw cap.
Whilst it is possible to have other shapes, in a preferred construction the housing can be a cylinder and the and the hollow body can be a sleeve. The sleeve can be fitted into the cylinder such that a fluid seal can exist between the cylinder and the sleeve in both the closed and open positions. This prevents any liquid exiting the spout fixture from anywhere other than through the sleeve.
The cap member can be supported proud of the first end of the cylinder by a plurality of support arms. Thus, when the sleeve is in the open position, liquid in the container can flow between the support arms and into the first end of the sleeve.
The cap member can comprise a body portion with a cap flange at a first end thereof. When the sleeve is in the closed position the body portion can extend into the sleeve and the cap flange can abut against the first end of the sleeve, such that a fluid seal exists between the body portion and the sleeve. This particular construction ensures that an adequate fluid seal is created. The support arms can radially support the cap flange.
Preferably the first end of the sleeve can be provided with a sleeve flange, the plurality of support arms can be provided with first detent means adjacent to the cap member, and the sleeve flange can be a snap-fit behind the first detent means when the sleeve Is In the closed position. The use of a snap-fitting of this type provides a clear indication to the user that the spout fixture is closed, and it also provides a certain degree of resistance against opening, which prevents the spout fixture from opening unduly or unintentionally.
The sleeve can also comprise a circumferentially extending indentation on an outer surface thereof, the cylinder can comprise a circumferentially extending second detent on an inner surface thereof, and the indentation can be a snap-fit on the second detent when the sleeve is in the open position. This second snap-fitting provides a clear indication to the user that the spout fixture is open, and also provides a certain degree of resistance against closure, which prevents the spout fixture from accidentally closing during use.
In a preferred construction the indentation and the second detent can be positioned such that the sleeve flange abuts against the first end of the cylinder when the sleeve Is in the open position. Therefore, there are two points of contact between the sleeve and the cylinder which prevent the sleeve from being pulled free from the cylinder.
The components can be constructed from a resilient material, for example a plastics material like polyethylene or polyurethane, and they can be engineered such that where the sleeve and the cylinder contact one another those portions are forced into a mild state of extension or compression. For example, the portion of the cylinder around the second detent can flex outwardly slightly so the second detent is forced against the sleeve, and snaps into the Indentation when it overlies the second detent The inner surface of the cylinder can comprise an inwardly tapering section at the first end thereof, the narrowest diameter of which can be substantially the same or smaller than the diameter of the sleeve. Due to the presence of the second detent on the inner surface of the cylinder the sleeve is not a flush fit with the cylinder along its whole length. Therefore, the inwardly tapering section ensures that there is contact between the sleeve and the cylinder at the first end of the cylinder in the closed position.
The sleeve can comprise an upper portion substantially the same length as the cylinder, and a lower portion substantially the same length as the distance between the first end of the cylInder and the cap flange. The lower portion can have a smaller diameter than the upper portion. This construction allows the first end of the cylinder to flex inwardly to a neutral position when tne upper portion moves upwards, and thereby move into the path of the sleeve flange and provide a better barrier for the sleeve flange to abut against in the open position.
It will be appreciated that the fixture means can be any known fixture means which are adapted to co-operate with features at an outlet of an existing container.
These could include an snap-fit arrangement or lever controlled lid. However, in a preferred construction the fixture means can comprise a cylinder flange at the second end of the cylinder, which is adapted to overlie said outlet, and which is provided with a downwardly depending peripheral wall, an inner surface of which is provided with a screw thread adapted to co-operate with a corresponding screw thread provided at a necK of the container.
The spout member can comprise a spout portion at the second end of the sleeve. An underside of the spout portion can have greater outer dimensions than the cylinder, and when the sleeve is in the closed position the spout portion can abut against the cylinder flange.
The spout portion can also comprise grip formations on an outer surface thereof, adapted to facilitate the manual axial movement of the spout member between the closed and open positions.
