Title:
CONTAINER WITH COLLAPSIBLE POURING SPOUT AND SELF OPENING VENT HOLE
United States Patent 3856187
Abstract:
A container is disclosed and claimed herein, preferably blow-molded, and having a collapsible pouring spout secured to a top wall thereof. The pouring spout is nestable within the container and is extendible to a position without the container to permit dispensing of the contents therefrom. A pull tab is provided having a cover at one end thereof, the cover being removably secured to the spout. In the collapsed position prior to initial opening, the pull tab is secured to the container top, away from the spout at a weakened tear area, whereby upon lifting of the pull tab, a portion of the top is torn away and provides a vent opening in the container to further proper dispensing. Depending upon the particular embodiment of the container, continued upward movement of the pull tab may also open the pouring spout.
US Patent References:
Container with pouring spout and closure
Phillips - December 1956 - 2772821
Container with retractable projectable spout
Winstead - July 1962 - 3042271
Plastic containers
Godshalk et al. - June 1968 - 3387749
CONTAINER WITH RECLOSEABLE, COLLAPSIBLE POURING SPOUT
Chlystun - September 1972 - 3690522
Container with pouring spout and closure
Phillips - December 1956 - 2772821
Container with retractable projectable spout
Winstead - July 1962 - 3042271
Plastic containers
Godshalk et al. - June 1968 - 3387749
CONTAINER WITH RECLOSEABLE, COLLAPSIBLE POURING SPOUT
Chlystun - September 1972 - 3690522
Application Number:
05/421431
Publication Date:
12/24/1974
Filing Date:
12/03/1973
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
222/541.900
International Classes:
B65D47/06; B65D47/12; B65D55/02; B67D5/12
Field of Search:
222/143,183,528,529,541,484,530
Primary Examiner:
Tollberg, Stanley H.
Assistant Examiner:
Stack Jr., Norman L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Manning Jr., Wellington M.
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. A container comprising:
2. A container as defined in claim 1 wherein said spout has a weakened tear area therearound at said pull tab.
3. A container as defined in claim 2 wherein said pull tab defines a spout cover at one end thereof, said cover being replaceable over said spout to reclose same.
4. A container as defined in claim 3 wherein said spout has a flange therearound adjacent said weakened tear area and wherein said cover is receivable over said flange to secure same thereto.
5. A container as defined in claim 1 wherein said pull tab has an opening along the length thereof.
6. A container as defined in claim 5 wherein said top has a depressed area beneath said opening.
7. A container as defined in claim 1 wherein said spout is integral with said top and comprises at least two different diameter sections along the length thereof.
8. A container as defined in claim 7 wherein said pull tab has an opening along the length thereof.
9. A container as defined in claim 8 wherein said top has a depressed area beneath said opening.
1. A container comprising:
2. A container as defined in claim 1 wherein said spout has a weakened tear area therearound at said pull tab.
3. A container as defined in claim 2 wherein said pull tab defines a spout cover at one end thereof, said cover being replaceable over said spout to reclose same.
4. A container as defined in claim 3 wherein said spout has a flange therearound adjacent said weakened tear area and wherein said cover is receivable over said flange to secure same thereto.
5. A container as defined in claim 1 wherein said pull tab has an opening along the length thereof.
6. A container as defined in claim 5 wherein said top has a depressed area beneath said opening.
7. A container as defined in claim 1 wherein said spout is integral with said top and comprises at least two different diameter sections along the length thereof.
8. A container as defined in claim 7 wherein said pull tab has an opening along the length thereof.
9. A container as defined in claim 8 wherein said top has a depressed area beneath said opening.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Containers with pouring spouts are in existence, including those where a pouring spout is integral with the container and is nestable within the container. For example, the Chlystun U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,298,577 and 3,690,522, both show containers with pouring spouts that are collapsible to a nesting position within the container and are extendible without the container so as to permit dispensing of the contents once the spout is severed or otherwise opened. Such containers with pouring spouts have been produced by blow molding where the container wall, top wall and pouring spout are of integral construction as well as otherwise where the spout is merely secured in some fashion to the top wall of the container.
