CA2411289C - Spill resistant container - Google Patents
Spill resistant container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2411289C CA2411289C CA 2411289 CA2411289A CA2411289C CA 2411289 C CA2411289 C CA 2411289C CA 2411289 CA2411289 CA 2411289 CA 2411289 A CA2411289 A CA 2411289A CA 2411289 C CA2411289 C CA 2411289C
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- container
- baffle
- liquid
- opening
- notch
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- Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
Abstract
The improved container for staring and dispensing liquids has a baffle which resists spilling and pours more smoothly than prior containers. The baffle may be located between the mouth opening and the interior of the container chamber. When the improved container is tilted for pouring, such that the liquid level inside the container chamber is higher than the liquid level at the mouth opening, no liquid pours out of the: container. The liquid starts to flow out of the mouth opening only after the container is tilted beyond a predetermined start-to-pour angle. The start-to-pour angle is reached when the container is tilted to allow the outside air to enter the container chamber. The baffled container may have an optional notch on the baffle to reduce glugging and to result in a smoother pour. The improved container can be manufactured in a simple one-step blow molding process.
Description
The field of the invention is containers for dispensing a liquid and more particularly, is 6 containers for dispensing a liquid with a smoother pour andlor with reduced spilling.
Man has used containers for storing and dispensing liquids for millenniums.
11 However, containers still have their problems. For example, when pouring a full container of 12 liquid into a smaller receptacle such as a cup, one may spill the liquid.
Some containers spill 13 very easily. This problem arises when pouring a container of juice or milk into a glass, 14 pouring a can of motor oil into the engine, pouring anti-freeze liquid into the radiator.
Sometimes, spilling occurs because the container is too full of liquid and the receptacle (e.g., 16 a short cup or a low radiator with a fender in the way) is too low and distant from the 17 container. Under these circumstances, man has resorted to using a funnel, being extra careful 18 when pouring, or lifting the cup to the container. Therefore, there is a need for an improved 19 container, which ideally does not spill when pouring and realistically, is spill-resistant.
When pouring liquid from a container, the same volume of air preferably enters the 21 container to replace the liquid being poured out. A phenomenon referred to as "glugging"
22 occurs when the liquid is poured more quickly from the container than air can enter the 23 container. Glugging occurs when too much liquid tries to flow out of the container and not 24 enough room is available in the outflow passageway for air to enter into the container to replace the volume of the outflowing liquid. When this happens, a partial vacuum is created 26 inside the container that momentarily stops liquid from flowing out. Once the liquid flow 27 stops, air starts to enter the container and when the incoming air has eliminated the partial 28 vacuum, the liquid can resume its out flow. This intermittent and repeated liquid flowing and 29 stopping is referred to as "glugging" and makes the pouring unstable, undesirable and less smooth. Glugging can also cause spills. Therefore, there is also a need for a container which 31 reduces the glugging effect.
32 On the market, some container designs have a hollow handle molded near the mouth PATENT
33 opening of the container. An air vent passageway is provided between the mouth opening 34 and the hollow handle so that a separate air vent is provided. The air from the mouth opening 35 travels down the vent passageway, through the hollow handle, and into the container to help 36 reduce glugging. However, a further improved container which better eliminates glugging 37 and improves the smoothness of the liquid flow is needed.
41 The improved container for storing and dispensing liquids has a baffle. The improved 42 container resists spilling and pours the liquid more smoothly. The baffle may include an 43 optional notch or vent structure for reducing "glugging" or for allowing the liquid to pour 44 more smoothly.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will 46 become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and 47 detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and 48 advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be 49 protected by the accompanying claims.
53 The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed 54 upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
However, like parts do 56 not always have like reference numerals. Moreover, all illustrations are intended to convey 57 concepts, where relative sizes, shapes and other detailed attributes may be illustrated 58 schematically rather than literally or precisely.
59 Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional side view of an example embodiment of the improved container.
61 Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the top view of the improved container of 62 Figure 1 taken along line A - A.
63 Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the improved PATENT
64 container of Figure 1 taken along line B - B.
65 Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional side view of another 66 example embodiment of an improved container.
67 Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the top view of the improved container of 68 Figure 4 taken along line C - C.
69 Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the improved 70 container of Figure 4 taken along line D - D.
71 Figures 7A through 7F are schematic representations which illustrate how the spill-72 and-glug-resistant container operates.
73 Figures 8A through 8E are schematic representations which illustrate how the spill-74 and-glug-resistant container works when the liquid is filled higher than the proper fill line.
75 Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional side view of an example 76 embodiment of the spill-and-glug resistant container where the baffle is an integral part of a 77 blow-molded container.
78 Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the side view of the improved container of 79 Figure 9 taken along line E - E.
80 Figure 1 1A is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the improved 81 container of Figure 9 taken along line F - F.
82 Figures 11B and 11C are schematic representations of two alternate configurations of 83 the baffle notch shown in Figure 11A.
84 Figure 12A is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the improved 85 container of Figure 9 taken along line G - G.
86 Figures 12B and 12C are schematic representations of two alternate configurations of 87 the baffle notch shown in Figure 12A.
88 Figure 13 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of one half of the mold 89 block used for making the spill-and-glug-resistant container shown in Figure 9.
90 Figure 14 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the half mold 91 block of Figure 13 taken along line H - H.
92 Figure 15 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the half mold 93 block of Figure 13 taken along line J - J.
94 Figure 16 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional side view of another PATENT
95 example embodiment of a spill-and-glug-resistant container where the baffle is an integral 96 part of a blow-molded container.
97 Figure 17 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the improved 98 container of Figure 16 taken along line K - K.
99 Figure 18 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional side view of yet another 100 example embodiment of a spill-and-glug-resistant container where the baffle is an integral 101 part of a blow molded container.
102 Figure 19 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the improved 103 container of Figure 18 taken along line L - L.
104 Figures 20A-20C show examples of liquid bottle designs with an extended neck 105 feature which may be used as a refillable water bottle or for many other applications.
109 Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional side views of a preferred 110 example embodiment of a spill-and-glug-resistant container 10, which is referred to as a 111 baffled container. The heavy dark line shown in this drawing and all following drawings 112 represent the cut walls of the container. Figures 1 - 3 illustrate various views of a 113 substantially rectangular container 10 with rounded corners and four sidewalls: the pouring 114 sidewall 15, the opposite sidewall 20 and the other two sidewalls 25 in between. Figure 2 is a 115 schematic representation of the top view of the baffled spill-and-glug-resistant container 10 116 of Figure 1 taken along line A - A. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the cross-117 sectional view of the spill-and-glug-resistant container 10 of Figure 1 taken along line B - B.
118 A bottom 30, a top 35, a bottle neck 40 and a mouth opening 45 completes otherwise the 119 basic construction of a typical container. The bottle neck 40 need not be a discrete separate 120 part of the container. Designs having no definitive neck are permitted as long as they include 121 a baffle. A vertical axis 5- 5 through the center of the mouth opening projects the mouth 122 opening to the interior chamber 55 of the container 10.
123 As shown in Figures 1-3, the baffled container 10 has an additional baffle panel 50 124 formed or inserted from one side of the container 10. The baffle 50 may be connected to the 125 top 35 as shown in Figure 1 or to the opposite sidewall 20: This baffle 50 extends from the PATENT
126 interior chamber 55 at or near the mouth opening 45 and cuts through the vertical axis 5- 5 127 toward the pouring sidewall 15. The edge 60 of the baffle 50 does not touch the pouring 128 sidewa1115 and has a gap from the pouring sidewa1115 to form a baffle opening 65.
129 At the edge 60 of the baffle 50, there is preferably a notch 70 with its notch opening 130 75 next to the baffle opening 65 (notch 70 and notch opening 75 are better seen in Figures 2 131 and 3). The "end point" 80 of the notch 70 is the portion of the notch furthest from the 132 pouring sidewall 15. The cavity on the upper side of the baffle 50 (between the baffle 50 and 133 the mouth opening 45) forms an outflow passageway 85 leading from baffle opening 65 to 134 the mouth opening 45. When pouring liquid from the container 10, as illustrated, the vertical 135 axis 5 - 5 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction with the mouth opening 45 tilting 136 toward the pouring sidewa1115.
137 Liquid starts to flow from the interior chamber 55 of the container 10 through baffle 138 opening 65, through outflow passageway 85, and then through mouth opening 45. The baffle 139 50 may be a flat panel, a curved panel (as shown), or any other suitable curvature and shape.
140 This baffle 50 preferably covers at least part of the projected mouth opening. In this 141 example, the baffle panel 50 covers the entire projected mouth opening as shown in Figure 2.
142 By contrast, the baffle 50 shown in Figure 5 covers only a portion of the projected mouth 143 opening (the notch 75 prevents the baffle 50 from covering all of the projected mouth 144 opening). The amount of the projected mouth opening which is covered or blocked is an 145 important factor in determining the start-to-pour angle of the container, which will be 146 described later.
147 From the view provided by Figure 2, it is clearly shown that the baffle 50 blocks the 148 entire projection of the mouth opening 45 into the interior chamber 55 of the container 10.
149 As shown in Figure 3, the baffle 50 is sealingly connected to, integrally formed, attached, 150 bonded, inserted, or otherwise attached to the container walls, except that one edge 60 of the 151 baffle 50 and the notch 70 are not connected to the container walls. The space between the 152 edge 60 of the baffle 50 and the pouring sidewa1115 forms the baffle opening 65 and the 153 small notch 70 on the baffle forms a small notch opening 75. The distance between the edge 154 60 of the baffle 50 and the sidewall 15 may be small, but the area of the opening 65 should be 155 sufficiently large (e.g., equal to or larger than the mouth opening 45) for dispensing the 156 liquid. The small notch opening 70 plays an important role in the anti-glugging function. Its PATENT
157 operation will be described later such as with respect to Figures 7A-7F
and 8A-8E.
