Drip catcher

Abstract

Present invention derives great advantage from the absolute simplicity and effectiveness of all configurations that intercept and collect objectionable or even dangerous drippage below a liquid dispensing spout or other such device before the liquid can run down the sides of its container. In primary application, Drip Catcher is a one-piece channel-shaped annular trough secured around the neck of a household dishwashing detergent bottle, as an example, immediately below the pouring spout. Subject invention is adaptable even to large vessels such as drums.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application benefits from filing date of Mar. 28, 2001 of Provisional Patent Application No. 60/279,042 as evidenced by USPTO Filing Receipt Confirmation No. 8939 dated Jun. 27, 2001.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Non-applicable.

BACKGROUND

[0003] 1. Field of Invention

[0004] Present invention relates to the objectionable dripping of liquid down sides of any dispensers such as those containing dishwashing detergent Further, a drip catcher installed on a container of toxic or corrosive liquid would serve as a safety element. There are many other applications of subject invention that confer benefit by the interception, collection and retention of drippage from a dispensing spout or outlet before the fluid can run down the sides of the container, in all environments including industrial and involving liquids of any viscosity or corrosiveness.

[0005] 2. Background of Prior Art

[0006] Thorough due diligence in patent searching produced no reference to prior art directed to the specific application of any configuration of subject invention, and only two patents appeared to be of consequence.

[0007] The only prior art bearing any similarity to subject invention is Granberg (U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,816) who teaches a drip catcher that is inserted into the neck of a bottle or similar container, is heart-shaped and grooved at upper end. The Granberg device addresses an entirely different method, and is not directed to the same function as performed by my invention.

[0008] Another patent in a similar field is Iggulden (U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,247) whose device comprises a band of absorbent material placed around the neck of the fluid container. Utility of Iggulden's device is exhausted when saturated, and may be dangerous if this condition is not dealt with and a fresh band of material installed before the fluid being absorbed overflows the band of material and runs down the sides of its container. Importantly, Iggulden will not be effective when placed to contain a flow of high viscosity.

SUMMARY

[0009] Present invention meets the persistent but unmet need for a simple but effective easily cleaned device attachable to and easily detachable from any liquid-dispensing container, designed to catch and retain drippage immediately below the delivery spout or other such element.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0010] Primary object of subject invention is to make available in the marketplace a simple, inexpensive but effective device to catch and retain liquid immediately below its spout or other delivery device, that otherwise would run down the side of its dispensing vessel. Primary advantage is the ability to quickly install the Drip Catcher on any dispensing vessel, even a large drum, and so prevent fouling of hands and puddling of liquid at base of dispensing container, or worse.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION—GENERAL

[0011] Present invention derives advantage from its absolute simplicity. In primary configuration, it is a one-piece annular trough-like device secured immediately below the pouring spout or other discharge element of any liquid dispensing vessel to prevent drippage from further downward progress on sides of the container.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0012] Preferred embodiment of Drip Catcher is shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Drawings, and is formed of a semi-rigid but compressible recycled plastic material, and has all essential features permitting its operating as an annular channel-shaped trough tightly surrounding the neck of a liquid-dispensing vessel. A raised outer flange and slightly raised inner flange are separated by means of a floor common to the two flanges. The perimeter of a centered hole, that is sized and configured to fit around the container neck supporting the pouring spout, bears the raised inner flange which is configured to be inwardly compressed against the neck as the pouring spout is tightened.

OPERATION—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0013] To affix Drip Catcher the spout of parent liquid-dispensing vessel is removed, the inventive device is slipped over the neck of the parent vessel and the spout returned to its previous position and tightened over inner flange of Drip Catcher.

