US20140332568A1

US20140332568A1 - Vented Pour Spout

Info

Publication number: US20140332568A1
Application number: US14/272,242
Authority: US
Inventors: Jon Stratton
Original assignee: Container Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: Container Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2013-05-07
Filing date: 2014-05-07
Publication date: 2014-11-13

Abstract

A pour spout has an elongate body with a primary flow channel and a secondary flow channel, a dispensing orifice at one end of the pour spout, and an attachment end at an opposite end of the pour spout. An air vent is positioned nearer the attachment end and has an air inlet into the elongate tubular body and in fluid communication with the secondary flow channel. The air vent allows air to flow from the inlet opening into the secondary flow channel and toward the attachment end during pouring of liquid from the dispensing end of the pour spout.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/820,475 filed May 7, 2013 and entitled “Vented Pour Spout.” The entire content of this prior filed provisional application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure is generally directed to pour spouts for liquid containers, and more particularly to a vented spout that allows pouring liquid from such a container while allowing air back into the container to replace the lost liquid.
2. Description of Related Art
Pour spouts that vent, i.e., venting spouts, and containers with vents, i.e., vented containers are known in the art. A typical refillable liquid container of the type that stores liquid and dispenses the liquid from a pour spout has a vent feature or venting capability of some type. The vent is provided to allow air to enter the container as liquid is dispensed to replace the lost liquid and equalize pressure in the container. This allows the liquid to keep flowing from the container during pouring.
In some instances, the vent is provided on the container itself. Such a vent is typically spaced from the dispensing orifice as well as the spout connected to the orifice. The vent on these types of containers typically has its own plug. The plug typically must be manually opened before pouring and then manually closed when done so that liquid doesn't evaporate from the container during storage. The spout also typically must be removed and/or reconfigured when not being used. Also, the dispensing orifice must be capped separately from the vent in order to seal the container for storage. If the container is tipped too much during pouring or if the liquid is poured out too quickly, liquid sometimes can leak from the vent.
On some containers or products of this type, the spout may have a venting feature or vent capability. Some solutions have provided a vent that extends directly through the side of the spout. These types of vents typically leak liquid during the initial pour, at least until air begins to flow back into the container to fill the lost fluid space. Some solutions have provided a vent that extends along the length of the spout. These types of vents typically take a long time to begin allowing air to reenter the container. This is because the air back flow through the vent passage must first overcome a long column of liquid exiting the vent passage or channel before reaching the container interior. Also, these types of pour spouts typically have a separate air channel and liquid channel along a majority of the spout length. However, the separate channels typically share a single mouth or air and liquid passage at the dispensing end of the spout. This can reduce the flow rate of liquid discharged from the spout and can create a significant “glug” effect where air back flow periodically interrupts the liquid flow exiting the dispensing end of the spout.
Other solutions are found on anti-spill pour spouts and other more elaborate systems. Some employ a mechanical shut-off system or valve, which can be costly to manufacture, are likely to be expensive to purchase, and can fail or malfunction during use. Other solutions use a vent that must have a pressure or vacuum differential to open the vent, such as a “duck bill” style valve. A delay typically occurs before the valve opens. Also, the duck bill valve part reduces air flow rate through the valve. In containers of relatively heavy wall thickness, the walls do not collapse, which would otherwise aid liquid flow until the valve opens. Also, the size of the valve can limit the flow rate of air back into the bottle so that the valve cannot keep up with liquid exiting the container.

