LIQUID CONTAINER FOR STORING LIQUID AND ALLOWING FOR STACKING WITH ANOTHER LIQUID CONTAINER

A liquid container for storing liquid and allowing for stacking with another liquid container including a body in a cylindrical or drum-like configuration. The body presents a unique design having a circular ridge extending from one side and an elongated portion on the opposite side. The circular ridge includes a lip. A pair of identical liquid containers stack by mating the elongated portion and the circular ridge of opposite liquid containers. The elongated portion slides through the lip, enters the circular ridge and turns offsetting the lip so that the elongated portion remains in the circular ridge. The body includes a neck that receives a spout screw cap. The spout screw cap includes a lid and a first O-ring to seal the spout screw cap when not in use. The liquid container includes a spout that removably connects to the spout screw cap for dispensing liquid stored in the body.

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Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/121,118, title “LIQUID CONTAINER FOR STORING LIQUID AND ALLOWING FOR STACKING WITH ANOTHER LIQUID CONTAINER filed Dec. 3, 2020, which is incorporated herein by its entirety and referenced thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid container that stores and dispenses liquid such as water or gasoline/fuel and allows stacking another liquid container over it without sliding or falling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that containers are generally used for storing and transporting liquid such as water, fuel, gasoline, etc. The containers provide required portability and safety for storing and transporting liquid. Typically, a container includes a cap or spout which a user uninstalls or removes to dispense the liquid stored in the container. Further, the container includes at least one handle allowing the user to easily carry it from one place to another.

Several containers have been disclosed in the past that store and allow for easy transport. One such example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,392, (now expired) entitled “Liquid Container” (“the '392 patent”). The '392 patent discloses a container having improved pouring and stacking qualities. The container has a body with a cylindrical exterior and opposed end walls. Bottom support extends tangentially from a first point on the cylindrical exterior surface and includes a planar portion which forms a base for supporting the body in an upright position. A transport handle extends from a second point on the cylindrical exterior surface for use in rotating the container between the upright position and the pouring position in which the cylindrical exterior surface rolls over the surrounding support surface during use.

The '392 patent has several problems. For instance, the handles include sharp edges. The sharp edges pose a problem to the structural integrity of the body when the liquid container accidentally falls on the ground while storing the liquid. This may result in damage to the body and leakage of the liquid stored therein. Further, the container has a conventional cap which is prone to leakage. In order to dispense the liquid, a user has to use a universal elongated lid/spout as an additional component. This may increase the cost for the user. Also, the liquid container in '392 patent has relatively flat walls. When multiple liquid containers are stacked over one another, they may slide and fall off.

Therefore, there is a need for a liquid container that stores and dispenses liquid such as water or gasoline/fuel, the liquid container that has the structural integrity to withstand external forces and allows stacking another liquid container over it without sliding or falling.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid container that stores and dispenses liquid such as water or gasoline/fuel and allows stacking another liquid container over it without sliding or falling that avoids the drawback of known liquid containers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a liquid container having a unique spout screw cap design, the spout screw cap that allows mounting a lid for use during storage and transport and allows mounting a spout for dispensing the liquid without leakage.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a liquid container having structural integrity to withstand external forces and allowing the stacking of multiple liquid containers over it without sliding or falling.

In order to overcome the limitations here stated, the present invention provides a liquid container for storing liquid and allows for stacking with another liquid container is disclosed. The liquid container includes a body in a cylindrical or drum-like configuration. The body includes walls forming a closed interior with an opening at the neck. The neck receives a spout screw cap. The spout screw cap includes a lid and a first O-ring. The lid and the first O-ring help to seal the spout screw cap when not in use. Further, the liquid container includes a spout that removably connects to the spout screw cap for dispensing the liquid stored in the body. The spout includes a second O-ring. The second O-ring mounts at the entrance of the spout and prevents leakage at the time of dispensing the liquid. The spout includes a spout cap for operatively closing a hollow interior through which the liquid dispenses.

