WO2001054991A1

WO2001054991A1 - Drinking spout for a fluid container

Info

Publication number: WO2001054991A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/014018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Coy
Original assignee: VaLid LLC
Current assignee: VaLid LLC
Priority date: 2000-01-25
Filing date: 2000-05-19
Publication date: 2001-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2002-07-25
Also published as: AU2000248587A1

Abstract

A spout assembly (150) for use with a container (10) having an internal chamber in communication with a predefined opening that is sealed with a frangible sealing material. The spout assembly includes a hollow body (164) defining a passage therethrough and a puncture member. The hollow body is secured to the container such that movement of the hollow body between a relaxed position and an engaged position causes the puncture member to puncture the sealing material and the hollow body passage to be in communication with the internal chamber.

Description

DRINKING SPOUT FOR A FLUID CONTAINER BACKGROUND The present invention relates to fluid containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to liquid containers having a seal that is removed or punctured to dispense liquid from the container. Most particularly, the present invention relates to a drinking spout for a juice box or the like.

Many liquids, in particular beverages, are provided in containers 10 having an opening 12 sealed by a sheet 14 comprising single or multiple layers of various plastics and metals, for example, cellophane and aluminum. The sheet 14 is punctured or removed to dispense liquid from the container 10. Representative examples are illustrated in Figures 1-3.

Juice boxes 10 like the one illustrated in Figures 1 ancL2 are typically provided with a pointed straw (not shown) which is used to puncture the sheet 14. The beverage inside can then be consumed through the straw, or the straw can be discarded and the beverage consumed through the punctured opening 12. However, since the sheet 14 is formed from multiple layers, some force is required to insert the straw and it is often difficult to accomplish such without spilling or expelling any liquid. Furthermore, if the straw is removed for consumption, the opening 12 is susceptible to spilling or expelling fluid. Even when the straw is left in, leakage often occurs since a liquid tight seal does not exist between the straw and the punctured sheet 14.

Plastic containers 10 in which the entire opening 12 is covered by a removable sheet 14, as illustrated in Figure 3, also present drinking problems. If the sheet 14 is removed completely, the opening 12 is generally large and susceptible to spillage. Even if the sheet 14 is only partially removed, it is still susceptible to spillage and also interferes with the users ability to drink from the container 10. While a straw may be inserted through the sheet 14, straws are typically not provided with such containers and also may create a large opening susceptible to spillage.

Accordingly, there is a need for a spout which allows convenient opening of a sealed container while reducing the likelihood of spillage. SUMMARY The present invention relates to a spout for use with a container having a predefined opening that is sealed with a frangible material. The spout includes a hollow body which defines a fluid passage therethrough. Preferably, the hollow body includes a puncture tip to pierce the material over the opening and is secured to the container so it is moveable between a rest position and an engaged position. In the engaged position, it pierces the material over the opening and the body passage communicates with the interior of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1 -3 illustrate representative examples of prior art containers for which the present invention finds particular utility.

Figure 4 is a side elevation view of a container incorporating a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the embodiment of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a section view along the line 6-6 in Figure 4 illustrating a non-engaged position, with an internal valve in a relaxed position.

Figure 7 is a section view, similar to Figure 6, illustrating the embodiment of Figure 4 in an engaged positioned and the internal valve still in the relaxed position. Figure 8 is similar to Figure 7 but with the internal valve in a flexed position. Figure 9 is an isometric view of a container incorporating a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a section view along the line 10-10 in Figure 9. Figure 11 is a section view along the line 11-11 in Figure 9. Figure 12 is a section view illustrating the embodiment of Figure 9 in an engaged position with the internal valve in a relaxed position.

Figure 13 is a section view illustrating alternate side frame members for the embodiment in Figure 9.

Figure 14 is a section view taken along the line 14-14 in Figure 13. Figure 15 is a side elevation view of a container incorporating a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a section view along the line 16-16 in Figure 15 illustrating the embodiment thereof in a non-engaged position. Figure 17 is a section view illustrating the embodiment of Figure 15 in an engaged position with an internal valve in a relaxed position.

Figure 18 is a side elevation view of a container incorporating a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 is a section view illustrating the embodiment of Figure 18 in an engaged position with an internal valve in a relaxed position.

Figure 20 is similar to Figure 19 but with the valve in a flexed position.