SUMMARY

In one example according to the teachings of the present disclosure, a pour spout includes an elongate tubular body having a primary flow channel and a secondary flow channel of a smaller cross-sectional area than the primary flow channel. A dispensing orifice is provided at a dispensing end of the pour spout. An attachment end is provided at an opposite end of the pour spout. An air vent is positioned nearer the attachment end and has an inlet opening into the elongate tubular body and an air flow path in fluid communication with the secondary flow channel. The air flow path allows air to flow from the inlet opening into the secondary flow channel and toward the attachment end during pouring of liquid from the dispensing end of the pour spout.
In one example, the inlet opening can face radially outward from the elongate body.
In one example, the inlet opening can face axially toward the dispending end.
In one example, the inlet opening can face the dispending end and can be spaced radially from the secondary flow channel.
In one example, the inlet opening can be provided on an inlet tube of the air vent. The inlet tube can be spaced radially from the secondary flow channel and can face the dispensing end of the pour spout.
In one example, the air flow path is a circuitous path.
In one example, the inlet opening can be provided on an inlet tube of the air vent. The inlet tube can be spaced radially from the secondary flow channel and can face the dispensing end of the pour spout. The air flow path can be a circuitous path.
In one example, the air vent can include a vent tube with a portion received in the secondary flow channel.
In one example, the air vent can further include an inlet tube spaced radially from the secondary flow channel and defining an air channel. A bypass passage can be adjacent the secondary flow channel and can be in fluid communication with the air channel. An air return outlet can be fluid communication with the bypass channel and the secondary flow channel.
In one example, the inlet opening can be on an end of an inlet tube. An air return outlet can provide fluid communication between the secondary flow channel a bypass passage. The bypass passage can be in fluid communication with an end of the inlet tube opposite the inlet opening. The inlet opening can be positionally staggered relative to the air return outlet and can be closer to the dispending end of the pour spout than the air return outlet.
In one example, the air vent can include two bypass passages on opposite sides of a portion of the elongate tubular body. The bypass passages can be in fluid communication the secondary flow channel and with the inlet opening.
In one example, the air vent can include a vent tube having an exposed portion extending beyond and away from the attachment end of the pour spout and a blocking portion within the secondary flow channel.
In one example, the air vent can include a vent tube having a blocking portion within the secondary channel. The blocking portion can cover open sides of bypass passages that face the secondary flow channel while not covering air return outlets of the bypass passages.
In one example, the air vent can have a check valve with a valve chamber aligned in flow communication with the air flow path and a valve body within the valve chamber. The check valve can close off the air flow path in an upright orientation with the dispensing end generally elevated above the attachment end.
In one example, at least portions of the air vent and the elongate body can be integrally molded as a one piece structure.
In one example, the pour spout can include a vent tube partially inserted into the secondary flow channel and having an exposed portion protruding beyond and away from the attachment end.
In one example, the elongate tubular body can have a first tube section and a second tube section arranged side-by-side adjacent one another. The first tube section can define the primary flow channel and the second tube section can define the secondary flow channel.
In one example, the pour spout can include a nozzle segment at a distal end of elongate tubular body. The nozzle segment can define an outlet channel in flow communication with the primary flow channel and can define the dispensing orifice.
In one example, the primary flow channel can transition gradually within a transition region of the elongate tubular body from a non-round cross-section shape into a cylindrical shape of an outlet channel of a nozzle segment at the distal end of the body.
In one example, the secondary flow channel can merge with the primary flow channel and an outlet channel of a nozzle segment at least within or downstream of a transition region between the primary flow channel and the outlet channel.
In one example, an outlet channel of a nozzle segment at the distal end of the elongate tubular body can have a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the primary flow channel.
In one example, the secondary flow channel can have a cylindrical cross-sectional shape and the primary flow channel can have a non-round shape. The primary flow channel can have a cross-sectional area that is greater than a cross-sectional area of the secondary flow channel.
In one example, the air flow path can flow first toward the dispensing end of the pour spout and then via the secondary flow channel toward the attachment end of the pour spout during pouring of liquid from the dispensing end of the pour spout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of a vented pour spout constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure and connected to a liquid container in an upright orientation.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the vented pour spout and liquid container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the vented pour spout and liquid container of FIG. 1 inverted to a pouring or dispensing orientation.

FIG. 4 shows a close up perspective view of the vented pour spout shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 shows a top plan view of the vented pour spout of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a proximal or attachment end view of the vented pour spout of FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section taken along line 7-7 of the vented pour spout of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a close up cross-section view taken from circle 8-8 of a portion of the distal or dispensing end of the vented pour spout of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a close up cross-section view taken from line 9-9 of the air vent portion of the vented pour spout of FIG. 4 and from circle 9-9 of the air vent portion of the vented pour spout of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective cross-section view of the proximal or attachment end of the vented pour spout of FIG. 9, including the air vent portion but with a tube of the air vent portion removed for clarity.

FIG. 11 shows a cross section taken along line 11-11 of the air vent portion of the vented pour spout of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 shows a close up cross-section view taken from circle 12-12 of a portion of the liquid container and vented pour spout of FIG. 3 and immediately after fluid begins to flow from the container through the vented pour spout.

FIG. 13 shows the portions of the liquid container and vented pour spout of FIG. 12 but after air has begun to flow back through the air vent portion into the liquid container interior.

FIG. 14 shows a top view of another example of a vented pour spout constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a side view of the vented pour spout of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 shows a close up cross-section view of a portion of a liquid container and an air vent portion of the vented pour spout of FIGS. 14 and 15 after air has begun to flow back through the air vent into the liquid container interior.

FIG. 17 shows of a perspective view of another example of an air vent portion of a vented pour spout constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and with the vented pour spout in the orientation depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 18 shows a close up cross-section view of the air vent portion taken along line 18-18 of the vented pour spout of FIG. 17 and with a check valve in a closed position.

