LIQUID DISPENSNIG APPARATUS

A gravity oriented liquid dispenser includes a container that defines a chamber to contain a liquid. The container has a top including a liquid discharge mouth fluidly coupled to the chamber. The container is arranged about an axis that extends from the top to the bottom of the container. An air vent tube extends through the chamber from a first orifice in communication with the atmosphere at the top of the container to a second orifice near the bottom of the container in communication with the chamber. The first orifice is located between the liquid discharge mouth and one side of the container, and the air vent tube, including the first and second orifices, is located between the axis and the one side of the container and is convex along the axis toward the one side of the container from the first orifice to the second orifice.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to liquid dispensers and, more particularly, to liquid dispensers for dispensing a liquid from a contained space and for promoting liquid transfer and reducing resistance to pouring a liquid from a contained space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Liquids, such as oils, lubricants, solvents, cleansers, beverages, sauces, marinades, liquid soaps, and the like, are often packaged in liquid containers having tops formed with liquid dispensing openings. The liquid dispensing openings are initially capped or closed with closures, such as pull tabs, stay-on-tabs, caps, twist-off caps, threaded caps, snap-on caps, nozzles, and the like. To access the liquid contents, the closure is removed or opened to open the liquid dispensing opening, and the liquid contents are poured through the liquid dispensing opening by gravity flow. As the liquid contents are poured from the liquid container, atmospheric air is drawn into the liquid container through the liquid dispensing opening caused by the pressure differential created between the interior of the liquid container and the surrounding atmosphere. This intake of pressure-equalizing atmospheric air into the liquid container through the liquid dispensing opening competes with the liquid contents pouring through the liquid-dispensing opening, which restricts liquid flow through the liquid dispensing opening and causes the liquid contents to flow turbulently through the liquid dispensing opening in intermittent spurts or glugs, which often leads to unwanted splashing and spills and a reduced ability to controllably direct the flow of the liquid contents from the liquid container.

The prior art has provided numerous specific configurations of liquid containers with vent structures used to equalize pressure between the interior of the liquid container and the atmosphere to promote controlled laminar liquid pouring. None, however, have proven to be entirely satisfactory. Many incorporate complex and relatively expensive vent tubes formed in the liquid container. Some vent tubes extend outwardly from the container body, and are prone to breakage and snagging. Others utilize complex, multi-chambered containers with convoluted vents that interact with the various chambers for pressure equalization. Frequently, prior art liquid container vents leak when pouring liquid. Accordingly, continued improvement in the art is evident.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the principle of the invention, a gravity oriented liquid dispenser includes a container that has a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that connects the top and the bottom. The top, the bottom, and the sidewall define a chamber to contain a liquid. The top is formed with a liquid discharge mouth fluidly coupled to the chamber. The sidewall is arranged about an axis from the top of the container to the bottom of the container. An air vent tube extends through the chamber from a first orifice in communication with the atmosphere at the top of the container to a second orifice near the bottom of the container in communication with the chamber, the first orifice being located between the liquid discharge mouth and one side of the sidewall of the container, and the air vent tube, including the first and second orifices thereof, being located between the axis and the one side of the sidewall of the container. The air vent tube is convex along the axis toward the one side of the continuous sidewall from the first orifice at the top of the container to the second orifice near the bottom of the container. The first orifice is closer to the axis than the second orifice. There is an intermediate part of the air vent tube between the first and second orifices. The second orifice is closer to the axis than the intermediate part of the air vent tube so as to define a first segment of the air vent tube from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube that is convex away from the axis in a direction from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube, and a second segment of the air vent tube from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice that is convex away from the axis in a direction from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice. An exterior fluid-collecting depression is formed in the top of the container and is fluidly coupled to the first orifice. The exterior fluid-collecting depression is continuous and encircles the liquid discharge mouth of the top. The liquid discharge mouth of the top is arranged about the axis.

According to the principle of the invention, a gravity oriented liquid dispenser includes a container that has a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that connects the top and the bottom. The top, the bottom, and the sidewall define a chamber to contain a liquid. The sidewall is arranged about an axis from the top of the container to the bottom of the container. A cap is applied to the top of the container. The cap is formed with a liquid discharge mouth fluidly coupled to the chamber. An air vent tube extends through the chamber from a first orifice in communication with the atmosphere at the cap to a second orifice near the bottom of the container in communication with the chamber, the first orifice being located between the liquid discharge mouth and one side of the sidewall of the container, and the air vent tube, including the first and second orifices, being located between the axis and the one side of the sidewall of the container. The air vent tube is convex along the axis toward the one side of the continuous sidewall from the first orifice at the cap to the second orifice near the bottom of the container. The first orifice is closer to the axis than the second orifice. There is an intermediate part of the air vent tube between the first and second orifices. The second orifice is closer to the axis than the intermediate part of the air vent tube so as to define a first segment of the air vent tube from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube that is convex away from the axis in a direction from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube, and a second segment of the air vent tube from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice that is convex away from the axis in a direction from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice. An exterior fluid-collecting depression is formed in the cap and is fluidly coupled to the first orifice. The exterior fluid-collecting depression is continuous and encircles the liquid discharge mouth of the cap. The liquid discharge mouth of the cap is arranged about the axis.