In one implementation, the body presents a unique design having a circular ridge extending from one side and an elongated portion on the opposite side. The circular ridge includes a lip. The circular ridge and elongated portion help to mate and stack the liquid container over another liquid container without sliding or falling.

In one advantageous feature of the present invention, the liquid container has a suitable thickness and strength to withstand the weight of its own body filled with liquid and when stacked with other liquid containers storing liquid. As such, when stacked with multiple liquid containers, the liquid container that is at the bottom bears the weight of other liquid containers without deformation or damage.

In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the circular ridge, the lip, and the elongated section on the walls of the liquid container allow stacking and locking of liquid containers over one another without sliding or falling. Further, the circular ridge, the lip, and the elongated section allow rotation of the liquid container and remove from the stacked liquid containers without having to uninstall all liquid containers.

In yet another advantageous feature of the present invention, the body includes a connecting wall having generous radii around the body. The connecting wall encompasses bevelled edges and provides robust protection to the handles without increasing the dimension/size of the liquid container when compared to known liquid containers.

Features and advantages of the invention hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGUREs. As will be realized, the invention disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the invention as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. Notably, the FIGUREs and examples are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements and, further, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, and a rear view, respectively of a body or chamber of the liquid container;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C show a perspective view, a top view, and a cross-sectional view, respectively of a spout screw cap;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a side view and a front view, respectively of a first O-ring mounting to a lid;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a side view and a front view, respectively of the first O-ring;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a side view of the liquid container and a cross-sectional view of the spout screw cap having lid (FIGS. 4A and 4B) and the first O-ring (FIGS. 5A and 5B), respectively;

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a front view and a side view, respectively of a spout;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a side and a front view, respectively of the second O-ring;

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a side view of the liquid container and cross-sectional view of the spout screw cap and (partial cross-sectional) the spout;

FIGS. 10 and 11 show an operational setting for stacking a plurality of liquid containers, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a feature of a liquid container stacked and rotating over another liquid container; and

FIG. 13 shows a feature of the liquid container stacked over and aligned with another liquid container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed invention may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed liquid container. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed liquid container.

In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the invention preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

Although the present disclosure provides a description of a liquid container that stores and dispenses liquid such as water or gasoline/fuel and allows stacking another liquid container over it without sliding or falling, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the liquid container. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this disclosure.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a liquid container for storing liquid or the like and allowing for stacking with another liquid container. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of liquid container 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Liquid container 10 indicates a canister, can, bottle, etc. for storing and dispensing liquid such as water or fuel/gasoline. Liquid container 10 includes a chamber or body 12. Body 12 provides a material made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD) or plastic or any other suitable material. Body 12 has suitable tensile strength and can take on the pressure of approximately 8 to 10 Megapascal (MPa). As such, body 12 has the strength to hold any liquid (e.g., gasoline or water) and handle internal forces caused by the liquid stored therein. Body 12 presents a cylindrical or drum-like configuration with a central axis 14. FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, and rear view, respectively of body 12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Body 12 has base 16 in a flat configuration allowing body 12 to rest on a surface such as ground, for example. Body 12 encompasses first wall 18, second wall 20, third wall 22, fourth wall 24, and top wall 26. In one example, first wall 18 indicates a front wall and second wall 20 indicates a rear wall or vice versa. Third wall 22 and fourth wall 24 indicate sidewalls. Alternatively, first wall 18, and second wall 20 indicate sidewalls, and third wall 22 and fourth wall 24 indicate a front wall and a rear wall, respectively. Each of the first wall 18, second wall 20, third wall 22, fourth wall 24, and top wall 26 has suitable thickness and strength to withstand the weight of its own body 12 filled with liquid and when stacked with other liquid containers (also storing liquid). In one example, each of the first wall 18, second wall 20, third wall 22, fourth wall 24, and top wall 26 has a thickness of about ⅛th of an inch. Body 12 holds its shape when the external load is applied with minimum deformation.

