DEVICE FOR EXTRACTING RESIDUAL AMOUNTS OF FLUID FROM A CONTAINER
A device for extracting residual amounts of fluid from containers, including containers for consumer products is disclosed. The device comprises a lid, further comprising a plug; a flexible hinge; and a threadless cap, further comprising an opening, a notch, and a tapered, flexible neck. Another embodiment of the device includes material wherein the lid is comprised of a material more rigid than the tapered, flexible neck. A further embodiment of the device includes material wherein the cap is comprised of material more rigid than the tapered, flexible neck.
The present invention relates to a device for extracting residual amounts of fluid from containers, including containers for consumer products.
2. BackgroundConsumers and other persons purchase a myriad of products that come in fluid form, like soaps, shampoos, lotions, condiments, and similar items. Often, such products are packaged and sold in plastic and other containers. When such containers are at or near full capacity, it is relatively easy for the user to extract the fluid from the container. But as the fluid in the container is depleted, small amounts of fluid often remain, and such residual amounts are difficult to extract. To solve this problem, some manufacturers have adapted their containers so they may be turned upside down to allow gravity to pull the fluid from the bottom of the container to near the top of the container, so the user can extract more of the fluid from the container. Not all manufacturers, however, have modified their containers in such a way. In such cases, the user must devise other means to extract the last bit of fluid from the container, which are often awkward and messy.
3. Description of the Prior ArtAs stated earlier, some manufacturers of products containing lotions, shampoos, condiments and the like, have adapted their bottle tops so the container can rest upside down to allow gravity to pull the fluid from the bottom of the container to near the top of the container. Other art, like that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. D724,943 to Epstein, shows a screw-on fitment that may replace a standard bottle top to allow the container to rest upside down.
Other devices, like the Fluid Recovery Cap System disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,418,987 to Colasacco, provides a dual cap that allows a user to stack one container on top of another to allow gravity to empty the top container into the lower container. As disclosed in the Colasacco patent, the containers are connected to the dual cap by threading both containers on opposite sides of the device. While such a device may assist in fully emptying the container on top, it may not be easily deployed to empty the second container when the fluid volume therein becomes low.
Thus, there is a need for a device that is reusable and adaptable to various bottle top sizes while providing a stable base when the container is turned upside down to assist in extracting residual fluid from the container.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe device disclosed herein is designed to facilitate extracting residual amounts of fluid products from a container. Such products include, but are not limited to, soaps, shampoos, lotions, condiments and the like. Condiments suitable for use with the device may include fluid food products like ketchup, mustard, and other food products whose container has not been adapted to be stably inverted to allow gravity to pull residual amounts of the product from the bottom of the container to near the top.
The device disclosed herein is so designed that it may be adapted to various bottle top sizes while providing a stable base when the container is inverted. The device is further adapted to be reusable. By using the device disclosed herein, users can save money by being able to access and use residual amounts of fluid products and thereby minimize waste.
The invention can be better understood by reference to the following drawings, wherein:
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments or examples. These embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, and structural, logical, and procedural changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
As disclosed in
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments and variations may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”
Claims
1. A device for extracting residual amounts of fluid from a container, including a container for a consumer product comprising:
- a. threadless cap, further comprising an opening, a notch, and a tapered, flexible neck, wherein the portion of the cap distal to the tapered, flexible neck is comprised of material more rigid than the tapered, flexible neck to provide a stable base when the container is inverted;
- b. a lid, wherein the lid is comprised of material more rigid than the tapered, flexible neck to provide a stable base when the container is inverted and further comprising a plug; and
- c. a flexible hinge.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. A device for extracting residual amounts of fluid from a container, including a container for a consumer product comprising:
- a. a lid, further comprising a plug, wherein said plug includes a distal end knob, a middle section, and a proximate end, and wherein the distal end knob further includes a circumference that is generally larger than the middle section and wherein the lid is comprised of material more rigid than the tapered, flexible neck to provide a stable base when the container is inverted;
- b. a flexible hinge that tapers outward where it attaches to the lid and cap; and
- c. a threadless cap, further comprising an opening, a notch, and a tapered, flexible neck, wherein the opening resembles an oblong shape with concave sides and wherein the circumference of the posterior end of the opening is greater than the circumference of the anterior end of the opening and wherein the portion of the cap distal to the tapered, flexible neck is comprised of material more rigid than the tapered, flexible neck to provide a stable base when the container is inverted.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the cap includes:
- a. a tapered, circumferential groove or channel adapted to engage the lip of the container to secure the device to the container and minimize or prevent fluid from leaking from the container while in the inverted position and resting on the device; and
- b. a circumferential sealing lip that is pliably adapted to compressively and securely fit a variety of bottleneck or container sizes.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 6, 2019
Publication Date: Jun 10, 2021
Inventors: Julie Beth Vossen-Henslin (Willmar, MN), Steven T. Vossen (Willmar, MN)
Application Number: 16/705,387