158 Figure 4 is a schematic representation of another preferred example embodiment of a 159 baffled container 10. This example container has a circular body with a conical top 35. The 160 baffle 50 extends from one side of the container toward the opposite side.
The portion of the 161 sidewall facing the edge 60 of the baffle 50 may be designated as being the pouring sidewall 162 15 and the opposite sidewall designated as being the opposite sidewall 20.
The baffle 50 163 extends from the conical top 35 of the opposite sidewa1120 toward the pouring sidewa1115.
164 In this example, the baffle 50 is an inclined flat plane. However, the baffle 50 can be curved 165 or in other suitable configurations and shapes.
166 Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the top view of the container 10 of Figure 4 167 taken along line C - C and Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view 168 of the container 10 of Figure 4 taken along line D - D. The sloped baffle 50 extends from 169 the conical top 35 of the opposite sidewall 20 toward the pouring sidewall 15. A function of 170 the baffle 50 is to block or partially block direct communication between the mouth opening 171 45 and the interior chamber 55 of the container 10. The amount by which the projection of 172 the mouth opening 45 is blocked by the baffle 50 affects the start-to-pour angle of the 173 container 10 and may affect how fast it takes to empty or fill the container. The baffle notch 174 70 reduces the effective blockage area by the baffle 50, which will be described in more 175 detail later. In the example shown in Figure 5, the baffle 50 effectively blocks slightly more 176 than 50 % of the mouth opening 45 where the effective blockage starts from the end point 80 177 of the notch 70 to the right of the mouth opening 45.
178 Figures 7A-7F are schematic representations, which illustrate how the baffled 179 container 10 works when the liquid is filled to the proper fill line 90.
As shown in Figure 7A, 180 the container 10 is filled with a liquid just below the baffle 50, viewing the liquid level when 181 the container is placed on a horizontal flat surface 100. The proper fill line can be above the 182 end point 80 of the notch 70, depending on the size and shape of the outflow passageway 85 183 and of the container 10. A vertical axis 1-1 perpendicular to the horizontal flat surface 100 184 is located at the utmost right edge of the mouth opening 45. A second vertical axis 2- 2 185 passes through the end point 80 of the notch 70 and is parallel with axis 1 - 1. Another axis 186 3 - 3 is a line which passes through the end point 80 of the notch 70 and the apex point 130 187 of the mouth opening 45 of the container 10. Because the end point 80 and the apex point PATENT
188 130 are offset horizontally with respect to each other, axis 3-3 in Figure 7A need not be a 189 vertical line. However, if the end point 80 and the apex point 130 are not offset horizontally 190 from each other, the axis 3-3 will be a vertical line. The apex point 130 of the mouth opening 191 45 may be a definitive point or a moving point depending on the tilting angle of the container 192 10, which will be explained later. The apex point 130 shown in Figure 7A
is based on the 193 tilting angle which equals the start-to-pour angle A5 as shown in Figure 7E. The angle 194 between axis 3- 3 and the horizontal surface 100 forms the start-to-pour angle A (in this 195 case, angle A is equal to angle A5), if the minor factors such as surface tension and wetting 196 characteristics of the liquid are ignored. The distance Dl between axis 1 -1 and axis 2- 2, 197 as compared with the diameter of the mouth opening D2, defines the effective coverage of the 198 baffle 50. If D1/D2 equals 1.0, 100 percent of the mouth opening 45 is covered by the baffle 199 50, axis 2- 2 will coincide with axis 3- 3 and the start-to-pour angle will be equal to 90 200 degrees. In the particular example illustrated in Figure 7A, the baffle 50 covers at least 100 201 percent of the mouth opening 45 (e.g., Dl is greater than D2) and the start-to-pour angle A is 202 greater than 90 degrees. When pouring liquid out of the container 10, the vertical axis 5 - 5 203 of the container 10 is slowly turned by lowering the pouring sidewall 15 and raising the 204 bottom 30 toward the opposite sidewall 20. As illustrated in Figure 7A, the container 10 is 205 turned in a counter-clockwise direction. The points at which the liquid level line 90 contacts 206 the sidewalls start to move higher up the pouring sidewall 15 and more lower down the 207 opposite sidewal120, as shown in Figure 7B.
208 At turning angle A2 as shown in Figure 7B, the liquid level line touches the end point 209 80 of the notch 70. Once the liquid touches the end point 80 of the notch 70, the interior air 210 cavity 115 inside the interior chamber 55 of the container 10 becomes isolated and can no 211 longer communicate with the outside ambient air. After this turning angle A2, the liquid 212 level 90 splits into two liquid levels, the interior liquid leve1105 and the exterior liquid level 213 110. As the container is turned further from angle A2 to A3 in Figure 7C, the interior liquid 214 leve1105 is higher than the exterior liquid leve1110. Liquid starts to flow from the interior 215 chamber 55 of the container toward the mouth opening 45 through baffle opening 65 and 216 outflow passageway 85. The height difference between liquid levels 105 and 110 is 217 determined by the basic principles of fluid mechanics and can be expressed by the equation:
218 Pa-Pi=KxH, PATENT
219 where Pa is the ambient air pressure at the mouth opening 45, Pi is the interior air pressure of 220 the interior air cavity 115, K is the specific weight of the liquid and H
is the height difference 221 between the liquid levels 105 and 110. Figure 7C shows the height difference as H3.
222 As the tilting angle A3 increases, more liquid flows out of the interior chamber 55 223 into the passageway 85, which leads to an increase in volume of the interior air cavity 115 224 (comparing Figures 7B and 7C) and a decrease in pressure of the interior air cavity 115.
225 Because the ambient pressure Pa and the specific weight K stay constant, the interior air 226 pressure Pi can be calculated by:
227 Pi=Pa-(KxH).
228 The interior air pressure Pi is less than the ambient air pressure Pa, which creates a 229 partial vacuum inside the container 10. This relationship holds true for the static conditions 230 of any tilting angle. As shown in Figure 7C, the height difference H3 will have a 231 corresponding interior air pressure Pi3 for given tilting angle A3 and the above equation 232 becomes:
233 Pi3 = Pa- (K x H3).
234 In this example embodiment, the increase in tilting angle from A3 to A4 in Figure 7D
235 results in an increased height difference H4 and a further reduced interior air pressure Pi4. At 236 this position, the exterior liquid line 110 is still below the apex point 130 and cannot flow out 237 of the mouth opening 45. Apex point 130 is a moving threshold for the liquid to flow out of 238 the mouth opening 45; in other words, the apex point 130 is the then-current highest point in 239 the outflow passageway at any tilting angle. In this example, the apex point 130 can be 240 located at either the lowest point 120 of the mouth opening 45 or at the lowest point 125 of 241 the neck depending on the tilting angle.
242 When the container 10 continues to tilt from Figure 7D to Figure 7E, the exterior 243 liquid level 110 reaches the end point 80 of the notch 70. Any tilting angle greater than this 244 tilting angle A5 allows ambient air to enter into the interior chamber 55 of the container 10 245 through the partially exposed notch opening 75, thereby breaking the partial vacuum Pi5. As 246 soon as the outside ambient air enters the container 10, the interior air pressure Pi5 suddenly 247 increases and the above equation can no longer hold true. Therefore, liquid will continue to 248 flow out of the container to reduce the height difference H5 until a new balance is reached.
249 Thus, the spill-and-glug-resistant container preferably has a vent notch 70 on the baffle 50 to PATENT
250 serve as an air vent. The air vent allows air to pass from outside the container into the 251 container during pouring, which reduces glugging.
252 If the notch opening 75 does not exist, the outflow passageway 85 and the baffle 253 opening 65 cannot simultaneously provide smooth liquid outflow and air inflow at the same 254 time. Under this circumstance, an undesirable glugging phenomenon may occur because too 255 much liquid starts to flow out as compared to the amount of air entering the container to 256 replace the volume of the outflow liquid. The temporary partial vacuum created in the 257 interior air cavity 115 inside the interior chamber 55 momentarily stops the outflow liquid.
258 Once the outflow liquid stops, air is able to re-enter the container to eliminate the partial 259 vacuum, allowing the outflow of liquid to resume again. This intermittent stop-and-start of 260 the outflow liquid makes the flow of liquid unstable. The unstable glugging flow could cause 261 spilling and is an undesirable condition. Thus, the addition of a baffle notch 70 with notch 262 opening 75 eliminates or reduces the glugging, non-smooth flow of the liquid.
263 When the container 10 is tilted further to angle A6 as shown in Figure 7F, the notch 264 opening 75 of the baffle 50 is higher than the exterior liquid leve1110 of the outflow. At this 265 tilting angle, the baffle opening 65 is sufficiently large to handle the outflow liquid. The 266 small notch opening 75, which is above the exterior liquid line 110 and exposed to the 267 ambient air, can be devoted for venting incoming air. By venting the air, a partial vacuum 268 inside the container is not formed or is formed to a lesser degree. This allows the continuous 269 outflow of liquid until all the liquid has been dispensed when the height difference H6 is 270 reduced to zero with little chance of glugging.
271 Figure 8A-8E are schematic representations which illustrate how a spill-and-glug-272 resistant container 10 works when the liquid is filled higher than the proper fill line 90 as 273 shown in Figure 7A. As shown in Figure 8A, the exterior liquid line 110 partially covers the 274 baffle 50 when viewing the container placed on a horizontal flat surface 100. The interior 275 liquid line 105 may be either above or below the exterior liquid line 110.
