Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to water effect play structures for use in playgrounds, splash pads, and water parks. The play structures comprise a plurality of water tanks maintained at an elevation above a play surface. Each of the plurality of water tanks fills with water and then releases the water contained therein, splashing children in the vicinity. Each of the plurality of water tanks may be configured to release the water contained therein at different times. Further, in some embodiments, the water tanks may be enclosed, such as by being connected to a water transport system that fills the tanks internally and by having a movable cover over the opening(s) through which the water is released.

Abstract: A lid assembly configured to be coupled to a beverage container, the lid assembly including a base defining an axis, a sip ring rotatable about the axis with respect to the thread base, and an elevator assembly coupled to the sip ring. The elevator assembly includes an upper elevator and a lower elevator coupled to the upper elevator for co-rotation with the upper elevator. Rotation of the sip ring rotation of the sip ring is configured to cause the elevator assembly to translate along the axis.

Abstract: The dispenser member for dispensing fluid, the dispenser member includes a pump, a push-button configured to control dispensing of the fluid, a dispensing nozzle in the push-button, a shutter of the nozzle, and at least one magnet configured to move the shutter relative to the nozzle upon activation of the push-button. The fluid may include at least one of a care product, make-up, and toiletry.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a pouring device for a container for the dosing of liquid. The pouring device has an improved air valve system that works via cooperation between a weighted magnetic component and a metal ball in order to control opening and closing of the air valve inlet.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for providing fluid communications are described. In an example, a vial access cap includes a connector having an opening for providing access to a fluid pathway; a canella extending into an interior of a vial, the canella having a fluid lumen operatively coupled to the fluid pathway and a gas lumen; and a gravity-assisted valve comprising a valve body defining an elongated valve cavity, a first port, a second port operatively coupled to the gas lumen, and a valve member movable between a sealable end of the elongated valve cavity proximal to the first port and a non-sealable end of the elongated valve cavity proximal to the second port. In other examples, a syringe including a gravity-assisted valve and a system including gravity-assisted valves are described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a pouring device for a container for the dosing of liquid. The pouring device has an improved air valve system that works via cooperation between a weighted magnetic component and a metal ball in order to control opening and closing of the air valve inlet.

Abstract: A beverage pourer/saver having a unique ball stopper mechanism is provided. A ball stopper lifting mechanism is incorporated into the spout of the pourer and is configured so as to allow a ball stopper to operate to both seal the container when not in used, and provide a smooth pouring action during use. The ball stopper lifting mechanism lifts the ball stopper during a pouring action such that the poured liquid can pass under the ball stopper, while simultaneously allowing air to pass over the ball stopper.

Abstract: Tilting Bowl Toilet comprises a frame, a toilet basin, and a tilting bowl. The tilting bowl is supported below the toilet basin to receive and hold water/waste delivered from the toilet basin. The tilting bowl tilts to discharge its content to drainage. The tilting bowl at standby is sustained to stay in a horizontal position by a sustaining turning moment about its support axis. When water is added, the turning moment produced by the tilting bowl with its content becomes larger than the sustaining turning moment, and the tilting bowl moves to a tilted position to discharge its content. As the tilting bowl tilts, the sustaining turning moment is simultaneously reduced to accelerate bowl tilting for efficient discharge of waste to sewage.

Abstract: A tap for dispensing flowable materials. The tap includes a body and a plunger positioned within a channel in the body. The plunger is movable between first, second, and third positions. The plunger and the body form a first seal when the plunger is in the first position, and a second seal when the plunger is in the second position. Flowable material may pass through the channel when the plunger is the third position. The tap also includes a connector to sealingly engage the body with a flowable material source and establish fluid communication between the flowable material source and the channel.

Abstract: A beverage pourer/saver having a unique ball stopper mechanism is provided. A ball stopper lifting mechanism is incorporated into the spout of the pourer and is configured so as to allow a ball stopper to operate to both seal the container when not in used, and provide a smooth pouring action during use. The ball stopper lifting mechanism lifts the ball stopper during a pouring action such that the poured liquid can pass under the ball stopper, while simultaneously allowing air to pass over the ball stopper.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a pouring device for a container for the dosing of liquid. The pouring device has an improved air valve system that works via cooperation between a weighted magnetic component and a metal ball in order to control opening and closing of the air valve inlet.