FIG. 19 shows the air vent portion of FIG. 18 but with the vented pour spout in the pouring or dispensing orientation depicted in FIGS. 3 and 12 and with the check valve in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosed vented pour spout (hereinafter the “pour spout”) embodiments and features are designed to solve or improve upon one or more of the above-noted and/or other problems and disadvantages with prior known venting containers and/or vented pour spouts. In one example, a pour spout is disclosed that has a primary liquid flow channel and a secondary channel that join near a common dispensing orifice at a dispensing or distal end of the pour spout. The secondary channel has an air vent portion (hereinafter the “air vent”) near a proximal or attachment end of the pour spout to admit air back into the interior of the container while pouring liquid from the container. In one example, liquid initially flows from the container to the dispensing orifice through the secondary channel until air flows back through the air vent and a relatively short length of the secondary channel to the container interior. In one example, the air vent is arranged as part of and/or on part of the secondary channel. In one example, the air vent defines a circuitous air flow path and prevents liquid leaking from the air vent while initially pouring liquid from the container and until air flows back through the air vent into the container interior. In one example, the air vent is positioned so that air flows upstream through a portion of the vent, then downstream through another portion of the vent, and then back upstream through a portion of the secondary channel and into the container interior. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed pour spouts will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure.
Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a representation of a conventional or generic liquid container 20. The container generally has a bottom 22, a side wall 24 extending up from a perimeter of the bottom 22, and a top wall 26 joined to the upper end of the side wall. The container 20 also has a handle 28 on the top wall 26 for carrying the container and to help with holding the container while emptying the container. The container 20 ha an interior space 30 (see FIG. 3) defined above the bottom 22, within the side wall 24, and below the top wall 26. The interior space 30 typically holds a volume of liquid. The space 30 can be filled and emptied through an opening 32 in the top wall 26 of the container 20. The opening 32 can be surrounded by a threaded collar as is known in the art for receiving a pour spout, closure cap, or the like.
FIGS. 1-3 show one example of a pour spout 40 that is constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The pour spout 40 is attached to the opening 30 of the container 20. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 20 and pour spout 40 are in an upright orientation, such as when the container is being transported, stored, and/or not being emptied. In this orientation, the bottom wall 22 of the container 20 rests on a surface and the pour spout 40 extends upward from the opening 32 above the top wall 28. In FIG. 3, the container 20 and pour spout 40 are shown as being tipped to a pouring or dispensing orientation. In this orientation, the container can be at least somewhat tipped, as shown, or can even nearly completely inverted so that liquid L will be dispensed from the pour spout 40. In order to completely empty the interior space 30, the bottom wall 22 is typically elevated at least part way above the top wall 26 with the opening 32 near the lowest elevation of the container. This allows gravity to draw liquid down toward the opening 32.
As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the shape, configuration, and construction of the container 20 can be varied from the example shown and described herein. The container 20 is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure or the appended claims. Details of the container 20 can be altered significantly without affecting the disclosed pour spout. The container 20 can be plastic, metal, or another material. The container shape can be rectangular as shown or can be round or another suitable shape. The size and storage volume of the interior space 30 can be virtually any desired or suitable size as well.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show close up, more detailed views of the pour spout 40. The pour spout 40 in this example generally has a tubular body 42 that defines two ends of the pour spout. One end of the pour spout 40 is an attachment end or proximal end 44 that is configured to connect or attach to the container opening 32. In this example, the attachment end 44 has a female connector 46 with a radial extending flange 48 and an annular skirt 50 extending axially from the perimeter of the flange. One or more internal or female screw threads (not shown) can be formed on the interior surface of the skirt 50. The female threads can mate with and engage male threads (also not shown) on a collar 52 (see FIG. 3) of the opening 32. The female connector 46 of the pour spout 40 can thus be screwed onto the male collar 52 and attached to the container 20 at the opening 32. The attachment end construction can vary and can be configured to accommodate a variety of dispensing opening configurations found on liquid containers.
The other end of the pour spout 40 is a dispensing end or distal end 60 that is opposite the attachment end 44 on the tubular body 42. The dispensing end 60 of the pour spout 40 forms a dispensing orifice 62 that opens into the interior of the tubular body 42. The tubular body 42 in this example is constructed to form two separate fluid flow paths along a majority of the length of the pour spout 40. In the disclosed example, the tubular body 42 has two distinct tube elements or tube sections 64 and 66. A first one of the tube sections 64 has an outer wall 68 that defines a primary flow channel 70 through the tube section along its length. A second one of the tube sections 66 has an outer wall 72 that defines a secondary flow channel 74 along its length.
In this example, the tubular body 42 has a joint 76 that connects or joins the first and second tube sections 64, 66 to one another over a length of the tube sections. In the disclosed example, the joint 76 is a thin film of material that is formed integrally with both tube sections 64, 66 to connect the two sections together. In one alternate example, the joint 76 can take on other forms, such as a plurality of smaller spaced apart webs connected to both tube sections. In another alternate example, the first and second tube sections 64, 66 may be connected to one another only at or near the two opposed ends of the tubular body. In this example, the first and second tube sections 64, 66 are arranged side by side adjacent one another. In another alternate example, the second tube section 66 may be positioned internal to and extend along the primary flow channel within the first tube section 64.
