POUR SPOUT

- Euro-Pro Operating LLC

A pour spout is adapted to be coupled to a container having an open end and an outer lip extending around the open end. The pour spout includes a body having a reservoir for receiving fluid from the container. A channel leads from the reservoir to a distal end of the body for directing fluid away from the reservoir. Two clips are disposed on the body for coupling the body to the outer lip of the container at one or more positions whereat the outer lip curves. A proximal wall of the body of the pour spout extends between the two clips and is configured to fit underneath the curve in the outer lip of the container for capturing fluid spilling from the container within the reservoir. Fluid is prevented from exiting out through the channel when the container is resting in an upright orientation on a generally horizontal surface.

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Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/495,432, filed Jun. 10, 2011, for all subject matter common to both applications. The disclosure of said application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to removable pour spouts suitable for use with containers having an outer lip formed around an open end thereof. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a removable pour spout that includes a body having a reservoir for capturing fluid from a container and in some instances holding residual fluid from the container.

BACKGROUND

In many culinary settings and cooking systems, containers are utilized that possess a large open end (typically the top end) and an outer lip extending around some or all of a perimeter of the open end. Some examples of such a container include baking dishes and frying pans. In some instances, it is required that fluids contained in such a container be emptied. Many users (e.g., chefs, etc.) of such containers fully or partially empty such a container by lifting the container from a horizontal surface on which it rests, moving the container above a sink or storage vessel, and tipping the container angularly such that one of its corners dips lower resulting in the fluid pouring out by over the dipped or lowered corner of the container. Such a procedure, while occasionally successful, can produce a number of undesired results, specifically including spillage (e.g., down an exterior wall of the container). Moreover, in some instances, remnant or residual fluid tends to drip down the exterior walls of the container from the outer lip at the corner of the container where fluid passed over, even after the container is placed back on the horizontal surface.

SUMMARY

There is a need for a device and system capable of capturing remnant or residual fluid that can spill from a container after the pour spout has been used to direct fluid out of the container. The present disclosure is directed toward solutions to address this and other needs, in addition to having other desirable characteristics that will be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon reading the present specification.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a pour spout is provided that is configured to detachably couple to a fluid container having an open end and an outer lip formed around a perimeter of the open end. The pour spout can include a body having a reservoir for receiving fluid and a channel extending from the reservoir to a distal end of the body. Two clips can be disposed at a proximal end of the body and can be configured to enable detachable coupling of the body to the container. A wall of the body can extend between the two opposing clips. The wall can partially define the reservoir and can be shaped to fit (e.g., can be configured to be positioned) underneath a curved surface of the outer lip of the container and inward toward the container from the outer lip when the body is coupled to the container, in such a way that fluid exiting the container at the curved surface enters the reservoir.

In accordance with further aspects of the present disclosure, the channel can provide a path that is sloped in such a way as to direct fluid toward the reservoir when the pour spout is coupled with the container resting flat on a generally horizontal surface and away from the reservoir when the container and the pour spout are angled away from a generally horizontal surface. A dip or depression can be disposed in the channel at the distal end of the body. The channel can have a substantially U-shape or V-shape. The body can be constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, metal, plastic, synthetics, and composites. A tab can extend distally from the wall. The tab can be configured to engage the curved surface of the container in such a way as to stabilize the position of the body relative to the container when the body is coupled to the container. Each of the two opposing clips can include two appendages and a bridge coupling the two appendages. The bridge can be positioned above the wall. The lip of the container can be formed around an entirety of the perimeter of the open end or around a portion of the perimeter of the open end. The curved surface of the lip of the container can include a continuous curve of the lip of the container when the container is generally cylindrical in shape or a corner of the lip of the container when the container includes at least one corner.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a system is provided. The system can include a fluid container having an open end and an outer lip formed around a perimeter of the open end. The system can include a pour spout configured to be coupled to the container. The pour spout can include a body having a reservoir for receiving fluid and a channel extending from the reservoir to a distal end of the body. Two clips can be disposed at a proximal end of the body and can be configured to enable detachable coupling of the body to the container. A wall of the body can extend between the two opposing clips, and the wall can partially define the reservoir and can be shaped to fit (e.g., can be configured to be positioned) underneath a curved surface of the outer lip of the container and inward toward the container from the outer lip when the body is coupled to the container, in such a way that fluid exiting the container at the curved surface enters the reservoir.