Abstract: A wine pouring spout that aerates the wine pouring therethrough comprises a generally tubular construction with a flow path extending along the axis of the spout. The flow path is provided with a Venturi constriction, and a Venturi intake port delivers ambient air to the low pressure zone of the constriction, as is generally known in the prior art. A closure member is pivotally joined to the spout, with a distal end that rotates to seal the spout outlet, and rotates open as the spout is tipped to a pouring position. A filter is removably secured in the proximal end of the bore in the spout to remove sediment from the wine.

Abstract: Liquid dispenser for dispensing a carbonated liquid from a container, the liquid dispenser including a compartment, a container sealing region, a compartment sealing region, and a valve, the compartment extending upwardly from a neck portion of the container, the neck portion and the compartment defining an opening to the atmosphere between the compartment and the neck portion, the container sealing region being located between the neck portion and the opening, the compartment sealing region being located between the compartment and the opening, the valve being movable within the compartment, from a closed position pressed toward the neck portion, to an open position away from the neck portion, the valve including a first surface facing the compartment, a second surface facing the opening, a first valve sealing region, a second valve sealing region, and a channel extending from the neck portion to the compartment, the first valve sealing region matching the container sealing region, for preventing passage of

Abstract: A pour spout including a liquid metering orifice and a reciprocating control valve assembly mounted to prevent “blocked”, “short shot” and “free pour” conditions. The control valve assembly controls a pressure differential to restrain and release a primary flow valve piece. Weight pieces are included at alternative shutter-acting control valve pieces. Other electromechanical and/or electromagnetic and/or permanent magnet control valve assemblies are disclosed. A molded pour spout is also provided having a check ball mounted for reciprocating movement between a plurality of integral ribs that project into a longitudinal flow path. An improved vent assembly is also provided to maintain the pour accuracy with progressively decreasing liquid volume.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for containing and dispensing a liquid or pourable solid product. The dispenser includes a shell having a bottom and a continuous side wall, which together define a hollow cavity. A lid assembly covers the rigid shell and includes a central opening. A flexible pouch is arranged for locating within the hollow cavity and for containing the product to be dispensed. The flexible pouch includes a pouring spout having an outlet opening. The pouring spout is arranged for extending through the lid assembly opening when the flexible pouch is situated within the hollow cavity. The lid assembly additionally includes a set of clamping members positioned to surround the pouring spout. The clamping members are responsive to actuation and arranged to move from a retracted position to a clamping position to prevent movement of the pouring spout when situated within the opening.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser valve for assembling on a fluid reservoir, the valve including a valve body containing a metering chamber, and a valve member that is slidable in leaktight manner in the valve body between a rest position and an actuated position, the valve body containing an inlet passage enabling the metering chamber to be filled with fluid, the valve body including a closure element that co-operates with the inlet passage, the closure element being movable between an open position in which the inlet passage is open, and a closed position in which the inlet passage is closed at least in part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser for laundry additives comprising a base and a reservoir separated by an insert. The present invention further relates to a method of dispensing a laundry additive in an automatic washing machine comprising mounting a dispenser having a base and a reservoir within the automatic washing machine; adding the laundry additive to the reservoir; positioning an insert to seal the laundry additive within the reservoir; actuating the insert with centrifugal force in order to open the reservoir; releasing the laundry additive from the reservoir onto the base; and dispersing the laundry additive from the base within the automatic washing machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing liquids and/or mixtures of liquids without contamination of starting liquids during the pouring operation, the apparatus comprising a mixing reservoir comprising a drain-back baffle.