Figure 21 is a section view of a container inco orating a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 22 is a section view of a container incorporating a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 23 is an orthogonal view of a container incorporating a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 24 is a plan view of a frame of the embodiment of Figure 23.

Figure 25 is a section view along the line 25-25 in Figure 24. Figure 26 is a plan view of the rotatable spout member of the embodiment of

Figure 23.

Figures 27-29 illustrate the sequence of engagement of the embodiment of Figure 23.

Figure 30 is an isometric view of a box container incorporating the embodiment of Figure 23.

Figure 31 is a top, rear isometric view of an eighth embodiment of the present invention in a closed position.

Figure 32 is a bottom, rear isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 31 in a closed position. Figure 33 is a bottom, rear isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 31 in an open position.

Figure 34 is a top plan view of the embodiment of Figure 31.

Figure 35 is a section view along the line 35-35 in Figure 34. Figure 36 is a section view along the line 36-36 in Figure 34 with the spout partially elevated.

Figures 37-39 illustrate the sequence of engagement of the embodiment of Figure 31.

Figure 40 is a top, front isometric view of a ninth embodiment of the present invention in an open position.

Figure 41 is a bottom, rear isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 40 in a closed position.

Figure 42 is a side elevation of the embodiment of Figure 40 in an open position.

Figure 43 is a section view along the line 43-43 in Figure 40.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the drawing figures wherein like numerals represent like elements throughout.

In the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 4-8, the spout 20 is secured to the container 10 about the opening 12. Spout 20 includes a dome like frame 22 and an aperture 23 that extends therethrough and is preferably co-axial with the container opening 12. A deflectable central member or push button 24 is positioned within the frame 22, above the opening 12, and is accessible through the aperture 23. As shown in Figures 5-8, the push button 24 is preferably hinged to the frame 22 by ribs 36. The deflection of ribs 36, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, permits movement of the push button 24 to its engaged position. The ribs 36 preferably are configured to have a relaxed position which maintains the push button 24 away from the frangible seal 14 to avoid inadvertent engagement. If desired, the push button 24 may be secured by rigid ribs 36 which must be fractured to allow movement. Alternatively, the push button 24 may be freely positioned within the frame 22, i.e. not connected thereto. In such an embodiment, the push button 24 has a portion larger than the aperture 23 so it can not be inadvertently dislodged from the frame 22. In each embodiment, the push button 24 is recessed below the aperture 23 so activation requires passing through the aperture to depress and engage the button 24.

The push button 24 includes a hollow body 26 that defines a through passage 38 on either side of valve 40. A puncture tip 28 is defined by a portion 30 of the body 26 which tapers from an edge 31 having a diameter smaller than that of the container opening 12 to an annular shoulder 32 having a diameter larger than that of the container opening 12, to a narrow body portion 35 preferably having a diameter smaller than the opening 12.

Edge 31 is preferably sloped such that the puncture tip has a pointed tip 33. Referring to Figure 7, as the push button 24 is depressed, the tapered portion 30, beginning with the pointed tip 33, punctures the frangible seal 14. The puncture tip 28 continues through the container opening 12 until the annular shoulder 32 engages the interior surface of the container 10. The tapering of the puncture tip 28 and the narrow portion 35 helps facilitate passage of the larger annular shoulder 32 through the opening 12. The annular shoulder 32 may also be rounded in the area to further facilitate passage.