In accordance with further aspects of the present disclosure, the channel provides a path sloped in such a way that directs fluid toward the reservoir when the pour spout is coupled with the container resting flat on a generally horizontal surface and away from the reservoir when the container and the pour spout are angled away from a generally horizontal surface. A dip or depression can be disposed in the channel at the distal end of the body. The channel can have a substantially U-shape or V-shape. The body can be constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, metal, plastic, synthetics, and composites. A tab can extend from the wall, and the tab can be configured to engage the curved surface of the container in such a way as to stabilize the position of the body relative to the container when the body is coupled to the container. Each of the two opposing clips can include two appendages and a bridge coupling the two appendages. The bridge can be positioned above the wall. The lip of the container can be formed around an entirety of the perimeter of the open end or around a portion of the perimeter of the open end. The curved surface of the lip of the container can include a continuous curve of the lip of the container when the container is generally cylindrical in shape, or can include a corner of the lip of the container when the container includes at least one corner.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided for making a pour spout configured to detachably couple to a fluid container having an open end and an outer lip formed around the open end. In the method, a body can be provided having a reservoir for receiving fluid and a channel extending from the reservoir to a distal end of the body, the body having a wall partially defining the reservoir, and the wall being shaped to fit underneath a curved surface of the outer lip of the container and inward toward the container from the outer lip when the body is coupled to the container, in such a way that fluid exiting the container at the curved surface enters the reservoir. Two clips can be provided and disposed at a proximal end of the body and configured to enable detachable coupling of the body to the container. The wall can extend between the two opposing clips.

In accordance with further aspects of the present disclosure, the channel can form a path sloped in such a way that directs fluid toward the reservoir when the pour spout is coupled with the container resting flat on a generally horizontal surface and away from the reservoir when the container and the pour spout are angled away from a generally horizontal surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other characteristics of the present disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top-down view of a pour spout according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the pour spout of FIG. 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pour spout of FIG. 1 coupled to a corner of a container adapted to contain fluids, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pour spout of FIG. 1 in operation as fluid flows out of the container and into a jug via the pour spout, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pour spout of FIG. 1 in operation after fluid has been poured out of the container using the pour spout, according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for making the pour spout of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a pour spout adapted to couple with a container having an open end and an outer lip formed around a perimeter of the open end. The pour spout includes a body having a reservoir and a channel leading from the reservoir to a distal end of the body. The reservoir can be a built-in cavity or recess formed in the body and adapted to hold fluid. The channel can slope upward away from horizontal as the channel leads toward the distal end of the body. In this way, fluid in the body is directed toward the reservoir and thus remains in the pour spout when the pour spout is not overflowing and is coupled to the container while the container rests flat on a generally horizontal surface. Alternatively, the container and the pour spout coupled thereto can be tilted or angled such that the distal end of the pour spout is lowered (i.e., positioned closer to the horizontal surface than the proximal end of the pour spout). In such a tilted or angled orientation, fluid contained in the reservoir of the pour spout can be directed by the channel toward and out the distal end of the pour spout, and additional fluid may exit the container over the lip and into the reservoir of the pour spout.

The pour spout specifically can be adapted to couple with the outer lip of the container at a position on the perimeter of the open end where the container forms a curve (e.g., a corner, a bend, etc.). The term “curve” is utilized herein in accordance with its broader mathematical definition. Accordingly, a “curve” generally refers to any change in direction, regardless of whether the change in direction forms a kink, a sharp point, a smooth bend, or any other type of curve. In some example embodiments, the pour spout includes two opposing clips that are joined with the body of the pour spout at the proximal end of the body and that are adapted to detachably couple the pour spout to any such curved surface in the outer lip of the container produced at a curve in the container. The body of the pour spout can include a wall that is adapted to be positioned underneath the curved surface in the outer lip and inward toward the container from the outer lip when the pour spout is coupled to the container. In this manner, residual or remnant fluid that drips down from distal end of the pour spout is captured in the reservoir of the pour spout rather than dripping down any exterior walls of the container.