Abstract: A three part container system. The first part is an outer rigid container formed with a mouth defining an opening into the outer container. The second part is an inner container positioned within the outer container, the inner container formed with a mouth defining an opening into the inner container, the mouth of the inner container being positioned in and sealed to or adjacent to the mouth of the outer container, at least a portion of the inner container being collapsible so that the inner container can be filled with a liquid. The third part is a turret fitted directly or indirectly by way of the outer container to the mouth of the inner container. The turret contains a one way valve so that if the inner container contains a liquid and the collapsible portion of the inner container is held above the turret, the fluid in the inner container will flow through the one way valve and out of the mouth of the turret as the inner container collapses within the outer container.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for containing and dispensing a liquid or pourable solid product. The dispenser includes a shell having a bottom and a continuous side wall, which together define a hollow cavity. A lid assembly covers the rigid shell and includes a central opening. A flexible pouch is arranged for locating within the hollow cavity and for containing the product to be dispensed. The flexible pouch includes a pouring spout having an outlet opening. The pouring spout is arranged for extending through the lid assembly opening when the flexible pouch is situated within the hollow cavity. The lid assembly additionally includes a set of clamping members positioned to surround the pouring spout. The clamping members are responsive to actuation and arranged to move from a retracted position to a clamping position to prevent movement of the pouring spout when situated within the opening.

Abstract: A bulk bag unloading system generally consisting of a support means; a hopper mounted on the support means; filtering means mounted on the support means at a level above the hopper; means intercommunicating the interior of the hopper and an inlet of the filtering means; a means for suspending the bulk bag on the support means wherein a spout of the bulk bag communicates with an inlet of the hopper.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dispenser cap that can be placed on a variety of containers holding either dry or liquid products with the capability of either screening the products through a perforated disk or filtering the products through a variety of paper or fabric materials. The filtering materials may be impregnated with substances to enhance liquids when dispensed through the cap. When the dispenser cap is in the vertical position, a central plug seals the container and when the container is tilted or inverted, the product will flow freely.

Abstract: A three part container system. The first part is an outer rigid container formed with a mouth defining an opening into the outer container. The second part is an inner container positioned within the outer container, the inner container formed with a mouth defining an opening into the inner container, the mouth of the inner container being positioned in and sealed to or adjacent to the mouth of the outer container, at least a portion of the inner container being collapsible so that the inner container can be filled with a liquid. The third part is a turret fitted directly or indirectly by way of the outer container to the mouth of the inner container. The turret contains a one way valve so that if the inner container contains a liquid and the collapsible portion of the inner container is held above the turret, the fluid in the inner container will flow through the one way valve and out of the mouth of the turret as the inner container collapses within the outer container.

Abstract: In the field of combination dispensers emitting condiments from the bottom of the containers operating automatically without moving parts, the use of rounded, half-rounded and steepled and half-rounded and obtunded components to shield and block the interior condiment outlet passages when shaking for the other condiment and funnel-shaped closures for scooping up errant, improperly emitted condiments.

Abstract: A three part container system. The first part is an outer rigid container formed with a mouth defining an opening into the outer container. The second part is an inner container positioned within the outer container, the inner container formed with a mouth defining an opening into the inner container, the mouth of the inner container being positioned in and sealed to or adjacent to the mouth of the outer container, at least a portion of the inner container being collapsible so that the inner container can be filled with a liquid. The third part is a turret fitted directly or indirectly by way of the outer container to the mouth of the inner container.

Abstract: A liquid pourer assembly having three main components: an upper cap, a valve ball, and a lower valve seat sleeve. The ball is capable of freely moving within a chamber within the sleeve when liquid is being delivered, but seals the liquid in the container when in the upright position. Very narrow drain channels allow liquid to pass back into the container but precludes contaminants from entering the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting fluid. The apparatus includes a hollow body having a neck defining a first aperture extending into the body. A spout insert is configured to fit inside the neck. A handle is coupled to the container. A cover is configured to close the aperture. In another embodiment the handle and cover are integrally formed as a single piece. Another embodiment provides the handle, the cover and the spout are integrally formed as a single piece. In another embodiment, the cover includes an auxiliary lid to cover a second aperture extending into the body.

