DISPOSABLE FLUID CONTAINER

Abstract

A disposable container for an edible fluid defines a top edge and a bottom edge. The container includes a side wall extending between the bottom edge and the top edge. The fluid is stored in a chamber of the container. A layer of flexible film defines a channel extending between the bottom edge and the top edge. The channel is positioned next to the side wall. The layer of flexible film may be fixed to the side wall. The layer of flexible film may be made from a sheet defining the side wall. A disposable container may be provided with an optional mouthpiece. The mouthpiece moves between 3 positions. In the first position, the mouthpiece is closed and has not been opened. When the mouthpiece moves to the second position, the user gains access to the contents of the container. The mouthpiece may be moved to a third position, in which the mouthpiece is closed, but it is apparent that the container has been opened.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to disposable fluid containers including leak-proof bags made from flexible film, beverage container boxes lined with leak proof film, containers made with metalized films and other containers for edible fluids. Containers for edible fluids include containers for drinks, edible pastes, condiments, sauces, toppings and the like. These disposable containers also include single serving size items which may be consumed as single drink servings. Other disposable containers may be sized to provide multiple servings. In some instances, the containers may be resealed by the user for later use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many conventional containers for beverages and other dispensable fluid products are made from rigid thermoplastics or from flexible films. Those conventional containers are either substantially rigid, preformed bottles and boxes or bag-like pouches with flexible walls. Conventional containers designed for beverages and other dispensable food items are often provided with various features to allow a user to drink or dispense the fluid contents from the container. However, those dispensing features are prone to various inefficiencies and inherent problems. For example, conventional beverage containers are often provided with small, pre-wrapped drinking tubes or straws in removable, sealed pouches secured to the containers. A user may tear open the sealed pouch, remove the straw and puncture the container with a sharpened end of the straw and insert the straw to drink the fluid contents. However, there are various problems inherent with these designs. For example, the pre-wrapped drinking tubes often become separated from their corresponding containers and the user is left without a straw. The user must either find a replacement straw (which may be particularly inconvenient) or the user may be forced to tear open the container to drink directly from the container.

There are also other disadvantages associated with conventional container designs which are based on using pre-wrapped, sharpened drinking straws. The drinking straws and the wrappings may become separated from the containers, and thereby add to unsightly litter. Small children also risk injury from misusing sharp straws or from choking on tear away pieces of the plastic wrappings.

Many other conventional containers are made from rigid materials with preformed spouts sealed with twist caps. A user is then expected to twist open the cap and drink from the neck of the preformed spout, hold the cap and then reapply the cap in order to reseal the container and its partially emptied contents. Often the caps are dropped or soiled by handling when they are separated from the containers. If a straw was inserted into the container, the user may need to remove the straw before reapplying the cap.

When using conventional containers, straws or other drinking tubes are provided so that the user may drink from the container while maintaining the container in a generally vertical orientation. However, while drinking from the container, the user must be careful to avoid misalignment of the interior portion of the drinking tube from the liquid contents of the container. If the interior portion of the drinking tube is moved, or inserted to an insufficient depth, the user may not be able to extract the remaining fluid contents of the container. In addition, a drinking tube which has been used to pierce the seal of the container may experience some leakage of the fluid between the pierced seal and the drinking tube, when the container is tipped away from the desired vertical orientation.

Many conventional containers, such as rigid box-type containers, plastic bottles, and the like, are not provided with a drinking tube. Rather, a user is expected to remove a seal and/or cap and to drink from the container by elevating the bottom of the bottle so that fluid will flow through the neck of the bottle, and out of a spout, as the user drinks from that container. If a user wishes to maintain the container in a vertical position, below the user's face, the user must use other means, such as a drinking tube, to withdraw liquid from the container.

There are many other disadvantages associated with conventional container designs. It is desirable to provide spouts and containers which overcome one or more of the foregoing disadvantages, or other disadvantages inherent in those earlier designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a disposable container for an edible fluid is provided. The container defines a top edge and a bottom edge. The container includes a side wall which extends between the top edge and the bottom edge. The container also includes a chamber for storing the fluid up to a defined level. The defined level is positioned between the top edge and the bottom edge of the container. The container also includes a channel for fluid communication between the bottom edge and an opening adjacent to top edge. The channel is defined by a layer of a flexible film which extends vertically. The channel is positioned adjacent the side wall.

The exterior of the container may be rigid or flexible. For example, rigid box type containers are typically lined with leak proof flexible liners. Similarly, the container may be made from a combination of flexible and rigid materials. The channel may be positioned adjacent any side wall of the container. The channel extends vertically adjacent that side wall so that the channel will enable fluid communication between the bottom of the container and the location adjacent to the top edge of the container. A seal may be provided to close the opening. The seal may be removable or destructible. In addition, an optional cover may be provided to protect an area surrounding the opening so that the user contact surface may be kept clean during shipping and handling.