In this illustration, 276 the interior liquid line 105 is higher than the exterior liquid line 110 with a height difference 277 of H 1. Interior air cavity 115 inside the interior chamber 55 of the container 10 is isolated 278 and cannot communicate with the outside ambient air. The air pressure at the interior air 279 cavity 115 is lower than the ambient pressure. By contrast, if the interior liquid level line 105 280 is lower than the exterior liquid level line 110, the interior air cavity 115 will have a higher PATENT
281 air pressure. When pouring a liquid out of the container 10, the vertical axis 5- 5 of the 282 container 10 is slowly turned by lowering the pouring sidewall 15 and raising the bottom 30 283 toward the opposite sidewall 20. Referring to Figure 8A, the container 10 is turned in a 284 counter-clockwise direction. The point at which the exterior liquid level line 110 contacts the 285 pouring sidewal115 starts to move upward while the point at which the interior liquid level 286 line 105 contacts the opposite sidewa1120 starts to move downward, as shown in Figure 8B, 287 so that the height difference increases from H1 to H2.
288 As the container is turned further from tilting angle A2 to A3 in Figure 8C, more 289 liquid starts to flow from the interior chamber 55 of the container toward the mouth opening 290 45, through baffle opening 65 and outflow passageway 85. This increases the volume of the 291 interior air cavity 115 and decreases the pressure of the interior air cavity 115. As mentioned 292 with respect to Figures 7A-7F, there is an apex point 130 which can be a fixed point.
293 Alternatively, the apex point 130 can be a point which moves between the lowest point of the 294 mouth opening 120 and the highest point of the lower side 125 of the corner of the neck, 295 depending on the tilting angle of the container. As soon as the exterior liquid leve1110 296 reaches the apex point 130, the passageway 85 can no longer hold any more out-flowing 297 liquid. Any further tilting of the container will cause the liquid to flow over the apex point 298 130 and out of the mouth opening 45. Because no outside air enters the container, as soon as 299 the tilting stops, the liquid will stop flowing out of the container when the relationship below 300 reaches a new equilibrium:
301 Pi3 = Pa -(K x 143).
302 In other words, the liquid will flow out of the container and the interior liquid leve1105 will 303 drop until the height difference H3 is decreased so that the above equation holds true again.
304 Any increase in the tilting angle from A3 to A4 between Figure 8C and Figure 8D will cause 305 the liquid to flow out, which flow may stop again if the height difference H4 can satisfy the 306 equation for a further reduced interior air pressure Pi4. At the tilting angle A4, the exterior 307 liquid level 110 reaches the end point 80 of the notch 70. Any further increase in tilting angle 308 will allow ambient air to enter into the container which will break the partial vacuum in the 309 interior air cavity 115. The outflow of liquid will no longer stop until the interior liquid level 310 105 is reduced to the same level of exterior liquid leve1110 (e.g., the container has been 311 effectively emptied) or the height difference H4 has been reduced to zero.
This tilting angle PATENT
312 A4 is the start-to-flow angle A as described in Figure 7.
313 When the container tilts from Figure 8D to Figure 8E, more liquid will try to flow out 314 and the exterior liquid leve1110 is higher than the apex point 130. More area of the baffle 50 315 including the notch opening 75 will be exposed to the ambient air. Thus, ambient air will be 316 able to enter into the interior chamber 55 of the container 10 through the exposed notch 317 opening 75. The addition of a baffle notch 70 with notch opening 75 acts as an air vent, 318 which acts to make the liquid pour out more smoothly and to reduce the glugging effect. At 319 this tilting angle, the baffle opening 65 is sufficiently large enough to handle the outflow 320 liquid and the small notch opening 75 can be devoted to handle the incoming air. This can 321 prevent the formation of another partial vacuum inside the container and thus allow the 322 continuous outflow of liquid until effectively all of the liquid has been dispensed (where the 323 height difference H5 has been reduced to zero).
324 Figures 8A-8E shows that the most desirable liquid fill amount is that amount which 325 allows the container to be tilted to tilting angle A4 (as shown in Figure 8D) without having 326 any liquid to flow out. In such a case, the tilting angle A4 is the start-to-flow angle. Any 327 extra liquid over that proper amount will flow out of the container before the container is 328 tilted to the start-to-flow angle. If this extra pre-flow of liquid is acceptable, the container 329 can be filled higher than the most desirable liquid fill line.
330 The baffle shown in the example embodiments of Figures 1 - 8 can be inserted into 331 an otherwise ordinary container to create a spill-and-glug-resistant container. However, in 332 the mass-production environment of the highly competitive container industry, it is not 333 economically feasible to insert this baffle into already formed containers. Figure 9 is a 334 schematic representation of the cross-sectional side view of another preferred embodiment of 335 spill-and-glug-resistant container 10. A specially designed mold can manufacture this 336 container with built-in baffle having an optional notch during the same blow molding process 337 of making the container 10. This particular example container 10 has rounded corners.
338 Container 10 has a pouring sidewall 15, an opposite sidewall 20 and two other sidewalls 25 339 in between. It also has a bottom 30, a top 35, a neck 40 and a mouth opening 45. The baffle 340 50 is formed during the same blow molding process of making the rest of the container by 341 pinching a portion of two other sidewalls 25 together to form a first baffle 50 and a second 342 baffle 50' with a reinforcing rib 135 in between. The pinching process is achieved in the PATENT
343 mold and will be described later. To create a notch 70 in the baffle, a slightly reduced 344 pinching of the two sidewalls wiIl cause the baffle to have a notch 70 with notch opening 75 345 at the edge of the baffle 60. Additional details are provided in Figures 13 - 15.
346 Alternatively, the first and second baffles may be formed by the indentation of two sidewalls 347 of the container body toward each other, the first and second baffles extending toward each 348 other. The first and second baffles, regardless of how they are formed, may be separated by a 349 gap, touch each other partially, or touch each other completely.
350 Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the side view of the container of Figure 9 351 taken along line E- E. The first baffle 50 and the second baffle 50' with the reinforcing rib 352 135 act like an I-beam and are blow-molded in the same blow molding process which forms 353 the container. This I-beam configuration provides a strong support for the container.
354 Figure 11A is a schematic representation of the container of Figure 9 taken along line 355 F - F. In Figure 11A, the notch 70 has two sides which taper to a point.
Figures 11B and 356 1 1C show two alternate configurations of the baffle notch 70 such as a notch 70 having a 357 rounded end 80 or a pointed end 80. Figures 12A-12C are schematic representations of the 358 container of Figure 9 taken along line G - G, showing the three alternate configurations of 359 the baffle notch 70. Virtually any other shape or configuration of notch 70 is contemplated.
360 A simple manufacturing method can blow mold this baffled container for mass 361 production. In this method, the same blow-molding process used to form the container 10 362 may be used to form the baffle 50 and optional notch 70. Figure 13 is a schematic 363 representation showing one of a pair of the mold blocks 210 which may be used to 364 manufacture the container 10 of Figure 9. The mold blocks may be modified to be able to 365 manufacture any of the embodiments and altematives described in this disclosure. Figure 13 366 is a simplified drawing that omits many of the detailed features of a typical mold block such 367 as the vent holes, cap screws, different metal inserts and so on. The purpose of Figure 13 is 368 to demonstrate that the baffle can be made by the same blow molding process that makes the 369 container. Of course, an alternative is to mold the container and then indent or deform the 370 container to form the baffle. Yet another alternative is to mold the container and then insert a 371 baffle. Referring to Figure 13, this example mold block 210 has a body cavity 255 with five 372 basic surface walls. Together with the other half of the mold block (preferably having the 373 same mirror image of this mold block), a container such as the one shown in Figure 9 can be PATENT
373 representation showing one of a pair of the mold blocks 210 which may be used to 374 manufacture the container 10 of Figure 9. The mold blocks may be modified to be able to 375 manufacture any of the embodiments and alternatives described in this disclosure. Figure 13 376 is a simplified drawing that omits niany of the detailed features of a typical mold block such 377 as the vent holes, cap screws, different metal inserts and so on. The purpose of Figure 13 is 378 to demonstrate that the baffle can be rnade by the sarne blow molding process that makes the 379 container. Of course, an alternative is to mold the container and then indent or deform the 380 container to form the baffle. Yet another alternative is to mold the container and then insert a 381 baffle. Referring to Figure 13, this example mold block 210 has a body cavity 255 with five 382 basic surface walls. Together with the other half of the lnold block (preferablv having the 383 same mirror image of this mold block), a container such as the one shown in F'igure 9 can be 384 blow molded. Surface 215 forms the pouring sidewall 15. Surface 220 foi-ins the opposite 385 sidewall 20 and surface 225 forms one of the two other sidewalls 25.
Bottom surface 230 386 forms the container bottom 30 and the upper surface 235 forms the top 35.
Entrance 387 passages 240 and 245 form the neck 40 and mouth opening 45 respectively when the final 388 product is trimmed to its proper dimeiIsions.
389 Figure 14 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the mold block 390 210 of Figure 13 taken along line H - H. The cavity 435 is preferably wide enough to fill the 391 thickness of the molding plastic to form the reinforcing rib 1.35. The cavities 265 and 275 are 392 large enough to create the baffle opening 65 and notch opening 75 respectively. Figure 15 is 393 a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the mold block 210 of Figure 13 394 taken along line J - J. Referring to Figures 13-15, the built-in baffle is forrned by the wedge-395 shaped body 250 which is raised out of the bodv cavity 255. The height 335 of the wedge 396 surface of the raised wedge-shaped body 250 is preferably slightly lower than the full 397 thickness of the mold block 210. After closing the two rnold blocks, the volid space between 398 the raised wedge-shaped body 250 of each block forms the reinforcing rib 135. The end edge 399 260 of the raised wedge-shaped body -250 will be the end 60 of the baffle 50. The first and 400 second surfaces 350 and 350' of the raised wedge-shaped body 250 foi-m the first baffle 50 401 and second baffle 50'.