Base 16, first wall 18, second wall 20, third wall 22 and fourth wall 24 and top wall 26 form a closed interior 28. A neck 30 provides access to interior 28 for filling or emptying liquid from body 12. A person skilled in the art understands that the neck 30 mounts at fourth wall 24 (at top wall 26). Neck 30 has a threaded portion 32 at its outer portion. Threaded portion 32 has a suitable size for mounting a spout screw cap 54.

Body 12 extends from base 16 to provide first handle 34. Here, first handle 34 extends from third wall 22. Further, body 12 encompasses second handle 36 at top wall 26. First handle 34 and/or second handle 36 operates as a transport handle on the exterior surface of body 12. A person skilled in the art understands that the first handle 34 and/or second handle 36 allows for transporting or using fuel container 10. In one example, a user carries/transports fuel container 10 holding second handle 36. As can be noted, each of first handle 34 and second handle 36 presents a hollow interior with body 12. The hollow interior allows the user to hold first handle 34 and/or second handle 36 during use or transport. Body 12 encompasses slant portion 38 that connects first handle 34 and second handle 36. In one example, slant portion 38 mounts at about 45 degrees with respect to central axis 14 and base 16. Slant portion 38 presents groove 40. In one example, groove 40 includes a threaded portion 42. Body 12 encompasses connecting wall 44 extending from first wall 18 to third wall 22, and second wall 20 to fourth wall 24. Connecting wall 44 includes generous radii around body 12 and provides bevelled edges with first wall 18, second wall 20, third wall 22, and fourth wall 24. When compared to known art having sharp edges, connecting wall 44 provides a robust protection to first handle 34 and second handle 36 without increasing dimension/size of body 12. Further, body 12 provides circular ridge 46 extending from first wall 18. Circular ridge 46 forms recess 48 with opening or lip 50 at the top. Here, lip 50 indicates a key slot at one side of circular ridge 46. Lip 50 allows stacking another liquid container on top of liquid container 10 (FIGS. 11 and 12). Body 12 includes elongated portion 52 at second wall 30 as shown in FIG. 2D. Elongated portion 52 protrudes from second wall 20.

In the current embodiment, liquid container 10 includes a spout screw cap 54. FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C show a perspective view, a top view, and a cross-sectional view, respectively of spout screw cap 54, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Spout screw cap 54 indicates a cap restricting access to interior 28. Spout screw cap 54 encompasses a circular body 56 having opening 58. Circular body 56 presents a plurality of slots 60 at the outer portion, referred as slots 60 hereinafter. Slots 60 provide grip and allows a user to tighten spout screw cap 54 over neck 30. Further, spout screw cap 54 includes a threaded portion 62 having the same size as threaded portion 32. Threaded portion 62 connects to threaded portion 32 and forms a closed structure over neck 30 with circular body 56.

In one implementation, spout screw cap 54 encompasses a lid 64. Lid 64 mounts to first O-ring 66. FIGS. 4A and 4B show a side view and a front view, respectively of the first O-ring 66 mounting to lid 64, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5A and 5B show a side view and a front view, respectively of first O-ring 66. First O-ring 66 provides a material made of rubber or any other suitable material. First O-ring 66 presents a flat configuration and mounts inside and next to threaded portion 62. First O-ring 66 helps to prevent leakage of liquid from body 12 through neck 30. Lid 64 mounts to spout screw cap 54 via opening 58 and helps to seal interior 28 when not in use. FIGS. 6A and 6B show a side view of liquid container 10 and a cross-sectional view of spout screw cap 54, respectively. Specifically, FIGS. 6A and 6B show the feature of mounting lid 64 and first O-ring 66 to spout screw cap 54. A person skilled in the art understands that lid 64 mounts to spout screw cap 54 with support from first O-ring 66. Further, spout screw cap 54 having lid 64 and first O-ring 66 ensure that interior 28 is properly sealed and prevents liquid stored in body 12 from leaking. Here, lid 64 ensures liquid container 10 is properly sealed when not in use.