The outer wall 68 of the first tube section 64 is at least partially corrugated or fluted, as is the outer wall 72 of the of the second tube section 66. The flutes or corrugations are circumferential so as to add flexibility to each of the tube sections 64, 66, and thus to the tubular body 42. In this example, a central portion 78, 80 of the respective outer walls 68, 72 are not fluted or corrugated. The optional combination of fluted portions and non-fluted portions can add a desired or predetermined amount of stiffness or rigidity and/or flexibility to the tubular body 42, as needed or desired for a particular application. In this example, providing the tubular body 42 with a degree of intended flexibility can allow the pour spout 40 to bend during use. This allows the pour spout 40 to be more easily directed into a receiving vessel with less precision and without having to tip the container as much as if the spout were straight and stiff.
Further, the cross-sectional shape of the first and second tube sections 64, 66, and thus the primary and secondary flow channels 70, 74 can vary. In this example, the secondary flow channel 74 is essentially round or circular and the primary flow channel 70 is somewhat half-moon shaped, as can be seen in FIG. 6. The cross-sectional area of the primary flow channel is greater than that of the secondary flow channel, as the primary flow channel is the liquid dispensing channel, as will be described below. However, the relative size difference between the primary and secondary flow channels 70, 74 can also vary from the example shown and described herein. The outer wall construction of the tubular body 42, including the first and second tube sections 64, 66 can thus vary within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure and the appended claims are not limited to the specific examples shown and described herein.
With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the proximal ends of the primary and secondary flow channels 70, 74 of the respective first and second tube sections 64, 66 each terminate and open into the radial flange 48 of the female connector. Thus, each is open to and in fluid communication with the interior space 30 of the container 20 when the pour spout 40 is attached to the collar 52 of the opening 32. The primary and secondary flow channels 70, 74 are each offset from one another and from the center of the radial flange in this example because the two tube sections 64, 66 are side-by-side adjacent one another and not concentric with one another. However, at least the primary flow channel 70 may be aligned with the center of the radial flange, if desired.
With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the distal ends of the primary and secondary flow channels 70, 74 each terminate short of the dispensing orifice 62 at the dispending end 60 of the pour spout. Instead, the tubular body 42 has an nozzle segment 82 that defines an outlet channel 84 on the dispensing end 60 of the pour spout 40. The terminus of the nozzle segment 82 also forms the dispensing orifice 62 at the end of the outlet channel 84. The nozzle segment 82 has a generally round or circular cross-section in this example. The first tube section 64 transitions smoothly along a transition region R into the nozzle segment 82. Thus, the outer wall 68 and primary flow channel 70 gradually transition from the somewhat half-moon or non-round shape to the circular or round shape of the nozzle segment 82 and outlet channel 84. The second tube section bends near the distal end and is directed toward the first tube section 64 and the nozzle segment 82.
In this example, the cross-sectional area of the outlet channel 84 can be at least slightly less than that of the primary flow channel 70 and the surface on the interior of the outlet channel 84 is smooth and cylindrical. The surface condition and shape can create a smooth dispensed liquid flow from the pour spout 40 during use. The step down in diameter or flow area from the primary flow channel 70 to the outlet channel 84 allows for a slight fluid pressure build up that creates a strong liquid flow at the dispensing orifice 62 of the pour spout 40 during use. As shown in FIG. 8, the secondary flow channel 74 opens into the combined primary flow channel 70 and outlet channel 84 at a point slightly downstream of the end of the primary flow channel, i.e. at least within or downstream of the transition region R. This, combined with the fluid pressure build up can aid in performance of the pour spout 40 during use, as is discussed in greater detail below.
The pour spout 40 in this example has an air vent 90, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9-11. The air vent 90 in this example is formed, at least in part, as an integral portion or component of the second tube section 66. The air vent 90 generally has an inlet tube 92 with an inlet opening 94 facing toward the distal end or dispensing end 60 of the pour spout 40 and defining an air passage 95 along its length. The air inlet tube 92 is parallel with but spaced from the second tube section 66 and carried thereon. In this example, the air inlet tube 92 is arranged relative to the second tube section 66 in a manner similar to a sighting scope on a long barreled weapon. The other end 96 of the inlet tube 92 is blocked or closed axially but opens radially inward into the secondary flow channel 74. A pair of bypass passages 98 is formed protruding outward from and along opposite sides of the outer wall 72 of the second tube section, as best illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The bypass passages are inwardly or radially open to the secondary flow channel 74, are in flow communication with the air channel 95 of the inlet tube 92, and extend back toward the dispensing end 60 of the pour spout 40. Though two bypass passages are disclosed in this example, the air vent 90 could function with only one of the passages.
As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 11, a vent tube 100 is seated concentrically in the proximal end of the secondary flow channel 74. An exposed portion 102 of the vent tube 100 extends beyond the radial flange 48 away from the female connector 46. A blocking portion 104 of the vent tube 100 extends into the secondary flow channel 74 a distance sufficient to cover a majority of the open sides of the bypass passages 98, leaving only an end portion of the passages uncovered. These end portions define air return outlets 106 of the air valve 90 and open into the secondary flow channel 74. The air vent 90 thus defines a circuitous air return or air flow path formed, in combination, by the air inlet opening 94, the air channel 95 in the inlet tube 92, the bypass passages 98, the air return outlets 106, and the vent tube 100, as is further discussed below. The vent tube 100 can be fixed in place by a suitable adhesive, sonic welding, heat welding, or the like. Alternatively, the outside diameter of the vent tube 100 can be slightly oversized and can be forced into the proximal end of the secondary flow channel 74 after molding and while the material is still hot. The vent tube 90 can be fixed in place by a material bond, by an interference fit, or both as the material of the second tube section cools and shrinks.
FIGS. 12 and 13 depict how the pour spout, and particularly the air vent 90, functions during use. As the container 20 and pour spout 40 are first tipped from the upright orientation of FIGS. 1 and 2 to a dispensing or pouring orientation, such as that in FIG. 3, liquid L will flow from the interior space 30 through the opening 32 and into the pour spout 40. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 12, liquid L will first flow into both the primary flow channel 70 and the secondary flow channel 74 of the first and second tube sections 64, 66, respectively. The circuitous flow path of the air vent 90 will prevent liquid from flowing up the bypass passages and out the air inlet tube 92 and thus prevent leaking of fluid via the air vent.