402 A small cutout (e.g., a rounded corner) 270 fornls the baffle notch 70 with the end 403 point 80 of the notch 70 ending at the vertical line 280. The cutout 270 shown in Figures 14 PATEN'C
404 and 15 is just one exaniple of a notch opening. Different cuTvatures and shapes can be used 405 to produce different notch openings such as those shown in Figures I lA-1 lC and 12A-12C.
406 Figure 16 is a schematic representation of the ci-oss-sectional view of another example 407 embodiment of an improved container. Figure 17 is a schematic representation of the cross-408 sectional view of the container of Figure 16 taken along line K - K. The spill-and-glug-409 resistant container 10 of Figure 16 also has a baffle 50 and preferably, a baffle notch 70. The 410 container tapers towarci its neck 45. (:)f course, the notch 70 may have any suitable shape and 411 configuration such as those shown in Figures 11 A-11 C and 12A-12C.
412 Figure 18 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of yet another 413 example embodiment of an improved container. Figure 19 is a schematic representation of 414 the cross-sectional view of the container of Figure 18 taketi along line L-L As with any of 415 the embodiments described, the container niay include a handle 140 which allows a user to 416 carry the container and to pour a liquid out of the container niore easily. The handle 140 can 417 be located on any side of the container. There can even be more than one handle 140 if 418 desired.
419 If desired, the baffled container can designeci to be tui-ned more than 90 degrees 420 without spilling. If desired, the design can even allow the user to raise the bottom 30 of the 421 container so high that the liquid level inside the container is higher than the mouth opening 422 without spilling the liquid.
423 The: baffled container makes the pouring of licluid out of the container much more 424 manageable with less chance of spilling. Therefore, the iniproved container is able to pour a 425 liquid while eliminating or reducing spills and glugging.
426 The baffled spill-and-glug-resistant container can be designed so that the container 427 can be turned considerably after filling without spilling liquid. For example in one example 428 embodiment, the bottorn of the spill-and-glug-resistant container can be turned more than 90 429 degrees with the liquid line inside being higher than the mouth opening of the spill-and-glug-430 resistant container without spilling any liquid. The start-to-pour angle can be designed 431 anywhere between 0 to 180 degrees. The baffled spill-and-glug resistant container could be 432 used to dispense water, motor oil, anti-freeze, juice, milk, cooking oil and niany other 433 hazardous and nonhazardous liquids whenever spillage is a concern during pouring. Even the 434 filling of the baffled containei- is better. lf a user wants to fill the baffled container with water PATENT
435 from a water fountain or sink faucet, the fact that the container can tilt a certain amount 436 without pouring makes it easier to fill the container more fully.
437 Also contemplated is a detachable adapter which has a baffle and can be attached 438 sealingly to a suitable existing container in order to form an improved spill-and-glug-resistant 439 container. The detachable baffle adapter can be screwed or otherwise attached to an existing 440 container.
441 Figures 20A-20C show examples of various versions of a liquid bottle 400 with an 442 extended curved neck feature, which feature is described in I.I.S. Patent Nos. 6,098,850 and 443 5,934,017 by the same inventor, the entirely of which disclosures are incorporated herein by 444 reference for all purposes. The liquid bottle 400 may be of any shape or size. It generally has 445 side walls 405, top wall 410 and bottom wall 415. If desirable, one side wall 406 may be flat 446 to allow the liquid bottle to lay flat af'ter filling. A major axis 16--16 generally defines the 447 center line of the liquid bottle. The liquid bottle is in its upright position when the major axis 448 is vertical and the top wa11410 is faciilg up. The extended curved neck 425 could be in the 449 form of a letter "7" (as shown in Figure 20A), or in the fomi of a letter "Z", or "S" (as shown 450 in Figures 20B, 20C). A mouth opening 430 is located at the end of the extended curved 451 neck. A minor axis 17--17 perpendicular to the plane of the mouth opening.
In general, the 452 minor axis 17--17 is parallel with the rnajor axis 16--16. 1-lowever, it is not necessary to do 453 so, and the two axes may be oriented at a small angle. "I'he extended curved neck 425 may 454 start from almost anywhere on the liquid bottle 400, but tisually starts from the top wall 410 455 or from the side wall near the top wall and on the opposite side of the flat side wal1406. A
456 passageway 435 along the center line of the extended curved neck connects the mouth 457 opening 430 with the inner chamber 420 of the liquid bottle 400. After the liquid bottle is 458 tilled with liquid in the upright position, it can be laid Flat on the side wall 406 and the liquid 459 inside the chamber 420 will not flow out even ifthe liquid level line 445 inside the chamber 460 420 is higher than the liquid level lirre 450 at the moutli opening as long as it is oriented 461 correctly with the 7, Z or S shaped curved neck in the upright position where the mouth 462 opening end of the curved neck is on the upper rnost location when the liquid bottle is laid 463 down flat before tilting as shown in Figures 20A-20C with angle A at zero degree. The 464 bottom wall 415 is lifted further to pour the liquid. The liquid will not start to flow until the 465 angle "A" reaches a pouring angle which can be anywhere between zero (0) to nearly ninety PATENT
466 (90) degrees. This angle "A" is detennined by the shape, size, curvature and restrictions of 467 the passageway 435. When this angle "A" reaches the pouring angle, outside air will start to 468 enter the liquid bottle at the liquid level line 450 in the extended curved neck 425 and at the 469 same time liquid inside the liquid bottle will start to f7ow out. The extended curved neck 470 feature may be built-in with the liquicl bottle (as shown in Figures 20A
and 20B) or built into 471 a cap 455 which is then attached to any existing bottle with a gasket 460 for leak proofing (as 472 shown in Figure 20C). Optional closing cap or plug 465 may be used to er-close the liquid 473 bottle mouth opening when the bottle is not in use or during transportation.
474 In the foregoing specifrcation, the irrvention has been described with reference to 475 specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and 476 changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the 477 invention. For example, the reader is to understand that the specific ordering and 478 combination of process actions shown in the process flow diagrams described herein is 479 merely illustrative, and the invention can be perforrried using different or additional process 480 actions, or a different combination or ordering of process actions. As anottrer example, each 481 feature of one embodiment can be mixed and matched with other features shown in other 482 embodiments. Features and processes known to those of ordinary skill in the art of 483 networking may similarly be incorporated as desired. Additionally and obviously, features 484 imay be added or subtracted as desired. Accordingly, the invention is not to be i-estricted 485 except in light of the attached claims and their equivaletlts.
Man has used containers for storing and dispensing liquids for millenniums.
11 However, containers still have their problems. For example, when pouring a full container of 12 liquid into a smaller receptacle such as a cup, one may spill the liquid.
Some containers spill 13 very easily. This problem arises when pouring a container of juice or milk into a glass, 14 pouring a can of motor oil into the engine, pouring anti-freeze liquid into the radiator.
Sometimes, spilling occurs because the container is too full of liquid and the receptacle (e.g., 16 a short cup or a low radiator with a fender in the way) is too low and distant from the 17 container. Under these circumstances, man has resorted to using a funnel, being extra careful 18 when pouring, or lifting the cup to the container. Therefore, there is a need for an improved 19 container, which ideally does not spill when pouring and realistically, is spill-resistant.
When pouring liquid from a container, the same volume of air preferably enters the 21 container to replace the liquid being poured out. A phenomenon referred to as "glugging"
22 occurs when the liquid is poured more quickly from the container than air can enter the 23 container. Glugging occurs when too much liquid tries to flow out of the container and not 24 enough room is available in the outflow passageway for air to enter into the container to replace the volume of the outflowing liquid. When this happens, a partial vacuum is created 26 inside the container that momentarily stops liquid from flowing out. Once the liquid flow 27 stops, air starts to enter the container and when the incoming air has eliminated the partial 28 vacuum, the liquid can resume its out flow. This intermittent and repeated liquid flowing and 29 stopping is referred to as "glugging" and makes the pouring unstable, undesirable and less smooth. Glugging can also cause spills. Therefore, there is also a need for a container which 31 reduces the glugging effect.
32 On the market, some container designs have a hollow handle molded near the mouth PATENT
33 opening of the container. An air vent passageway is provided between the mouth opening 34 and the hollow handle so that a separate air vent is provided. The air from the mouth opening 35 travels down the vent passageway, through the hollow handle, and into the container to help 36 reduce glugging. However, a further improved container which better eliminates glugging 37 and improves the smoothness of the liquid flow is needed.
41 The improved container for storing and dispensing liquids has a baffle. The improved 42 container resists spilling and pours the liquid more smoothly. The baffle may include an 43 optional notch or vent structure for reducing "glugging" or for allowing the liquid to pour 44 more smoothly.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will 46 become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and 47 detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and 48 advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be 49 protected by the accompanying claims.
53 The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed 54 upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
However, like parts do 56 not always have like reference numerals. Moreover, all illustrations are intended to convey 57 concepts, where relative sizes, shapes and other detailed attributes may be illustrated 58 schematically rather than literally or precisely.
59 Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional side view of an example embodiment of the improved container.
61 Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the top view of the improved container of 62 Figure 1 taken along line A - A.