In another embodiment, the layer of flexible film forming the channel may be secured to the side wall. Also, the layer of flexible film may be made from a sheet which itself defines the side wall. The channel defined by the layer of flexible film may be located either inside or outside of the chamber. In some embodiments, the opening may be located at or near the top edge. In some embodiments, an optional spout is provided for selective fluid communication with the contents of the container.

In another aspect, the spout may operate between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the spout is unused and closed against fluid communication with the chamber. In the second position, the spout is open for fluid communication with the chamber. In the second position, the user may drink or dispense fluid from the interior of the container. The spout may also be designed to operate between the first position, the second position and an optional third position. In the third position, the spout is closed against fluid communication with the chamber. However, when the spout is in the third position, the user is alerted that the container has been opened. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to prevent the spout from returning to the first position.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a spout for use in a disposable container designed for use with edible fluids. The container defines a chamber to contain the edible fluid. The spout operates from a first position in which the spout is unused and closed against fluid communication with the chamber. The spout moves from the first position toward the second position in which the spout is open for fluid communication with the chamber. The spout is also capable of moving to a third position in which the spout is closed against fluid communication with the chamber. When the spout is in the third position, the user is warned that the spout has been opened and moved from the first position. In some embodiments, it will be desirable to prevent the spout from returning to the first position after initial use. The spout may be designed to destroy a seal which prevents fluid communication between the chamber and the exterior of the container. The seal may be destroyed by the spout when the spout moves from the first position to the second position. The spout may contain a movable projection which pierces the seal when the spout is moved from the first position to the second position. If desired, the spout may be biased for one way movement from the first position to the second position.

In certain embodiments, the spout defines a dispensing tip. In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing tip defines a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be used as a drinking tube which allows the user to drink fluid from within the container.

Where desirable, the container may be adapted so that it is reusable. For example, the container may be resealable. In addition, where desirable, the container may be adapted so that it may be refilled with the same edible fluid or another edible fluid, as desired by the user.

Specific embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings which are appended to the application. The drawings are briefly described below.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational view, in perspective, of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view, in perspective, of the bottom of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a channel of the container shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the channel of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the channel shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view, in perspective, of the bottom of another container of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a further embodiment of a channel of the container shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the channel of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the channel shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 10 is another embodiment of a container of the present invention, showing the spout in a first, unused position.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 10, shown in a second position in which the spout is opened.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the container shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 in which the spout is shown in a closed, but used, position.

FIG. 13 is a front view, in perspective, of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial side view of the spout of the container shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side view, in perspective of the container shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged partial side view of the spout of the container shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 19 is a side view, in perspective, of the container shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged partial side view of the spout of the container shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the mouthpiece of the spout shown in FIGS. 10 to 21.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the base component of the spout shown in FIGS. 10 to 21.

FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the mouthpiece shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the base component shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the mouthpiece shown in FIGS. 22 and 24.

FIG. 27 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the base component shown in FIGS. 23 and 25.

FIGS. 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d are side views in perspective of the disassembled components of another embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 28a shows a mouthpiece, FIG. 28b shows a tamper proof ring, FIG. 28c illustrates an inner race, and FIG. 28d shows a cutter. (The following figures further illustrate features of this embodiment.)

FIG. 29a shows a top view of the mouthpiece and tamper proof ring in a second position.

FIG. 29b illustrates a side view, in perspective, of the inner race with the cutter positioned within the inner race.

FIG. 30a shows a bottom view, in perspective, of the mouthpiece and tamper proof ring in a first position.

FIG. 30b is a top view, in perspective, of the inner race and cutter in a first position.

FIG. 31a is a top view, in perspective, of the cutter.

FIG. 31b is a bottom view, in perspective, of the cutter.

FIG. 32a is a top view, in perspective, of the inner race.

FIG. 32b is a side view of the inner race.

FIG. 33a is an enlarged sectional view, of the assembled components of the spout, in a first position as further illustrated in FIG. 33b.

FIG. 33b is a partial top view of the assembled components of the spout, in a first position.

FIG. 34a is an enlarged sectional view, of the assembled components of the spout, in a second position as further illustrated in FIG. 34b.

FIG. 34b is a partial top view of the assembled components of the spout, in a second position.

FIG. 35a is a top view of the assembled components of the spout attached to the surface of the container, with the spout being in the first position.

FIG. 35b is a bottom view of the assembled components of the spout when the spout is in the first position.

FIG. 36a is a side view of the assembled components of the spout, showing the dispensing tip of the spout, when the spout is in the first position, and the cutter has pierced the container wall.

FIG. 36b is a bottom view of the assembled components of the spout, in the second position.