FIGS. 1 through 6, wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout, illustrate example embodiments of a pour spout according to the present disclosure. Although the present disclosure will be described with reference to the example embodiments illustrated in the figures, it should be understood that many alternative forms can be embodied. One of skill in the art will additionally appreciate different ways to alter the parameters of the embodiments disclosed, such as the size, shape, placement, or type of elements or materials, in a manner still in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a top-down view and a side view, respectively, of a pour spout 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 further depicts a perspective view of the pour spout 10 coupled to (e.g., clipped onto) a corner of a container 30 adapted to hold one or more fluids (e.g., liquids, gases, semi-liquids, slurries, gel-like substances, and the like).

As shown, the pour spout 10 includes a body 12 having a reservoir 16 for receiving and in some instances temporarily holding fluid, such as oil (e.g., cooking oil or cooking byproduct). The reservoir 16 can be a built-in cavity adapted to hold fluid when the pour spout 10 is upright (i.e., in the same configuration as when coupled to the container 30 resting flat on a generally horizontal surface). In the example embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the body 12 is generally shaped as an inverted triangular prism with a narrowed distal end 24 (e.g., forming somewhat of a half-conical shape). However, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the body 12 alternatively can take on other suitable polygonal three-dimensional shapes including, without limitation, a rectangular prism, a cube, a sphere, and the like. In some embodiments, the body 12 takes on yet other suitable shapes and sizes. Any suitable shapes and/or sizes providing a reservoir 16 for receiving fluid may be utilized with embodiments of the present disclosure.

In the example embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the body 12 of the pour spout 10 has a channel 14 extending from the reservoir 16 to the distal end 24 of the body 12. The channel 14 is adapted to direct fluid away from the reservoir 16, e.g., when the container 30 orientation tips or is tipped away from a generally horizontal surface to pour fluid out of the container 30. At the distal end 24, the body 12 dips slightly to provide a smooth pathway at which fluid may exit the pour spout 10. Although the channel 14 as shown has a substantially U-shaped, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the channel 14 can take on other polygonal shapes including without limitation V-shape, I-shape or O-shape. In some embodiments, the channel 14 takes on yet other suitable shapes and sizes capable of serving to direct oil away from the reservoir 16.

In one embodiment, the body 12 of the pour spout 10 is constructed of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the body 12 of the pour spout 10 can be constructed of metallic or non-metallic material including without limitation aluminum, plastic, polyethylene, among others. In other embodiments, the body 12 can be constructed of other suitable oil-resistant material (e.g., plastics, synthetics, composites, and the like).

The body 12 can be shaped such that the channel 14 leading from the reservoir 16 to the distal end 24 slopes upward relative to horizontal, in the manner depicted in FIG. 2. As illustrated in the side view of FIG. 2, the pour spout 10 is generally upright (i.e., is in the same orientation as when the pour spout 10 is coupled to the container 30 and when the container 30 is resting flat on the generally horizontal surface 28). As shown, the channel 14 provides a path that is sloped in such a way that fluid is directed toward the reservoir 16 when the pour spout 10 is upright. Alternatively, when the container 30 and the pour spout 10 coupled thereto are angled toward a horizontal surface, the channel 14 can direct fluid away from the reservoir 16 and out the distal end 24 of the body 12 of the pour spout 10.

In illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, the pour spout 10 is adapted to be repeatedly detachably and re-attachably coupled to the container 30. For example, in the example embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the pour spout 10 includes two opposing clips 20 disposed at a proximal end 26 of the body 12. The clips 20 are configured to detachably and re-attachably couple the body 12 to the container 30 during operation. Stated differently, the clips 20 are configured to couple the pour spout 10 to the container 30 in an operationally viable manner, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon reading the present specification. For example, in operation, the clips 20 can enable the pour spout 10 to securely couple to the container 30 and can ensure that the pour spout 10 remains secured to the container 30 as the container 30 is tipped away from a substantially horizontal surface, e.g., as would be performed when pouring fluid out of the container 30.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the container 30 includes an open end 32 and an outer lip 34. The outer lip 34 extends around a perimeter of the open end 32 (e.g., extends fully around the perimeter of the open end 32 or around some portion of the perimeter of the open end 32). The outer lip 34 forms at least one curve (e.g., a smooth curve, a kink, a bend, a sharp point, a corner, or the like) as it extends around the perimeter of the open end 32. Stated differently, the outer lip 34 includes at least one curved surface. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the perimeter of the open end 32 of the container 30 is generally rectangular in shape and generally includes four corners. In such embodiments where the container 30 includes at least one corner, the at least one curved surface of the outer lip 34 thus can be a corner (e.g., a sharp corner, a rounded corner, or any other corner). Alternatively, in embodiments where the perimeter of the open end 32 of the container 30 is generally circular, the at least one curved surface in the outer lip 34 can be a smooth bend or turn around some portion of the circular perimeter of the open end 32.

In the example embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the body 12 includes a wall 18 situated at the proximal end 26 and extending between the two generally opposing clips 20. The wall 18 partially defines the reservoir 16 (e.g., defines a proximal boundary on the reservoir 16). In illustrative embodiments, the wall 18 is shaped and positioned relative to the clips 20 to fit underneath (e.g., tuck under) one of the curved surfaces of the outer lip 34 of the container 30 when the pour spout 10 is coupled to the container 30. In such illustrative embodiments, the wall 18 additionally is shaped and positioned relative to the clips 20 in such a way that when the pour spout 10 is coupled to the container 30, the wall 18 is disposed inward toward the container 30 from the outer lip 34 of the container 30. These features are best shown in FIG. 3. As is evident from FIG. 3, when the pour spout 10 is coupled to the container 30, the wall 18 can be substantially hidden from view by the curved surface of the outer lip 34. When positioned underneath the curved surface of the outer lip 34 and inward toward the container 30 from the outer lip 34 (as depicted in FIG. 3), the wall 18 ensures that any additional fluid exiting the container 30 at the curved surface (e.g., remnant droplets dropping from the corner of the outer lip 34) of the outer lip 34 is captured by the reservoir 16 and does not spill down any exterior walls of the container 30 thereby staining or dirtying the container 30.

In some further embodiments according to the present disclosure, the wall 18 of the pour spout 10 is configured (e.g., positioned on the pour spout 10 relative to the clips 20) in such a way that the wall 18 contacts (i.e., is contiguous with) an underside of the curved surface of the outer lip 34 of the container 30. Additionally and/or alternatively, the wall 18 of the pour spout 10 can be configured (e.g., positioned on the pour spout 10 relative to the clips 20) in such a way that the wall 18 contacts (i.e., is contiguous with) one or more vertically extending exterior walls of the container 30.

In the example embodiment of FIG. 3, the clips 20 enable the pour spout 10 to be securely mounted to the outer lip 34 surrounding the open end 32 of the container 30. Accordingly, upon reading the present specification, it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that the clips 20 can be sized and/or dimensioned to conform to a wide variety of different containers 30 having different sized outer lips 34. Furthermore, although the clips 20 are depicted in the example embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that any other suitable fastening mechanism(s) may be used in addition to or instead of the clips 20 for securing the body 12 to the curved surface of the container 30. For example, other suitable fastening mechanisms include, without limitation, fasteners, adhesives, nuts and bolts, and any other suitable fastening mechanism.

The pour spout 10 further can include a tab 22 coupled to the wall 18 for providing additional stability. For example, one such tab 22 is included in the example embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3. As illustrated, the tab 22 is configured (e.g., sized and positioned relative to the clips 20) to engage the curved surface (e.g., corner) of the container 30. Once engaged, the tab 22 provides additional support that further stabilizes the coupling of the body 12 to the container 30. In some instances, once coupled, the tab 22 is hidden from view, as is evident in FIG. 3.