Abstract: A three part container system. The first part is an outer rigid container formed with a mouth defining an opening into the outer container. The second part is an inner container positioned within the outer container, the inner container formed with a mouth defining an opening into the inner container, the mouth of the inner container being positioned in and sealed to or adjacent to the mouth of the outer container, at least a portion of the inner container being collapsible so that the inner container can be filled with a liquid. The third part is a turret fitted directly or indirectly by way of the outer container to the mouth of the inner container.

Abstract: The present invention is a narrow neck dosage device for dispensing a predetermined quantity of product. An insert is installed in a narrow neck of a container with a bottom disk protruding into the body of the container and a top device within the neck of the container. The bottom disk initially hangs within the container body, while the top device rests on a divider that separates the neck from the container body. The top device can be upward angled blades, angled blades or a circular disc. A shaft connects the top devices and the bottom disk. The shaft also can have multiple configurations, such as spiral, flat helix, or random kinks. The shaft spins, rocks or oscillates and passes through a hole in the center of the divider. The divider has pre-sized holes that allow product to pass through. When the container is tipped into a dispensing position, fluid pressure moves the insert up the neck of the container until the bottom disk reaches the divider and seals the neck off from the body of the container.

Abstract: A tea kettle includes kettle body and a lid that covers a fill opening in the body. The lid includes a knob within which a whistle is positioned. A spout is attached to the kettle body and has a passageway. A ball seat is positioned within the passageway as is a strainer. A ball is positioned between the ball seat and the strainer so as to close an opening in the ball seat, and thus the spout passage, when the kettle is positioned on a level surface. The ball rolls out of the ball seat to permit pouring when the kettle is tilted and is prevented from rolling out of the spout by the strainer. The kettle body has a top portion constructed of stainless steel and a bottom portion constructed of steel coated with enamel.

Abstract: A container is provided. The container has a cover that remains thermally, sealingly engaged with the container during the filling and dispensing of the container, and has filling and dispensing channels that are thermally sealed when not in use.

Abstract: A rinse water additive dispenser having an upper housing having a opening and a lower housing releasably connected to the upper housing, the lower housing walls defining an internal chamber for containing a rinse water laundry additive. The dispenser further comprises a valve assembly having a valve for sealing the opening in the upper housing, the valve movable between closed and open positions and being biased towards an open position. In addition, the dispenser includes a weight assembly having a counterweight that is actuated by centrifugal force, and which prior to actuation, prevents the valve from biasing to an open position.

Abstract: A rinse water additive dispenser for use in an automatic washing machine is disclosed. The dispenser includes a top, a valve assembly and a base releasably connected to the top. The valve assembly is retained within a valve housing located in the top and is able to move within the housing. The valve assembly includes a resilient disk valve and counterweight that are interconnected by a valve post. The resilient valve is located, enclosed, or compressed between the top and base portions when the top and base are connected. The top and base can be connected with threads, tongue and groove structures etc. When subjected to the centrifugal force of a spin cycle, the movement of the counterweight within the device causes the resilient disk to unseat from between the top and base allowing fluid communication between the dispenser and the tub of the washing machine. Optionally, the dispenser can have an elliptical cross section to promote proper orientation of the dispenser during the spin and rinse cycles.

Abstract: A bag-in-box container includes a faucet for dispensing liquid from the container upon tipping or other movement of the container. The faucet includes a body defining a bore. A valve seat and valve member are located in the bore. The valve member includes a resilient seal portion normally resiliently biased into sealing engagement with the valve seat to inhibit air flow into the bag of the container. The resilient seal portion is selectively deflectable away from the valve seat under fluid pressure to allow flow of liquid from the inlet of the bore to the outlet of the bore when said box is moved to a position where liquid in the bag exerts pressure on the seal portion.

Abstract: A dispenser for laundry products, particularly for fabric softener products to be used in the dryer. The dispenser comprises a hollow ball having a plurality of product dispensing openings and a further product ingress opening for placing product in the ball. A measuring cup to hold product is accessed from the product ingress opening. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the measuring cup includes only a single opening in its side wall for releasing product from the cup and into the hollow sphere. One or more closures are associated with the dispenser. After travelling through the small hole in the cup, the product is dispensed to the exterior of the hollow ball through the product dispensing openings and thus onto product. The hollow ball is preferably a manually squeezable plastic such as polyurethane. In another embodiment, the cup includes more than the single hole in the cup walls.