FIG. 37a is a side view of the assembled components of the spout, in a third position,

FIG. 37b is a bottom view of the assembled components of the spout, in the third position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, a first embodiment of a disposable fluid container 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the container 1 is a bag-like structure made of relatively thin, flexible film. In this embodiment, thin thermoplastic material is used. In some embodiments, the flexible film may be reinforced with one or more layers of laminated film. In other instances, rigid outer walls may enclose an inner liner made from thin flexible film. The container 1 defines a chamber 2 for containing a dispensable edible fluid, including by a way of example, a beverage, edible paste, condiment, sauce, a topping and the like. The stored fluid defines a top fluid level 4 adjacent top edge 3 of the container 1. In this embodiment, a channel 11 is defined by a narrow strip of flexible film 9 extending vertically along side wall 7 of the container 1. The channel 11 extends vertically between bottom edge 5 of container 1 and top edge 3. The narrow strip of flexible film 9 together with the inside surface of side wall 7 define the channel 11 for fluid communication between the fluid entrance 30, near bottom edge 5, extending vertically to an outwardly facing opening 13 adjacent edge 3 and above fluid level 4. (In certain embodiments, it will not be necessary to have the opening 13 above fluid level 4.) In this embodiment, the opening 13 may be sealed with a removable cover, for example, a removable patch to prevent access to the contents of the container. The cover (not shown) may be of sufficient dimension and shape to cover a sufficient surface area surrounding opening 13 to provide a clean user contact surface after the cover is removed for access to opening 13. In this embodiment, the narrow flexible film strip 9 defines channel 11 in which the diameter 15 of opening 13 is greater than the width 17 of channel 11. Opening 13 is generally round.

It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that a wide variety of shapes and configurations are possible for the channel 11, entrance 30 and opening 13. The examples described in the figures are merely illustrative of the wide variety of other possible variations which fall within the scope of the invention. For example, the channel 11 in this embodiment is shown as a relatively straight channel of relatively uniform width 17 extending along its entire length between opening 13 and fluid entrance 30. Other embodiments of the invention may utilize channels of convoluted configuration and orientation. For example, a channel may be convoluted, for example a serpentine shape extending from a point adjacent the bottom edge 5 of container 1 up to an opening adjacent top edge 3. Similarly, the channel may be located at or near an edge of any of the side walls of the container shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, the channel is located on a relatively large front wall 7 to facilitate easy access by the user to the opening 13.

Disposable container 1 is initially sealed with a cover (not shown) overlying opening 13. (An example of a sample cover 14 is shown in FIG. 10.) The user will remove the cover to gain access to opening 13, and ultimately, the fluid contents of the container. The user will be able to express or drink fluid from the contents of the container. Enclosed dome 19 prevents entry of any trapped air within the head space of the chamber 2 (between fluid level 4 and upper edge 3) into the channel 11 when the container is upright. The generally circular area of side wall 7 which overlays opening 13 provides an initial seal against access to the fluid contents of the container 1. In those instances where a removable cover is not provided, the overlying portion of side wall 7 represents a seal 21 which may be pierced, removed or destroyed in some other manner to gain access to the fluid contents. In those instances where a beverage is contained within container 1, seal 21 is broken, the user will bring his/her mouth to opening 13, allowing the user to draw fluid from the bottom of the container, through fluid entrance 30, vertically upwardly through channel 11 and out through opening 13.

FIG. 2 shows the narrow strip of flexible film 9 secured against front wall 7 of the container 1. FIG. 2 is a sectional, interior view of the container in which the bottom wall of the container has been removed for added visibility.

FIGS. 6 to 9 show a second embodiment of the flexible walled, bag-like container 1′. In this embodiment, the narrow strip of flexible film 9′ defines a vertical channel 11′ extending between fluid entrance 30′ and modified opening 13′ adjacent upper edge 3 of the container 1′. In this embodiment, the opening 13′ faces outwardly against a corresponding overlying portion of side wall 7′. Opening 13′ does not have access to the head space within the enclosed chamber of the container other than via fluid communication through fluid entrance 30′. Opening 13′ is closed against direct communication to the head space by a generally flat enclosure 19′ made of flexible film or other suitable material. The user may gain access to the fluid contents of container 1′ by breaking a corresponding seal 21′ defined by a portion of side wall 7 overlying outwardly facing opening 13′. (It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that certain embodiments will be filled and sealed during manufacture so that there is no head space or virtually no head space between the fluid level and top edge. If the container is made of sufficiently flexible material, the container may be designed to progressively collapse as more fluid is withdrawn, to reduce the volume of the container. The container may also be designed so that it will not expand after the user ceases to apply force to the container or the contents.)

FIGS. 10 to 12 inclusive illustrate a second embodiment of a bag-like fluid container 10. In this embodiment, the container is shown with a generally trapezoidal profile. The container comprises an assembled spout which includes a mouthpiece 12. The mouthpiece 12 may be moved between three positions represented by a first position A, a second position B and a third position C. Container 10 defines a bottom edge 20 and a top edge 18. In this embodiment, optional mouthpiece 12 is provided with an overlying protective cover 14 to seal the mouthpiece against dirt. In other instances, the protective cover may also act as a seal, and to discourage accidental displacement of mouthpiece 12 from position A to position B. Mouthpiece 12 defines a user contact surface 16. In the case of drinking containers, user contact surface 16 generally corresponds to the portion of the mouthpiece 12 which the user may take into his/her mouth when drinking from the container.