The present invention is a further improvement of the containers having pouring spouts associated therewith, either of integral or separate construction. In this regard, the container having the pouring spout extending outwardly therefrom for pouring better dispenses the contents if a vent opening is produced somewhere in the container. Such a vent permits easy dispensing without the possibility of partial or complete blockages of the spout due to entrapped air or the like. The container of the present invention is provided with a vent opening that is produced simultaneously with the opening of the container, i.e., withdrawal of the spout, whereby improved dispensing is realized.
The known prior art includes U.S. Pats. Nos. 2,533,305 to Wells; 2,685,385 to Kuss; 2,895,654 to Rieke; 3,042,271 to Winstead; 3,298,577 to Chlystun; 3,326,421 to Peace; 3,481,515 to Booth et al.; 3,502,246 to Kelbch; and 3,690,522 to Chlystun. None of these patents either along or in combination anticipate or suggest the self opening vent feature of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing container having a collapsible pour spout and self opening vent means associated therewith.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved dispensing container of integral construction.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved spout can having a pull tab secured to the top of the spout at one end and to the top wall of the container at an opposite end adjacent a weakened tear area.
Generally speaking, the container of the present invention comprises a container body; a top secured to said body; a pouring spout secured to said top, said spout being nestable within said body and removable to an extended pouring position; a pull tab secured to said spout adjacent an upper end thereof, said tab further being secured to said top; and a weakened tear area in said top adjacent said point of securement of said pull tab, whereby pulling on said tab causes rupture of said weakened area and produces a vent opening in said top and further pulling on said tab withdraws said spout from its nested position. More specifically, depending upon the particular structure of the container, the pull tab may produce a double result, in that, the vent opening is automatically produced and further, at the upward end of movement of the pull tab, the top of the spout is ripped off to open the spout for dispensing of the contents of the container.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention defines a blow-molded container having container walls, a container top and a spout, all of integral construction with the pull tab and cover for the spout likewise being integral therewith and produced in the blow-molded operation. In this regard, the pull tab after being produced in the blow-molded operation is forced down onto the top wall of the container as the pouring spout is collapsed to its nesting position. At this point, the pull tab is heat sealed to the top of the container adjacent a weakened tear area thereon. Upon subsequent removal of the pull tab so as to withdraw the spout from the nested position, the weakened tear area of the top wall of the container ruptures and a plug is removed, producing a vent opening therein. Continued upward movement of the pull tab extends the spout to a proper pouring position. Depending upon the particular embodiment the pull tab may then be pulled from the spout, separating at a weakened tear area, or severed therefrom.
The pouring spout per se is preferably comprised of at least two different diameter sections such that, in the nested position, a telescoping effect is produced, with each smaller diameter section residing within the next larger diameter section. At the top of the spout, an enlarged flange or the like is provided adjacent a weakened tear area. A cover that is preferably integral with the pull tab is secured on the opposite side of the weakened tear area to close the spout. Preferably, the internal configuration of the cover is a matching mate to the outside of the top of the spout. The spout can then be reclosed after initial removal of the cover. In other words, upward withdrawal of the pull tab will withdraw the pouring spout and at the upper end of movement, the pull tab will break away from the spout and open the spout for pouring. The cover at the end of the pull tab is then suitably used to reclose the spout in a sealing engagement due to interaction between components of the cover and spout such as the enlarged flange around the upper end of the now exposed spout and a matching shoulder or the like inside the cover at the end of the pull tab.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a portion of a container with an extended pouring spout.
FIG. 2 is a side cross sectional view of a container as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a top view of a container as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the pouring spout nested within the container and the pull tab secured to the top of the container.
FIG. 4 is a cut away cross section of a portion of a container illustrating the vent opening as a part thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the Figures, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. In FIG. 1, a portion of a container generally indicated as 10 is illustrated having a spout generally indicated as 20 secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom with spout 20 having a pull tab generally indicated as 30 secured thereto. Container 10 has at least one side wall 12 to which a top 14 is secured and preferably having a lip 13 therearound so as to facilitate stacking and afford additional strength thereto. Spout 20 as may also be seen in phantom in FIG. 2, collapses to a nesting position within container 10. Preferably, spout 20 has a plurality of different diameter sections as illustrated by a base section 22 having a top, small diameter section 24 secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom. Base section 22 is secured to top 14, either integral therewith or in some other fashion according to the particular embodiment of the container. As shown in the drawings and as preferred according to the teachings hereof, an integral construction is preferred such as might be produced by blow-molding.