63 Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the improved PATENT
64 container of Figure 1 taken along line B - B.
65 Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional side view of another 66 example embodiment of an improved container.
67 Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the top view of the improved container of 68 Figure 4 taken along line C - C.
69 Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the improved 70 container of Figure 4 taken along line D - D.
71 Figures 7A through 7F are schematic representations which illustrate how the spill-72 and-glug-resistant container operates.
73 Figures 8A through 8E are schematic representations which illustrate how the spill-74 and-glug-resistant container works when the liquid is filled higher than the proper fill line.
75 Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional side view of an example 76 embodiment of the spill-and-glug resistant container where the baffle is an integral part of a 77 blow-molded container.
78 Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the side view of the improved container of 79 Figure 9 taken along line E - E.
80 Figure 1 1A is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the improved 81 container of Figure 9 taken along line F - F.
82 Figures 11B and 11C are schematic representations of two alternate configurations of 83 the baffle notch shown in Figure 11A.
84 Figure 12A is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the improved 85 container of Figure 9 taken along line G - G.
86 Figures 12B and 12C are schematic representations of two alternate configurations of 87 the baffle notch shown in Figure 12A.
88 Figure 13 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of one half of the mold 89 block used for making the spill-and-glug-resistant container shown in Figure 9.
90 Figure 14 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the half mold 91 block of Figure 13 taken along line H - H.
92 Figure 15 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the half mold 93 block of Figure 13 taken along line J - J.
94 Figure 16 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional side view of another PATENT
95 example embodiment of a spill-and-glug-resistant container where the baffle is an integral 96 part of a blow-molded container.
97 Figure 17 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the improved 98 container of Figure 16 taken along line K - K.
99 Figure 18 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional side view of yet another 100 example embodiment of a spill-and-glug-resistant container where the baffle is an integral 101 part of a blow molded container.
102 Figure 19 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the improved 103 container of Figure 18 taken along line L - L.
104 Figures 20A-20C show examples of liquid bottle designs with an extended neck 105 feature which may be used as a refillable water bottle or for many other applications.
109 Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional side views of a preferred 110 example embodiment of a spill-and-glug-resistant container 10, which is referred to as a 111 baffled container. The heavy dark line shown in this drawing and all following drawings 112 represent the cut walls of the container. Figures 1 - 3 illustrate various views of a 113 substantially rectangular container 10 with rounded corners and four sidewalls: the pouring 114 sidewall 15, the opposite sidewall 20 and the other two sidewalls 25 in between. Figure 2 is a 115 schematic representation of the top view of the baffled spill-and-glug-resistant container 10 116 of Figure 1 taken along line A - A. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the cross-117 sectional view of the spill-and-glug-resistant container 10 of Figure 1 taken along line B - B.
118 A bottom 30, a top 35, a bottle neck 40 and a mouth opening 45 completes otherwise the 119 basic construction of a typical container. The bottle neck 40 need not be a discrete separate 120 part of the container. Designs having no definitive neck are permitted as long as they include 121 a baffle. A vertical axis 5- 5 through the center of the mouth opening projects the mouth 122 opening to the interior chamber 55 of the container 10.
123 As shown in Figures 1-3, the baffled container 10 has an additional baffle panel 50 124 formed or inserted from one side of the container 10. The baffle 50 may be connected to the 125 top 35 as shown in Figure 1 or to the opposite sidewall 20: This baffle 50 extends from the PATENT
126 interior chamber 55 at or near the mouth opening 45 and cuts through the vertical axis 5- 5 127 toward the pouring sidewall 15. The edge 60 of the baffle 50 does not touch the pouring 128 sidewa1115 and has a gap from the pouring sidewa1115 to form a baffle opening 65.
129 At the edge 60 of the baffle 50, there is preferably a notch 70 with its notch opening 130 75 next to the baffle opening 65 (notch 70 and notch opening 75 are better seen in Figures 2 131 and 3). The "end point" 80 of the notch 70 is the portion of the notch furthest from the 132 pouring sidewall 15. The cavity on the upper side of the baffle 50 (between the baffle 50 and 133 the mouth opening 45) forms an outflow passageway 85 leading from baffle opening 65 to 134 the mouth opening 45. When pouring liquid from the container 10, as illustrated, the vertical 135 axis 5 - 5 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction with the mouth opening 45 tilting 136 toward the pouring sidewa1115.
137 Liquid starts to flow from the interior chamber 55 of the container 10 through baffle 138 opening 65, through outflow passageway 85, and then through mouth opening 45. The baffle 139 50 may be a flat panel, a curved panel (as shown), or any other suitable curvature and shape.
140 This baffle 50 preferably covers at least part of the projected mouth opening. In this 141 example, the baffle panel 50 covers the entire projected mouth opening as shown in Figure 2.
142 By contrast, the baffle 50 shown in Figure 5 covers only a portion of the projected mouth 143 opening (the notch 75 prevents the baffle 50 from covering all of the projected mouth 144 opening). The amount of the projected mouth opening which is covered or blocked is an 145 important factor in determining the start-to-pour angle of the container, which will be 146 described later.
147 From the view provided by Figure 2, it is clearly shown that the baffle 50 blocks the 148 entire projection of the mouth opening 45 into the interior chamber 55 of the container 10.
149 As shown in Figure 3, the baffle 50 is sealingly connected to, integrally formed, attached, 150 bonded, inserted, or otherwise attached to the container walls, except that one edge 60 of the 151 baffle 50 and the notch 70 are not connected to the container walls. The space between the 152 edge 60 of the baffle 50 and the pouring sidewa1115 forms the baffle opening 65 and the 153 small notch 70 on the baffle forms a small notch opening 75. The distance between the edge 154 60 of the baffle 50 and the sidewall 15 may be small, but the area of the opening 65 should be 155 sufficiently large (e.g., equal to or larger than the mouth opening 45) for dispensing the 156 liquid. The small notch opening 70 plays an important role in the anti-glugging function. Its PATENT
157 operation will be described later such as with respect to Figures 7A-7F
and 8A-8E.
158 Figure 4 is a schematic representation of another preferred example embodiment of a 159 baffled container 10. This example container has a circular body with a conical top 35. The 160 baffle 50 extends from one side of the container toward the opposite side.
The portion of the 161 sidewall facing the edge 60 of the baffle 50 may be designated as being the pouring sidewall 162 15 and the opposite sidewall designated as being the opposite sidewall 20.
The baffle 50 163 extends from the conical top 35 of the opposite sidewa1120 toward the pouring sidewa1115.
164 In this example, the baffle 50 is an inclined flat plane. However, the baffle 50 can be curved 165 or in other suitable configurations and shapes.
166 Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the top view of the container 10 of Figure 4 167 taken along line C - C and Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view 168 of the container 10 of Figure 4 taken along line D - D. The sloped baffle 50 extends from 169 the conical top 35 of the opposite sidewall 20 toward the pouring sidewall 15. A function of 170 the baffle 50 is to block or partially block direct communication between the mouth opening 171 45 and the interior chamber 55 of the container 10. The amount by which the projection of 172 the mouth opening 45 is blocked by the baffle 50 affects the start-to-pour angle of the 173 container 10 and may affect how fast it takes to empty or fill the container. The baffle notch 174 70 reduces the effective blockage area by the baffle 50, which will be described in more 175 detail later. In the example shown in Figure 5, the baffle 50 effectively blocks slightly more 176 than 50 % of the mouth opening 45 where the effective blockage starts from the end point 80 177 of the notch 70 to the right of the mouth opening 45.
178 Figures 7A-7F are schematic representations, which illustrate how the baffled 179 container 10 works when the liquid is filled to the proper fill line 90.
As shown in Figure 7A, 180 the container 10 is filled with a liquid just below the baffle 50, viewing the liquid level when 181 the container is placed on a horizontal flat surface 100. The proper fill line can be above the 182 end point 80 of the notch 70, depending on the size and shape of the outflow passageway 85 183 and of the container 10. A vertical axis 1-1 perpendicular to the horizontal flat surface 100 184 is located at the utmost right edge of the mouth opening 45. A second vertical axis 2- 2 185 passes through the end point 80 of the notch 70 and is parallel with axis 1 - 1. Another axis 186 3 - 3 is a line which passes through the end point 80 of the notch 70 and the apex point 130 187 of the mouth opening 45 of the container 10. Because the end point 80 and the apex point PATENT
188 130 are offset horizontally with respect to each other, axis 3-3 in Figure 7A need not be a 189 vertical line. However, if the end point 80 and the apex point 130 are not offset horizontally 190 from each other, the axis 3-3 will be a vertical line. The apex point 130 of the mouth opening 191 45 may be a definitive point or a moving point depending on the tilting angle of the container 192 10, which will be explained later. The apex point 130 shown in Figure 7A
is based on the 193 tilting angle which equals the start-to-pour angle A5 as shown in Figure 7E. The angle 194 between axis 3- 3 and the horizontal surface 100 forms the start-to-pour angle A (in this 195 case, angle A is equal to angle A5), if the minor factors such as surface tension and wetting 196 characteristics of the liquid are ignored. The distance Dl between axis 1 -1 and axis 2- 2, 197 as compared with the diameter of the mouth opening D2, defines the effective coverage of the 198 baffle 50. If D1/D2 equals 1.0, 100 percent of the mouth opening 45 is covered by the baffle 199 50, axis 2- 2 will coincide with axis 3- 3 and the start-to-pour angle will be equal to 90 200 degrees. In the particular example illustrated in Figure 7A, the baffle 50 covers at least 100 201 percent of the mouth opening 45 (e.g., Dl is greater than D2) and the start-to-pour angle A is 202 greater than 90 degrees. When pouring liquid out of the container 10, the vertical axis 5 - 5 203 of the container 10 is slowly turned by lowering the pouring sidewall 15 and raising the 204 bottom 30 toward the opposite sidewall 20. As illustrated in Figure 7A, the container 10 is 205 turned in a counter-clockwise direction. The points at which the liquid level line 90 contacts 206 the sidewalls start to move higher up the pouring sidewall 15 and more lower down the 207 opposite sidewal120, as shown in Figure 7B.