According to the principle of the invention, a gravity oriented liquid dispenser includes a container that has a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that connects the top and the bottom. The top, the bottom, and the sidewall define a chamber to contain a liquid. The sidewall is arranged about an axis from the top of the container to the bottom of the container. A cap is applied to the top of the container. The cap is formed with a liquid discharge mouth fluidly coupled to the chamber, and a vent. An air vent tube extends through the chamber from a first orifice in communication with the vent in communication with the atmosphere to a second orifice near the bottom of the container in communication with the chamber, the vent and the first orifice being located between the liquid discharge mouth and one side of the sidewall of the container, and the vent and the air vent tube, including the first and second orifices, being located between the axis and the one side of the sidewall of the container. The air vent tube is convex along the axis toward the one side of the continuous sidewall from the first orifice at the vent of the cap to the second orifice near the bottom of the container. The first orifice is closer to the axis than the second orifice. There is an intermediate part of the air vent tube between the first and second orifices. The second orifice is closer to the axis than the intermediate part of the air vent tube so as to define a first segment of the air vent tube from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube that is convex away from the axis in a direction from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube, and a second segment of the air vent tube from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice that is convex away from the axis in a direction from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice. An exterior fluid-collecting depression is formed in the cap, and the vent fluidly couples the first orifice to the exterior fluid-collecting depression. The exterior fluid-collecting depression is continuous and encircles the liquid discharge mouth of the cap. The liquid discharge mouth of the cap is arranged about the axis.

According to the principle of the invention, a gravity oriented liquid dispenser includes a container that has a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that connects the top and the bottom. The top, the bottom, and the sidewall define a chamber to contain a liquid. The sidewall is arranged about an axis from the top of the container to the bottom of the container. A cap is applied to the top of the container. The cap is formed with a liquid discharge mouth fluidly coupled to the chamber, and a vent. An air vent tube extends through the chamber from a first orifice in communication with the vent in communication with the atmosphere to a second orifice near the bottom of the container in communication with the chamber, the vent and the first orifice being located between the liquid discharge mouth and one side of the sidewall of the container, and the vent and the air vent tube, including the first and second orifices, being located between the axis and the one side of the sidewall of the container. The first orifice is closer to the axis than the second orifice. An exterior fluid-collecting depression is formed in the cap, and the vent fluidly couples the first orifice to the exterior fluid-collecting depression. The exterior fluid-collecting depression is continuous and encircles the liquid discharge mouth of the cap. The liquid discharge mouth of the cap is arranged about the axis.

According to the principle of the invention, a gravity oriented liquid dispenser includes a container that has a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that connects the top and the bottom. The top, the bottom, and the sidewall define a chamber to contain a liquid. The top is formed with a liquid discharge mouth fluidly coupled to the chamber. The sidewall is arranged about an axis from the top of the container to the bottom of the container. An air vent tube extends through the chamber from a first orifice in communication with the atmosphere at the top of the container to a second orifice near the bottom of the container in communication with the chamber, the first orifice located between the liquid discharge mouth and one side of the sidewall of the container, the air vent tube, including the first and second orifices thereof, located between the axis and the one side of the sidewall of the container, and the first orifice is closer to the axis than the second orifice. There is an intermediate part of the air vent tube between the first and second orifices. The second orifice is closer to the axis than the intermediate part of the air vent tube so as to define a first segment of the air vent tube from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube that inclines away from the axis in a direction from the first orifice to the intermediate part, and a second segment of the air vent tube from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice that inclines toward the axis in a direction from the intermediate part to the second orifice. An exterior fluid-collecting depression is formed in the top of the container. The exterior fluid-collecting depression is fluidly coupled to the first orifice. The exterior fluid-collecting depression is continuous and encircles the liquid discharge mouth. The liquid discharge mouth of the top is arranged about the axis.

According to the principle of the invention, a gravity oriented liquid dispenser includes a container having a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that connects the top and the bottom. The top, the bottom, and the sidewall define a chamber to contain a liquid. The sidewall is arranged about an axis from the top of the container to the bottom of the container. A cap, applied to the top of the container, has a liquid discharge mouth fluidly coupled to the chamber. An air vent tube extends through the chamber from a first orifice in communication with the atmosphere at the cap to a second orifice near the bottom of the container in communication with the chamber, the first orifice located between the liquid discharge mouth and one side of the sidewall of the container, the air vent tube, including the first and second orifices, located between the axis and the one side of the sidewall of the container, and the first orifice is closer to the axis than the second orifice. There is an intermediate part of the air vent tube between the first and second orifices. The second orifice is closer to the axis than the intermediate part of the air vent tube so as to define a first segment of the air vent tube from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube that inclines away from the axis in a direction from the first orifice to the intermediate part, and a second segment of the air vent tube from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice that inclines toward the axis in a direction from the intermediate part to the second orifice. An exterior fluid-collecting depression is formed in the cap. The exterior fluid-collecting depression is fluidly coupled to the first orifice. The exterior fluid-collecting depression is continuous and encircles the liquid discharge mouth of the cap. The liquid discharge mouth of the cap is arranged about the axis.