[0014] In practice, Drip Catcher periodically will have to be removed and easily cleaned by means of washing away the retained liquid under a faucet.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION—ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Most obvious alternative embodiments are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 of Drawings, but other optional embodiments are conspicuously evident. All attach to liquid-dispensing containers immediately below spout or other liquid delivery system, and operate alike to prevent downward progress of drippings. In some embodiments, a rigid material is used rather than one that is compressible, or an expandable material may be utilized if indicated by the nature of the application. In all applications, Drip Catcher is configured to conform to the surface onto which it is to be attached, such as threading, and the inner surface of the inner flange of Drip Catcher made of compressible material may be laterally grooved or ridged to further improve compressive fit.

[0016] Drip. Catcher may be configured to be installed around the top of a large drum as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, in which it is not only tightened securely by means of a clamping lever but itself may act as the dispensing device by means of liquid delivery through a spout installed through the rim of the outer flange, or a trough-like spout configured into the top of that rim. In the event the perimeter of a container is irregular, the Drip Catcher seal may be improved by means of the insertion of a compressible liner to be tightened between container and inventive device.

FABRICATION OF DRIP CATCHER

[0017] Simplicity of configuration permits preferred embodiment of present invention to be fabricated by means of mass production molding or die-casting, when material used is of a flowable nature. Malleable sheet metals may enable present invention to be formed by means of die-stamping, and rigid metals may be formed by means of simple machining.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

[0018] Simplicity of design and manufacture permit Drip Catcher to solve a multiplicity of applications in which presence of liquid drippage down sides of liquid-dispensing containers is objectionable or dangerous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VIEWS SHOWN IN DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 Side view of Drip Catcher with raised inner flange.

[0020] FIG. 2 Bottom view of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 3 Top view of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 4 Cross-sectional view of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 5 Cross-sectional view of optional Drip Catcher having no raised inner flange.

[0024] FIG. 6 Cross-sectional view of optional Drip Catcher having threaded inner flange.

[0025] FIG. 7 Show Drip Catcher installed on liquid-dispensing bottle.

[0026] FIG. 8 Shows top view of upper rim of large drum with compressible filler lining installed under Drip Catcher, which has drain in outer flange and secured by means of hand clamp.

[0027] FIG. 9 Side sectional view of Drip Catcher tightened over filler lining around rim of large drum.

[0028] FIG. 10 Section view B-B through Drip Catcher fitted with drain in outer flange, tightened around drum over filler lining.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0029] Part No. 1 Outer raised flange

[0030] Part No. 2 Inner raised flange

[0031] Part No. 3 Center Hole

[0032] Part No. 4 Floor or Drip Catcher

[0033] Part No. 5 Neck of parent liquid-dispensing container

[0034] Part No. 6 Filler lining

[0035] Part No. 7 Drain pipe treaded to receive plug

[0036] Part No. 8 Threaded plug for drain pipe

[0037] Part No. 9 Typical clamping device to secure modified Drip Catcher around rim of large drum.

Claims

1 A Drip Catcher, comprising

a channel-shaped annular trough

2 the channel-shaped annular trough of claim 1 is formed of any rigid or non-rigid solid material.

3 The channel-shaped annular trough of claim 2 is configured to encompass perimeter of parent liquid dispensing container at position Drip Catcher is affixed.

4 The channel-shaped annular trough of claim 3 is configured to catch and retain any liquid.

5 The channel-shaped annular trough of claim 4 is configured with central hole shaped to conform with configuration of perimeter of liquid-dispensing container to which Drip Catcher is affixed.

6 A Drip Catcher comprising

a channel-shaped annular trough

7 The channel-shaped annular trough of claim 6 is configured with raised flanges at inner and outer perimeters.

8 The channel-shaped annular trough of claim 7 is configured with inner perimeter surface of raised inner flange conforming to perimeter surface configuration of parent liquid dispensing container to which it is affixed.

9 A Drip Catcher comprising

a channel-shaped annular trough

10 The channel-shaped annular trough claim 9 is configured with floor between outer and inner flanges.

11 The channel-shaped annular trough of claim 10 is configured with floor canted outwardly.