In FIG. 10, mouthpiece 12 is shown in position A which corresponds to a closed and unused position. That is, position A indicates to a potential user that the container has not been previously opened. Furthermore, the mouthpiece is closed to prevent access to the fluid contents of the container. In position B, the mouthpiece is open for fluid communication with the contents of the container. Movement from position A to position B may also correspond to destruction of an interior seal (see for example FIG. 18) to allow access to the fluid contents. In some instances, the mouthpiece 12 may be provided with features to prevent mouthpiece 12 from returning to position A. Mouthpiece 12 may be further displaced from position B to position C to re-close the container, to prevent access to the fluid contents. In position C, the position of the mouthpiece 12 indicates to the user that the container has been previously opened. This embodiment provides one example of the many different types and configurations of mouthpieces which may be used to achieve similar results.

FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 illustrate the container 10 as shown in FIG. 10, in which the mouthpiece is shown in the first position A. First position A corresponds to a position in which the mouthpiece is closed and also indicating that the mouthpiece has not been previously opened. In this embodiment, mouthpiece 12 comprises two major components, a dispensing tip 38 which connects with and rotates relative to a base member 28. In position A, dispensing tip 38 is spaced apart from base rim 29, forming a gap G. Base 28 is securely affixed to first wall 22 of the container 10. Mouthpiece 12 is positioned between bottom edge 20 and top edge 18. More specifically, in this example, mouthpiece 12 is positioned adjacent upper edge 18. Base 28 is securely attached to first wall 22 of the container 10. By way of example, an adhesive may be used to secure base rim 29 to wall 22. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the mouthpiece may be secured to the container in other ways.

When mouthpiece 12 is in position A, dispensing tip 38 is pointed inwardly toward the body of the container. In that position, cutter 40 is positioned outwardly from the thin film defining first wall 22. Seal 24 remains intact over opening 23 to prevent outward flow through channel 26. Fluid within the chamber 2 of the container 10 is in fluid communication with the channel 26 via fluid entrance 30. However, when the mouthpiece 12 is in position A, opening 13 is sealed and there is no fluid communication between the chamber of the container 10 and the exterior of mouthpiece 12. In this embodiment, base 28 has a hollow core 32 which is capable of fluid communication with a first conduit segment 34. However, in position A, first conduit segment 34 is not aligned with second conduit segment 36. Consequently, fluid communication is not possible between the base and dispensing tip.

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 illustrate mouthpiece 12 when it is open for fluid communication in position B. Dispensing tip 38 points outwardly to position B. In this embodiment, dispensing tip 38 extends above upper edge 18 of the container for convenience. With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, by rotational movement of dispensing tip 38 from position A to position B, dispensing tip 38 has advanced toward, and into contact with, base rim 29. During advancement of dispensing tip 38 toward base rim 29, cutter 40 has pierced former seal 24, creating a destroyed seal 24′. At the same time, fluid communication has been established with the interior of the container, namely, chamber 2, partially enclosed dome 19, through the opening established through broken seal 24′ and into hollow core 32 of base 28. Bottom face 39 of dispensing tip 38 is in contact with the adjacent surface of base rim 29, thus closing the gap G which formerly existed between the dispensing tip and base. The hollow core 32 of base 28 is in fluid communication with first conduit segment 34. First conduit segment 34 is aligned for fluid communication with second conduit segment 36, thereby providing for fluid communication between the contents of the container, the mouthpiece, and the exterior thereof.

By way of example, an internal threaded arrangement may be provided between base 28 and dispensing tip 38. By rotating dispensing tip 38 from position A to position B, dispensing tip 38 advances toward base 28 and into destructive contact with seal 24. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other arrangements may be provided to selectively destroy a seal provided between the chamber and the exterior thereof.

With reference to FIGS. 19, 20 and 21, dispensing tip 38 is shown in position C such that mouthpiece 12 does not provide fluid communication between the contents of the container and the exterior thereof. Specifically, in this position, first conduit segment 34 is no longer aligned with section conduit segment 36. Accordingly, in position C, mouthpiece 12 is sealed against fluid communication between the contents of the container and the outside thereof.

FIGS. 22 to 27 illustrate the disassembled components of one example of the mouthpiece described herein. With regard to base 28, a neck 52 extends outwardly from base rim 29. Neck 52 defines a sleeve with a hollow core 32 which communicates with first conduit segment 34. In this specific embodiment, the neck 52 is also provided with first stop 56 and second stop 58. When assembled for attachment to a container, neck 52 is partially inserted into receiving slot 42 defined within the base of dispensing tip 38. During initial assembly, of this particular embodiment, base rim 29 and bottom face 39 of dispensing tip 38 are spaced apart by a defined gap G. When in position A, the dispensing tip 38 may be advanced toward position B. As dispensing tip 38 advances toward position B, bottom face 39 approaches base rim 29, while cutter 40 advances into, and ultimately pierces, seal 24 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. As dispensing tip 38 reaches position B, catch 54 advances past first stop 56 to prevent retreating movement of dispensing tip 38 from position B toward position A. In effect dispensing tip 38 is thereby limited to movement in this embodiment between position B and position C. Upon rotation of dispensing tip 38 from position B to position C, catch 54 engages against second stop 58. When dispensing tip 38 is in position C, first conduit segment 34 and second conduit segment 36 are mis-aligned and thereby closed against fluid communication.