After only a very short period of time, such as 5 second or less, or even a fraction of a second, lost fluid from the container 20 will leave a void within the interior space 30. As is known, air needs to enter the interior space to fill the lost liquid void, or liquid will eventually stop flowing. The air vent 90 in this example provides the path of least resistance for air return. It would require a significant pressure differential, and thus a greater elapsed time, to overcome the head pressure created by the long column of liquid in the smaller sized second tube section 66 before air would enter the dispensing orifice 62 and return up the pour spout 40 to fill the lost liquid void. Air can instead enter the air vent 90, which is much closer to the attachment end 44 and thus the interior space 30 of the container 20. Air entering the air vent 90 need only overcome a much lower head pressure of a fraction of the length of second tube section 66, which is the liquid column between the air return outlets 106 and distal end of the exposed portion 102 of the vent tube 100.
Specifically, with reference to FIG. 13, as soon as the pressure differential reaches the head pressure of this fractional portion of the second tube section 66, air will flow into the interior space via the air vent 90. Air first enters the inlet opening 94 and flows upward (in the dispensing orientation of FIG. 13) toward the attachment end 44 along the air channel 95 of the inlet tube 92. Air then flows back toward the dispensing end 60 along the bypass passages 98, but cannot yet enter the secondary flow channel 74 because of the obstruction created by the blocking portion 104 of the vent tube 100. Air enters the secondary flow channel 74 downstream of the vent tube 100 via the air return outlets 106 and then flows back up the vent tube 100 into the interior space 30, as depicted by the bubbles 108 in FIG. 13. Once the air vent 90 provides return air in this manner to the interior space 30 of the container, liquid will only flow through the primary flow channel 70 to the dispensing orifice 62 of the pour spout. The air vent 90 functions to prevent air return through the dispensing orifice 62, which will prevent the “glug” or air gulping effect. This in turn results in smooth and continuous liquid flow from the pour spout 40. The circuitous air flow path created by the air vent 90 in this example can prevent liquid from leaking from the vent inlet opening 94 during the initial liquid flow of FIG. 12 and until the air vent begins to provide a flow of return air as in FIG. 13. The air must flow first toward the container and then away from the container before flowing back toward the container through the vent tube 100 and secondary flow channel 74.
As noted above, where the primary and secondary flow channels 70, 74 merge over the length of the pour spout 40 can provide a specific benefit. During the initial few seconds or less of a pour, dispensed liquid will flow through both flow channels 70, 74, as noted above. When sufficient vacuum is created in the container 20, liquid stops flowing through the secondary flow channel 74 and air comes in through the inlet tube 92. This air returns to the interior space 30 in the container 20. Testing has shown that at this point, liquid can back flow up the secondary channel 74 and leak from the air vent 90. Liquid will be flowing faster, and thus with lower pressure through the nozzle segment 82 and slower and at a higher pressure through the primary channel 70. Testing has also shown that at least a portion of the secondary flow channel 74 should merge into the smaller sized nozzle segment 82. According to Bernoulli's equation and effect, this lowers the pressure at the merge point, which lowers the likelihood of liquid backup along the secondary channel 74. Testing showed that the leakage through the air vent 90 occurred when the secondary channel 74 merged only into the primary channel 70, resulting from a higher pressure at the merge point. When the secondary channel 74 flows into the smaller diameter nozzle segment 82, a pressure drop occurs at the merge point, allowing fluid to flow freely and eliminating any backup in the secondary channel.
The function and performance of the air vent 90, including how quickly the air vent begins to provide return air flow after initial pouring, can be designed and tuned to a particular application and pour spout size and design. For example, the length and/or diameter or cross-sectional area of the inlet tube 92, bypass passages 98, and vent tube 100, the depth of insertion of the vent tube, as well as the size of the openings between the bypass passages 98 and inlet tube and the size of the air return outlets 106 can be varied to achieve desired air vent performance characteristics.
FIGS. 14-16 depict another example of a pour spout 120 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In this example, the pour spout 120 has an elongate tubular body 122 of a similar construction to that of the body 42 described above. The body has a first tube section 124 defining a primary flow channel 126 therein and has a second tube section 128 defining a secondary flow channel 130 therein. In this example, the entire lengths of the first and second tube sections 124, 128 between an attachment end 132 and a dispending end 134 is fluted or corrugated. This just illustrates that the structure of the tubular body 122 can change from the earlier described example within the scope of the disclosure. The dispensing end 134 can be similar in construction to the dispending end 60 discussed above. The attachment end 132 can also be similar in construction to the attachment end 44 and female connector 46 discussed above.
However, an alternate example of an air vent 136 is provided that has a simpler construction in comparison to the air vent 90 discussed above. In this example, the air vent 136 includes a vent tube 138 with an exposed portion 140 protruding beyond and extending away from the attachment end 132. The vent tube 138 also has a blocking portion 142 received within the secondary flow channel 130. The blocking portion extends completely through a cylindrical part of the secondary flow channel 130 and a short distance along a fluted or corrugated part of the second tube section 128. For example, as depicted in FIG. 16, the vent tube 138 can extend to a depth of several flutes or corrugations, such as four such flutes 144 in this example. The outside surface of the blocking portion 142 is tightly seated, bonded, adhered, or otherwise sealed against the inner surface of the cylindrical portion of the secondary flow channel 130. This will prevent air from passing along the outside of the vent tube 138 during use. There is a space or gap between the outside surface of the vent tube 138 and the inside surfaces of the fluted portion of the secondary flow channel 130 as depicted in FIG. 16.