Once the push button 24 is depressed and engaged, the passage 38 provides for dispensing of the contents from the container 10. To help reduce the occurrence of inadvertent spillage, a valve 40 extends across the body 26 at an elevation between the puncture tip 28 and the depression pad 34. The valve 40 is preferably manufactured from rubber or some other pliable material. Referring to Figure 8, the valve 40 preferably includes a plurality of leaflets 42 which abut when the valve 40 is in its relaxed or at rest state. The valve 40 is preferably fabricated from a memory material such that the leaflets 42 return to the relaxed position when there is no external force exerted thereon. Sipping on the spout 20 causes the valve 40 to flex, see Figure 7, and allows fluid to pass through the passage 38. The preferred valve 40 is configured with leaflets 42 to allow insertion of a straw, if such is desired, for example, for use by a toddler. The valve 40 is preferably formed integral with the body 26 by using a two shot injection molding procedure. A first shot of a desired material, preferably a food grade plastic, is used to form the frame 22 and push button 24. If the ribs 36 are to be semirigid, they can also be formed during the first shot. The first shot molded components are then moved to a second mold, where the valve 40, and if desired, the ribs 36, are formed from a second shot of a less rigid material, preferably a food grade rubber or flexible synthetic material.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 9-13. The spout 50 preferably includes a frame having a pair of opposed side rails 52 and 54 secured to the container 10 about the opening 12. Each side rail 52, 54 defines a track 56 extending substantially along its length. Preferably, the opposed tracks 56 are formed in the rails 52 and 54 and are dimensioned to receive and maintain the slidable shelf 58. A passage 68 passes through the shelf 58 and the body 60. A valve 40, similar to that described with respect to the first embodiment, extends across the passage 68. Body 60 which includes a puncture tip 62 defined by a tapered portion 64 and annular shoulder 66, similar to that described with reference to the first embodiment, depends from the shelf 58. The puncture tip 62 may be formed with a pointed tip, but it is not believed to be necessary due to the angle at which the puncture tip 62 contacts the membrane 14.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the preferred side rails 52 and 54 are tapered or sloped to provide tracks 56 that progress downwardly toward the opening 12. Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the preferred sloped tracks 56 maintain the shelf 58 and body 60, including the puncture tip 62, above the container 10 until it is ready for engagement. To engage the spout 50, the shelf 58 is moved along the sloped tracks 56 until the puncture tip 62 enters the opening 12 and the tapered portion 64 punctures the seal 14. Here, the sloped tracks 56 automatically force the tapered portion 64 through the frangible seal 14 and into engagement with the annular shoulder 66, as shown in Figure 12.

Referring to Figures 13 and 14, spout 50 may also be formed with inverted L-shape side frame members 52' and 54', which, in combination with the top surface of the container 10, define tracks or clearances 56'. The frame members 52' and 54' are preferably tapered to slope the clearances 56' toward the opening 12 to again force the puncture tip 62 into the opening 12 and through the frangible seal 14 as the shelf 58 is moved forward.

Referring to Figures 15-17, a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. The spout 80 has a hinged base that is secured to the container 10. The base includes an attachment end 82 for securing it to the container, a hinge 84 and a flap 86 that carries body 88. The body 88 includes a puncture tip 90 defined by a tapered portion 92 and annular shoulder 94, similar to that described with reference to the first embodiment, and extends outwardly from the flap 86, as shown in Figure 16. The puncture tip 90 is preferably sloped to define a pointed tip 93. The passage 96 passes through the flap 86 and the body 88. The valve 40, as described with respect to the first embodiment, extends across the through passage 96.

Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the rest position of flap 86 is along one of the side surfaces of the container 10. To engage the spout 80 with the container opening 12, flap 86 is rotated about the hinge 84 approximately two-hundred seventy degrees (270°) until the puncture tip 90 is inserted into the opening 12, the tapered portion 92, led by the pointed tip 93, punctures the seal 14 and the annular shoulder 94 engages the interior surface of the container 10, as shown in Figure 17.

Referring to Figures 18-20, a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. This embodiment 110 is substantially identical to the previous embodiment except that the flap 86 overlies the hinge 84 in the rest position and the attachment end 82 is secured on the top of the container 10. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the spout 110 is engaged with the container opening 12 by rotating flap 86, as previously described, about the hinge 84 approximately one-hundred eighty degrees (180°). In all other respects, spout 110 is the same as spout 80.

Referring to Figure 21 , a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. The spout 120 is substantially identical to the spout 110 of the just previous two embodiments except that the base is in line with the attachment end 82 secured to the container 10 such that the flap 86 is maintained in a rest position directly above the container opening 12 and is engaged therewith by rotating the hinge 84 downwardly and pushing the puncture tip 90 through the seal 14. To prevent inadvertent engagement, a pull away tab 122 is preferably positioned in the opening 12. The tab 122 may be manufactured from plastic, cardboard or any other material which will retard inadvertent puncture of the seal 14. To engage the opening 12, the user grips the tab 122 at the end 124 and pulls it from the opening 12. The puncture tip 122 can than be inserted with downward pressure.