208 At turning angle A2 as shown in Figure 7B, the liquid level line touches the end point 209 80 of the notch 70. Once the liquid touches the end point 80 of the notch 70, the interior air 210 cavity 115 inside the interior chamber 55 of the container 10 becomes isolated and can no 211 longer communicate with the outside ambient air. After this turning angle A2, the liquid 212 level 90 splits into two liquid levels, the interior liquid leve1105 and the exterior liquid level 213 110. As the container is turned further from angle A2 to A3 in Figure 7C, the interior liquid 214 leve1105 is higher than the exterior liquid leve1110. Liquid starts to flow from the interior 215 chamber 55 of the container toward the mouth opening 45 through baffle opening 65 and 216 outflow passageway 85. The height difference between liquid levels 105 and 110 is 217 determined by the basic principles of fluid mechanics and can be expressed by the equation:
218 Pa-Pi=KxH, PATENT
219 where Pa is the ambient air pressure at the mouth opening 45, Pi is the interior air pressure of 220 the interior air cavity 115, K is the specific weight of the liquid and H
is the height difference 221 between the liquid levels 105 and 110. Figure 7C shows the height difference as H3.
222 As the tilting angle A3 increases, more liquid flows out of the interior chamber 55 223 into the passageway 85, which leads to an increase in volume of the interior air cavity 115 224 (comparing Figures 7B and 7C) and a decrease in pressure of the interior air cavity 115.
225 Because the ambient pressure Pa and the specific weight K stay constant, the interior air 226 pressure Pi can be calculated by:
227 Pi=Pa-(KxH).
228 The interior air pressure Pi is less than the ambient air pressure Pa, which creates a 229 partial vacuum inside the container 10. This relationship holds true for the static conditions 230 of any tilting angle. As shown in Figure 7C, the height difference H3 will have a 231 corresponding interior air pressure Pi3 for given tilting angle A3 and the above equation 232 becomes:
233 Pi3 = Pa- (K x H3).
234 In this example embodiment, the increase in tilting angle from A3 to A4 in Figure 7D
235 results in an increased height difference H4 and a further reduced interior air pressure Pi4. At 236 this position, the exterior liquid line 110 is still below the apex point 130 and cannot flow out 237 of the mouth opening 45. Apex point 130 is a moving threshold for the liquid to flow out of 238 the mouth opening 45; in other words, the apex point 130 is the then-current highest point in 239 the outflow passageway at any tilting angle. In this example, the apex point 130 can be 240 located at either the lowest point 120 of the mouth opening 45 or at the lowest point 125 of 241 the neck depending on the tilting angle.
242 When the container 10 continues to tilt from Figure 7D to Figure 7E, the exterior 243 liquid level 110 reaches the end point 80 of the notch 70. Any tilting angle greater than this 244 tilting angle A5 allows ambient air to enter into the interior chamber 55 of the container 10 245 through the partially exposed notch opening 75, thereby breaking the partial vacuum Pi5. As 246 soon as the outside ambient air enters the container 10, the interior air pressure Pi5 suddenly 247 increases and the above equation can no longer hold true. Therefore, liquid will continue to 248 flow out of the container to reduce the height difference H5 until a new balance is reached.
249 Thus, the spill-and-glug-resistant container preferably has a vent notch 70 on the baffle 50 to PATENT
250 serve as an air vent. The air vent allows air to pass from outside the container into the 251 container during pouring, which reduces glugging.
252 If the notch opening 75 does not exist, the outflow passageway 85 and the baffle 253 opening 65 cannot simultaneously provide smooth liquid outflow and air inflow at the same 254 time. Under this circumstance, an undesirable glugging phenomenon may occur because too 255 much liquid starts to flow out as compared to the amount of air entering the container to 256 replace the volume of the outflow liquid. The temporary partial vacuum created in the 257 interior air cavity 115 inside the interior chamber 55 momentarily stops the outflow liquid.
258 Once the outflow liquid stops, air is able to re-enter the container to eliminate the partial 259 vacuum, allowing the outflow of liquid to resume again. This intermittent stop-and-start of 260 the outflow liquid makes the flow of liquid unstable. The unstable glugging flow could cause 261 spilling and is an undesirable condition. Thus, the addition of a baffle notch 70 with notch 262 opening 75 eliminates or reduces the glugging, non-smooth flow of the liquid.
263 When the container 10 is tilted further to angle A6 as shown in Figure 7F, the notch 264 opening 75 of the baffle 50 is higher than the exterior liquid leve1110 of the outflow. At this 265 tilting angle, the baffle opening 65 is sufficiently large to handle the outflow liquid. The 266 small notch opening 75, which is above the exterior liquid line 110 and exposed to the 267 ambient air, can be devoted for venting incoming air. By venting the air, a partial vacuum 268 inside the container is not formed or is formed to a lesser degree. This allows the continuous 269 outflow of liquid until all the liquid has been dispensed when the height difference H6 is 270 reduced to zero with little chance of glugging.
271 Figure 8A-8E are schematic representations which illustrate how a spill-and-glug-272 resistant container 10 works when the liquid is filled higher than the proper fill line 90 as 273 shown in Figure 7A. As shown in Figure 8A, the exterior liquid line 110 partially covers the 274 baffle 50 when viewing the container placed on a horizontal flat surface 100. The interior 275 liquid line 105 may be either above or below the exterior liquid line 110.
In this illustration, 276 the interior liquid line 105 is higher than the exterior liquid line 110 with a height difference 277 of H 1. Interior air cavity 115 inside the interior chamber 55 of the container 10 is isolated 278 and cannot communicate with the outside ambient air. The air pressure at the interior air 279 cavity 115 is lower than the ambient pressure. By contrast, if the interior liquid level line 105 280 is lower than the exterior liquid level line 110, the interior air cavity 115 will have a higher PATENT
281 air pressure. When pouring a liquid out of the container 10, the vertical axis 5- 5 of the 282 container 10 is slowly turned by lowering the pouring sidewall 15 and raising the bottom 30 283 toward the opposite sidewall 20. Referring to Figure 8A, the container 10 is turned in a 284 counter-clockwise direction. The point at which the exterior liquid level line 110 contacts the 285 pouring sidewal115 starts to move upward while the point at which the interior liquid level 286 line 105 contacts the opposite sidewa1120 starts to move downward, as shown in Figure 8B, 287 so that the height difference increases from H1 to H2.
288 As the container is turned further from tilting angle A2 to A3 in Figure 8C, more 289 liquid starts to flow from the interior chamber 55 of the container toward the mouth opening 290 45, through baffle opening 65 and outflow passageway 85. This increases the volume of the 291 interior air cavity 115 and decreases the pressure of the interior air cavity 115. As mentioned 292 with respect to Figures 7A-7F, there is an apex point 130 which can be a fixed point.
293 Alternatively, the apex point 130 can be a point which moves between the lowest point of the 294 mouth opening 120 and the highest point of the lower side 125 of the corner of the neck, 295 depending on the tilting angle of the container. As soon as the exterior liquid leve1110 296 reaches the apex point 130, the passageway 85 can no longer hold any more out-flowing 297 liquid. Any further tilting of the container will cause the liquid to flow over the apex point 298 130 and out of the mouth opening 45. Because no outside air enters the container, as soon as 299 the tilting stops, the liquid will stop flowing out of the container when the relationship below 300 reaches a new equilibrium:
301 Pi3 = Pa -(K x 143).
302 In other words, the liquid will flow out of the container and the interior liquid leve1105 will 303 drop until the height difference H3 is decreased so that the above equation holds true again.
304 Any increase in the tilting angle from A3 to A4 between Figure 8C and Figure 8D will cause 305 the liquid to flow out, which flow may stop again if the height difference H4 can satisfy the 306 equation for a further reduced interior air pressure Pi4. At the tilting angle A4, the exterior 307 liquid level 110 reaches the end point 80 of the notch 70. Any further increase in tilting angle 308 will allow ambient air to enter into the container which will break the partial vacuum in the 309 interior air cavity 115. The outflow of liquid will no longer stop until the interior liquid level 310 105 is reduced to the same level of exterior liquid leve1110 (e.g., the container has been 311 effectively emptied) or the height difference H4 has been reduced to zero.
This tilting angle PATENT
312 A4 is the start-to-flow angle A as described in Figure 7.
313 When the container tilts from Figure 8D to Figure 8E, more liquid will try to flow out 314 and the exterior liquid leve1110 is higher than the apex point 130. More area of the baffle 50 315 including the notch opening 75 will be exposed to the ambient air. Thus, ambient air will be 316 able to enter into the interior chamber 55 of the container 10 through the exposed notch 317 opening 75. The addition of a baffle notch 70 with notch opening 75 acts as an air vent, 318 which acts to make the liquid pour out more smoothly and to reduce the glugging effect. At 319 this tilting angle, the baffle opening 65 is sufficiently large enough to handle the outflow 320 liquid and the small notch opening 75 can be devoted to handle the incoming air. This can 321 prevent the formation of another partial vacuum inside the container and thus allow the 322 continuous outflow of liquid until effectively all of the liquid has been dispensed (where the 323 height difference H5 has been reduced to zero).