The air vent 136 further has an inlet opening 146 formed through the wall of the second tube section 128. In this example, the inlet opening 146 is formed upstream of the end of the vent tube 136, such as through the wall between the second and third flutes 144 on the second tube section 128. During use, the air vent 136 will function in a similar manner to that described above for the air vent 90 upon achieving a threshold pressure differential within the lost liquid void in the container 20. In this example, air will begin to flow as shown in FIG. 16 by entering the inlet opening 146 and into the secondary flow channel 130. However, the air must first flow downstream between the vent tube 138 and the inside surface of the secondary flow channel 130. The air will then flow around the end of the vent tube 138 and then upstream within the vent tube to the interior space 30 of the container 20, as depicted by the bubbles 108.
The performance of the vent 136 can be tuned by again altering the length and depth of insertion of the vent tube 136, the diameter or cross-section of the vent tube, the distance between the end of the vent tube and the inlet opening, and the size of the inlet opening. Liquid leakage during the initial pour stage as represented in FIG. 12 can be prevented or minimized accordingly and depending on the particular pour spout 120 size and intended application.
In order to prevent spilling or evaporation from the container when stored or not in use, a user can plug or stop both the dispensing orifice 62 on the disclosed pour spouts and the air inlets 94 and 146 of the air vents 90 and 136. A tether cap 150 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is often provided on the dispensing end 60 or 134 of a pour spout and such a cap can be provided in the disclosed examples to plug or cap off the dispensing orifice. In one example, a similar type of plug or cap (not shown) may be provided, if desired, to plug or stop the inlet openings of the air vents.
In another example, the disclosed air vents 90, 136 could be provided with a check valve that automatically seats against a portion of the air flow path to close off the path when the pour spouts 40, 120 are oriented in the upright orientation as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The air vent 136 would have to be modified in some manner to add such a check valve feature. FIGS. 17-19 illustrate a check valve arrangement for an air vent similar to the air vent 90 of FIGS. 1-3.
With reference to FIG. 17, a portion of a pour spout 160 is depicted and has an alternate example of an air vent 162 embodied thereon. The air vent 162 has an inlet tube 164 with an inlet opening 166 and an air channel 168 defined within the tube. The air vent 162 also has a bypass passages 170 formed integrally along opposite sides of a second tube section 172 of the pour spout 160. One end of each bypass passage 170 is in fluid communication with the air channel 168. The bypass passages 170 terminate at their other ends at air return outlets 174. In this example, the air return outlets 174 wrap part way around the second tube section 172, with one wrapping above and one wrapping below the section, as shown in FIG. 18. This is to show another of many design modifications that can be made to the disclosed air vents, such as the air vent 90.
The air vent 162 also includes a vent tube 176 with an exposed portion 178 protruding beyond and away from an attachment end 180 of the pour spout 160. The vent tube 176 also has a blocking portion 182 seated within the secondary flow channel 184 of the second tube section 172. The blocking portion 180 again extends along and covers the open sides of a majority of the length of the bypass passages 170, leaving the air return outlets 174 uncovered. As depicted in FIG. 19, the function of and the flow path through the air vent 138 is essentially the same as that described above with respect to the air vent 90 and as depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13, though the path along the bypass passages is not illustrated in FIG. 19.
The air vent 138 in this example has a check valve 190. The inlet tube 164 has a valve chamber 192 formed by an increased diameter portion within the air channel 168. The check valve 190 also has a valve body or ball valve 194 housed within the valve chamber 192. An air inlet end 196 of the valve chamber 192 can be configured so as to prevent the valve body 194 from closing or sealing off this end of the chamber. Grooves or channels can be formed, though not shown herein, to allow continued air flow around the valve body 194 at the inlet end 196 this direction, even if the body is seated against this end of the chamber. A valve seat 198 is provided at the opposite downstream end of the valve chamber 192 in this example. The valve body 194 can seat against the valve seat 198 to seal off or close this end of the valve chamber 192.
As shown in FIG. 18, with the pour spout 160 in the upright orientation of FIGS. 1 and 2 during periods of non-use, the valve body is seated by gravity against the valve seat 198. This closes off the air flow path within the air vent 138. Thus, liquid will not evaporate from the container through the air vent in this example when the pour spout 160 and container are in the upright orientation. As shown in FIG. 19, with the pour spot 160 in the pouring or dispensing orientation of FIG. 3, the valve body 194 can float about the valve chamber 192, opening the valve seat 198 at the outlet end of the valve chamber and allowing air to flow through the air channel 168 of the inlet tube 164.
Another feature of both the pour spout 40 and the pour spout 160 is illustrated with reference to FIG. 18 (and reference to the components of FIGS. 9 and 10). The air vents 90 and 162 are each constructed in a similar manner and specifically address leakage from the air vent when the pour spout 40 or 160 is returned from the dispensing orientation of FIGS. 3, 12, and 13 and FIG. 19, respectively, to the upright orientation of FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIG. 18. Regarding the vent 162 and FIG. 18, the inlet opening 166 on the inlet tube 164 is staggered relative to the air return outlets 174 of the bypass passages 170. In the upright orientation of FIG. 18, the inlet opening 166 is positioned above the elevation of the air return outlets 174. The same is true for the air vent 90 and its inlet opening 94 and air return outlets 106. After pouring and returning the pour spout 90 or 162 to the upright orientation, some piqued will flow back through the primary flow channel and the secondary flow channel to the container interior 30. Liquid flowing through the secondary flow channel 74 or 172 could back fill the bypass passages 98 or 170 via the air return outlets. If the inlet openings were at or below the elevation of the air return outlets, leakage of liquid could potentially occur. However, with the inlet tubes being longer (in the direction of the dispending end) and of larger diameter than the bypass passages, no liquid will leak from the air vents when the pour spout is returned to the upright orientation.