The invention can be performed In various ways but one embodiment will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a spout fixture according to the present invention in a closed position; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the spout fixture as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the spout fixture as shown in Figure 1 in an open position; and, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the spout feature as shown in Figure I in an open position.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2 a spout fixture I comprises a frame member 2 and a spout member 3. The frame member 2 comprises a housing, in the form of cylinder 4 with a first end 5 and a second end 6, a cap member 7 supported proud of said first end 5, and fixture means 8. As explained further below the fixture means 8 is adapted to fix the frame member 2 to an outlet of a container with which it is used (not shown) such that the first end 5 of the cylinder 4 is disposed inside said container. The spout member 3 comprises a hollow body, in the form of sleeve 9 with a first end 10 and a second end 11. The sleeve 9 is arranged in said cylinder 4 and is axially moveable therein between a closed position, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, In which the first end 10 of the sleeve 9 is proud of the first end 5 of the cylinder 4 and is fluidly closed by said cap member 7, and an open position, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, in which the first end 10 of the sleeve 9 is spaced from said cap member 7.
The cap member 7 is supported proud of the first end 5 of the cylinder 4 by three equally spaced support arms 12. which are attached to the outside of the cylinder 4. Each arm 12 comprises a lateral lip 13 at its outer end 14. The cap member 7 comprises a body portion 15, and a cap flange 16. When the sleeve 9 is in the closed position as shown in Figures 1 and 2 the body portion 15 extends into the sleeve 9 and the cap flange 16 abuts against the first end 10 of the sleeve 9. The body portion 15 is tapered so it fits easily into the first end 10 of the sleeve 9. A fluid seal exists between the body portion 15 and the sleeve 9 in the closed position. The cap flange 16 is radially supported by the lips 13 of the support arms 12.
The first end 10 of the sleeve 9 is provided with a sleeve flange 17, and each support arm 12 is provided with first detent means 18 adjacent to the cap member 7. The sleeve flange 17 is a snap-fit behind the first detent means 18 when the sleeve 9 is in the closed position as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
The sleeve 9 also comprises a circumferentially extending indentation 19 on an outer surface 20 thereof, and the cylinder 4 comprises a circumferentially extending second detent 21 on an inner surface 22 thereof. The indentation 19 is a snap-fit on the second detent 21 when the sleeve 9 is in the open position, as shown in Figure 4.
As is also clear from Figure 4, the indentation 19 and the second detent 21 are positioned such that the sleeve flange 17 abuts against the first end 5 of the cylinder 4 when the sleeve 9 is in the open position. Therefore, there are two points of contact between the sleeve 9 and the cylinder 4 in the open position, which prevents the sleeve 9 from being pulled free from the cylinder 4.
The inner surface 22 of the cylinder 4 comprises an inwardly tapering section 23 at the first end 5, the narrowest diameter of which Is slightly smaller than the diameter of the sleeve 9. Due to the presence of the second detent 21 the sleeve 9 is not a flush fit with the cylinder 4 along its whole length, and the inwardly tapering section 23 ensures that there is contact between the sleeve 9 and the cylinder 4 at the first end 5 of the cylinder 4 in the closed position.
The sleeve 9 has an upper portion 24 substantially the same length as the cylinder 4, and a lower portion 25 substantially the same length as the distance between the first end 5 of the cylinder 4 and the cap flange 16. The lower portion 25 has a smaller diameter than the upper portion 24, which allows the first end 5 of the cylinder 4 to flex inwardly to a neutral position when the upper portion 24 moves upwards away from the closed position, and thereby move into the path of the sleeve flange 17 and provide a better barrier for the sleeve flange 17 to abut against in the open position, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
The fixture means 8 comprIses a cylInder flange 26 at the second end 6 of the cylinder 4, which is adapted to overlie the outlet of a plastic milk bottle (not shown) with which the spout fixture 1 is used. The cylinder flange 26 has a downwardly depending peripheral wall 27, an inner surface 28 of which is provided with a screw thread 29 adapted to co-operate with a corresponding screw thread provided at a neck of the plastic milk bottle. As such, the fixture means 8 is similar in construction to a standard plastic milk bottle screw cap.
The spout member 3 comprises a spout portion 30 at the second end 11 of the sleeve 9. The spout portion 30 is shaped to define a spout feature 31 adapted to facilitate the controlled flow of milk therefrom. As is clear from the Figures an underside 32 of the spout portion 30 has greater dimensions that the cylinder 4, and when the sleeve 9 is in the closed position the spout portion 30 abuts against the cylinder flange 26. The spout portion 30 comprises opening 36.
Referring to Figure 1, the spout portion 30 also comprises grip formations 33 on an outer surface thereof, which are adapted to facilitate the manual axial movement of the spout member 3 between the closed and open positions. The grip formations 33 are provided on both sides of the spout portion 30, and comprise a concavity 34, shaped and sized to receive the thumb or forefinger, and grip ribs 35 formed therein.
The above described components are constructed from a resilient plastics material, and are engineered such that where the sleeve 9 and the cylinder 4 contact one another those portions are forced into a mild state of extension or compression.
In particular, the portion of the cylinder 4 around the second detent 21 flexes outwardly slightly so the second detent 21 is forced against the sleeve 9, and snaps into the indentation 19 when it overiles the second detent 21. In addition, the portions of the support arms 12 around the first detent means 18, and the portion of the sleeve 9 around the sleeve flange 17, flex to allow these components to pass over one another and snap fit into position. Further, the first end 5 of the cylinder 4 flexes outwards slightly when it meets the upper portion 24 of the sleeve 9 in the closed position, and flexes back in again when the sleeve 9 moves upwards.
