Vessel

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a vessel for holding fluid. The vessel has at least one wall defining a mouth, the mouth having an inner surface, an outer surface, an end surface and one or more spouts located at the junction of the inner and end surfaces. At least one of the one or more spouts comprises a recess in the inner surface and an outlet at the end surface, the recess being shaped to transition smoothly from the inner surface to the outlet. The disclosure also relates to a vessel and lid assembly and a pouring attachment for a bottle having the mouth as described above.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vessel for holding and dispensing fluid.

The invention has been developed primarily for use in the pharmaceutical and food industries; for example, for holding and dispensing liquid medication and liquid ingredients respectively and will be described hereinafter with reference to these applications. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to these particular fields of use; for example, it may be used in any industrial, domestic or commercial industries in which fluids need to be dispensed accurately or without spillage; for example, the vessels may be used to hold and dispense engine oil, water, milk, paints or dyes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluids are usually stored in vessels such as vials, bottles, containers, jugs, kettles, decanters and buckets.

In the pharmaceutical industry or food industry, liquid medication or liquid ingredients are often sold in small glass or plastic bottles comprising a body and a cylindrical mouth with a circular outlet. A thread is usually located on the outer surface of the mouth and is adapted to cooperate with a corresponding thread on the inside of a cap, such that when the cap is fitted over the mouth and screwed tight, the bottle is sealed watertight and airtight. This preserves the fluid within and allows safe storage.

Some fluids may only be required to be dispensed in small quantities at a time; for example, liquid medication to be taken in small doses (e.g. 5 ml). It is often difficult, especially for the elderly, to accurately control the pouring of a small amount of liquid. The liquid may travel too quickly from the body of the bottle to the outlet resulting in a large or sudden volume of liquid being expelled due to the sharp contour between the body of the bottle and the mouth. This may result in a splash or an overflow. Slower, more controlled pouring may result in the liquid dripping along the outside surface of the mouth. Thus, it may be difficult to avoid wastage, which, relative to the size of the dosage, may constitute a considerable proportion of the liquid. Dripping or overflow may also cause the formation of a sticky residue on the outside surface of the mouth, which can interrupt screwing and unscrewing of the cap, or on the outside surface of the bottle, which can feel unpleasant.

Other fluids may be required to be dispensed into containers with small receiving inlets; for example, engine oil to be poured into the engine oil receptacle. In these cases, controlled pouring is required to prevent spillage outside of the receiving inlet as this would cause wastage, mess and a potential safety hazard. Funnels are sometimes used for this application, but are not always readily available. Some fluid containers have a telescopic mouth comprising a spout that can be manually extracted and retracted into a main cylindrical mouth such that when retracted, the telescopic mouth is entirely contained within the main mouth and does not interrupt engagement with a cap fitted thereon. The telescopic mouth requires manual extraction however, and for sticky residues or ‘clean’ fluids, using a finger to pull out the telescopic mouth may result in the user having sticky hands or contaminating the fluid stored within. If the fluid is viscous the telescopic mouth may become lodged within the main mouth and a long period of use may result in the telescopic mouth breaking.

Fluids are also often stored in jugs, which are usually characterized by a spout at the edge of the mouth and/or outlet. The spout commonly is formed by an extension of the wall creating a channel for the liquid to flow through. This enables the user to better control the path of the liquid being dispensed, and if the contour of the body to the spout is sufficiently gradual, also enables the user to exert greater control over the volume flow rate of the liquid. Due to the non-uniformity of the mouth, however, screw-on caps cannot be used to seal the jug. Jugs are often closed with a lid that corresponds to the shape of the opening, with a portion that covers the spout. Other lids seal a substantially circular area of the outlet and leave the spout exposed. Still other lids have a vertical flange portion that closes a substantially circular region of the body of the jug, the channel of the spout being external to the closure. In these examples, the jugs may not be sealed sufficiently to be watertight and airtight and are thus not usually utilized for long-term storage of liquids. Jugs are generally too large for dispensing small volumes of fluids.