FIGS. 28a to 37b inclusive, illustrate the components of another embodiment of a spout of the present invention. The assembled body of the spout serves as a valve to control fluid flow from within a corresponding fluid container. More particularly, the components of the spout are shown in an exploded series of drawings. FIGS. 28a to 28d. FIG. 28a shows mouthpiece 60 having a drinking tube 61. FIG. 28b illustrates a tamper proof ring 65. FIG. 28c shows a race 75 and FIG. 28d shows a cutter 90. In a preferred embodiment, the four illustrated components are molded in pairs as further described below. In this example, the mouthpiece 60 (shown in FIG. 28a) is molded to the tamper proof ring 65 (shown in FIG. 28b) and the inner race 75 (shown in FIG. 28c) is molded with the cutter 90 (shown in FIG. 28d). The two molded, paired parts (the first paired part being mouthpiece 60 and tamper proof ring 65 and the second paired part being inner race 75 and cutter 90) are press-fit together in a nested configuration.

The mouthpiece 60 comprises a housing 64 which is slide-fit over the inner race 75 shown in FIG. 28c. In a preferred embodiment, outer edge 62 is molded along the base of mouthpiece 60 to the lugs 67 (shown in FIG. 28b) to detachably secure the tamper proof ring 65 to the mouthpiece 60. Groove 70 receives the raised base profile 77 when the tamper proof ring 65 is press-fit to the inner race 75.

Stopper 63 is provided on the outside surface of housing 64 and serves to prevent the user from returning the mouthpiece 60 to its first position after the mouthpiece 60 has been moved to the second position.

Inside the tamper proof ring 65 there are three recesses 68, which are asymmetrically shaped, to receive the three corresponding stoppers 78 on inner race 75. The recesses 68 are used to locate, in one position only, the mouthpiece 60 relative to the inner race 75 when the paired parts are press-fit in their assembled position. Once assembled, the stoppers 78 are engaged within recesses 68 to prevent the tamperproof ring 65 from turning when the mouthpiece 60 is broken away from the tamper proof ring and turned to the second position (to open the spout for fluid flow).

When the mouthpiece is turned to the second position (to open the spout) the lugs 67 will break off between the mouthpiece and the tamper proof ring, producing an audible noise (for example, a cracking sound) to alert the user that the spout has been opened and that the container has been cut to provide access to its fluid contents. The seal formed by the container wall is broken to permit a user to dispense fluid from within the container.

Stoppers 66 on the tamper proof ring 65 interact with the stoppers 63 of the mouthpiece 60. When the mouthpiece 60 is turned from its first position (in a clockwise direction as shown in this embodiment) toward the second position, the stopper 63 engages with the stoppers 66, pushing stoppers 66 outwardly away from the housing 64, in a spring-like action. Once the mouthpiece 60 has turned sufficiently so that stoppers 63 have passed beyond stoppers 66, stoppers 66 spring inwardly, toward the outer surface of housing 64. The stoppers 63, 66 are shaped appropriately to prevent the user from returning the mouthpiece 60 to the first position (its original, sealed position). That is, the stoppers 63, 66 are shaped to permit the one pair of stoppers to slide over the other in a clockwise direction when the spout is moved toward the second position and to prevent the user from returning the spout to the first position.

In this embodiment, the inner race 75 is a circular plastic piece having a wall 76, which serves as a valve when the inner race 75 is slide-fit inside of the mouthpiece 60, preventing fluid from flowing between the inside of the container and the mouthpiece. In the second position, when the opening 80 defined by the outer wall of the inner race 75 is aligned with the opening 106 of the mouthpiece 60 (shown in FIG. 30a), then a fluid passageway is created and fluid is allowed to flow from the inside of the container to the outside of the container. The inner surface 85 of inner race 75 defines a stopper to prevent the mouthpiece 60 from traveling more than 270 degrees. The surface 85 defines a groove 84 in which the emboss 105 (shown in FIG. 30a) travels.