Therefore, in use the spout fixture is used as follows. The standard screw cap of a subject milk container is removed, and the spout fixture 1 Is affixed to the outlet of the container by means of the screw thread 29. It will be appreciated that this action will place the first end 5 of the cylinder 4 Inside the container, as is essential to the invention.
In order to dispense milk from the container the spout member 3 is arranged in the open position shown in Figures 3 and 4. If the spout fixture us initially in the closed position as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the user simply grabs the spout portion by the grip formations 33 and pulls it upwards. This action Initially involves releasing the sleeve flange 17 from behind the first detent means 18, which will occur abruptly once sufficient break-out force is supplied. Then the spout member 3 is pulled through the cylinder 4, against the radially applied resistance of the second detent 21 acting against the sleeve 9. At the end of this movement the indentation 19 meets the second detent 21, whIch snaps into it. At the same time the sleeve flange 17 abuts against the first end 5 of the cylinder 4, which has since moved in slightly into its path. The snap fitting of the second detent 21 into the indentation 19, and the meeting of the sleeve flange 17 and the first end 5 of the cylinder 4, provide a clear indication to the user that the spout fixture 1 has achieved Its open position.
In addition, these two points of contact ensure that the spout member 3 cannot be pulled free from the frame member 2 inadvertently at the end of the opening movement Once in the open position the fitment of the second detent 21 in the indentation 19 keeps the spout member 3 in position and prevents any undue movement, and it also provides a certain degree of resistance against accidental closure. In the open position a fluid seal is provided between the sleeve 9 and the cylinder 4 by virtue of the above described points of contact, which prevents any milk from escaping between the sleeve 9 and the cylinder 4.
As Is clear from Figures 3 and 4, in the open position a clear fluid passageway is formed from the inside of the container, through the gaps between the support arms 12, into the first end 10 of the sleeve 9, through the sleeve 9 and out of the opening 36 in the spout portion 30.
To dispense milk from the container it is rotated into a pouring position, and milk is poured therefrom in a controlled manner from the spout feature 31.
To close the container after milk has been dispensed therefrom the reverse action is performed. In particular, the user pushes the spout portion 30 down, either from above or by using the grip formations 33, to move it into the closed position as shown in Figures 1 and 2. This action initially involves releasing the indentation 19 from the second detent 21, which will occur abruptly once sufficient break-out force is supplied. Then the spout member 3 is pushed through the cylinder 4, against the radially applied resistance of the second detent 21 acting against the sleeve 9. At the end of this movement the sleeve flange 17 meets the first detent means 18, and a force is required to drive it over the them until it snaps into position. When this occurs the body portion 15 of the cap member 7 is forced into the first end 10 of the sleeve 9, and a fluid seal Is created between the components. At the same time the upper portion 24 of the sleeve 9 Is forced against the Inwardly tapering section 23 of the cylinder 4, and forces it to expand outward slightly and create a fluid seal between those components. The first end 10 of the sleeve 9 abuts against the cap flange 18 and the tips 13, and the spout portion 30 abuts against the cylinder flange 26 when the spout member 3 slots into the closed position. Thus, the user receives a clear indication that the spout fixture 1 is closed.
In the closed position the sleeve flange 17 is held in place by the first detent means 18, which provides a certain degree of resistance against opening, which prevents the spout fixture I from opening unduly or unintentionally. In the closed position a fluid seat is provided between the first end 10 of the sleeve 9 and the cap member 7, which prevents any milk from escaping through the spout member 3. in addition, a fluid seat is also provided between the first end 5 of the cylinder 4 and the sleeve 9, and between the second detent 21 and the sleeve 9, which prevents any milk from escaping between the sleeve 9 and the cylinder 4.
Therefore, as is clear from Figures 1 and 2, in the closed position it is not possible for any milk to escape from the container. This prevents spillage and protects the contents from outside influences.
Once the contents of the container have been exhausted the spout fixture I can be removed from the outlet by unscrewing it, and it can be used again on another container.
The present invention can be altered without departing from the scope of Claim 1. For example, in one alternative embodiment (not shown) the fixture means comprises a resilient snap fit fixture. In other alternative embodiments (not shown), spout fixtures are provided which are adapted to be fitted to other types of container, including containers for other beverages, and also containers for chemical fluids like motor oil.
Thus, the present invention provides a spout fixture which can be affixed to a large container of milk to provide greater control of the dispensing process, and which can also completely replace the standard cap because it has the facility to fluidly close the outlet of the container. In addition, it only requires a simple axial movement to open and close the container, which may be preferable to using a screw cap.

