WO2016018140A2

WO2016018140A2 - A dispensing cap for a liquid container

Info

Publication number: WO2016018140A2
Application number: PCT/MY2015/050089
Authority: WO
Inventors: Siow KUANG LING @ SIEW KUAN CHOONG
Original assignee: Kuang Ling Siew Kuan Choong Siow
Priority date: 2014-08-01
Filing date: 2015-08-20
Publication date: 2016-02-04
Also published as: WO2016018140A3

Abstract

A dispensing cap (10) for a liquid container (20) comprises a base portion having a top surface (11) and an elongated hollow body (12) for coupling to the container (20); and a tubular passageway (13) protruding upwardly through the top surface (11) for dispensing the liquid from the container (20); wherein the passageway (13) is configured to have a bevelled inner edge at the end of the passageway (13).

Description

A DISPENSING CAP FOR A LIQUID CONTAINER Field Of Invention The present invention relates to a dispensing cap for a liquid container. More particularly, the invention pertains to a dispensing cap for a liquid container which involves a synergistic design to prevent the liquid from dripping at the edge of an outlet passageway of the cap when the container is returned to an upright position from a pouring position.

Background Of The Invention

A container is often referred to as a portable storage means for a liquid content consisting of a hollow body which is made of a light weight material such as plastic and a removable cover or cap which may be disposed on the container for sealing the container against leaks and spills.

The containers used for dispensing condiments such as ketchup and mustard sauces are typically provided with ta squeezing mechanism which requires the users to pour the condiments by inverting and then squeezing the container.

The tips of these containers are mostly uncovered and sometimes, provided with small caps which are prone to breakage and non-functioning. Furthermore, the condiments contained therein may drip from the cap and down the containers, subsequently making the containers messy and unpleasant to use.

Therefore, there exists a need to provide a dispensing cap for a liquid container which is simple in design and can be used for a wide range of liquids or solutions stored in the container. It is also preferable that the dispensing cap is designed to be capable of preventing drippage of the liquid content from the container.

Summary Of The Invention One of the objects of the invention is to provide a dispensing cap for a liquid container which is capable of preventing the liquid from forming droplets at the edge of an outlet passageway of the cap.

Another object of the invention is to provide a dispensing cap for a liquid container which can prevent dripping of liquid down the container after the container is restored to an upright position from a pouring position.

A further object of the invention is to provide a dispensing cap for a liquid container comprising an outlet passageway which can be turned at an angle of up to 90° in relative to the vertical axis of the passageway.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a dispensing cap for a liquid container which is capable of preventing dust particles or other contaminants from entering the container through the orifice.

At least one of the preceding objects is met, in whole or in part, by the invention, in which an embodiment of the invention describes a dispensing cap for a liquid container comprising a base portion having a top surface and an elongated hollow body for coupling to the container; and a tubular passageway protruding upwardly through the top surface for dispensing the liquid from the container; wherein the passageway is configured to have a bevelled inner edge at the end of the passageway.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispensing cap is configured to dispense a low viscosity liquid or solution such as flavouring extract, sauce, oil or syrup contained in a container. Preferably, the dispensing cap and the container are made of a non-corrosive material such as stainless steel or a plastic material so that they can be used for dispensing corrosive liquid solution like a brine solution, vinegar or a detergent solution.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the bevelled inner edge serves to "cut" the liquid flow after restoring the container to an upright position from the pouring position, as well as to prevent formation of droplet at the edge of the passageway.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention discloses that the end portion of the tubular passageway can be turned at an angle of up to 90° in relative to the vertical axis of the passageway. Preferably, the end portion of the tubular passageway is configured to be turned at 90° in relative to the vertical axis of the passageway.

Still another preferred embodiment of the invention discloses a dispensing cap further comprising an orifice on the top surface of the base portion for allowing air into the container to ensure steady release of the liquid content of the container. In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispensing cap further comprises a barrier protruding from the top surface of the base portion and enclosing the passageway and the orifice, when present. When the container topples or stumbles, the liquid spilled on the area enclosed by the barrier can return to the container through the orifice.

The dispensing cap according to its preferred embodiment may further comprise a closure member pivotally connected to the top edge of the barrier. Presence of the closure member is crucial as it facilitates to prevent the liquid content of the container from contamination by dust or other fine particles which could possibly enter the container through the orifice on the top surface. It is also preferred to construct the closure member using a non-corrosive material of which the dispensing cap and the container are made. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is well adapted to carry out the aspects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments described herein are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Brief Description Of The Drawings

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawings the preferred embodiments from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation and many of its advantages would be readily understood and appreciated.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the dispensing cap for a liquid container

according to one of the preferred embodiments of the invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing cap according to the

preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the tubular passageway with its end portion turned at the right angle in accordance to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description Of The Invention Hereinafter, the invention shall be described according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and by referring to the accompanying description and drawings. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention and to the drawings is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claim.

The invention relates to a dispensing cap for a liquid container which is capable of preventing the liquid from collecting in and dripping down the outlet passageway of the cap after returning the container to an upright position from a pouring position.