The foregoing pour spout examples are described with some specificity and detail. However, the invention and the scope of the appended claims are not intended to be limited only to the disclosed and described examples. Changes and modifications can be made to the disclosed pour spouts without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Also, specific combinations of aspects, features, parts, and components are provided for each of the pour spout examples disclosed and described herein. However, the disclosure and the scope of the appended claims are not intended to be limited to only these specific combinations. Other combinations of these aspects, features, components, and parts can and are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Each aspect, feature, part, and component disclosed and described herein can be utilized alone or can be combined with one or more of the other features, aspects, parts, and components.
The disclosed pour spouts can be fabricated using higher tech materials and molding processes and techniques. However, the disclosed pour spouts also are suitable for lower tech materials and molding processes and techniques. The disclosed vented pout spouts can be formed of a polymer material and can be blow molded or injection molded. The vented pour spouts can alternatively be made from other suitable flexible materials or can be formed of a rigid polymer material, a composite material, a metal material, or combinations thereof. The disclosed pour spouts can be fabricated for continued use and durability or can be fabricated for limited or one-time use as a disposable item. The materials used can be recycled plastic material and/or the pour spouts can be recyclable as well. The disclosed pour spouts can be fabricated in two parts, such as the tubular body as a unitary molded or integral piece and the vent tube as a secondary added piece. These two pieces can be fabricated from two different materials or from the same material. Alternatively, the pour spouts can be fabricated from multiple separate components that are joined or assembled after fabrication.
In each example, creating a circuitous air flow path from the air inlet opening to the vent tube helps to avoid liquid leaking from the air vent during initial pouring from the container. Both gravity and the near immediate pressure differential created by fluid flowing past the vent hole prevents liquid from leaking from the air vent.
In each disclosed example, during the initial pour, liquid will flow from the container through both the primary and secondary flow channels, as well as through the vent tubes, toward the dispensing end of the spout. As liquid leaves the container, a vacuum is created within the emptied portion of the container interior. As the pressure differential reaches a threshold pressure, air will enter the air vent in the spout and travel back through the liquid. Because the vent tube is relatively short, the column of liquid within the vent tube is relatively small. Thus, the air entering the vent hole will travel back through the vent tube into the container to replace the lost liquid and equalize the pressure. Also because the vent tube is relatively short, this will occur almost immediately because there is very little liquid (short column of liquid) in the vent tube to overcome. Further, there is no cracking pressure of a valve that needs to be overcome. The vent tube is open at either end.
The vent tubes can be a separate component installed or added to the pour spouts. The vent tubes can also be an integrally molded or an otherwise integrally formed component of the pour spout structures. Both gravity and the near immediate pressure differential created by fluid flowing past the air vents helps to prevents liquid from leaking from the air inlets of the vents disclosed herein. Once the air vents begin to take in air, no liquid will flow through the secondary flow channels. When a container is near empty, the container pressure begins to equalize with atmosphere. At that point, some liquid may again flow or trickle through the secondary flow channel. A nominal amount of the liquid could leak through the air vent, such as on the air vent 138 in FIGS. 14-16, if the pour spout is inverted. However, the disclosed pour spouts can be oriented on the container in any rotational orientation and will perform as intended. If the container is only part way emptied and the container is returned upright, some liquid may flow from the dispensing end and back through the secondary flow channel to the container Again, if the pour spout is inverted, a nominal amount of liquid could leak from the air vent, such as the air vent 138 of FIGS. 14-16
One advantage of the disclosed vented pour spouts is that the dispensing spout is combined with the air vent. This eliminates the need for a separate venting orifice on the container. On a typical container, as noted above, the user must remove both the separate dispenser opening cap and the vent plug before use and then replace both cap and plug after use. Leakage of fluid through the vent is also eliminated in the vented pour spouts disclosed herein.
The disclosed vented pour spouts provide a reliable, inexpensive, leak-free venting solution for liquid containers, such as fuel cans, gas cans, and the like. The disclosed vented pour spouts provide a flexible, inexpensive pour spout that also creates an air vent on containers of this type. The disclosed vented pour spouts establish a fluid outlet for dispensing liquid from the container while also establishing an airway from the dispending end of the pour spout back into the container interior. The disclosed pour spouts allow for uninterrupted flow of fluid from the container. The disclosed pour spouts can have a vent opening through a wall of the pour spout well upstream of the dispensing end of the spout so only liquid exits the dispensing end. This can result in a pour spout having a limited or fixed diameter dispensing nozzle with a higher flow rate, which allows the container to dispense liquid quicker. The disclosed spouts prevent the glugging effect created in conventional containers caused by air returning or entering the container through the fluid dispensing channel, which interrupts the flow of liquid.
The examples of FIGS. 1-3 and 17-19 can address and eliminates any nominal liquid leakage issue noted above where the pour spout may be inverted, i.e., the air vent is pointing downward during use. With the pour spout in a generally vertical or upright orientation with the dispending end directed upward, the liquid will run down the secondary flow channel and into the container, bypassing the air vent.
In one aspect of the disclosure, a vented pour spout can incorporate an air inlet through a wall of the pour spout well upstream of the dispensing end of the spout while only liquid exits the dispensing end of the spout. In one aspect of the disclosure, a vented pour spout can incorporate an air inlet through a wall of the spout in combination with a vent tube. In one aspect of the disclosure, a vented pour spout can incorporate an air inlet through a wall of the spout in combination with a short vent tube positioned within a flow channel of the spout. In one aspect of the disclosure, a vented pour spout can incorporate an air inlet through a wall of the spout in combination with a short vent tube that has one end positioned downstream of the air inlet and an opposite end positioned upstream of the air inlet. In one aspect of the disclosure, a vented pour spout can incorporate an air inlet through a wall of the spout in combination with a circuitous air flow path to a short vent tube in a channel of the spout.
Although certain vented pour spouts for liquid containers, and aspects, features, parts, and components for such spouts, have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

