Device and system for releasing vacuum pressure from liquid-dispensing containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to devices for safely and cleanly puncturing liquid-dispensing containers to release pressure caused by liquid dispensing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to liquid-container puncturing devices which allow air to enter containers and prevent contaminants from entering the container. Particular embodiments comprise a hollow cylinder for puncturing plastic, handles, ventilation holes, and a cover. Further embodiments comprise a system comprising a puncturing device and a liquid container having a segment which can be easily punctured by preferred embodiments of the puncturing device of the present invention.

2. Description of the Related Art

Liquid dispensing containers often build up vacuum pressure as water leaves the container. The build up pressure significantly reduces the flow of liquids from the container. In order to eliminate the vacuum, owners of liquid dispensing containers (such as commercial drinking water containers with a spigot) use a sharp object such as a knife to puncture a hole into the container. However, a person's hand may slip during the puncturing and may be cut on the sharp object. This poses a particular threat to children and geriatric users of water-dispensing containers. In addition, the resulting hole can allow contaminants to enter the container. While various devices for removing vacuum pressure exist in the prior art, such devices are typically difficult to handle and can allow contaminants to enter. Additionally, liquid containers of the prior art can be difficult to puncture in order to release vacuum pressure which builds up as the liquid flows out from the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention comprise puncturing devices which safely puncture, release vacuum pressure from, and prevent contaminants from entering into liquid-dispensing containers. The puncturing of air-tight containers facilitates the entry of air into the container and eliminates the vacuum that results from fluid being dispensed from the air-tight container. Embodiments of the device preferably comprise a hollow tube with a sharp angle at its tip which facilitates puncturing of containers made of puncturable material such as plastic. Embodiments additionally comprise handles which preferably extend perpindicularly outward from the hollow puncturing shaft. The handles allow the user to better control the insertion and removal of the puncturing device into and from a container. The puncturing device further comprises a protective cap which preferably prevents contaminants and/or debris from entering into the container, and may facilitate insertion of the device into containers. The device additionally comprises ventilation holes within the hollow puncturing shaft, which are protected from outside debris by the protective cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a pressure-releasing puncturing device.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of the puncturing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the puncturing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention comprise puncturing devices which safely puncture, release vacuum pressure from, and prevent contaminants from entering into liquid-dispensing containers. The puncturing of air-tight containers facilitates the entry of air into the container and eliminates the vacuum that results from fluid being dispensed from the air-tight container.

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a pressure-releasing puncturing device 10 of the present invention. The device preferably comprises a hollow shaft 12 that ends in a hollow piercing tip 14. In preferred embodiments, the hollow shaft is cylindrical, while in other embodiments the hollow shaft can be another shape. In accordance with preferred embodiments, the hollow piercing tip 14 can be formed by cutting the hollow shaft 12 along an angle measuring approximately thirty degrees at the end of the puncturing device. In alternative embodiments, the angle at the end of the hollow piercing tip 14 can be between twenty degrees and forty-five degrees. The hollow piercing tip 14 is preferably sharp enough to allow piercing of a plastic container with a minimal amount of force exerted by the user. Alternative preferred embodiments comprise hollow puncturing tips 14 comprising larger angles and/or rounded or smoothened tips for safety, so that the hollow puncturing tip 14 is less likely to accidentally puncture human skin.

Preferred embodiments of the device may optionally comprise handles 16 which extend perpindicularly from the hollow shaft 12. The handles 16 preferably extend out far enough to provide a surface with which the user's hand may contact when inserting and removing the device 10 from a container. In preferred embodiments, the handles 16 are rigid enough to maintain their shape when subjected to enough pressure to insert and remove the device 10 from a container. The handles can also preferably block contaminants and debris from entering the punctured container through the hole created by the puncturing device 10 during insertion.

Preferred embodiments of the device 10 comprise a protective cap 18. The protective cap 18 covers the top end of the hollow shaft 12 to prevent debris or contaminants from entering into the punctured container through the device 10. The protective cap preferably 18 provides enough surface area so that the protective cap 18 can be grasped or pressed upon by the user's fingers. The protective cap 18 can be a separate piece which is preferably sealed onto the hollow shaft 12 of the device, or in alternative preferred embodiments, the cap and the rest of the device is formed of a continuous material.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the device 10 of FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, preferred embodiments of the device 10 further comprise at least one air flow hole 20, and more preferably a plurality of air flow holes 20, on the hollow shaft 12. The air flow holes 20 are preferably located adjacent to an air-flow channel 22, which comprises a space located between the protective cap 18, the handles 16, and the hollow shaft 12.

FIG. 3 shows another preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the venting device comprises a hollow shaft 12, and open puncturing tip 14, and an open end 30. A cap 18 fits over the open end 30, but does not close off the open end. The cap has at least one vent 32, preferably on the underside of the cap 18.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, no separate handles are used because the cap itself provides surfaces on the top 36 and bottom 34 configured to facilitate manual insertion and withdrawal.

Upon puncturing of the container by the device 10, air is allowed to flow freely from the outside into the air channel 22, through the air flow holes 20 and hollow shaft 12, and into the container. The device 10 further allows air flow in the opposite direction, from the container to the outside. In preferred embodiments, the protective cap 18 significantly reduces the debris and contaminants from entering the punctured container through the air flow holes 20.

Preferred embodiments of the device 10 comprise a metal, plastic, or other material known to those skilled in the art which is rigid enough to maintain its shape when puncturing fluid devices. Alternative embodiments can preferably be made from a material which can resist high temperatures and detergents used in dishwashing machines.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention further comprise water dispensing systems. The systems preferably comprise embodiments of the puncturing device 10 of the present invention and water dispensing containers comprising a segment which can be easily punctured by puncturing devices. In preferred embodiments, the segment is located on the top, sides, front or back of the container. The easily-puncturable segment preferably comprises a material with a thickness and tension which is strong enough to maintain structural integrity so as not to break during transportation or normal use, while simultaneously having a thickness and tension which allows for easier puncturing by puncturing devices of the present invention. The puncturable segment preferably comprises a shape and area that is about the same as the shape and area of the radial cross section of the shaft of the puncturing device. The puncturable segment can be punctured using less force than necessary to puncture the rest of the liquid-dispensing container. The puncturable segment can preferably be made from plastic, foil, or other material known to those skilled in the art. The device is preferably allowed to remain in the container after puncturing, whereby the device allows air flow into and out of the container while preventing solid and/or liquid contaminants from entering into the container. In preferred embodiments, the liquid-dispensing container comprises a sign indicating to the user the location of the segment into which the puncturing device should be inserted.

Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. All additions, deletions and modifications to the invention as disclosed herein which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are to be embraced thereby.

Claims

1. A device for venting a liquid-dispensing container, comprising:

a hollow shaft comprising an open piercing tip;

a cap; and

at least one vent hole in the hollow shaft in fluid communication with the open piercing tip.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a handle.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the hollow piercing tip ends an angle of about thirty degrees.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the handle is generally perpendicular to the hollow shaft.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein the handle is large enough to be grasped and/or pushed by human fingers.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a plurality of vent holes.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the cap extends over the at least one vent hole without blocking air flow to and from the vent hole.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is constructed from a plastic material.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is constructed from a metal material.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises both plastic and metal materials.

11. A system for dispensing liquid from a container, comprising:

the puncturing device of claim 1; and

a liquid dispensing-container comprising a segment which can be punctured by the piercing tip using less force than that necessary to puncture the rest of the container.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the segment has about the same area and shape as the radial cross section of the hollow shaft of the puncturing device.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the segment comprises plastic.