Abstract: A coffee server for serving brewed coffee is insulated with a partial vacuum pulled in a void (36) between the walls of an outer vessel (20) and an inner vessel (32). The outer and inner vessels are fabricated of metal and have a top narrow neck opening (22) and (34) that are attached together with a hermetic seal (42). The partial vacuum is for minimizing heat loss conducted through the combined vessels permitting coffee placed inside to retain its useable heat content for at least six hours without additional heat being added. A pour spout neck (44) is fitted to the vessel necks and provides a liquid flow path when the server is tilted to pour coffee that is stored inside. An offset brew though stopper (52) including a hinged cover (58), is removably attached to the pour spout neck with the cover pivoted to permit coffee from a brewer to enter the server through an offset portion of the stopper during the filling process.

Abstract: An insert is positioned in an opening in a fluid container and between a closure member and the fluid container. The insert generally includes a funnel and an obstructive member disposed therewithin. The insert inhibits evaporative emissions from the fluid container by seating against a conical body portion of the funnel when the fluid container is in an upright or storage position. When the fluid container is in a tilted or use position, the obstructive member locates to an outlet end of the funnel to create a passage from an inlet end of the funnel to the outlet end.

Abstract: An insert is positioned in an opening in a fluid container and between a closure member and the fluid container. The insert generally includes a funnel and an obstructive member disposed therewithin. The insert inhibits evaporative emissions from the fluid container by seating against a conical body portion of the funnel when the fluid container is in an upright or storage position. When the fluid container is in a tilted or use position, the obstructive member locates to an outlet end of the funnel to create a passage from an inlet end of the funnel to the outlet end.

Abstract: An in-bore non-refilling device for a bottle of fine spirits has a valve member 16 in the form of a regular dumbbell, with conical ends 62 arranged back-to-back and joined by a central shaft 63 at their apices. The housing 12 of the device has its bottom end closed by an annular bucket 14 which is snap-engaged into position, and each of the conical ends of the valve member has a toroidal free edge which is capable of making sealing engagement with a complementary surface 22 formed around the bucket aperture.

Abstract: A coffee pot heating unit is provided with a base, a heating area associated with the base and having a size sufficient to accommodate a bottom portion of a coffee container, and a heating apparatus associated with the heating area to heat the heating area. The heating apparatus may include a heating element, and the heating apparatus may have an electrical resistance such that the heating apparatus generates no greater than about 80 watts of electrical power when the heating apparatus is connected to a 120-volt electrical power source. The heating apparatus generates a substantially fixed and constant electrical power output that does not change substantially while the heating apparatus is connected to the 120-volt power source.

Abstract: A vehicle air-freshener includes a holder base for mounting inside a motor vehicle, a container body mounted on the holder base and holding a perfume, the container body having a recessed top side wall, and a top center through hole formed through the lowest area of the recessed top side wall for enabling the smell of the perfume to escape out of the container body into the air, a control ball moved in the recessed top side wall of the container body to close/open the top center through hole, and a perforated cap covered on the container body to hold the control ball in the recessed top side wall of the container body.

Abstract: A self-sealing coffee pot is provided with a coffee container for holding liquid coffee, a pouring spout associated with the coffee container, a cover associated with the coffee container and having an opening disposed therein, a pivot member mounted to the cover and being disposed adjacent the opening, and a support mechanism that pivotably supports the pivot member. The support mechanism supports the pivot member so that the pivot member is pivotable between a closed position in which the opening in the cover is closed by a portion of the pivot member and in which substantially no vapor may escape from the interior portion of the coffee container to the atmosphere through the opening in the cover and an open position in which the opening in the cover is open and in which liquid coffee can be poured into the coffee container from a location outside of the coffee container.