324 Figures 8A-8E shows that the most desirable liquid fill amount is that amount which 325 allows the container to be tilted to tilting angle A4 (as shown in Figure 8D) without having 326 any liquid to flow out. In such a case, the tilting angle A4 is the start-to-flow angle. Any 327 extra liquid over that proper amount will flow out of the container before the container is 328 tilted to the start-to-flow angle. If this extra pre-flow of liquid is acceptable, the container 329 can be filled higher than the most desirable liquid fill line.
330 The baffle shown in the example embodiments of Figures 1 - 8 can be inserted into 331 an otherwise ordinary container to create a spill-and-glug-resistant container. However, in 332 the mass-production environment of the highly competitive container industry, it is not 333 economically feasible to insert this baffle into already formed containers. Figure 9 is a 334 schematic representation of the cross-sectional side view of another preferred embodiment of 335 spill-and-glug-resistant container 10. A specially designed mold can manufacture this 336 container with built-in baffle having an optional notch during the same blow molding process 337 of making the container 10. This particular example container 10 has rounded corners.
338 Container 10 has a pouring sidewall 15, an opposite sidewall 20 and two other sidewalls 25 339 in between. It also has a bottom 30, a top 35, a neck 40 and a mouth opening 45. The baffle 340 50 is formed during the same blow molding process of making the rest of the container by 341 pinching a portion of two other sidewalls 25 together to form a first baffle 50 and a second 342 baffle 50' with a reinforcing rib 135 in between. The pinching process is achieved in the PATENT
343 mold and will be described later. To create a notch 70 in the baffle, a slightly reduced 344 pinching of the two sidewalls wiIl cause the baffle to have a notch 70 with notch opening 75 345 at the edge of the baffle 60. Additional details are provided in Figures 13 - 15.
346 Alternatively, the first and second baffles may be formed by the indentation of two sidewalls 347 of the container body toward each other, the first and second baffles extending toward each 348 other. The first and second baffles, regardless of how they are formed, may be separated by a 349 gap, touch each other partially, or touch each other completely.
350 Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the side view of the container of Figure 9 351 taken along line E- E. The first baffle 50 and the second baffle 50' with the reinforcing rib 352 135 act like an I-beam and are blow-molded in the same blow molding process which forms 353 the container. This I-beam configuration provides a strong support for the container.
354 Figure 11A is a schematic representation of the container of Figure 9 taken along line 355 F - F. In Figure 11A, the notch 70 has two sides which taper to a point.
Figures 11B and 356 1 1C show two alternate configurations of the baffle notch 70 such as a notch 70 having a 357 rounded end 80 or a pointed end 80. Figures 12A-12C are schematic representations of the 358 container of Figure 9 taken along line G - G, showing the three alternate configurations of 359 the baffle notch 70. Virtually any other shape or configuration of notch 70 is contemplated.
360 A simple manufacturing method can blow mold this baffled container for mass 361 production. In this method, the same blow-molding process used to form the container 10 362 may be used to form the baffle 50 and optional notch 70. Figure 13 is a schematic 363 representation showing one of a pair of the mold blocks 210 which may be used to 364 manufacture the container 10 of Figure 9. The mold blocks may be modified to be able to 365 manufacture any of the embodiments and altematives described in this disclosure. Figure 13 366 is a simplified drawing that omits many of the detailed features of a typical mold block such 367 as the vent holes, cap screws, different metal inserts and so on. The purpose of Figure 13 is 368 to demonstrate that the baffle can be made by the same blow molding process that makes the 369 container. Of course, an alternative is to mold the container and then indent or deform the 370 container to form the baffle. Yet another alternative is to mold the container and then insert a 371 baffle. Referring to Figure 13, this example mold block 210 has a body cavity 255 with five 372 basic surface walls. Together with the other half of the mold block (preferably having the 373 same mirror image of this mold block), a container such as the one shown in Figure 9 can be PATENT
373 representation showing one of a pair of the mold blocks 210 which may be used to 374 manufacture the container 10 of Figure 9. The mold blocks may be modified to be able to 375 manufacture any of the embodiments and alternatives described in this disclosure. Figure 13 376 is a simplified drawing that omits niany of the detailed features of a typical mold block such 377 as the vent holes, cap screws, different metal inserts and so on. The purpose of Figure 13 is 378 to demonstrate that the baffle can be rnade by the sarne blow molding process that makes the 379 container. Of course, an alternative is to mold the container and then indent or deform the 380 container to form the baffle. Yet another alternative is to mold the container and then insert a 381 baffle. Referring to Figure 13, this example mold block 210 has a body cavity 255 with five 382 basic surface walls. Together with the other half of the lnold block (preferablv having the 383 same mirror image of this mold block), a container such as the one shown in F'igure 9 can be 384 blow molded. Surface 215 forms the pouring sidewall 15. Surface 220 foi-ins the opposite 385 sidewall 20 and surface 225 forms one of the two other sidewalls 25.
Bottom surface 230 386 forms the container bottom 30 and the upper surface 235 forms the top 35.
Entrance 387 passages 240 and 245 form the neck 40 and mouth opening 45 respectively when the final 388 product is trimmed to its proper dimeiIsions.
389 Figure 14 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the mold block 390 210 of Figure 13 taken along line H - H. The cavity 435 is preferably wide enough to fill the 391 thickness of the molding plastic to form the reinforcing rib 1.35. The cavities 265 and 275 are 392 large enough to create the baffle opening 65 and notch opening 75 respectively. Figure 15 is 393 a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of the mold block 210 of Figure 13 394 taken along line J - J. Referring to Figures 13-15, the built-in baffle is forrned by the wedge-395 shaped body 250 which is raised out of the bodv cavity 255. The height 335 of the wedge 396 surface of the raised wedge-shaped body 250 is preferably slightly lower than the full 397 thickness of the mold block 210. After closing the two rnold blocks, the volid space between 398 the raised wedge-shaped body 250 of each block forms the reinforcing rib 135. The end edge 399 260 of the raised wedge-shaped body -250 will be the end 60 of the baffle 50. The first and 400 second surfaces 350 and 350' of the raised wedge-shaped body 250 foi-m the first baffle 50 401 and second baffle 50'.
402 A small cutout (e.g., a rounded corner) 270 fornls the baffle notch 70 with the end 403 point 80 of the notch 70 ending at the vertical line 280. The cutout 270 shown in Figures 14 PATEN'C
404 and 15 is just one exaniple of a notch opening. Different cuTvatures and shapes can be used 405 to produce different notch openings such as those shown in Figures I lA-1 lC and 12A-12C.
406 Figure 16 is a schematic representation of the ci-oss-sectional view of another example 407 embodiment of an improved container. Figure 17 is a schematic representation of the cross-408 sectional view of the container of Figure 16 taken along line K - K. The spill-and-glug-409 resistant container 10 of Figure 16 also has a baffle 50 and preferably, a baffle notch 70. The 410 container tapers towarci its neck 45. (:)f course, the notch 70 may have any suitable shape and 411 configuration such as those shown in Figures 11 A-11 C and 12A-12C.
412 Figure 18 is a schematic representation of the cross-sectional view of yet another 413 example embodiment of an improved container. Figure 19 is a schematic representation of 414 the cross-sectional view of the container of Figure 18 taketi along line L-L As with any of 415 the embodiments described, the container niay include a handle 140 which allows a user to 416 carry the container and to pour a liquid out of the container niore easily. The handle 140 can 417 be located on any side of the container. There can even be more than one handle 140 if 418 desired.
419 If desired, the baffled container can designeci to be tui-ned more than 90 degrees 420 without spilling. If desired, the design can even allow the user to raise the bottom 30 of the 421 container so high that the liquid level inside the container is higher than the mouth opening 422 without spilling the liquid.
423 The: baffled container makes the pouring of licluid out of the container much more 424 manageable with less chance of spilling. Therefore, the iniproved container is able to pour a 425 liquid while eliminating or reducing spills and glugging.
426 The baffled spill-and-glug-resistant container can be designed so that the container 427 can be turned considerably after filling without spilling liquid. For example in one example 428 embodiment, the bottorn of the spill-and-glug-resistant container can be turned more than 90 429 degrees with the liquid line inside being higher than the mouth opening of the spill-and-glug-430 resistant container without spilling any liquid. The start-to-pour angle can be designed 431 anywhere between 0 to 180 degrees. The baffled spill-and-glug resistant container could be 432 used to dispense water, motor oil, anti-freeze, juice, milk, cooking oil and niany other 433 hazardous and nonhazardous liquids whenever spillage is a concern during pouring. Even the 434 filling of the baffled containei- is better. lf a user wants to fill the baffled container with water PATENT
435 from a water fountain or sink faucet, the fact that the container can tilt a certain amount 436 without pouring makes it easier to fill the container more fully.
437 Also contemplated is a detachable adapter which has a baffle and can be attached 438 sealingly to a suitable existing container in order to form an improved spill-and-glug-resistant 439 container. The detachable baffle adapter can be screwed or otherwise attached to an existing 440 container.