Referring to Figure 22, a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown. The spout 130 includes contoured portions 132 and 134 which shape the spout to complement a user's mouth. While the contours 132 and 134 are shown in conjunction with a spout similar to that shown in Figure 19, it is understood that various contour portions can be included in the various configurations of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 23-29, a seventh embodiment 150 of the present invention is shown. Although the spout assembly 150 is shown in use with a pouch type container 10, it may be used in conjunction with other containers, as illustrated on box container 10 in Figure 30. With reference to Figures 23-29, the spout assembly 150 includes a frame 152 secured to the container 10 and a rotatable spout member 164. Preferably, spout member 164 has a cylindrical body 166 with the passage 168 extending therethrough. The frame 152 includes a body portion 154 with a recess 156 therein that receives the spout member 164. The recess 156 is sized to receive the spout member 164 with sufficient clearance for it to rotate. With reference to Figure 24, opposed indents or recesses 160 extend from the recess 156 into the body 154 and receive the projections 170 from the spout member 164. An opening 158, defined by the rim 159, extends through the frame 152 and aligns with the sealed opening 12 in the container 10, see Figure 27. The spout member 164 preferably has a circumferential grove 172, see Figure 26, which upon rotation of the spout member 164 is configured to engage the rim 159 of the opening 158. In the present embodiment, the groove 172 is angled along the body 166 of the spout member 164 such that it will align with the rim 159 when the spout member 164 is rotated into position.

Referring to Figures 27-29, operation of the spout 150 will be described in more detail. The spout 150 is positioned on the container 10 with the opening 158 aligned with the container sealed opening 12. With the spout member 164 positioned in the recess 156 and the projections 170 in indents 160, it has an initial, non-engaged position, as shown in Figure 27, where its leading edge 174 is aligned with but not engaged with the sealed opening 12. Referring to Figure 28, the spout member 164 is rotated about the projections 170 such that the leading edge 174 engages and punctures the seal over the opening 12.

Continued rotation about the projections 170 engages the groove 172 with the rim 159 of the opening 158, as shown in Figure 29. The spout member 164 is thereby retained in the use position, so that fluid flows through the passage 168 as indicated by the arrow A. If desired, for example for storage, the spout member 164 can be rotated to the initial position to close off the opening 12. With the groove 172 angled, the spout member 164 rotates beyond ninety degrees (90°) before engagement such that the spout member 164 is obtuse with respect to a centerline through its initial position. Preferably, the passage 168 expands at the leading edge 174 such that in the initial position it is protected from the external environment, and in the opened position it faces the interior of the container wall, see Figures 27-29.

Referring to Figures 31-39, an eighth embodiment 200 of the present invention is shown. The spout 200 is similar to the spout 150 of the previous embodiment and includes a frame 202 and a rotatable spout member 214. The frame 202 includes an attachment base 204, arcuate side walls 206 extending therefrom, and a partial domed wall 208 extending up from the base 204 between the side walls 206. The remainder of the area between the side walls 206 and the base 204 defines a spout opening 209 which extends through the frame 202 to a base opening 210. The frame 202 is secured to the container 10 such that the base opening 210 is aligned with the container's sealed opening 12, as illustrated in Figures 37-39. Referring again to Figures 31-36, the spout opening 209 is sized to receive the spout member 214. The spout member 214 includes a passage 218 therethrough and projections 222 which pivotably engage the frame 202 at recesses 212. The spout member 214 preferably has an expanded area 220, proximate the projections 222, which rotates in the void defined by side walls 206 and domed wall 208. The expanded area 220 helps maintain the spout opening 209 sealed except for the passage of the spout member 214. The spout member 214 also includes the tapered end 218 which is configured to close the base opening 210 when the spout member 214 is in a closed position, as illustrated in Figure 32. Referring to Figures 37-39, the spout member 214 is rotated from its initial, closed position to a position wherein the tapered end 218 extends from the base opening 210. As the spout member 214 is rotated, the tapered end 218 punctures the seal over the container opening 12 and the passage 216 communicates with the interior of the container 10. Upon the complete rotation, the expanded area 220 maintains the spout opening 209 sealed, thus creating a single outlet through the passage 216. Again, the spout member 214 can be returned to the initial position to reclose the container.

Referring to Figures 40-43, a ninth embodiment 250 of the present invention is shown. The spout assembly 250 is similar to spout 150 and includes a frame 252 securable to the container 10 and a rotatable spout member 264 with a passage 266 therethrough. The frame 252 has an upper body portion 254 that defines a recess 256 which will receive the spout member 264 and a lower bulbous portion 258 that depends from the upper body 254 and joins with the recess 256. Bulbous portion 258 includes a y-axis opening 260 and an x-axis grove 262 which cross each other. Rotation means, for example, complementary proj ections and recesses, rotatably secure the spout member 264 to the frame 252. The spout assembly 250 is secured to the container with the bulbous portion 258 aligned with the container opening 12 such that the bulb portion 258 contacts and tensions the material sealing the opening 12 but without rupturing it.