A stopper 82 is provided on the inside surface of the inner race 75. The surface 95 of the cutter 90 will abut against the stopper 82 to prevent the cutter 90 from rotating when pressure is exercised on the cutter. The stopper 82 will act as a sliding guide for the cutter 90. The inner race 75 defines a ring 79 which engages, in a snap-fit manner, along a groove 108 defined on the inner surface of the mouthpiece 60, to prevent the mouthpiece 60 from being removed from the inner race 75 after assembly. This feature may be used to deter young children from removing the mouthpiece 60 from the inner race 75. Stopper 78 on the inner race 75 engages with the recess 68 of the tamper proof ring 65 to align the parts in proper orientation and to prevent the tamper proof ring from turning. With reference to FIGS. 28a, 32a and 32b, the raised profile 77 of the inner race 75 engages with the groove 70 of the tamper proof ring 65 to prevent the tamper proof ring 65 from being removed after the parts are snapped in place. With reference to FIG. 28d, the cutter 90 has a generally circular, tubular body, with two arcuate ramps 92, 92′ which serve to create a linear, outward movement of the cutter 90 relative to the housing 64 when the stud 103 (shown in FIG. 30a) of the mouthpiece 60 engages against the arcuate ramps 92, 92′ and the mouthpiece 60 is rotated. Elongated surface 95 on stopper 93 engages with the stopper 82 of the inner race 75 to prevent the cutter 90 from rotating while the mouthpiece 60 is turning. The cutter 90 has a splined recess 98 to allow fluid to flow from the interior of the container to the mouthpiece 60. At one end of ramp 92, stopper 94 serves to rotate the cutter 90 when stopper 94 is in contact with the surface 104 of the leg 103 of the mouthpiece 60 (shown in FIG. 30a). After the cutter 90 has traveled a predetermined distance, outwardly from the housing 64, along the length of the stopper 82 to the edge 86 of the inner race 75, the cutter 90 is then free to rotate as the leg 103 engages against the stopper 94. The cutter 90 will rotate during the last 90 degrees of the rotation of the mouthpiece 60.

With reference to FIGS. 31a, 31b, and 33a, surface 96 represents a relatively small area where the cutter 90 is attached (during the molding process) to the inside of the inner race 75 via a connective bridge at the base of recess 81. The connective bridge at surface 96 is relatively small and is designed to break when force is exerted by the mouthpiece 60 against the cutter 90 during the outward movement. The connective bridge at surface 96 will break away during movement from the first position toward the second position, and the cutter 90 will be free to move outwardly.

With reference to FIG. 29a, the drinking tube 61 is shown in a drinking position corresponding to the second position of the spout. The lugs 67 are detached to the edge 62 of the mouthpiece 60. The lugs 67 were broken when the mouthpiece 60 was rotated clockwise from the first position to the second position.

In FIG. 29b the cutter is shown inside the inner race, in their original molded position. The cutter 90 is shown as it is attached to the inner race 75 after molding. Arcuate ramp 92 defines a ramp that works with the leg 103 provided within the mouthpiece 60. The emboss 105 (shown in FIG. 30a) on the mouthpiece 60 is provided to travel in groove 84 defined along the top of the inner race 75. The stopper 85 is part of the inner race 75 and is provided to limit the range of travel of the mouthpiece 60 from its start position to a maximum of 270 degrees.

With reference to FIGS. 30a, 33a and 34a, FIG. 30a shows a bottom view, in perspective, of the mouthpiece 60. The sectional views in FIGS. 33a and 34a show the interior features of the assembled spout. Inside the housing 64, main post 107 serves to guide the cutter 90 and provide a structure supporting the legs 103 which will be contacting and exerting pressure against the ramp 92 of the inner race 75.

Groove 108, defined along the interior surface of the mouthpiece 60, is snap-fit over the ring 79 of the inner race 75. Opening 106 defines a fluid entrance for the fluid to flow into the drinking tube 61. The inside diameter of the mouthpiece 60 is slide-fit against the outside surface of wall 76 of the inner race 75. The interior configuration of the mouthpiece 60 prevents the liquid from flowing out from the container unless the mouthpiece 60 is moved into the second position (i.e., the open position) in which the two openings 106 defined by the mouthpiece 60 and opening 80 defined by the inner race 75 are properly aligned to allow such flow.

Emboss 105 is situated within the mouthpiece 60, at the top of the interior surface of the housing 64. Emboss 105 engages and travels within groove 84 of the inner race 75. Emboss 105 also acts as a stopper or travel limiter against the edge of the stopper 85 of the inner race 75. Bottom surface 101 of the tamper proof ring 65 is flush with bottom surface 102 of the mouthpiece 60. In a preferred embodiment, both of the surfaces 101 and 102 may be welded, glued, or otherwise secured to the exterior surface of the container. For example, suitable materials may be selected to permit the parts and container to be ultrasonically welded or bonded. Similarly, suitable adhesives may be chosen to bond parts made of appropriate materials, which in many instances will be plastics. If adhesives are employed, the adhesives should be of sufficient strength and exhibit minimal elasticity, so that when force is exerted against the cutter, there will be no de-lamination of the adhesive and no consequent loss in the cutting/piercing force to be exerted by the cutter against the wall of the container.

FIG. 30b shows a top view of the inner race 75 in which lug 93 is attached at the bottom of the inner race 75, in recess 81.

FIGS. 31a and 31b show top and bottom views of the cutter 90 in perspective. The outer surface of the cutter 90 is flush with the outer surface of a first tooth 97 located at one end of a row of teeth, whereas teeth 91 are recessed away from the outside surface of the cutter 90. Recess 98 is not provided with any teeth. The first tooth 97 is configured such that its front surface (leading edge) is rounded. The row of teeth is configured in this manner so that when the cutter 90 pierces linearly through the wall of the container, the row of teeth will initially make an indent in the wall of the container. When the cutter 90 is turned during the last step of its movement from the second position (when the spout is open) to the third position (when the spout is closed), a flap 125 corresponding to a portion of the wall of the container is severed in the area of the recessed teeth 91. However, tooth 97 defines a greater cutting radius relative to the teeth 91. As tooth 97 pierces through the container, tooth 97 will plow and push open the flap of film, leaving a partially uncut segment attached to the wall of the container, thus forming the flap 125. This partial uncut segment will hold the flap 125 and prevent the cutout portion of the wall (i.e., the flap) from entering the mouthpiece 60 or clogging opening 106 of the mouthpiece.