Kettles generally have a spout comprising, effectively, a tubular channel terminating at an outlet, the tubular channel being in fluid communication with the main volume of the kettle. The poured liquid travels through an aperture in the wall of the body, through the tubular channel and is expelled from the outlet. The tubular channel is often curved and/or angled to allow the liquid to travel smoothly and is not sealed. The spout protrudes from the side of the kettle and thus kettles cannot be as compactly stored side-by-side as bottles with substantially straight sides. Furthermore, kettles usually have a second outlet at a top portion of the body allowing fluid to be poured into the vessel. This requires a second cover. Kettles are not ideally used to store liquids for extended periods of time.

The present invention seeks to provide a vessel which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, a vessel for holding fluid is provided, comprising:

• • at least one wall defining a mouth, the mouth having an inner surface, an outer surface, an end surface and one or more spouts located at the junction of the inner and end surfaces;
  • wherein at least one of the one or more spouts comprises a recess in the inner surface and an outlet at the end surface, the recess being shaped to transition smoothly from the inner surface to the outlet.

Advantageously, the provision of at least one spout allows a user to more readily control pouring of the fluid and reduces the chance of spilling, overflowing and/or dripping. Furthermore, the provision of a recess allowing the fluid to travel smoothly from the body of the vessel to the outlet, allows the volume flow rate to be controlled.

Preferably, the vessel further comprises a closure engagement means.

Preferably, the closure engagement means is a mouth thread.

Advantageously, the vessel can be closed to safely store the fluid and extend its shelf life.

Preferably, the end surface is substantially flat.

Advantageously, the flat end surface abuts a flat inner surface or inner padding of a corresponding closure, such as a cap, and creates an airtight and watertight seal when closed.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a vessel for holding fluid is provided, comprising:

• • at least one wall defining a mouth, the mouth having an inner and outer surface and one or more spouts; and
  • a closure engagement means extending a first distance from the outer surface;
  • wherein at least one of the one or more spouts extends a second distance from the outer surface, the second distance being less than or equal to the first distance.

Advantageously, the provision of at least one spout allows a user to more readily control pouring of the fluid and reduces the chance of spilling, overflowing and/or dripping. Furthermore, the spout does not interfere with or forms a part of the closure engagement means.

Preferably, the at least one of the one or more spouts comprises a recess in the inner surface and an outlet, the recess being shaped to transition smoothly from the inner surface to the outlet.

Advantageously, the provision of a recess allows the fluid to travel smoothly from the body of the vessel to the outlet, allows the volume flow rate to be controlled to greater effect and reduces the chance that a sudden spurt of fluid results.

Preferably, the mouth has an end surface and the at least one of the one or more spouts is located at the junction of the inner and end surfaces.

Preferably, the end surface is substantially flat.

Preferably, the closure engagement means is a mouth thread.

In one embodiment, a vessel assembly for holding a fluid is provided, comprising a vessel as described in any one of the preceding paragraphs and a closure adapted to seal around the mouth.

Preferably, the closure has a closure thread adapted to cooperate with the mouth thread.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a pouring attachment is provided, comprising:

• • at least one tubular wall defining a mouth, the mouth having an inner surface, an outer surface, an end surface and one or more spouts located at the junction of the inner and end surfaces;
  • wherein at least one of the one or more spouts comprises a recess in the inner surface and an outlet at the end surface, the recess being shaped to transition smoothly from the inner surface to the outlet.

Advantageously, the pouring attachment can be adapted to engage with a pre-existing vessel mouth, for example a standard threaded bottle mouth. Thus, when fitted, the provision of at least one spout on the pouring attachment allows a user to more readily control pouring of the fluid and reduces the chance of spilling, overflowing and/or dripping. Furthermore, the provision of a recess allowing the fluid to travel smoothly from the body of the vessel to the outlet, allows the volume flow rate to be controlled.

Preferably, the pouring attachment further comprises a closure engagement means.

Preferably, the closure engagement means is a mouth thread.

Preferably, the end surface is substantially flat.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a pouring attachment is provided, comprising:

• • at least one tubular wall defining a mouth, the mouth having an inner and outer surface and one or more spouts; and
  • a closure engagement means extending a first distance from the outer surface;
  • wherein at least one of the one or more spouts extends a second distance from the outer surface, the second distance being less than or equal to the first distance.

Advantageously, the pouring attachment can be adapted to engage with a pre-existing vessel mouth, for example a standard threaded bottle mouth. Thus, when fitted, the provision of at least one spout on the pouring attachment allows a user to more readily control pouring of the fluid and reduces the chance of spilling, overflowing and/or dripping. Furthermore, the spout does not interfere with, or forms a part of, the closure engagement means.