According to the principle of the invention, a gravity oriented liquid dispenser includes a container includes a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that connects the top and the bottom. The top, the bottom, and the sidewall define a chamber to contain a liquid. The sidewall is arranged about an axis from the top of the container to the bottom of the container. A cap, applied to the top of the container, has a liquid discharge mouth fluidly coupled to the chamber, and a vent. An air vent tube extends through the chamber from a first orifice in communication with the vent in communication with the atmosphere to a second orifice near the bottom of the container in communication with the chamber, the vent and the first orifice located between the liquid discharge mouth and one side of the sidewall of the container, the vent and the air vent tube, including the first and second orifices, located between the axis and the one side of the sidewall of the container, and the first orifice is closer to the axis than the second orifice. There is an intermediate part of the air vent tube between the first and second orifices. The second orifice is closer to the axis than the intermediate part of the air vent tube so as to define a first segment of the air vent tube from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube that inclines away from the axis in a direction from the first orifice to the intermediate part, and a second segment of the air vent tube from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice that inclines toward the axis in a direction from the intermediate part to the second orifice. An exterior fluid-collecting depression is formed in the cap. The vent fluidly couples the first orifice to the exterior fluid-collecting depression. The exterior fluid-collecting depression is continuous and encircles the liquid discharge mouth of the cap. The liquid discharge mouth of the cap is arranged about the axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a gravity oriented liquid dispenser constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a vertical section view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 7-10 are vertical section views like that of FIG. 6 illustrating a liquid pouring sequence.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-10 show a gravity oriented liquid dispenser 20 constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention. Referring to FIGS. 1-10 in relevant part, liquid dispenser 20 consists of a container 22, which is formed of metal, plastic, glass, or other selected material or combination of materials, and is integrally formed, such as by molding or machining, or is fashioned of a plurality of parts joined together with adhesive, welding, or other joinery. Container 22, which is a form of a bottle in this example, includes a continuous sidewall 23 having outer surface 24, inner surface 25, upper edge 26, and lower edge 27. Top 30 is affixed to upper edge 26, and bottom 31 is affixed to lower edge 27. Bottom 31 and top 30 cooperate with inner surface 25 of continuous sidewall 23 to form a fluid impervious receptacle or chamber 35, which is the contained space or the interior of container 22 to receive a liquid, such as an oil, a lubricant, a solvent, a liquid cleanser, a beverage, a sauce, a liquid marinade, a liquid soap, a liquid fuel, or other liquid. Continuous sidewall 23 is arranged about axis X, which extends axially through container 22 from top 30 to bottom 31.

Top 30 includes shoulder 40 affixed to upper edge 27. Shoulder 40 is conical and slopes and narrows inwardly to rim 41 in reference to FIGS. 5-10. Rim 41, as shown in FIGS. 6-10, encircles opening 42 of top 30. Opening 42 is a mouth that opens into the interior or contained space of container 22, namely, chamber 35, and is thus in fluid or liquid communication with chamber 35 so as to allow liquid to flow into and from chamber 35 through opening 42. Opening 42 is arranged about axis X, which extends centrally through opening 42.

Top 30 includes a cap 50, illustrated in FIGS. 1-10. Cap 50 is formed of the same material as container 22, namely, metal, plastic, glass, or other selected material or combination of materials, and is integrally formed, such as by molding or machining, or is fashioned of a plurality of parts joined together with adhesive, welding, or other joinery. Referencing FIGS. 1-10 in relevant part, cap 50 consists of a spout 51 formed centrally in an encircling circumferential body 52 that includes perimeter edge 53 that extends between opposed inner and outer sides 54 and 55. Circumferential body 52 encircles a central liquid discharge mouth 57, which is in fluid or liquid communication with opening 42 and spout 51, through which liquid is poured. A vent or vent opening 60 extends through circumferential body 52 from inner side 54 to outer side 55. Vent or vent opening 60 in circumferential body 52 is located alongside spout 51 between perimeter edge 53 and spout 51. Circumferential body 52 has an exterior fluid-collecting depression 62. Depression 62 is formed in outer side 55 of circumferential body 52 of cap 60. Depression 62 is a sunken part of circumferential body 52 so as to define an area that is lower than the surrounding surfaces of outer side 55 of circumferential body 52. Depression 62 is located alongside spout 51 between perimeter edge 53 and spout 51, and vent or vent opening 60 extends from depression 62 in outer side 55 of circumferential body 52 to inner side 54 of circumferential body 52. Depression 62 is in fluid or liquid communication with, or otherwise fluidly coupled to, vent or vent opening 60, and collects liquid that may leak out of vent or vent opening 60 from the interior of container 22, and contains such leaked fluid allowing it to flow back into the interior of container 22 through vent or vent opening 60. Depression 62 is continuous and encircles the base of spout 51 and liquid discharge mouth 57 at the base of spout 51 to provide exemplary liquid collection at outer side 55 of cap 50.

