BOTTLE WITH INTEGRAL FILLER SPOUT

Abstract

A bottle assembly includes a pouring spout which is integral with or affixed to a bottle. The pouring spout has an exterior surface having a smooth, feature-free length of at least 1 inch and which is configured so as to not interfere with closure members found in fuel filler necks of fuel tanks.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/622,597 filed Apr. 11, 2012, the contents of which are included herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates, in general, to containers for storing and dispensing liquids. More particularly, the invention relates to containers having an integral pouring spout which is operable to interact with and activate closure members in fuel tank filler necks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automotive products such as fuel additives are usually provided in the form of a fluid and typically are poured into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle by consumers. And, it is known in the prior art to supply fuel additives in bottles which include a relatively long neck or spout which can project into the filler neck of a fuel tank. Recently manufacturers of motor vehicles have begun equipping their fuel tanks with filler necks which include spring loaded interior flaps or other closure members. The purpose of these structures is to seal the fuel tank so as to prevent escape of fumes and limit unauthorized tampering with, or theft of, fuel. These features are configured so that insertion of a fuel pump nozzle into the filler neck will activate and open the spring loaded closure members.

However, consumers have come to find that presence of these closure members makes it very difficult to pour fuel additives into the tank. In some instances the spout portions of prior art bottles may not be long enough, and/or of a sufficient diameter, so as to activate the closure members; and in other instances, features such as threading, pouring lips, flanges or the like found on the exterior of the spout can actually interfere with the operation of the closure members, possibly causing expensive-to-repair damage to them. In an attempt to overcome the shortcoming of prior art additive packages, consumers have been utilizing screwdrivers, dowels, knife blades, and like items to open the spring loaded closure members and allow for introduction of a fuel additive. As will be appreciated, in addition to being complicated and possibly damaging the closure members, such operations often result in spillage of the additive material.

As will be explained hereinbelow, the present invention is directed to a container system for fuel additives and the like which is configured and operable to mimic a fuel delivery nozzle and properly activate closure members associated with a fuel tank so as to allow an additive product to be introduced thereto. Furthermore, the system of the present invention provides for the fluid-tight closure of the packaging without compromising its operation. These and other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings, discussion, and description which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a sealable bottle assembly having an integral pouring spout which is compatible with fuel tank filler spouts having internal closure features. The bottle assembly includes a pouring spout which is configured to project from an associated bottle. The pouring spout has an interior surface which defines an opening in the spout and is in communication with the interior volume of the bottle. The spout is further configured so that its exterior surface defines a cylindrical portion having a smooth, feature-free length dimension of at least 1 inch commencing at the opening. The bottle assembly further includes a cap configured and operable to removably engage the spout and establish a fluid-tight seal which closes the opening in the spout. In particular instances, the smooth, feature-free length dimension is at least 1.5 inches and in certain instances at least 2 inches, or at least 3 inches, or at least 4 inches. In particular embodiments, the spout is configured so as to not be curved along its feature-free length dimension. The diameter of the spout along its feature-free dimension may be in the range of 0.75 to 1.25 inch. The cap may be configured to engage the spout by means of a mechanical connector feature such as a screw thread. In particular instances, the cap may engage the spout via the spout's inner surface, while in other instances it may engage the spout via its exterior surface. The spout may be formed integrally with a bottle or it may be configured so as to engage a separately formed bottle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of bottle and spout combination in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of pouring spout and bottle in accord with the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention wherein a spout member is configured so as to be separately attachable to a bottle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be implemented in a number of configurations and embodiments, and some particular embodiments of the invention will be shown for purposes of explanation and illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are within the scope of the invention. In general, the present invention is directed to sealable bottle assemblies having a bottle portion which is configured to retain a liquid in an interior volume thereof. The system further includes a pouring spout which projects from the bottle and has an interior surface defining a fluid flow passage in communication with the interior volume of the bottle. The pouring spout is generally configured so that its exterior surface defines a cylindrical member having a smooth surface which is of a length and diameter sufficient to activate filler neck closure members but is devoid of threading or other interfering features which could compromise the operation of the closure mechanism in a fuel tank filler neck. Generally, the exterior surface is not substantially curved along at least a portion of its length. As a result of this combination of features, the spout can readily be introduced into the filler neck of a fuel tank.

While the spout is described as having a portion which is cylindrical and non-curved, it is to be understood that the spout may be slightly tapered with regard to its central axis. In accord with the present invention, the filler spout is configured to activate, and not damage or otherwise interfere with flaps, valves, or other closure members which are included in the filler neck of a fuel tank; and in that regard, its configuration generally mimics the size and shape of a nozzle spout on a typical gasoline or diesel fuel pump.