The spout member 264 has a bulbous area 270 adjacent its attachment end which fits within and complements the bulbous area 258. The piercing projection 268 which extends from the area 270 is positioned in the groove 262. In the initial closed position, as shown in Figure 41 , the area 270 of spout member 264 is positioned such that it closes the frame opening 260 and the piercing projection 268 is spaced from the plane of the material sealing the opening 12, similar to that condition shown in Figure 37. For use, the spout member 264 is rotated until the piercing projection 268 punctures the sealing material over the sealed opening 12 and the passage 266 is in communication with the interior of the container 10. Again, the spout member 264 can be returned to the initial position to reclose the container.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An insertable spout assembly for use with a container having an internal chamber in communication with a predefined opening that is sealed with a frangible sealing material, the spout assembly including: a hollow body defining a passage therethrough; a puncture member; and means for securing the hollow body to the container such that the hollow body is moveable, and movement of the hollow body between a relaxed position and an engaged position causes the puncture member to puncture the sealing material and the hollow body passage to be in communication with the internal chamber.

2. A spout for use with a container having an opening to its interior that is sealed with a membrane, the spout including: a hollow body having an outlet end, a passage therethrough and a membrane puncturing member opposite the outlet end; and means for securing the hollow body to the container for movement between an inactive and an active position where the puncturing member penetrates the membrane and the hollow body passage is in communication with the container's interior.

3. The spout of claim 1 or 2 wherein the means for securing the hollow body to the container includes a frame member positionable proximate the sealed opening.

4. The spout of claim 3 wherein the hollow body has an apertured, domed surface opposite the puncture member with the aperture coaxial with the passage.

5. The spout of claim 4 wherein the frame member is an apertured hemisphere positioned about the sealed opening with the frame aperture coaxial with the sealed opening.

6. The spout of claim 5 wherein the hollow body is positioned between the frame member and the container.

7. The spout of claim 6 wherein the hollow body is freely moveable relative to the frame member.

8. The spout of claim 6 wherein the hollow body is moveably secured to the frame member.

9. The spout of claim 8 wherein the hollow body is secured by a plurality of rib members.

10. The spout of claim 3 wherein the frame member includes opposed rails positioned about the sealed opening, each with a portion adjacent the sealed opening.

11. The spout of claim 10 wherein each rail includes a tapered track which slopes toward the portion adjacent the sealed opening.

12. The spout of claim 11 wherein the hollow body includes a shelf opposite the puncture member, the shelf including opposed lateral edges positionable in and moveable along the opposed rail tracks.

13. The spout of claim 3 wherein the hollow body is hingedly connected to the frame member.

14. The spout of claim 13 wherein the sealed opening passes through a first container surface and the hollow body extends along the first surface when it is in the first position.

15. The spout of claim 13 wherein the sealed opening passes through a first container surface and the hollow body extends along a second container surface proximate the first surface when it is in the first position.

16. The spout of any of claims 3-15 wherein the hollow body and frame member include contour portions which define an ergonomic drinking configuration.

17. The spout of claim 3 wherein the spout is pivotably connected to the frame member.

18. The spout of claim 17 the frame member includes a recess in which the hollow body is positioned in the first position.

19. The spout of claim 17 wherein the frame member includes a through hole aligned with the sealed opening.

20. The spout of claim 19 wherein the hollow body puncture member rotates through the frame through hole and into puncturing contact with the sealed opening as the hollow body is moved from the first position to the second position.

21. The spout of claim 19 wherein the hollow body seals the frame through hole when it is in the second position.

22. The spout of claim 21 wherein the hollow body rotates along an arcuate path between the first and second positions and seals the through hole along the entire path.

23. The spout of claim 19 wherein rotation of the hollow body back to the first position recloses the container.

24. The spout of any of claims 1-23 further comprising a valve positioned in the hollow body and moveable between a closed position and an open position.

25. The spout of any of claims 1-24 wherein the container is a box type container.

26. The spout of any of claims 1-24 wherein the container is a pouch type container.