Further, liquid container 10 includes spout 70. FIGS. 7A and 7B show a front view and a side view, respectively of spout 70. Spout 70 presents a flexible or rigid elongated tube-like structure having a hollow interior (not shown). Spout 70 includes spout cap 72 at one end. Spout cap 72 allows for closing or opening access to the hollow interior. In other words, spout cap 72 removably mounts at the end of spout 70 and acts as a valve for releasing air/fumes from the liquid stored in body 12. Spout cap 72 disengages from spout 70. This allows spout 70 to dispense liquid from body 12. A person skilled in the art understands that a user holds first handle 34 and rotates body 12 between an upright position (e.g., FIG. 9A) and a pouring position (i.e., bent position) to dispense liquid from body 12 through spout 70 (hollow interior).

In the current embodiment, spout cap 72 includes a connector 74 allowing it to connect to spout 70 at all times. In other words, connector 74 indicates a strap-like structure that connects to spout cap 72. Connector 74 ensures spout cap 72 remains connected to spout 70 when spout 70 is used for dispensing fuel through the hollow interior. Spout cap 72 provides hook 76. Hook 76 helps to retain spout cap 72 in place when spout cap 72 is used for closing the hollow interior. In one implementation, spout 70 includes a second O-ring 78. FIGS. 8A and 8B show a side view and a front view, respectively of second O-ring 78. Second O-ring 78 provides a material made of rubber or any other suitable material. Second O-ring 78 mounts at the end of spout 70 and helps to prevent leaking of liquid or fuel.

In accordance with the present invention, spout 70 helps to dispense liquid stored in liquid container 10 as explained above. In order to store and transport liquid in liquid container 10, spout screw cap 54 with lid 64 mounts to neck 30 (FIG. 6A). In other words, lid 64 helps to seal liquid container 10 when not in use for safe keeping. A user uninstalls lid 64 from spout screw cap 54 and mounts spout 70 to spout screw cap 54. FIGS. 9A and 9B show a side view of liquid container 10 and a cross-sectional view of spout screw cap 54 and (partial cross-sectional) spout 70, respectively, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Here, second O-ring 78 mounts at the entrance of spout 70 and helps to prevent leakage of fuel when spout 70 is used for dispensing fuel through spout 70. Further, first O-ring 66 helps to prevent fuel leakage in all settings i.e., when lid 64 is mounted during storage and/or when spout 70 is mounted to dispense fuel. In other words, first O-ring 66 helps to prevent leaks when in use and also when not in use. Based on the above, a person skilled in the art understands that when not in use, the user mounts lid (and first O-ring 66) in spout screw cap 54 and seals liquid container 10 from leaking (FIG. 6A). When needed, the user mounts spout 70 to spout screw cap 54 and dispenses fuel from body 12 through spout 70 (FIG. 9A).

FIGS. 10 and 11 show an operational setting 100 for stacking a plurality of liquid containers, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the present description, two (i.e., a pair of) liquid containers are used to illustrate the feature of stacking a plurality of liquid containers. A plurality of liquid containers includes a first liquid container 102 and a second liquid container 104. Each of the first liquid container 102 and second liquid container 104 incorporates the features of liquid container 10 explained above. In the present embodiment, first liquid container 102 includes first circular ridge 106 with first lip 108. Further, first liquid container 102 includes first elongated section 110. Similarly, second liquid container 104 includes second circular ridge 112 with second lip 114. Further, second liquid container 104 includes second elongated section 116.