In general, the filler spout will have an exterior surface defining a smooth, feature-free length of at least 1 inch, and in certain instances a length of at least 1.5 inch, such as a length of at least 2 inches, such as a length of at least 3 inches or a length of at least 4 inches. The exterior diameter of the feature-free portion of the spout is generally in the range of about 0.75-1.25 inch, although it is to be understood that in particular applications these dimensions may be varied. In specific instances, the length of the feature-free portion filler spout is greater than its largest diameter, and in specific instances at least twice its greatest diameter. In the context of this disclosure, a “feature-free” portion is understood to be free of threading, flanges, protrusions, or other such features which will interfere with the operation of flaps, valves, or other closure members which are included in the filler neck of a fuel tank. Typically such interfering features will project from the surface of the spout by more than a millimeter, and in particular by more than 2 millimeters, as for example by more than 3 millimeters. Also, such interfering features will present a sharply angled junction with the surface of the spout, such as an angle of greater than 30 degrees, and in particular an angle of 45 degrees or more. Noninterfering features may be included in the spout, and such features may include projections which are of less than 3 millimeters and/or which do not present a sharply angled junction with the spout. Non-interfering features may also include inwardly-directed projections, such as detents and the like for retaining additional elements, such as flow-control elements, in the spout.

In accord with a further aspect, the assembly of the present invention includes a cap which is configured and operable to removably engage the spout and establish a fluid-tight seal which closes the fluid flow passage. It is significant that the sealing features do not compromise the function of the spout in activating any closure members and the like which are incorporated into the filler neck of the fuel tank.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a first embodiment of a bottle assembly of the present invention. The assembly includes a bottle portion 10 which is configured to define an interior volume which retains a liquid product such as a fuel additive therein. The bottle portion 10 is shown in FIG. 1 as being generally cylindrical; however, it is to be understood that other configurations of bottle may likewise be utilized in the present invention. A pouring spout portion 12 projects from the bottle 10 and defines a fluid flow passageway 14 which establishes communication with the interior volume of the bottle. As will be seen from FIG. 1, the pouring spout 12 is generally cylindrical in shape and is not significantly curved along its longitudinal axis. As such, the pouring spout 12 mimics the size and shape of the filler-neck-engaging portion of a typical fuel pump nozzle. As noted above, the length dimension of the pouring spout is typically greater than its greatest diameter.

The system further includes a cap 16 which is configured to engage pouring spout 12 and establish a seal which closes the fluid flow passageway 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the spout includes a threaded portion 20 on its exterior surface and the cap 16 includes corresponding threads 22 on its interior surface. These threads are at the base of the spout 12, and not in the feature-free portion of the spout 12. In use, the cap is fit over the spout 12 and rotated so as to engage the corresponding threads 20, 22 thereby sealing the package. As is understood in the art, an additional seal, such as a tear-off foil or membrane seal, may further be disposed atop the spout 12 so as to close the passageway 14. Such a membrane or foil type seal, in addition to enhancing the integrity of the closure, provides indication of tampering. Technology for affixing such seals is well known in the art.

While FIG. 1 shows an assembly in which the cap member 16 engages an outer surface of the spout 12 by means of threads, other embodiments may be implemented in which the cap engages the spout by means of threads internal to the spout. In such instance, the spout retains a smooth exterior surface devoid of any features which could interfere with its activation of closure members associated with a fuel tank filler neck. Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pouring spout 12 and cap 16 embodying internal thread closures. As will be seen from FIG. 2, the spout 12 defines a fluid flow passage 14 as described with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 1. However, the spout 12 is further configured to include a series of threads 20 on its interior, fluid flow passageway, surface.

In FIG. 2, the cap 16 includes a threaded portion 22 which engages the internal threading 20 of the pouring spout 12. It will be further noted that the cap 16 in this embodiment includes a plug portion 24 which, when the cap 16 is engaged with the pouring spout 12, projects into the fluid flow passageway 14 of the spout 12 so as to further effect a fluid-tight seal. In this regard, the plug portion 24 includes a sealing surface 26 which engages a corresponding sealing surface 28 on the pouring spout 12.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show bottle assemblies in which the spout portion is formed integrally with the bottle portion. However, it is to be understood that such is not a requirement of the present invention. The spout assembly may be configured so as to be separately attachable to a conventional bottle. Such embodiments are of commercial significance since they may be employed to readily convert presently existing bottles to function in accord with the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an embodiment of the present invention in which a pouring spout 12 and associated cap, generally similar to those shown in FIG. 2, are attached to a conventionally configured bottle 10 by means of a second set of threads. In this regard, the pouring spout 12 includes a set of connector threads 30 which allow it to be coupled to conventional threading 32 of the bottle 10. While FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which the spout 12 and cap 16 arrangement is internally threaded, it will be readily apparent that externally threaded spout/cap arrangements such as that of FIG. 1, may likewise be attached to a preexisting bottle in accord with FIG. 3.