Claims (14)

  1. Claims 1. A spout fixture comprising a frame member and a spout member, in which the frame member comprises a housing with a first end and a second end, a cap member supported proud of said first end, and fixture means adapted to fix the frame member to an outlet of a container with which it is used such that the first end of the housing is disposed inside said container, in which the spout member comprises a hollow body with a first end and a second end, in which the hollow body is arranged in said housing and is axially moveable therein between a closed position in which the first end of the hollow body is proud of the first end of the housing and is fluidly closed by said cap member, and an open position in which the first end of the hollow body is spaced from said cap member.
  2. 2. A spout fixture as claimed in Claim 1 in which the housing is a cylinder and the hollow body is a sleeve, and in which a fluid seal exists between the cylinder and the sleeve in both the closed and open positions.
  3. 3. A spout fixture as claimed in Claim 2 in which the cap member is supported proud of the first end of the cylinder by a plurality of support arms.
  4. 4. A spout fixture as claimed in Claim 3 in which the cap member comprises a body portion with a cap flange at a first end thereof, in which when the sleeve is in the closed position the body portion extends into the sleeve and the cap flange abuts against the first end of the sleeve such that a fluid seal exists between the body portion and the sleeve, and in which the support arms radially support the cap flange.
  5. 5. A spout fixture as claimed in Claim 4 in which the first end of the sleeve is provided with a sleeve flange, in which the plurality of support arms are provided with first detent means adjacent to the cap member, and in which the sleeve flange is a snap-fit behind the first detent means when the sleeve is in the closed position.
  6. 6. A spout fixture as claimed in Claim 5 in which the sleeve comprises a circumferentially extending indentation on an outer surface thereof, in which the cylinder comprises a circumferentially extending second detent on an inner surface thereof, and in which the indentation is a snap-fit on the second detent when the sleeve is in the open position.
  7. 7. A spout fixture as claimed in Claim 6 in which the indentation and the second detent are positioned such that the sleeve flange abuts against the first end of the cylinder when the sleeve is in the open position.
  8. 8. A spout fixture as claimed In Claim 7 in which the inner surface of the cylinder comprises an inwardly tapering section at the first end thereof, the narrowest diameter of which Is substantially the same as, or smaller than, the diameter of the sleeve.
  9. 9. A spout fixture as claimed in Claim 8 in which the sleeve comprises an upper portion substantially the same length as the cylinder, and a lower portion substantially the same length as the distance between the first end of the cylinder and the cap flange, in which the lower portion has a smaller diameter than the upper portion, and in which the narrowest diameter of the inwardly tapering section is substantially the same as, or smaller than, the diameter of the upper portion of the sleeve.
  10. 10. A spout fixture as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the fixture means comprises a cylinder flange at the second end of the cylinder, which cylinder flange is adapted to overlie said outlet, in which the cylinder flange is provided with a downwardly depending peripheral wall, and in which an inner surface of the peripheral wall is provided with a screw thread adapted to co-operate with a corresponding screw thread provided at a neck of the container.
  11. 11. A spout fixture as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the spout member comprises a spout portion at the second end of the sleeve.
  12. 12. A spout fixture as claimed in Claim 11 when dependent on Claim 10 in which an underside of the spout member has greater outer dimensions than the cylinder, and in which when the sleeve is in the closed position the spout member abuts against the cylinder flange.
  13. 13. A spout fixture as claimed in Claim 12 in which the spout portion comprises grip formations on an outer surface thereof, adapted to facilitate the manual axial movement of the spout member between the closed and open positions.
  14. 14. A spout fixture substantially as described herein and as shown in tne accompanying drawings.
GB0803694A 2008-02-28 2008-02-28 A spout and closure assembly for a container Withdrawn GB2457921A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0803694A GB2457921A (en) 2008-02-28 2008-02-28 A spout and closure assembly for a container