Preferably, the at least one of the one or more spouts comprises a recess in the inner wall and an outlet, the recess being shaped to transition smoothly to the outlet.

Advantageously, the provision of a recess allows the fluid to travel smoothly from the body of the vessel to the outlet, allows the volume flow rate to be better controlled and reduces the chance of a sudden spurt of fluid.

Preferably, the mouth has an end surface and the at least one of the one or more spouts is located at the junction of the inner and end surfaces.

Preferably, the end surface is substantially flat.

Preferably, the closure engagement means is a mouth thread.

Preferably, the inner surface comprises a bottle engagement means for allowing the pouring attachment to be sealingly engaged with a bottle.

In one embodiment, a pouring assembly is provided, comprising a pouring attachment as described in any one of the preceding paragraphs and a closure adapted to seal around the mouth.

Preferably, the closure has a closure thread adapted to cooperate with the mouth thread.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vessel in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in use, a front view of a spoon and fluid being poured from the vessel into the spoon are also shown;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the vessel of FIG. 1 in use, and also shows the spoon and fluid being poured from the vessel into the spoon;

FIG. 3(a) is a side view of a base of a body of a vessel of a vessel assembly in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3(b) is a side view of the body and a mouth of the vessel of FIG. 3(a);

FIG. 4 is a top view of the mouth of the vessel of FIG. 3(a)

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the body and mouth of the vessel of FIG. 3(a);

FIG. 6 is a top view of the base of the vessel of FIG. 3(a);

FIG. 7 is a side view of a closure of the vessel assembly of FIG. 3(a);

FIG. 8 is a side view of a mouth and a top portion of a body of a vessel in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the vessel of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a mouth and a top portion of a body of a vessel in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, various vessels are provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The vessels may be used to hold and dispense fluids, such as liquid medications, liquid ingredients, engine oil, water, milk, paints or dyes.

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, a vessel 10 is shown, comprising a relatively thick body wall 16 defining a body 17, and a thinner mouth wall 21 defining a mouth 22.

The body wall 16 comprises a tubular portion 50 and a base 55. The tubular portion 50 takes the form of a cylinder with an open bottom end 56 and a closed top end 57. A central aperture is located in the top end 57 forming a throat 60. The throat 60 is gradually curved where it opens at a bottom surface 61 of the top end 57. In another embodiment, the throat 60 is chamfered where it opens at the bottom surface of the top end 57. An annular cavity 63 is located at the open bottom end 56 extending from an inner surface of body wall 16 to a mid-region of the thickness of the body wall 16.

The base 55 takes the form of a circular plate 65 and a concentric circular protrusion 70 extending from a top surface of the circular plate 65. The circular protrusion has a smaller diameter than the circular plate 65. The outer diameters of the tubular portion 50 and the circular plate 65 are substantially equal, and the diameters of the annular cavity 63 and the circular protrusion 70 are substantially equal. The depth of the annular cavity 63 and the height of the circular protrusion 70 are also substantially equal, such that the circular protrusion 70 can be snugly fitted within the annular cavity 63 to substantially close and seal the open bottom end 56. It should be noted that the body 17 may be formed in a number of ways. In another embodiment, the tubular portion 50 and the base 55 are integral and the body 17 is formed by blow molding.

The mouth 22 takes the form of a generally cylindrical tube having an inner surface 75, an outer surface 80, an upper end 85, a lower end 90, a closure engagement means taking the form of a thread 95, and a spout 100. The diameter of the inner surface 75 is substantially equal to the diameter of the throat 60 and the diameter of the outer surface 80 is smaller than the outer diameter of the body 17. The lower end 90 of the mouth 22 is integral with a central portion of the top end 57 of the body 17 such that the inner surface 75 of the mouth 22 is continuous with the throat 60. The thread 95 is located on the outer surface 80 and commences a relatively short distance above the lower end 90 and terminates a relatively short distance below the upper end 85. It should be noted that the thread 95 may be replaced with any closure engagement means sufficient to cooperate with a closure (not shown) to seal the mouth 22, for example, it may be replaced with rubber rings for use with a push-on cap.