While the foregoing shows use of threaded couplers between the cap, and spout, and between the spout and the bottle in the instance of FIG. 3, it will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art that other coupling arrangements such as locking tabs, flanges, compression fittings, and the like may be adapted for use in the present invention. Also, while the foregoing description and discussion describe the pouring spout as being non-curved along its length axis, it is to be understood that in various embodiments of the invention the non-curved pouring spout may join the bottle through a curved, corrugated, or flexible connection so as to accommodate space limitations, bottle configurations, aesthetics, or the like. It is the straight, feature-free portion of the assemblage which is considered the pouring spout.

The bottle assemblies of the present invention may be fabricated from materials typically employed for packages of this type. In most instances, the packaging will be fabricated from polymeric materials, and in particular, thermoplastic polymeric materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. The packaging of the present invention may be readily manufactured by conventional forming techniques such as blow molding, rotational molding, injection, extrusion, and the like. In some instances, the bottle assemblies, or at least portions thereof, may be fabricated from other conventional materials such as metals, glass, and the like used either singly or in combination. All of such embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, still other features may be incorporated into the pouring spout assembly of the present invention. As mentioned above, flow control elements, such as flow restrictors, flow delayers, mixing elements and the like may be disposed within the fluid flow passage of the spout. Also, it is to be understood that the cap portion may have child-proof opening elements associated therewith. Various child-proof closures are known in the art and may be readily adapted to the present invention.

In view of the teaching presented herein, other modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art. The foregoing drawings, discussion, and description are illustrative of some specific embodiments of the present invention but are not meant to be limitations upon the practice thereof. It is the following claims, including all equivalents, which define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A sealable bottle assembly having an integral pouring spout, said bottle assembly comprising:

a bottle configured to retain a liquid in an interior volume thereof;

a pouring spout projecting from said bottle, said pouring spout having an interior surface defining a fluid flow passage in communication with the interior volume of said bottle, said fluid flow passageway defining an opening in said spout; said pouring spout being further configured so that its exterior surface defines a cylindrical portion having a smooth, feature-free length dimension of at least 1 inch commencing at said opening; and

a cap configured and operable to removably engage said spout and establish a fluid-tight seal thereto which closes said opening.

2. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein the said smooth, feature-free length dimension is selected from the group consisting of: at least 1.5 inch, at least 2 inches, at least 3 inches, or at least 4 inches.

3. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said spout is not curved along said feature-free length dimension.

4. The bottle assembly of claim 1 wherein the diameter of said spout along said feature-free length dimension is in the range of 0.75 to 1.25 inch.

5. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein the length dimension of the spout is at least two times greater than the maximum diameter of said spout.

6. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said cap releasably engages said pouring spout through at least one mechanical connector feature.

7. The bottle assembly of claim 6, wherein said mechanical connector feature comprises a threaded feature.

8. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said cap engages an exterior surface of said pouring spout.

9. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said cap engages an interior surface of said pouring spout.

10. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said cap further includes a plug portion which projects into the fluid flow passage of said pouring spout.

11. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said pouring spout is integrally formed with said bottle.

12. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said pouring spout is removably attachable to said bottle.

13. The bottle assembly of claim 1, wherein said bottle assembly is formed from a polymeric material.

14. The bottle assembly of claim 13, wherein said polymeric material is a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like.

15. A method for the delivery of a fluid product comprising the use of the bottle assembly of claim 1.

16. A sealable bottle assembly having an integral pouring spout, said bottle assembly comprising:

a bottle configured to retain a liquid in an interior volume thereof;

a pouring spout projecting from said bottle, said pouring spout having an interior surface defining a fluid flow passage in communication with the interior volume of said bottle, said pouring spout being configured so as to be capable of activating one or more mechanical features associated with the inner surface of a fuel tank filler neck; and

a cap configured and operable to removably engage said spout and establish a fluid-tight seal thereto which closes said fluid flow passage.