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0803694A GB2457921A (en) 2008-02-28 2008-02-28 A spout and closure assembly for a container

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0803694D0 GB0803694D0 (en) 2008-04-09
GB2457921A true GB2457921A (en) 2009-09-02

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ID=39315651

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0803694A Withdrawn GB2457921A (en) 2008-02-28 2008-02-28 A spout and closure assembly for a container

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023161693A1 (en) * 2022-02-24 2023-08-31 Vecino Mora, Juan Sebastián Valve-type device for perforating containers for dispensing liquids, granules or pasty materials

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2969168A (en) * 1958-04-21 1961-01-24 Us Cap & Closure Inc Dispensing closures
US3738545A (en) * 1971-03-12 1973-06-12 Kerr Glass Mfg Corp Sliding plunger dispensing closure
EP0461065A1 (en) * 1990-06-08 1991-12-11 Aktiengesellschaft Sigg, Aluminium- Und Metallwarenfabrik Closure for a drinking bottle
US5947331A (en) * 1996-04-19 1999-09-07 Defi International Dispensing closure with retracting end for containers
WO2003051734A1 (en) * 2001-12-18 2003-06-26 Alto Plastics Limited Sipper cap with reciprocally movable nozzle

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2969168A (en) * 1958-04-21 1961-01-24 Us Cap & Closure Inc Dispensing closures
US3738545A (en) * 1971-03-12 1973-06-12 Kerr Glass Mfg Corp Sliding plunger dispensing closure
EP0461065A1 (en) * 1990-06-08 1991-12-11 Aktiengesellschaft Sigg, Aluminium- Und Metallwarenfabrik Closure for a drinking bottle
US5947331A (en) * 1996-04-19 1999-09-07 Defi International Dispensing closure with retracting end for containers
WO2003051734A1 (en) * 2001-12-18 2003-06-26 Alto Plastics Limited Sipper cap with reciprocally movable nozzle

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023161693A1 (en) * 2022-02-24 2023-08-31 Vecino Mora, Juan Sebastián Valve-type device for perforating containers for dispensing liquids, granules or pasty materials

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0803694D0 (en) 2008-04-09

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