Cap 50 is applied to top 30 of container 22, which means that cap 50 is coupled to, or otherwise attached to, top 30 of container 22. Liquid in chamber 35 is poured through cap 50, by tilting filled container 22 to a pouring position. Cap 50 is considered part of top 30, or otherwise an extension of top 30. Opening 42 of container 22 fluidly couples liquid discharge mouth 57 to the interior of container 22, namely, chamber 35, and liquid discharge mouth 57 fluidly couples opening 42 to spout 51, which allows liquid to be poured from chamber 35 of container 22 through liquid discharge mouth 57 from opening 42 to spout 51 and outwardly from spout 51. Spout 51 provides a user with the ability to direct and focus the liquid pouring therefrom. Spout 51 and liquid discharge mouth 57 are, accordingly, coupled in liquid or fluid communication to the interior of container 22, namely, chamber 35.

In this embodiment in reference to FIGS. 6-10 inner side 54 of circumferential body 52 is inserted through opening 42 of top 30 of container 22 and perimeter edge 53 near inner side 54 of circumferential body 52 is received against, and is affixed to, rim 41, such as by heat bonding, adhesive, welding, or the like. In alternate embodiments, circumferential body 52 and rim 41 may be joined by threading, a snap or detent engagement, or the like. Cap 50 may also be integrally formed with rim 41, such as by molding. Preferably, a fluid-impervious seal is formed between circumferential body 52 and rim 41 to prevent fluid leakage therebetween. Liquid discharge mouth 57 is juxtaposed at opening 42, and spout 51 projects outward from liquid discharge mouth 57 and opening 42 so as to be available for pouring liquid outwardly from the interior of container 22 poured through opening 42 and liquid discharge mouth 57.

Axis X extends centrally through opening 42 and also liquid discharge mouth 57. As such, opening 42 and liquid discharge mouth 57 are coaxial in that they share a common axis, namely, axis X. Vent or vent opening 60 located between perimeter edge 53 and spout 51 is located to or otherwise along one side of axis X between, on the one hand, liquid discharge mouth 57 and axis X, and, on the other hand, one side of continuous sidewall 23 denoted at 23A. Side 23A of continuous sidewall 23 is considered an upper side of continuous sidewall 23, which opposes the other side of continuous sidewall 23 denoted at 23B, which is considered the lower side of continuous sidewall 23. Vent or vent opening 60 is separated from axis X by a distance D1.

Liquid dispenser 20 incorporates an air vent tube 70, illustrated in FIGS. 5-10. Air vent tube 70 is elongate and extends from orifice 71 of proximal end 72 of air vent tube 70 and orifice 73 of distal end 74 of air vent tube 70. Looking to FIGS. 6-10, air vent tube 70, including orifice 71 and proximal end 72 and orifice 73 and distal end, is located to or otherwise along one side of axis X between, on the one hand, liquid discharge mouth 57 and axis X, and, on the other hand, one side 23A of continuous sidewall 23. Air vent tube 70 extends through the interior of container 22, namely, chamber 35, from orifice 71 of a proximal end 72 of air vent tube 70 in communication with the atmosphere at vent or vent opening 60 of cap 50 at top 30 of container 22 to orifice 73 of a distal end 74 of air vent tube 70 near bottom 31 of container 22 in communication with chamber 35.

Orifice 71 is applied to vent or vent opening 60 at inner side 54 of circumferential body 52 of cap 50. Proximal end 72 is secured to vent or vent opening 60 at inner side 54 of circumferential body 52 of cap 50 with adhesive, heat bonding, welding, or the like. In alternate embodiments, proximal end 72 may be press fit into vent or vent opening 60, or formed integrally with vent or vent opening 60, such as by molding. In still further embodiments, proximal end 72 and vent 60 may attached by threading, or with a detent engagement pair or other form of mechanical fastening. The attachment of air vent tube 70 to cap 50 forms a cap assembly, according to the principle of the invention, and air vent tube 70 is considered a part of, or otherwise an extension of, cap 50. Air vent tube 70 cooperates with vent or vent opening 60 to flow atmospheric air into the interior of container 22 concurrently with the pouring of liquid from the interior of container 22 to equalize the interior and exterior pressure to provide the liquid to be poured in a continuous, steady and easily aimed laminar flow stream.