At one end of the ramp 92 there is a surface 94 against which the legs 103 of the mouthpiece 60 engage to exert a force against the cutter 90, to rotate the cutter. During the movement of the leg 103 along the surface of ramp 92, the surface 95 of the cutter 90 is engaged against surface 86 of the stopper 82 positioned on the interior surface of the inner race 75 (shown in FIG. 32a). The cutter 90 is prevented from rotating until the top of lug 93 has linearly passed under the edge 87. After the top of lug 93 clears edge 87, the cutter is rotated. Interior surface 99 of the cutter is provided with multiple linear splines that allow the fluid to flow in the spaces formed between the interior of the cutter and the centre post 107 of the mouthpiece 60 (shown in FIGS. 30a and 34a).

FIG. 33a is a sectional view of the spout shown in FIG. 33b, showing the interior of assembled spout. The lugs 67, after they are broken from the mouthpiece, exert a force against the outside of edge 62, which in turn maintains a force to prevent removal of the mouthpiece 60 from the inner race 75.

FIG. 33b is a top view of the assembled spout. Stopper 66 and 66′ are positioned adjacent stoppers 63 and 63′ of the mouthpiece 60. The mouthpiece 60 is shown in the first position. The lugs 67 are broken when the mouthpiece is turned clockwise toward the second position, to open the sealed container. By rotating the stoppers 63 and 63′ 180 degrees, the stoppers 63, 63′ will slide over stoppers 66, 66′, pushing the tamper proof ring 65 outwardly and allowing the stoppers 63, 63′ and 66, 66′ to pass. Once the stoppers pass, as shown in FIG. 34b, the mouthpiece has rotated 180 degrees, and the spout is now in the drinking position. The acute inner angles of stopper 63, 63′ now face the adjacent stoppers 66′, 66, the acute angles of the stoppers 63, 63′ prevent the counterclockwise rotation of the mouthpiece 60 from the second position toward the first position.

FIG. 34a shows a sectional view of the assembled spout of FIG. 34b in the open, drinking position (the second position) after the cutter has traveled linearly toward the container and pierced the wall of the container. Ramp 92 is engaged with leg 103 of the mouthpiece and the centre post 107 guides the travel of the cutter 90. FIG. 34a also shows groove 84 which defines a path for travel of emboss 105 (shown in FIG. 30a).

FIGS. 35a and 35b show side and bottom views of the mouthpiece when the container is sealed and unopened, and the spout is in the first position. The surfaces 88 and 69 of the inner race 75 and the tamper proof ring 65 are secured to the wall 120 of the container. The cutter is positioned within the inner race 75, and in turn, within the housing 64 of the mouthpiece 60.

FIGS. 36a and 36b show side and bottom views respectively of the mouthpiece 60 after the mouthpiece has been rotated 180 degrees in a clockwise direction, from the first position to the second position. Area 98 of the cutter is shown, where there are no teeth, which also corresponds to the area 130 where the wall of the container will not be cut by the first tooth 97, but merely indented and stretched. Opening 106 in drinking tube 61 is in fluid communication with the opening 80 of the inner race 75. The cutter 90 has traveled linearly toward the container, piercing the wall 120 of the container leaving a flare 122 in the wall 120 of the container.

FIGS. 37a and 37b show side and bottom views of the mouthpiece rotated to 270 degrees bringing the mouthpiece to a third position where the spout is closed against fluid flow. In this example of the third position, the cutter 90 has traveled by rotation and has made a cutout in an arc along the wall (equal to about three-quarters of a circle) leaving the area 130 uncut. The tooth 97 is shown at the extent of its travel, to one end of the segment 130. In this illustrated example, the area without teeth 98 is positioned to the right of the assembled spout, whereas in FIG. 36b this area 98 without teeth, is positioned at the lower edge of the assembled spout. The area 130 corresponds to the uncut zone where the flap 125 remains connected to the wall 120 of the container. The first tooth 97 and a recessed tooth of the cutter 90 are shown when the spout is in the third position.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many other types and designs of optional spouts may be used. In other instances, it may be desirable to forego use of the optional spout.

The embodiments described in this application are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limited to the specific features or elements as described herein. Further and other modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, thus making it possible to practice other embodiments, all of which are within the scope and spirit of the present invention as set out in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A disposable container for an edible fluid, the container defining a top edge and a bottom edge, the container comprising: A side wall extending between the top edge and the bottom edge; A chamber for storing the fluid up to a defined level between the top edge and the bottom edge; A channel for fluid communication between the bottom edge and an opening adjacent the top edge; and The channel being defined by a layer of flexible film extending vertically adjacent the side wall.