The spout 100 is formed from an outwardly extending portion of the generally circular upper end 85 and has an outer surface 101 that is smooth and curved. The lower end of the spout 105 is adjacent a ridge of the thread 95. At its outermost point 111, the upper end of the spout 110 has a diameter that is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the thread 95. On either side of the outermost point, the outer surface of the spout 101 is contoured to meet the outer surface 80 of the mouth 22. The contour of the outer surface of the spout 101 forms a lip that is adapted to engage with a lip of a spoon or similar utensil or device. The vessel 10 and spoon can then be stabilized during pouring of the liquid.

An inner surface of the spout 117 is continuous with the inner surface 75 of the mouth 22 and is generally curved to mimic the curve of the outer surface of the spout 101, forming a channel-like recess 116. The channel-like recess 116 does have steeper (smaller radius) curvature than the outer surface of the spout 101. The liquid travels into and is expelled from the channel-like recess 116 thus allowing more controlled pouring.

An end surface of the upper end 85 is flat and perpendicular to the centerline of the mouth. The flat end surface is adapted to abut a flat inner surface or inner padding of a corresponding closure (not shown), such as a cap, and creates an airtight and watertight seal when closed, allowing safe storage and an increase in the shelf life of the stored fluid.

Advantageously, the provision of the spout 100 allows a user to more readily control pouring of the fluid and reduces the chance of spilling, overflowing and/or dripping. Furthermore, the spout 100 does not interfere with the thread 95.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 7, a vessel assembly comprising a vessel for holding fluid 10A and a closure 118 is shown in which the spout 100A further comprises a recess taking the form of a groove 120 leading to an outlet 125. The groove 120 is located along the length of an inner surface 75A of the mouth 22A, continues into and along the length of a throat 60A and terminates at the throat's curved opening at an inner surface 61A of a top end 57A of the body 17A.

In this embodiment, an outer surface 101A surrounding the spout 100A commences at a lower end 105A having a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of a thread 95A. The outer surface 101A gradually contours to terminate at an upper end 10A where it has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of an outer surface 80A of the mouth 22A. The outer surface 101A of the spout 100A is gradually contoured on either side to meet the outer surface 80A of the mouth 22A. The outer surface of the spout 101A at the lower end 105 and at the sides terminates at ridges of the thread 95A. A mid-region 130 of the spout 100A is slightly recessed as to accommodate a lip of a spoon, such that the spoon is able to stabilize the vessel 10A from beneath and facilitate more controlled pouring. A small portion of a lower end 90A of the mouth 22A is absent of thread 95A and is scalloped to form a neck 132.

Referring specifically to FIG. 7, the closure 118 takes the form of a cap having an internal thread 135 that is adapted to cooperate with the thread 95A of the mouth 22A. The cap 118 is generally cylindrical having a closed top end 140 and an open bottom end 145. A top region 150 directly beneath the top end 140 is recessed to accommodate the fitting of padding such that a flat end surface of an upper end 85A of the mouth 22A may press against the padding and create an airtight and watertight seal when closed.

Advantageously, the provision of the groove 120 allows the fluid to travel smoothly from the body of the vessel to the outlet, thus allowing the volume flow rate to be better controlled and reducing the chance of fluid spilling.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, a vessel for holding fluid 10B is shown in which a mouth 22B comprises two opposing spouts 100B. Each of the spouts 100B comprises a recess taking the form of a groove 120B leading to an outlet 125B as in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 7. In this embodiment, each outlet 125B is formed from an outwardly extending portion of a generally circular upper end 85B of the mouth 22B as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, such that two grooves 120B are formed. Thus, the liquid travels from a body 17B, into the groove 120B and out of the outlet 125B.

The opening of the throat 60B at an inner surface 61B of a top end 57B of the body 17B is curved with a large diameter for even smoother flow.

Advantageously, the provision of two spouts 120B allows the user to pour from either spout 120B for ease of use.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 10, a vessel for holding fluid 10C is shown having a mouth 22C. A closure engagement means taking the form of a circumferential hump 155 is located at a mid-region of the outer surface 80C of the mouth 22C. A closure 118C takes the form of a push-on cap adapted to close tightly over the mouth 22C by virtue of the hump 155. That is, the diameter of the hump 155 is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the closure 118C to create an interference fit. This interference fit alone creates a liquid-tight and air-tight seal. The interference fit is such that the closure 118C can be readily fitted and removed.