In order to stack, second liquid container 104 places over first liquid container 102. When placed, first elongated section 110 slides through second lip 114 and enters second circular ridge 112. FIG. 11 shows the feature of positioning first liquid container 102 and second liquid container 104 for stacking over one another. FIG. 12 shows a feature of second liquid container 104 stacked and rotating over first liquid container 102 (i.e., first liquid container 102 is placed at the bottom in which first elongated section 110 faces upwards, as shown in FIG. 11, for example). Here, first elongated section 110 slides through second lip 114 and enters second circular ridge 112. Subsequently, second liquid container 104 rotates or turns such that first elongated section 110 offsets second lip 114 to retain second liquid container 104 over first liquid container 102. In other words, first elongated section 110 mates with second circular ridge 112 and locks first liquid container 102 and second liquid container 104. Once locked and stacked over one another, liquid containers 102, 104 remain in position as shown in FIG. 12. A person skilled in the art appreciates that the circular ridge, lip, and elongated section allow stacking and locking of liquid containers over one another without sliding or falling off. The structural features of the circular ridge, lip, and elongated section ensure the structural integrity of the liquid containers. Second liquid container 104 (top liquid container) rotates to align with first liquid container 102 placed below. In one example, the user rotates second liquid container 104 by holding one of first handle 34 and second handle 36. FIG. 13 shows the feature of second liquid container 104 stacked over and aligned with first liquid container 102. Here, the circular ridge and the elongated section of other liquid containers intuitively communicate to another liquid container in an optimal way for stacking multiple liquid containers. In the current embodiment, liquid containers stack over one another as shown in FIG. 13. Once stacked, adjacent liquid containers allow for rotation without falling. In case a user wishes to retrieve a liquid container that is below (lower liquid container), then the user rotates adjacent (consecutive or immediate liquid containers that are in contact) liquid containers, aligns, and pulls a liquid container forward.

As specified above, the liquid container (i.e., body) has a suitable thickness and strength to withstand the weight of its own body filled with liquid and when stacked with other liquid containers storing liquid. As such, when stacked with multiple liquid containers, the liquid container that is at the bottom bears the weight of other liquid containers without deformation or damage.

Although the description explains that the spout mounts to the spout screw cap, a person skilled in the art appreciates that a universal cap or valve (not shown) such as a water tap may mount to the spout screw cap instead of the spout for dispensing liquid such as water, for example. Further, the presently disclosed liquid container provides a unique spout screw cap that allows the mounting spout to dispense liquid, and a lid to seal the spout screw cap when not in use. In addition, the presently disclosed liquid container provides O-rings that help to prevent leakage.

In one implementation, the liquid container may come in a variety of colours to provide visual appeal to the user for using the liquid container for storing, dispensing, and transporting different types of liquid.

Applicants or inventors of the present invention intend to market the liquid container as “EZ can”, “Easy Can” or any other suitable names.

A person skilled in the art appreciates that the liquid container may come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the need and comfort of the user. Further, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed liquid container.

In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and invention disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed invention.

Claims

1. A pair of liquid containers, each of said liquid containers being identical with another, comprising:

a body having a base, a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and sidewalls, wherein said base, said front wall, said rear wall, said top wall and said sidewalls form a closed structure for receiving liquid;
a circular ridge extending from said first wall, wherein said circular ridge forms a recess with a lip, and wherein said lip indicates a key slot at one side of said circular ridge; and
an elongated portion protruding from said second wall,
wherein said elongated portion of a liquid container of said pair of liquid containers slides through said lip and enters said circular ridge of another liquid container of said pair of liquid containers, and wherein said elongated portion turns offsetting said lip and remains within said circular ridge for locking and stacking said pair of identical liquid containers over one another.

2. The liquid container of claim 1, further comprises a first handle and a second handle, wherein said first handle extends from said base to said sidewalls and said second handle positions at said top wall.

3. The liquid container of claim 2, wherein said body comprises a slant portion extending from and connecting said first handle and said second handle.

4. The liquid container of claim 3, wherein said slant portion positions at about 45 degrees to a central axis of said body and said base.

5. The liquid container of claim 3, wherein said body comprises a connecting wall, wherein said connecting wall extends from said first wall and said second wall to said sidewalls, and wherein said connecting wall comprises a radii around said body and provides bevelled edges with said first wall, said second wall and said sidewalls.

6. The liquid container of claim 1, wherein said body comprises a neck extending from said top wall, and wherein said neck receives a spout screw cap.