2. The container claimed in claim 1, wherein the layer of flexible film is secured to the side wall.

3. The container claimed in claim 1, wherein the layer of flexible film is made from a sheet defining the side wall.

4. The container claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel is located within the chamber.

5. The container claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening is located at the top edge.

6. The container claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening is sealed with a destructible seal.

7. The container claimed in claim 1, comprising a spout for selective fluid communication with the chamber.

8. The container claimed in claim 1, wherein the spout operates between: a first position in which the spout is unused and closed against fluid communication with the chamber; and a second position in which the spout is open for fluid communication with the chamber.

9. The container claimed in claim 8 in which the spout operates between: the first position; the second position; and a third position in which the spout is closed against fluid communication with the chamber, indicating that the spout has moved from the first position.

10. The container claimed in claim 8 in which the spout operates between the third position and the second position, and the spout is prevented from returning to the first position.

11. The container claimed in claim 8 in which the seal is destroyed when the spout moves from the first position to the second position.

12. The container claimed in claim 8 comprising a movable projection for piercing the seal when the spout moves from the first position to the second position.

13. The container claimed in claim 1 comprising a removable protective cover located outwardly of the opening, and the cover being positioned over a user contact surface surrounding the opening.

14. The container claimed in claim 1 wherein the opening is generally round, having a diameter greater than a width defined by the channel.

15. The container claimed in claim 1 being reusable.

16. The container claimed in claim 1 being refillable.

17. A spout for use in a disposable container, the container defining a chamber to contain an edible fluid, the spout operating between: a first position in which the spout is unused and closed against fluid communication with the chamber; a second position in which the spout is open for fluid communication with the chamber; and a third position in which the spout is closed against fluid communication with the chamber, indicating that the spout has been moved from the first position.

18. The spout claimed in claim 17 operating between the third position and the second position, and the spout is inhibited against returning to the first position.

19. The spout claimed in claim 17, wherein the spout moves from the first position to the second position and destroys a seal preventing fluid communication with the chamber.

20. The spout claimed in claim 19 comprising a movable projection for piercing the seal when the spout moves from the first position to the second position.

21. The spout claimed in claim 17 biased for one way movement from the first position to the second position.

22. The spout claimed in claim 17 comprising a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece defining a drinking tube.

23. The spout claimed in claim 17 comprising: a mouthpiece; and a tamper evident element to warn a user that the mouthpiece has been moved from the first position.

24. The spout claimed in claim 17 comprising: a tubular mouthpiece defining a housing; a tamper evident element breakably secured to the mouthpiece, the tamper evident element breaking away from the mouthpiece when the spout is moved away from the first position; a tubular track for rotatably supporting the mouthpiece; and a seal destroying element to open fluid communication with the container, the seal destroying element extending into a hollow core defined by the track when the spout is in the first position.

25. The spout claimed in claim 24 wherein the mouthpiece and the tamper evident element are made in a single workpiece; the tubular track and the seal destroying element are made in another single workpiece; and the two workpieces are secured together in snap-fit relation.

26. The spout claimed in claim 24 wherein the tamper evident element and the tubular track are secured to a wall of the container.

27. The spout claimed in claim 17 comprising: a cutter operating in at least two steps: in a first step, the cutter pierces a film defining a wall of the container; and in a second step, the cutter stretches a first portion of the film and cuts a second portion of the film, to create an opening for fluid communication with the chamber and a flap cut from the second portion of the film, the flap being connected to the wall along the second portion of the film.

28. The spout claimed in claim 27, wherein the cutter comprises a set of teeth, the set of teeth comprising: a first teeth pattern comprising at least one tooth for piercing the film and stretching the first, portion of the film; and a second teeth pattern for piercing the film and cutting the second portion of the film.

29. The spout claimed in claim 28, wherein the first teeth pattern comprising at least one tooth defines a first radius of rotation defined by the cutter; and the second teeth pattern defines a second radius of rotation defined by the cutter, the second radius being less than the first radius.

30. The spout claimed in claim 28, wherein the first teeth pattern comprises at least one tooth for piercing the film and stretching the first portion of the film, the at least one tooth defining a rounded leading edge for stretching the first portion of the film.

31. The spout claimed in claim 17 comprising a cutter operating in at least two steps: in the first step, the cutter slides toward a film defining a wall of the container; and in the second step, the cutter pierces the film to form an opening for fluid communication with the chamber.

32. The spout claimed in claim 31, wherein the cutter operates in at least three steps: in the third step, the cutter rotates about an axis; stretches a first portion of the film; and cuts a second portion of the film into a flap, the flap being connected to the wall adjacent the opening.

33. The spout claimed in claim 17 comprising a dispensing tip biased for one way movement from the first position to the second position, and the dispensing tip rotating to a third position defined by less than 360 degrees of rotation from the first position.

34. The spout claimed in claim 17 comprising a dispensing tip, the dispensing tip defining a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the chamber when the spout is in the second position.