In this embodiment, a top region 150C directly beneath the top end 140C of the closure 118C is recessed to accommodate the fitting of a washer 160 such that a flat end surface of an upper end 85C of the mouth 22C may press against the washer 160 to create an airtight and watertight seal when closed. While the invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments it should be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in many other forms.

For example, instead of the provision of a vessel for holding fluid 10, a pouring attachment may be provided that is adapted to engage with a pre-existing spout-less vessel mouth. The pouring attachment may take the form of the mouth 22 of any one of the previously described embodiments. In one embodiment, the pouring attachment is adapted to engage with a standard threaded bottle mouth, and thus when fitted, facilitate pouring that prevents spilling, overflowing and/or dripping.

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “forward”, “rearward”, “radially”, “peripherally”, “upwardly”, “downwardly”, and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A vessel for holding fluid, comprising:

at least one wall defining a mouth, the mouth having an inner surface, an outer surface, an end surface and one or more spouts located at the junction of the inner and end surfaces;

wherein at least one of the one or more spouts comprises a recess in the inner surface and an outlet at the end surface, the recess being shaped to transition smoothly from the inner surface to the outlet.

2. A vessel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vessel further comprises a closure engagement means.

3. A vessel as claimed in claim 2, wherein the closure engagement means is a mouth thread.

4. A vessel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the end surface is substantially flat.

5. A vessel for holding fluid, comprising:

at least one wall defining a mouth, the mouth having an inner and outer surface and one or more spouts; and

a closure engagement means extending a first distance from the outer surface;

wherein at least one of the one or more spouts extends a second distance from the outer surface, the second distance being less than or equal to the first distance.

6. A vessel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one of the one or more spouts comprises a recess in the inner surface and an outlet, the recess being shaped to transition smoothly from the inner surface to the outlet.

7. A vessel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the mouth has an end surface and the at least one of the one or more spouts is located at the junction of the inner and end surfaces.

8. A vessel as claimed in claim 7, wherein the end surface is substantially flat.

9. A vessel as claimed in claim 5 wherein the closure engagement means is a mouth thread.

10. A vessel assembly for holding a fluid, comprising a vessel as claimed in claim 1 and a closure adapted to seal around the mouth.

11. A vessel assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the closure has a closure thread adapted to cooperate with a mouth thread.

12. A pouring attachment, comprising:

at least one tubular wall defining a mouth, the mouth having an inner surface, an outer surface, an end surface and one or more spouts located at the junction of the inner and end surfaces;

wherein at least one of the one or more spouts comprises a recess in the inner surface and an outlet at the end surface, the recess being shaped to transition smoothly from the inner surface to the outlet.

13. A pouring attachment as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pouring attachment further comprises a closure engagement means.

14. A pouring attachment as claimed in claim 13, wherein the closure engagement means is a mouth thread.

15. A pouring attachment as claimed in claim 12, wherein the end surface is substantially flat.

16. A pouring attachment, comprising:

at least one tubular wall defining a mouth, the mouth having an inner and outer surface and one or more spouts; and

a closure engagement means extending a first distance from the outer surface;

wherein at least one of the one or more spouts extends a second distance from the outer surface, the second distance being less than or equal to the first distance.

17. A pouring attachment as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at least one of the one or more spouts comprises a recess in the inner wall and an outlet, the recess being shaped to transition smoothly to the outlet.

18. A pouring attachment as claimed in claim 16, wherein the mouth has an end surface and the at least one of the one or more spouts is located at the junction of the inner and end surfaces.

19. A pouring attachment as claimed in claim 18, wherein the end surface is substantially flat.

20. A pouring attachment as claimed in claim 16, wherein the closure engagement means is a mouth thread.

21. A pouring attachment as claimed in claim 12, wherein the inner surface comprises a bottle engagement means for allowing the pouring attachment to be sealingly engaged with a bottle.

22. A pouring assembly, comprising a pouring attachment as claimed in claim 12 and a closure adapted to seal around the mouth.

23. A pouring assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein the closure has a closure thread adapted to cooperate with a mouth thread.

24. (canceled)