Abstract: A novel fluid container system comprises a container having a port at an upper end through which port fluid is permitted to pass for emptying the container. A restricter is provided within the container for momentarily restricting fluid flow out of the port when the container is inverted, the restricter having a construction such that a restricted fluid flow is permitted through the port for a period of time when the container is inverted, after which period of time a substantially less restricted fluid flow is permitted through the port. A retainer retains the restricter in the vicinity of the port. The retainer is disposed on an inner surface of the upper end of the container and extends inwardly from the inner surface. The retainer can include a substantially horizontal arcuate member or a circular member.

Abstract: A liquid pourer for pouring liquid from a bottle, most likely liquor, has a new sealing cork enabling much easier insertion and extraction of the pourer into and out of a bottle, a new cork and collar combination enabling similar easier insertion and extraction, and a new dump cap for portion control pouring wherein a new assembly and sealing method and structure is provided, and numerous new improvements making the pourer provide higher quality pouring.

Abstract: A pouring spout for an opening in a container includes a pouring spout housing with at least one opening and a hollow cylinder member which is displaceable in an axial direction relative to the pouring spout housing between a closing position in which the cylinder member closes the opening in the pouring spout housing and a pouring position in which the opening is left clear.

Abstract: The fill-thru lid of the present invention threadedly engages the opening of a thermally insulated beverage server, such as a coffee pot. The opening provides a mouth for filling or emptying a liquid storage area in the beverage server. The upper surface of the lid provides a funnel opening for adding fluids to the storage area of the beverage server. The funnel opening accesses an interior chamber with a floating ball that rises to permit flow into the storage area for the fluid entering the funnel opening. When pouring from the storage area of the beverage server, the floating ball rises to block access to the passage to the funnel opening, forcing the fluid through an alternate passage leading to the integral spout opening. Further, a vent is provided that also accesses the inner chamber of the lid, resulting in the venting of air through the spout opening when fluids are being added to the storage area through the funnel opening.

Abstract: A dump valve apparatus is configured to inflate and deflate an air cushion on a bed having an articulating deck movable from a first generally horizontal position to a second angled position. The dump valve apparatus is coupled to the deck and includes an elongated housing having an interior region. The housing has first and second open ends and a central opening located between the first and second open ends. The central opening is coupled to the air cushion. The first end of the housing is coupled to an air supply. A piston is slidable within the interior region of the housing of the housing as the deck moves to its angled position to permit air to pass from the air bladder, through the central opening, and through the open second end of the housing to deflate the air bladder.

Abstract: A dispenser or applicator for dry insecticide includes a container having a removable cover; the cover is attached to a lower end of an elongate handle having a hand grip at its top A partition inside the container is the floor of the insecticide container, with a skirt extending below the partition; insecticide is dispensed through apertures in the container floor. These apertures are normally closed by a spring-biased stopper disk having tapered fingers which protrude through the apertures; the stopper disk is moved to an open position by inertia when the container is struck against the ground, unblocking the apertures and allowing a measure of insecticide to escape before the stopper disk rebounds to its closed position. Walls of the so container housing extend below the apertures to form a skirt which prevents scattering or dispersal of the powder.

Abstract: An improved rinse water additive dispenser for an automatic washer has a substantially rigid body having a resilient portion and an internal volume. The dispenser further includes an opening therein and a valve for sealing the opening closed so that the rinse water additive is maintained within the dispenser until the valve is acted upon by centrifugal force applied to the dispenser during a spin cycle of the automatic washer to unseat the valve. The resilient portion provides for volumetric expansion and contraction of the dispenser when the dispenser is placed in variable temperature water. The volumetric expansion and contraction substantially relieves an air pressure differential between ambient and the internal volume so that the centrifugal force unseats the valve without interference from the pressure differential. The opening may be in the resilient portion or in the substantially rigid body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for closing and/or opening a hopper or container (5) with a bottom outlet. A flap (7) fastened to at least one lever mechanism (2) is urged toward a closed position by means of a counterweight (6) mounted on the opposite end of the lever mechanism (2). At least one driving element (9) operatively connected to the shaft (8) supporting the lever mechanism (2), via a partial free wheel mechanism composed of a pair of conditional forcible drive members (3, 4) mounted on the shaft, promotes the closing of the flap (7) when the force of gravity acting on the counterweight does not bring the flap to the fully closed position.