Referring to Figure 1, there illustrates a dispensing cap (10) for a liquid container (20) comprising a base portion having a top surface (11) and an elongated hollow body (12) for coupling to the container (20); and a tubular passageway (13) protruding upwardly through the top surface (11) for dispensing the liquid from the container (20); wherein the passageway (13) is configured to have a bevelled inner edge at the end of the passageway (13).

The dispensing cap (10) according to its preferred embodiment is configured to dispense a low viscosity liquid or solution such as flavouring extract, sauce, oil or syrup contained in a container (20). Preferably, both of the dispensing cap (10) and the container (20) are made of a non-corrosive material such as stainless steel or a plastic material which can be cast or moulded into the desirable shape as shown in the accompanying diagrams. Accordingly, the non-corrosive property exhibited by the cap (10) and the container (20) enables the present invention to be used for dispensing corrosive liquid solution which can be a brine solution, vinegar or a detergent solution.

Preferably, the base portion of the dispensing cap (10) is a closed end hollow cylinder. The top surface (11) in the aforementioned description is defined by the closed end, whilst the elongated hollow body (12) of the base portion is configured to couple to the container. As illustrated in Figure 2, the elongated body (12) preferably comprises a threaded inner surface for threaded connection to the container (20). However, the invention shall be not limited thereby or thereby as the elongated body (12) may alternatively comprise a smooth inner surface for fitting snugly onto the opening of the container (20). The snug fitting feature prevents the liquid in the container (20) from dripping out at the connection between the container (20) and the dispensing cap (10), upon tilting the container (20) to a pouring position.

In accordance with the preceding description, the tubular passageway (13) protruding from the top surface (11) of the base portion serves as an outlet for the liquid to flow out of the container (20). The tubular structure of the passageway (13) also permits better capillary action allowing the liquid to flow out easily when the container (20) is tilted to the pouring position. In addition, the end portion of the tubular passageway (13) can either be extended vertically from the top surface or turned at an angle of up to 90° in relative to the vertical axis of the passageway (13). Referring to Figure 2 and 3, the end portion of the tubular passageway (13) is preferably constructed such that the tubular passageway (13) has an end portion perpendicular to or turned at 90° in relative to the vertical axis of the tubular passageway (13). It should also be appreciably noted that the passageway (13) is configured to have a bevelled inner edge at the end of the passageway (13) functioned to "cut" the liquid at the edge of the outlet passageway (13) once the container (20) has returned to an upright position from the pouring position, thus preventing the liquid from dripping out of the container (20) and at the same time, allowing the liquid to flow back to the container (20). Furthermore, the bevelled inner end of the outlet passageway (13) also facilitates to prevent accumulation of liquid at the edge portion, thereby reducing or possibly hindering the possibilities of the liquid dripping from the container (20) through the outlet passageway (13). In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispensing cap (10) further comprises an orifice (14) on the top surface (11) of the base portion for allowing air into the container (20) to ensure steady release of the liquid content of the container (20). The air entering the container (20) creates an equilibrium with the air inside the container (20), thereby maintaining the air pressure therein for a better flow of the liquid. Accordingly, the liquid can be easily poured out of the container (20) upon tilting to the pouring position. Still another preferred embodiment of the invention discloses that the dispensing cap (10) further comprises a barrier (15) protruding from the top surface (11) of the base portion and enclosing the passageway (13) and the orifice (14), when present. By having the barrier (15) surrounding both the passageway (13) and the orifice (14), it may be advantageous in an occasion when the container (20) topples or stumbles, where the liquid spilled on the area enclosed by the barrier (15) can return to the container (20) through the orifice (14).

Accordingly, the dispensing cap (10) may also comprise a closure member (not shown) pivotally connected to the top edge of the barrier. Presence of the closure member is crucial as it helps to prevent accumulation of dust or other fine particles on the top surface (11) of the dispensing cap (10), which may subsequently enter the container (20) through the orifice (15) and contaminate the liquid content of the container (20). Like the dispensing cap (10) and the container (20), the closure member is preferably made of a non-corrosive material such as stainless steel or a plastic material. The non- corrosive property imparts longer life time for the closure member and prevents the member from corrosion which may be caused upon contact with the liquid content of the container (20). The disclosure includes as contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A dispensing cap (10) for a liquid container (20) comprising

a base portion having a top surface (11) and an elongated hollow body (12) for coupling to the container (20); and

a tubular passageway (13) protruding upwardly through the top surface (11) for dispensing the liquid from the container (20); wherein the passageway (13) is configured to have a bevelled inner edge at the end of the passageway (13).

2. A cap (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the end portion of the tubular passageway (13) is turned at an angle of up to 90° in relative to the vertical axis of the tubular passageway (13).

3. A cap (10) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising an orifice (14) on the top surface (11) of the base portion for allowing air into the container (20) to ensure steady release of the liquid content of the container (20).

4. A cap (10) as claimed in claim 3 further comprising a barrier (15) protruding from the top surface (11) of the base portion and enclosing the passageway (13) and the orifice (14), when present.

5. A cap (10) as claimed in claim 4 further comprising a closure member pivotally connected to the top edge of the barrier (15).