Claims

1. A pour spout comprising:

an elongate tubular body having a primary flow channel and a secondary flow channel of a smaller cross-sectional area than the primary flow channel;

a dispensing orifice at a dispensing end of the pour spout;

an attachment end at an opposite end of the pour spout; and

an air vent positioned nearer the attachment end and having an inlet opening into the elongate tubular body and an air flow path in fluid communication with the secondary flow channel,

wherein the air flow path allows air to flow from the inlet opening into the secondary flow channel and toward the attachment end during pouring of liquid from the dispensing end of the pour spout.

2. A pour spout according to claim 1, wherein the inlet opening faces radially outward from the elongate body.

3. A pour spout according to claim 1, wherein the inlet opening faces axially toward the dispending end.

4. A pour spout according to claim 3, wherein the inlet opening is spaced radially from the secondary flow channel.

5. A pour spout according to claim 3, wherein the inlet opening is provided on an inlet tube of the air vent, the inlet tube being spaced radially from the secondary flow channel.

6. A pour spout according to claim 5, wherein the air flow path is a circuitous path.

7. A pour spout according to claim 1, wherein the air flow path is a circuitous path.

8. A pour spout according to claim 1, wherein the air vent includes a vent tube with a portion received in the secondary flow channel.

9. A pour spout according to claim 1, wherein the air vent further comprises:

an inlet tube spaced radially from the secondary flow channel and defining an air channel;

a bypass passage adjacent the secondary flow channel and in fluid communication with the air channel; and

an air return outlet in fluid communication with the bypass channel and the secondary flow channel.

10. A pour spout according to claim 9, wherein the inlet opening is on an end of the inlet tube, wherein an air return outlet provides fluid communication between the secondary flow channel and the bypass passage, wherein the bypass passage is in fluid communication with an end of the inlet tube opposite the inlet opening, and wherein the inlet opening is positionally staggered relative to the air return outlet and is closer to the dispending end of the pour spout than the air return outlet.

11. A pour spout according to claim 9, wherein the bypass passage includes a pair of the bypass passages on opposite sides of a portion of the elongate tubular body.

12. A pour spout according to claim 9, further comprising:

a vent tube having an exposed portion extending beyond and away from the attachment end of the pour spout and a blocking portion within the secondary flow channel.

13. A pour spout according to claim 12, wherein the blocking portion covers open sides of the bypass passage facing the secondary flow channel but does not cover the air return outlet.

14. A pour spout according to claim 9, further comprising:

a check valve having a valve chamber within part of the inlet tube and a valve body within the valve chamber, the check valve closing off the air channel with the pour spout in an upright orientation with the dispensing end generally elevated above the attachment end.

15. A pour spout according to claim 9, wherein the air vent and the elongate body are integrally molded as a one piece structure.

16. A pour spout according to claim 15, further comprising a vent tube partially inserted into the secondary flow channel and having an exposed portion protruding beyond and away from the attachment end.

17. A pour spout according to claim 1, wherein the elongate tubular body has a first tube section and a second tube section arranged side-by-side adjacent one another, the first tube section defining the primary flow channel and the second tube section defining the secondary flow channel.

18. A pour spout according to claim 17, further comprising a nozzle segment at a distal end of the primary tube section, the nozzle segment defining an outlet channel and the dispensing orifice.

19. A pour spout according to claim 18, wherein the primary flow channel transitions gradually within a transition region from a non-round cross-section shape into a cylindrical shape of the outlet channel.

20. A pour spout according to claim 19, wherein the secondary flow channel merges with the primary flow channel and the outlet channel at least within or downstream of the transition region.

21. A pour spout according to claim 18, wherein the outlet channel has a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the primary flow channel.

22. A pour spout according to claim 17, wherein the secondary flow channel has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape and the primary flow channel has a non-round shape, and wherein the primary flow channel has a cross-sectional area that is greater than a cross-sectional area of the secondary flow channel.

23. A pour spout according to claim 1, wherein the air flow path flows first toward the dispensing end of the pour spout and then via the secondary flow channel toward the attachment end of the pour spout during pouring of liquid from the dispensing end of the pour spout.