Air vent tube 70 has a constant inner diameter from orifice 71 to orifice 73. Air vent tube 70 is a curved tube. Specifically, air vent tube 70 is convex along axis X toward one side 23A of continuous sidewall from proximal end 72 orifice 71 at cap 50 at top 30 of container 22 to distal end 74 orifice 73 near bottom 31 of container 22. In other words, air vent tube 70 is rounded outward from axis X and along axis X from top 30 to bottom 31 toward one side 23A of continuous sidewall from proximal end 72 orifice 71 at vent or vent opening 60 of cap 50 at top 30 of container 22 to distal end 74 orifice 73 near bottom 31 of container 22. Orifice 71 at vent or vent opening 60 at cap 50 at top 30 of container 22 is separated from axis X by distance D1, which is the same distance between vent or vent opening 60 and axis X, and air vent tube 70 extends convexly in that it is curved or rounded outwardly from axis X toward one side 23A of continuous sidewall 23 of container 22 from orifice 71 at proximal end 72 of air vent tube 70 to orifice 73 at distal end 74 of air vent tube 70 near bottom 31 of container 22, and orifice 73 is separated from axis X by a distance D2, which is greater than distance D1. As such, orifice 71 of air vent tube 70 is closer to axis X than orifice 73 of air vent tube 70.

Air vent tube 70 has intermediate part 80 between, on the one hand, orifice 71 at proximal end 72 of air vent tube 70 and, on the other hand, orifice 73 at distal end 74 of air vent tube 70. Intermediate part 80 of air vent tube 70 is located between top 30 and bottom 31 of container 22, and is separated from axis X by a distance D3, which is greater than distance D2 between orifice 73 and axis X, and which is still even greater than distance D1 between axis X and vent or vent opening 60 and also orifice 71. As such, orifice 73 is closer to axis X than intermediate part 80 of air vent tube 70, and orifice 71 is closer to axis X than orifice 73 and, of course, intermediate part 80. According to the principle of the invention, this defines a proximal segment 81 of air vent tube 70 and a distal segment of air vent tube 70.

Proximal segment 81 of air vent tube 70 extends from orifice 71 at proximal end 72 of air vent tube 70 to intermediate part 80 of air vent tube 70. Distal segment 82 of air vent tube 70 extends from intermediate part 80 of air vent tube 70 to orifice 73 at distal end 74 of air vent tube 70.

Proximal segment 81 is convex away from axis X in a direction along axis X from vent or vent opening 60, and orifice 71 at proximal end 72 of air vent tube 70 to intermediate part 80 of air vent tube 70. In other words, proximal segment 81 is rounded outward from axis X along axis X from top 30 to intermediate part 80 toward one side 23A of continuous sidewall from proximal end 72 orifice 71 at cap 50 at top 30 of container 22 to intermediate part 80 of air vent tube 70 between top 30 and bottom 31. Proximal segment 81 extends convexly in that it is curved or rounded outwardly from axis X toward one side 23A of continuous sidewall 23 of container 22 from orifice 71 to intermediate part 80, which is separated from axis X by a distance D1, which is greater than distance D2 and which is even greater than distance D1.

Distal extremity 82 is convex away from axis X in a direction along axis X from intermediate part 80 of air vent tube 70 to orifice 73 of distal end 74 of air vent tube 70. In other words, distal segment 82 is rounded outward from axis X along axis X from intermediate part 80 between top 30 and bottom 31 to orifice 73 of distal end 74 of air vent tube 70 near bottom 31 toward one side 23A of continuous sidewall 23. Distal segment 82 extends convexly in that it is curved or rounded outwardly from axis X toward one side 23A of continuous sidewall 23 of container 22 from intermediate part 80 to orifice 73, which is separated from axis X by a distance D2, which is greater than distance D1 and which is less than distance D3.

Proximal segment 81 inclines away from axis X in a direction from orifice 71 at proximal end 72 of air vent tube 70 to intermediate part 80 of air vent tube 70. Distal segment 82, in turn, inclines toward axis X in a direction from intermediate part 80 to orifice 73 at distal end 74 of air vent tube 70. In this regard, distal segment 82 inclines away from axis X in a direction from orifice 73 at distal end 74 of air vent tube 70 near bottom 31 to intermediate part 80, and proximal segment 81 inclines toward axis X in a direction from intermediate part 80 to vent or vent opening 60 and orifice 71 at proximal end 72 of air vent tube 70. Air vent tube 70 is fashioned of plastic, metal, or other material or combination of materials having a sufficient rigidity that air vent tube 70 will maintain its convex/rounded shape.