In operation, the pour spout 10 can be coupled to a container 30 at or along a curved surface. For example, the clips 20 can be coupled to a curved surface of the outer lip 34 formed around the perimeter of the open end 32. The pour spout 10 can be coupled to the container 30 when the container 30 is initially in a generally horizontal orientation (e.g., resting flat but upright on a generally horizontal surface). Once coupled, the container 30 and the pour spout 10 coupled thereto can be angled or tilted, such that the distal end 24 of the pour spout 10 is horizontally lower than the proximal end 26. In such a tilted orientation, fluid in the container 30 can be caused to spill out over the corner (or other curved surface) of the outer lip 34 and into the reservoir 16 of the pour spout 10. This step is shown in FIG. 4, which illustrates a fluid 38 being poured from the container 30 to the pour spout 10 and into a jug 40.

Subsequent to the fluid 38 being poured out of (e.g., emptied from) the container 30, the container 30 may be returned to the upright position. This is shown in FIG. 4, which illustrates a perspective view of the pour spout 10 in operation after the fluid 38 has been removed from the container 30 using the pour spout 10. As shown, a small amount of the fluid 38 may remain in the reservoir 16 after the pour spout 10 has been used to direct fluid out of the container 30. As described previously herein, due in part to the position of the wall 18 of the body 12 relative to the position of the outer lip 34 of the container 30, the reservoir 16 of the pour spout 10 can collect or capture any remnant fluid, e.g., fluid dripping from the outer lip 34 when the container 30 is placed back.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cooking system is provided that includes the container 30 and the pour spout 10 coupled thereto at a curve in the container 30. For example, in some embodiments, the cooking system is a residential home fryer system, which includes the container 30 and the pour spout 10. In such embodiments where the pour spout 10 and the container 30 are included with a home fryer (or other similar) cooking system, the fluid 38 may be frying oil utilized in the home fryer. Upon reading the present specification, one skilled in the art will appreciate a wide variety of other fluids for which the pour spout 10 may be implemented. All such alternatives are modifications are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. The pour spout 10 can be implemented for any suitable fluid or cooking substance, including, as non-limiting examples, water, soy sauce, vinegar, and any other suitable liquids, fluids and/or condiments.

FIG. 6 depicts an example embodiment of a method for making the pour spout 10. As shown, the body 12 can be provided (step 102) having the reservoir 16 for receiving fluid and further having the channel 14 extending from the reservoir 16 to the distal end 24 of the body 12. In step 102, the body 12 can be provided using injection molding or any other suitable manufacturing technique, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon reading the present specification. As provided in step 102, the body 12 additionally can include the wall 18 partially defining the reservoir 16 and shaped to fit underneath a curved surface of the outer lip 34 of the container 30 and inward toward the container 30 from the outer lip 34 when the body 12 is coupled to the container 30, in such a way that fluid exiting the container 30 at the curved surface of the outer lip 34 enters the reservoir 16. In addition to providing the body 12, the two opposing clips 20 can be provided (step 104), the clips 20 being disposed at the proximal end 26 of the body 12 and further being configured to enable detachable and re-attachable coupling of the body 12 to the container 30 for use. In step 104, the clips 20 can be provided using injection molding or any other suitable manufacturing technique, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon reading the present specification. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the body 12 and the clips 20 are provided together such that steps 102 and 104 effectively occur simultaneously. Alternatively, in some embodiments the clips 20 (or other suitable fastening mechanisms) are later coupled to the body 12, formed integral with the body 12, fastened to the body 12, or the like.

Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode. Details of the structure may vary substantially without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, and exclusive use of all modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. It is intended that the present invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover all generic and specific features described herein, and all statements of the scope which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A pour spout configured to detachably couple to a fluid container having an open end and an outer lip formed around a perimeter of the open end, the pour spout comprising:

a body having a reservoir for receiving fluid and a channel extending from the reservoir to a distal end of the body;
two clips disposed at a proximal end of the body and configured to enable detachable coupling of the body to the container; and
a wall of the body extending between the two opposing clips, the wall partially defining the reservoir and being shaped to fit underneath a curved surface of the outer lip of the container and inward toward the container from the outer lip when the body is coupled to the container, in such a way that fluid exiting the container at the curved surface enters the reservoir.