7. The liquid container of claim 6, wherein said spout screw cap comprises a circular body having an opening at the center, wherein the circular body comprises a plurality of slots at its outer portion.

8. The liquid container of claim 7, wherein said spout screw cap comprises a lid, wherein said lid mounts to a first O-ring configured to sit in said opening at said circular body for preventing leakage of liquid from said body.

9. The liquid container of claim 8, further comprises a spout, wherein said spout connects to said spout screw cap upon removal of said lid from said spout screw cap, and wherein said spout dispenses liquid from said body through said spout screw cap.

10. The liquid container of claim 9, wherein said spout comprises a second O-ring, and wherein said second O-ring comes in contact with said spout screw cap and prevents leaking of liquid.

11. The liquid container of claim 9, wherein said spout comprises a spout cap at its distal end, and wherein said spout cap acts as a valve for releasing air from liquid stored in said body.

12. The liquid container of claim 11, wherein said spout cap comprises a connector, and wherein said connector retains said spout cap when said spout dispenses liquid.

13. The liquid container of claim 12, wherein said spout cap comprises a hook, and wherein said hook retains said spout cap in place when said spout cap closes said spout.

14. A liquid container comprising:

a body having a base, a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and sidewalls, wherein said base, said front wall, said rear wall, said top wall and said sidewalls form a closed structure for receiving liquid;
a neck extending from said top wall, wherein said neck receives a spout screw cap, and wherein said spout screw cap comprises a circular body with an opening at the center;
a lid configured to mount at the opening for preventing leakage of liquid from said body;
a circular ridge extending from said first wall, wherein said circular ridge forms a recess with a lip, and wherein said lip indicates a key slot at one side of said circular ridge; and
an elongated portion protruding from said second wall,
wherein a pair of identical liquid containers stack by mating said elongated portion and said circular ridge of opposite liquid containers, and wherein said elongated portion slides through said lip, enters said circular ridge and turns offsetting said lip so that said elongated portion remains in said circular ridge.

15. The liquid container of claim 14, further comprises a spout, wherein said spout connects to said spout screw cap upon removal of said lid from said spout screw cap, and wherein said spout dispenses liquid from said body through said spout screw cap.

16. The liquid container of claim 15, wherein said spout comprises a spout cap at its distal end, and wherein said spout cap acts as a valve for releasing air from liquid stored in said body.

17. The liquid container of claim 16, wherein said spout cap comprises a connector, and wherein said connector retains said spout cap when said spout dispenses liquid.

18. The liquid container of claim 14, further comprises a first handle and a second handle, and wherein said first handle extends from the base to said sidewalls and said second handle positions at said top wall.

19. A method of stacking liquid containers, each of said liquid containers being identical, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a body having a base, a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and sidewalls, said base, said front wall, said rear wall, said top wall and said sidewalls forming a closed structure for receiving liquid;
providing a circular ridge extending from said first wall, said circular ridge forming a recess with a lip;
providing an elongated portion protruding from said second wall;
sliding said elongated portion of a liquid container of said pair of liquid containers through said lip and entering said circular ridge of another liquid container;
turning said elongated portion offsetting said lip and retaining said elongated portion in said circular ridge for locking and stacking said pair of identical liquid containers over one another.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

providing a neck extending from said top wall;
providing a spout screw cap, said spout screw cap connecting said neck;
providing a lid at said spout screw cap;
providing a spout;
removing said lid from said spout screw cap; and
connecting said spout to said spout screw cap for dispensing liquid from said body through said spout screw cap.
Patent History
Publication number: 20220340331
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 2, 2022
Publication Date: Oct 27, 2022
Inventors: Danny Byrd (Horn Lake, MS), Nelson E. Byrd (Madison, MS), Milton David Ruiz (Little Rock, AR)
Application Number: 17/590,964
Classifications
International Classification: B65D 21/02 (20060101); B65D 47/06 (20060101); B65D 25/28 (20060101);