In use, chamber 35 is filled with a liquid, as shown in FIG. 7. Liquid is poured from the filled vertical liquid dispenser 20 by gripping container 22 and then tilting container 22 from the vertical position extending upright from bottom 31 to top 30 to a pouring position in FIG. 8 in a vertical plane P, denoted in FIGS. 4 and 6-10, with one side 23A of continuous sidewall 23, vent or vent opening 60, and air vent tube 23 positioned along vertical plane P on the upper side of axis X along vertical plane P in the direction of liquid pouring from spout 51. As liquid dispenser 20 is tipped the liquid level, because of the friction free nature of liquids and gravity, remains horizontal as pouring commences in FIG. 8. During pouring air vent tube 70 communicating between the atmosphere at vent or vent opening 60 of cap 50 and chamber 35 near bottom 31 of container 22 flows atmospheric air into chamber 35 to equalize the pressure between the interior of container 22 and the atmosphere and liquid freely flows out of chamber 35 of container 22 through opening 42 and through liquid discharge mouth 57 and then outwardly from spout 51 in a continuous, steady and easily aimed laminar flow stream shown in FIG. 8. Vent or vent opening 60, orifices 72 and 73, and air vent tube 70 between orifices 71 and 73 are sufficiently large in cross sectional area to flow air into chamber 35 from the atmosphere without restricting the flow of liquid out of liquid discharge mouth 57 to spout 51. As liquid is poured emptying chamber 35, liquid dispenser 22 is tilted further in the pouring position in the vertical plane as in FIG. 9, and even further as in FIG. 10, as a matter of illustration and reference. All the while, the flow of atmospheric air into chamber 35 through vent or vent opening 60 of cap 50 and air vent tube 70 provides a rapid, continuous, controlled, laminar, and aim-able pouring. Orifice 73 at distal end 74 of air vent tube 70 spaced away from bottom 31 to allow ample room for atmospheric air exchange to occur.

As liquid dispenser 22 is tilted in the pouring position along vertical plane P, the horizontal liquid level passes along proximal segment 81 of air vent tube 70, as shown in FIG. 8, and past intermediate part 80 of air vent tube 70 and then to and along distal segment 82 of air vent tube 70 as liquid dispenser 22 is further tilted in the pouring of liquid from the interior of container 22 as shown in FIG. 9 and then beyond orifice 73 at distal end 74 of air vent tube as liquid dispenser 22 is still further tilted as shown in FIG. 10 freeing air vent tube 70 entirely from the liquid contents of container 22. At the point where the horizontal liquid level reaches distal segment 82 and also beyond orifice 73 at distal end 74 of distal segment 82, distal segment 82 between intermediate part 80 and orifice 73 at distal end 74 of air vent tube 70 extends convexly upward from the horizontal liquid level and axis X in a direction from orifice 73 at distal end 74 to intermediate part 80. In other words, when the horizontal liquid level reaches distal segment 82, as in FIG. 9, and also beyond orifice 73 at distal end 74 of distal segment 82, as in FIG. 10, distal segment 82 inclines upwardly and away from axis X and the horizontal liquid level in a direction from orifice 73 at distal end 74 of air vent tube 70 near bottom 31 to intermediate part 80. Liquid in the interior of container 22 is prevented from flowing back through air vent tube 70 in a direction from orifice 73 at distal end 74 near bottom 31 of container 22 to orifice 71 at proximal end 72 at top 30 of container as the horizontal liquid level passes along distal segment 81 in a direction from intermediate part 80 to orifice 73 at distal end 74 and there beyond as liquid dispenser 22 is tilted during pouring because gravity acting on the horizontal fluid level along distal segment 82 and at and beyond orifice 73 at distal end 74 of air vent tube 70 inherently prevents the liquid from flowing upwardly against gravity into distal segment 82 in a direction from orifice 73 at distal end 74 to intermediate part 80, in accordance with the principle of the invention, thereby isolating the liquid contents of container 22 from flowing through air vent tube 70 from orifice 73 at distal end 74 to orifice 71 at proximal end 72 and outwardly from cap 50 through vent or vent opening 60 so as to prevent unwanted liquid spillage through vent or vent opening 60 from air vent tube 70. Should liquid from the interior of container 22 flow through air vent tube 70 from orifice 73 to orifice 71 and outwardly through vent or vent opening 60, depression 62 collects the liquid spillage. Liquid spillage collected by depression 62 is free to flow back through vent or vent opening 60 and back into the interior of container 22 through air vent tube 70.

The invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the nature and scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof.

Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same, the invention claimed is:

Claims

1. A gravity oriented liquid dispenser, comprising:

a container includes a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that connects the top and the bottom, the top, the bottom, and the sidewall define a chamber to contain a liquid, the top is formed with a liquid discharge mouth fluidly coupled to the chamber, and the sidewall is arranged about an axis from the top of the container to the bottom of the container;
an air vent tube extends through the chamber from a first orifice in communication with the atmosphere at the top of the container to a second orifice near the bottom of the container in communication with the chamber, the first orifice located between the liquid discharge mouth and one side of the sidewall of the container, and the air vent tube, including the first and second orifices thereof, located between the axis and the one side of the sidewall of the container; and
the air vent tube is convex along the axis toward the one side of the continuous sidewall from the first orifice at the top of the container to the second orifice near the bottom of the container.

2. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first orifice is closer to the axis than the second orifice.

3. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 2, further comprising an intermediate part of the air vent tube between the first and second orifices, the second orifice being closer to the axis than the intermediate part of the air vent tube so as to define a first segment of the air vent tube from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube that is convex away from the axis in a direction from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube, and a second segment of the air vent tube from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice that is convex away from the axis in a direction from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice, the first segment inclines away from the axis in a direction from the first orifice to the intermediate part, and the second segment inclines toward the axis in a direction from the intermediate part to the second orifice.

4. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 3, further comprising:

an exterior fluid-collecting depression in the top of the container; and
the exterior fluid-collecting depression is fluidly coupled to the first orifice.

5. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the exterior fluid-collecting depression is continuous and encircles the liquid discharge mouth.

6. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the liquid discharge mouth of the top is arranged about the axis.

7. A gravity oriented liquid dispenser, comprising:

a container includes a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that connects the top and the bottom, the top, the bottom, and the sidewall define a chamber to contain a liquid, and the sidewall is arranged about an axis from the top of the container to the bottom of the container;
a cap, applied to the top of the container, having a liquid discharge mouth fluidly coupled to the chamber;
an air vent tube extends through the chamber from a first orifice in communication with the atmosphere at the cap to a second orifice near the bottom of the container in communication with the chamber, the first orifice located between the liquid discharge mouth and one side of the sidewall of the container, and the air vent tube, including the first and second orifices, located between the axis and the one side of the sidewall of the container; and
the air vent tube is convex along the axis toward the one side of the continuous sidewall from the first orifice at the cap to the second orifice near the bottom of the container.

8. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the first orifice is closer to the axis than the second orifice.

9. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 8, further comprising an intermediate part of the air vent tube between the first and second orifices, the second orifice being closer to the axis than the intermediate part of the air vent tube so as to define a first segment of the air vent tube from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube that is convex away from the axis in a direction from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube, and a second segment of the air vent tube from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice that is convex away from the axis in a direction from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice, the first segment inclines away from the axis in a direction from the first orifice to the intermediate part, and the second segment inclines toward the axis in a direction from the intermediate part to the second orifice.

10. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 9, further comprising:

an exterior fluid-collecting depression in the cap; and
the exterior fluid-collecting depression is fluidly coupled to the first orifice.

11. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the exterior fluid-collecting depression is continuous and encircles the liquid discharge mouth of the cap.

12. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the liquid discharge mouth of the cap is arranged about the axis.

13. A gravity oriented liquid dispenser, comprising:

a container includes a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that connects the top and the bottom, the top, the bottom, and the sidewall define a chamber to contain a liquid, and the sidewall is arranged about an axis from the top of the container to the bottom of the container;
a cap, applied to the top of the container, having a liquid discharge mouth fluidly coupled to the chamber, and a vent;
an air vent tube extends through the chamber from a first orifice in communication with the vent in communication with the atmosphere to a second orifice near the bottom of the container in communication with the chamber, the vent and the first orifice located between the liquid discharge mouth and one side of the sidewall of the container, and the vent and the air vent tube, including the first and second orifices, located between the axis and the one side of the sidewall of the container; and
the air vent tube is convex along the axis toward the one side of the continuous sidewall from the first orifice at the vent of the cap to the second orifice near the bottom of the container.

14. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 13, wherein the first orifice is closer to the axis than the second orifice.

15. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 14, further comprising an intermediate part of the air vent tube between the first and second orifices, the second orifice being closer to the axis than the intermediate part of the air vent tube so as to define a first segment of the air vent tube from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube that is convex away from the axis in a direction from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube, and a second segment of the air vent tube from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice that is convex away from the axis in a direction from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice, the first segment inclines away from the axis in a direction from the first orifice to the intermediate part, and the second segment inclines toward the axis in a direction from the intermediate part to the second orifice.

16. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 15, further comprising:

an exterior fluid-collecting depression in the cap; and
the vent fluidly couples the first orifice to the exterior fluid-collecting depression.

17. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 16, wherein the exterior fluid-collecting depression is continuous and encircles the liquid discharge mouth of the cap.

18. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 17, wherein the liquid discharge mouth of the cap is arranged about the axis.

19. A gravity oriented liquid dispenser, comprising:

a container includes a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that connects the top and the bottom, the top, the bottom, and the sidewall define a chamber to contain a liquid, and the sidewall is arranged about an axis from the top of the container to the bottom of the container;
a cap, applied to the top of the container, having a liquid discharge mouth fluidly coupled to the chamber, and a vent;
an air vent tube extends through the chamber from a first orifice in communication with the vent in communication with the atmosphere to a second orifice near the bottom of the container in communication with the chamber, the vent and the first orifice located between the liquid discharge mouth and one side of the sidewall of the container, and the vent and the air vent tube, including the first and second orifices, located between the axis and the one side of the sidewall of the container; and
the first orifice is closer to the axis than the second orifice.

20. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 19, further comprising:

an exterior fluid-collecting depression in the cap; and
the vent fluidly couples the first orifice to the exterior fluid-collecting depression.

21. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 20, wherein the exterior fluid-collecting depression is continuous and encircles the liquid discharge mouth of the cap.

22. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 21, wherein the liquid discharge mouth of the cap is arranged about the axis.

23. A gravity oriented liquid dispenser, comprising:

a container includes a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that connects the top and the bottom, the top, the bottom, and the sidewall define a chamber to contain a liquid, the top is formed with a liquid discharge mouth fluidly coupled to the chamber, and the sidewall is arranged about an axis from the top of the container to the bottom of the container;
an air vent tube extends through the chamber from a first orifice in communication with the atmosphere at the top of the container to a second orifice near the bottom of the container in communication with the chamber, the first orifice located between the liquid discharge mouth and one side of the sidewall of the container, the air vent tube, including the first and second orifices thereof, located between the axis and the one side of the sidewall of the container, and the first orifice is closer to the axis than the second orifice; and
an intermediate part of the air vent tube between the first and second orifices, the second orifice being closer to the axis than the intermediate part of the air vent tube so as to define a first segment of the air vent tube from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube that inclines away from the axis in a direction from the first orifice to the intermediate part, and a second segment of the air vent tube from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice that inclines toward the axis in a direction from the intermediate part to the second orifice.

24. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 23, further comprising:

an exterior fluid-collecting depression in the top of the container; and
the exterior fluid-collecting depression is fluidly coupled to the first orifice.

25. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 24, wherein the exterior fluid-collecting depression is continuous and encircles the liquid discharge mouth.

26. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 25, wherein the liquid discharge mouth of the top is arranged about the axis.

27. A gravity oriented liquid dispenser, comprising:

a container includes a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that connects the top and the bottom, the top, the bottom, and the sidewall define a chamber to contain a liquid, and the sidewall is arranged about an axis from the top of the container to the bottom of the container;
a cap, applied to the top of the container, having a liquid discharge mouth fluidly coupled to the chamber;
an air vent tube extends through the chamber from a first orifice in communication with the atmosphere at the cap to a second orifice near the bottom of the container in communication with the chamber, the first orifice located between the liquid discharge mouth and one side of the sidewall of the container, the air vent tube, including the first and second orifices, located between the axis and the one side of the sidewall of the container, and the first orifice is closer to the axis than the second orifice; and
an intermediate part of the air vent tube between the first and second orifices, the second orifice being closer to the axis than the intermediate part of the air vent tube so as to define a first segment of the air vent tube from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube that inclines away from the axis in a direction from the first orifice to the intermediate part, and a second segment of the air vent tube from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice that inclines toward the axis in a direction from the intermediate part to the second orifice.

28. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 27, further comprising:

an exterior fluid-collecting depression in the cap; and
the exterior fluid-collecting depression is fluidly coupled to the first orifice.

29. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 28, wherein the exterior fluid-collecting depression is continuous and encircles the liquid discharge mouth of the cap.

30. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 29, wherein the liquid discharge mouth of the cap is arranged about the axis.

31. A gravity oriented liquid dispenser, comprising:

a container includes a top, a bottom, and a sidewall that connects the top and the bottom, the top, the bottom, and the sidewall define a chamber to contain a liquid, and the sidewall is arranged about an axis from the top of the container to the bottom of the container;
a cap, applied to the top of the container, having a liquid discharge mouth fluidly coupled to the chamber, and a vent;
an air vent tube extends through the chamber from a first orifice in communication with the vent in communication with the atmosphere to a second orifice near the bottom of the container in communication with the chamber, the vent and the first orifice located between the liquid discharge mouth and one side of the sidewall of the container, the vent and the air vent tube, including the first and second orifices, located between the axis and the one side of the sidewall of the container, and the first orifice is closer to the axis than the second orifice; and
an intermediate part of the air vent tube between the first and second orifices, the second orifice being closer to the axis than the intermediate part of the air vent tube so as to define a first segment of the air vent tube from the first orifice to the intermediate part of the air vent tube that inclines away from the axis in a direction from the first orifice to the intermediate part, and a second segment of the air vent tube from the intermediate part of the air vent tube to the second orifice that inclines toward the axis in a direction from the intermediate part to the second orifice.

32. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 31, further comprising:

an exterior fluid-collecting depression in the cap; and
the vent fluidly couples to the first orifice to the exterior fluid-collecting depression.

33. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 32, wherein the exterior fluid-collecting depression is continuous and encircles the liquid discharge mouth of the cap.

34. The gravity oriented liquid dispenser according to claim 33, wherein the liquid discharge mouth of the cap is arranged about the axis.

Patent History
Publication number: 20150048123
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 13, 2013
Publication Date: Feb 19, 2015
Applicant: FBCA ENTERPRISES, LLC (Sedona, AZ)
Inventor: Joshua W. Frank (Sedona, AZ)
Application Number: 13/965,455
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Plural Openings Or Discharge Guides (222/478)
International Classification: B65D 47/32 (20060101); B65D 47/12 (20060101);