2. The pour spout of claim 1, wherein the channel provides a path sloped in such a way that directs fluid toward the reservoir when the pour spout is coupled with the container resting upright and flat on a generally horizontal surface and away from the reservoir when the container and the pour spout are angled away from a generally horizontal surface.

3. The pour spout of claim 1, further comprising a dip or depression in the channel at the distal end of the body.

4. The pour spout of claim 1, wherein the channel has a substantially U-shape or V-shape.

5. The pour spout of claim 1, wherein the body is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, metal, plastic, synthetics, and composites.

6. The pour spout of claim 1, further comprising a tab extending from the wall, the tab configured to engage the curved surface of the container in such a way as to stabilize the position of the body relative to the container when the body is coupled to the container.

7. The pour spout of claim 1, wherein each of the two opposing clips comprises two appendages and a bridge coupling the two appendages, the bridge being positioned above the wall.

8. The pour spout of claim 1, wherein the lip of the container is formed around an entirety of the perimeter of the open end or around a portion of the perimeter of the open end.

9. The pour spout of claim 1, wherein the curved surface of the lip of the container comprises a continuous curve of the lip of the container when the container is generally cylindrical in shape or a corner of the lip of the container when the container includes at least one corner.

10. A system comprising:

a fluid container having an open end and an outer lip formed around a perimeter of the open end; and
a pour spout configured to be coupled to the container, the pour spout comprising: a body having a reservoir for receiving fluid and a channel extending from the reservoir to a distal end of the body; two clips disposed at a proximal end of the body and configured to enable detachable coupling of the body to the container; and a wall of the body extending between the two opposing clips, the wall partially defining the reservoir and being shaped to fit underneath a curved surface of the outer lip of the container and inward toward the container from the outer lip when the body is coupled to the container, in such a way that fluid exiting the container at the curved surface enters the reservoir.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the channel provides a path sloped in such a way that directs fluid toward the reservoir when the pour spout is coupled with the container resting upright and flat on a generally horizontal surface and away from the reservoir when the container and the pour spout are angled away from a generally horizontal surface.

12. The system of claim 10, further comprising a dip or depression in the channel at the distal end of the body.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the channel has a substantially U-shape or V-shape.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the body is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, metal, plastic, synthetics, and composites.

15. The system of claim 10, further comprising a tab extending from the wall, the tab configured to engage the curved surface of the container in such a way as to stabilize the position of the body relative to the container when the body is coupled to the container.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein each of the two opposing clips comprises two appendages and a bridge coupling the two appendages, the bridge being positioned above the wall.

17. The pour spout of claim 10, wherein the lip of the container is formed around an entirety of the perimeter of the open end or around a portion of the perimeter of the open end.

18. The pour spout of claim 10, wherein the curved surface of the lip of the container comprises a continuous curve of the lip of the container when the container is generally cylindrical in shape or a corner of the lip of the container when the container includes at least one corner.

19. A method of making a pour spout configured to detachably couple to a fluid container having an open end and an outer lip formed around the open end, the method comprising:

providing a body having a reservoir for receiving fluid and a channel extending from the reservoir to a distal end of the body, the body having a wall partially defining the reservoir, the wall being shaped to fit underneath a curved surface of the outer lip of the container and inward toward the container from the outer lip when the body is coupled to the container, in such a way that fluid exiting the container at the curved surface enters the reservoir; and
providing two clips disposed at a proximal end of the body and configured to enable detachable coupling of the body to the container;
wherein the wall extends between the two opposing clips.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the channel forms a path sloped in such a way that directs fluid toward the reservoir when the pour spout is coupled with the container resting upright and flat on a generally horizontal surface and away from the reservoir when the container and the pour spout are angled away from a generally horizontal surface.

Patent History
Publication number: 20140319187
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 7, 2012
Publication Date: Oct 30, 2014
Applicant: Euro-Pro Operating LLC (Newton, MA)
Inventor: Brian R. McGee (Acton, MA)
Application Number: 14/123,812
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Rim Mounted, Interengaging Groove And Bead Or Flange (222/570)
International Classification: B65D 25/40 (20060101);