441 Figures 20A-20C show examples of various versions of a liquid bottle 400 with an 442 extended curved neck feature, which feature is described in I.I.S. Patent Nos. 6,098,850 and 443 5,934,017 by the same inventor, the entirely of which disclosures are incorporated herein by 444 reference for all purposes. The liquid bottle 400 may be of any shape or size. It generally has 445 side walls 405, top wall 410 and bottom wall 415. If desirable, one side wall 406 may be flat 446 to allow the liquid bottle to lay flat af'ter filling. A major axis 16--16 generally defines the 447 center line of the liquid bottle. The liquid bottle is in its upright position when the major axis 448 is vertical and the top wa11410 is faciilg up. The extended curved neck 425 could be in the 449 form of a letter "7" (as shown in Figure 20A), or in the fomi of a letter "Z", or "S" (as shown 450 in Figures 20B, 20C). A mouth opening 430 is located at the end of the extended curved 451 neck. A minor axis 17--17 perpendicular to the plane of the mouth opening.
In general, the 452 minor axis 17--17 is parallel with the rnajor axis 16--16. 1-lowever, it is not necessary to do 453 so, and the two axes may be oriented at a small angle. "I'he extended curved neck 425 may 454 start from almost anywhere on the liquid bottle 400, but tisually starts from the top wall 410 455 or from the side wall near the top wall and on the opposite side of the flat side wal1406. A
456 passageway 435 along the center line of the extended curved neck connects the mouth 457 opening 430 with the inner chamber 420 of the liquid bottle 400. After the liquid bottle is 458 tilled with liquid in the upright position, it can be laid Flat on the side wall 406 and the liquid 459 inside the chamber 420 will not flow out even ifthe liquid level line 445 inside the chamber 460 420 is higher than the liquid level lirre 450 at the moutli opening as long as it is oriented 461 correctly with the 7, Z or S shaped curved neck in the upright position where the mouth 462 opening end of the curved neck is on the upper rnost location when the liquid bottle is laid 463 down flat before tilting as shown in Figures 20A-20C with angle A at zero degree. The 464 bottom wall 415 is lifted further to pour the liquid. The liquid will not start to flow until the 465 angle "A" reaches a pouring angle which can be anywhere between zero (0) to nearly ninety PATENT
466 (90) degrees. This angle "A" is detennined by the shape, size, curvature and restrictions of 467 the passageway 435. When this angle "A" reaches the pouring angle, outside air will start to 468 enter the liquid bottle at the liquid level line 450 in the extended curved neck 425 and at the 469 same time liquid inside the liquid bottle will start to f7ow out. The extended curved neck 470 feature may be built-in with the liquicl bottle (as shown in Figures 20A
and 20B) or built into 471 a cap 455 which is then attached to any existing bottle with a gasket 460 for leak proofing (as 472 shown in Figure 20C). Optional closing cap or plug 465 may be used to er-close the liquid 473 bottle mouth opening when the bottle is not in use or during transportation.
474 In the foregoing specifrcation, the irrvention has been described with reference to 475 specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and 476 changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the 477 invention. For example, the reader is to understand that the specific ordering and 478 combination of process actions shown in the process flow diagrams described herein is 479 merely illustrative, and the invention can be perforrried using different or additional process 480 actions, or a different combination or ordering of process actions. As anottrer example, each 481 feature of one embodiment can be mixed and matched with other features shown in other 482 embodiments. Features and processes known to those of ordinary skill in the art of 483 networking may similarly be incorporated as desired. Additionally and obviously, features 484 imay be added or subtracted as desired. Accordingly, the invention is not to be i-estricted 485 except in light of the attached claims and their equivaletlts.
Claims (36)
1. A container for dispensing a liquid with less spilling, the container comprising:
a top;
a bottom opposite the top;
a container body disposed between the top and the bottom, the container body being configured to contain the liquid;
an opening disposed on the top and adapted for the liquid to flow out of the container when the container is tilted beyond a start-to-pour angle;
a baffle, located within the container body, the baffle blocking at least a portion of a projection of the opening into the container body so that when the container is tilted less than the start-to-pour angle, the liquid does not flow out of the opening and when the container is tilted beyond the start-to-pour angle, the liquid flows out of the opening;
the baffle having a notch;
wherein the notch in the baffle forms an air vent passage.
a top;
a bottom opposite the top;
a container body disposed between the top and the bottom, the container body being configured to contain the liquid;
an opening disposed on the top and adapted for the liquid to flow out of the container when the container is tilted beyond a start-to-pour angle;
a baffle, located within the container body, the baffle blocking at least a portion of a projection of the opening into the container body so that when the container is tilted less than the start-to-pour angle, the liquid does not flow out of the opening and when the container is tilted beyond the start-to-pour angle, the liquid flows out of the opening;
the baffle having a notch;
wherein the notch in the baffle forms an air vent passage.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein the notch is located at the edge of the baffle that is not connected to the container body.
3. The container of claim 2 wherein the baffle is an integral portion of the container.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein the notch has a pointed end.
5. The container of claim 1 wherein the notch has a rounded end.
6. The container of claim 1 wherein the baffle is curved.
7. The container of claim 1 wherein the baffle is flat.
8. The container of claim 1 wherein the baffle is connected to the container except the pouring side of the baffle is not connected to the container.
9. The container of claim 8 wherein the notch is located at the side of the baffle that is not connected to the container.
10. The container of claim 9 wherein the baffle is an integral portion of the container.
11. The container of claim 9 wherein the notch has a pointed end.
12. The container of claim 9 wherein the notch has a rounded end.
13. The container of claim 9 wherein the baffle is curved.
14. The container of claim 9 wherein the baffle is flat.
15. The container of claim 1 wherein the baffle blocks at least half of the projection of the opening into the container body.
16. The container of claim 1 wherein the baffle blocks at least 80% of the projection of the opening into the container body.
17. The container of claim 1 wherein the baffle blocks all of the projection of the opening into the container body.
18. The container of claim 9 wherein the baffle blocks at least half of the projection of the opening into the container body.
19. The container of claim 9 wherein the baffle blocks at least 80% of the projection of the opening into the container body.
20. The container of claim 9 wherein the baffle blocks all of the projection of the opening into the container body.
21. The container of claim 1 wherein the baffle comprises a first baffle and a second baffle formed by the indentation of two sidewalls of the container body toward each other, the first and second baffles extending toward each other.
22. The container of claim 21 wherein the first and second baffles touch each other.
23. The container of claim 22 wherein the first and second baffles are joined to each other.
24. The container of claim 21 wherein each of the first and second baffles has a notch.
25. The container of claim 24 wherein the notches in the first and second baffles form the air vent passage.
26. The container of claim 23 further comprising a reinforcing rib connecting the first baffle to the second baffle.
27. The container of claim 9 wherein the baffle comprises a first baffle and a second baffle formed by the indentation of two sidewalls of the container body toward each other, the first and second baffles extending toward each other.
28. The container of claim 27 wherein the first and second baffles touch each other.
29. The container of claim 28 wherein the first and second baffles are joined to each other.
30. The container of claim 27 wherein each of the first and second baffles has a notch.
31. The container of claim 30 wherein the notches in the first and second baffles form the air vent passage.
32. The container of claim 29 further comprising a reinforcing rib connecting the first baffle to the second baffle.
33. A method of making a container for dispensing a liquid, the container being adapted to reduce spilling and glugging of the liquid when the liquid is being poured out of the container, the method comprising:
providing a mold for forming a container with a top, a bottom opposite the top, a container body disposed between the top and the bottom, the container body being configured to contain the liquid, an opening disposed on the top and adapted to carry the liquid out of the container, and a baffle located in the container body, the baffle blocking at least a portion of a projection of the opening into the container body so that if the container is tilted less than the start-to-pour angle, the liquid does not flow out of the opening and if the container is tilted beyond the start-to-pour angle, the liquid flows out of the opening;
providing a molding material into the mold; and letting the molding material dry or harden in the mold, thereby creating a container for dispensing a liquid, the container being adapted to reduce spilling and glugging of the liquid when the liquid is being poured out of the container.
providing a mold for forming a container with a top, a bottom opposite the top, a container body disposed between the top and the bottom, the container body being configured to contain the liquid, an opening disposed on the top and adapted to carry the liquid out of the container, and a baffle located in the container body, the baffle blocking at least a portion of a projection of the opening into the container body so that if the container is tilted less than the start-to-pour angle, the liquid does not flow out of the opening and if the container is tilted beyond the start-to-pour angle, the liquid flows out of the opening;
providing a molding material into the mold; and letting the molding material dry or harden in the mold, thereby creating a container for dispensing a liquid, the container being adapted to reduce spilling and glugging of the liquid when the liquid is being poured out of the container.
34. The method of claim 33 wherein the baffle is an integral portion of the container where opposing sides of the container body meet to touch each other inside the container.
35. The method of claim 33 wherein the method blow molds the baffle and the container at the same time.
36. The method of claim 33 further comprising filling a portion of the container body with a liquid or softened material.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/043,595 US6758375B2 (en) | 1997-06-11 | 2002-01-09 | Spill-resistant, smoother pouring container for liquids |
| US10/043,595 | 2002-01-09 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2411289A1 CA2411289A1 (en) | 2003-07-09 |
| CA2411289C true CA2411289C (en) | 2009-05-05 |
Family
ID=21927958
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2411289 Expired - Fee Related CA2411289C (en) | 2002-01-09 | 2002-11-06 | Spill resistant container |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2411289C (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7641070B2 (en) | 2006-02-28 | 2010-01-05 | Edison Nation, Llc | Low cost spill-resistant cup for liquids |
| US7757886B2 (en) | 2006-02-28 | 2010-07-20 | Edison Nation, Llc | Low cost spill-and-glug-resistant cup and container |
| CN113247439A (en) * | 2021-05-25 | 2021-08-13 | 深圳市通产丽星科技集团有限公司 | Discharging cover body assembly and container |
-
2002
- 2002-11-06 CA CA 2411289 patent/CA2411289C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2411289A1 (en) | 2003-07-09 |
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