Spout 120 as mentioned above, is provided with a plurality of different size sections with bend areas at the junction of each section so as to permit a nestable collapse of spout 20 within container 10 which can later be withdrawn to a dispensing position. As shown in the Figures, spout 20 has a pull tab generally indicated as 30 secured to the upper end thereof. Pull tab 30 is provided with a spout cover 32 and a lift portion 33 that is secured to cover 32 and extends outwardly therefrom. Lift portion 33 of pull tab 30 has a finger receiving opening or the like 34 received therein so as to permit one to insert a finger within opening 34 to assist in lifting pull tab 30. In the collapsed position, top 14 of container 10 is preferably provided with a contoured recess 16 into which pull tab 30 is received and resides when spout 20 is in the collapsed position, the contour of depression 16 conforming generally in shape and size to that of pull tab 30 so as to provide a generally smooth surface.
Pull tab 30, as mentioned above, is preferably integral with spout 20, being jointly formed at the time of manufacture by virtue of the blow-molding process. Furthermore, as more specifically shown in FIG. 2, an enlarged flange 25 is shown just beneath cover 32 with a weakened tear line 26 therebetween. Upward movement of pull tab 30 at the top of extension of the spout from its nested position, will separate cover 32 from enlarged flange 25 at tear line 26 whereby spout 20 will be opened to permit dispensing of the contents of the container therethrough. Thereafter, if it is desirable to reclose the container, cover 32 may be placed over flange 25 of spout 20 so as to reseal the spout. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 2, the underside 31 of cover 32 is adapted so as to produce a friction fit with flange 25 when forced thereover. Container 10 is thus recloseable once it is opened whereby the contents may be preserved or held for interrupted use.
Pull tab 30 is preferably integral with spout 22 as mentioned hereinbefore. Cover 32 while providing a portion of pull tab 30 is, of course, positioned over spout 20 wtih section 33 of pull tab 30 extending outwardly therefrom. With spout 20 in the recessed position, the pull tab is adjacent the top 14 of the container. After the container is manufactured by blow-molding, for example, and the spout is collapsed to a nested position within container 10, pull tab 30 preferably resides in a contoured recess 16 provided therefor. At this point, pull tab 30 is heat sealed to top 14 in the middle of a weakened tear area 15. For example, a circular plug or member 15' may be provided in top 14 having a weakened tear line or area 15 therearound. Pull tab 30 can then be heat sealed to the island plug within the weakened tear area 15 whereby once pull tab 30 is lifted, plug or island 15' within the weakened tear area 15 breaks away from top 14 and moves upwardly with pull tab 30. As such, a vent 15" is provided in top 14 when the spout is in the extended position. Such an arrangement better facilitates dispensing of the contents of container 10 through spout 20. Preferably plug 15' is of such size and shape that it may be returned into vent 15" upon reclosing of spout 20 and collapse of spout 20 to a nested position. As such, vent 15" may be at least partially recloseable.
Pull tab 30 further preferably has a finger receiving opening 34 extending therethrough so as to receive a finger to assist in the upward movement of spout 20. Likewise, top 14 has a further depression 16' immediately under finger receiving opening 34 so as to permit the finger of one wishing to open container 10 to pass through opening 34 of pull tab 30 into depression 16' whereupon a better grip can be made on pull tab 30 for opening spout 20.
Having described the present invention in detail, it is obvious that one skilled in the art will be able to make variations and modifications thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be determined only by the claims appended thereto.
Containers with pouring spouts are in existence, including those where a pouring spout is integral with the container and is nestable within the container. For example, the Chlystun U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,298,577 and 3,690,522, both show containers with pouring spouts that are collapsible to a nesting position within the container and are extendible without the container so as to permit dispensing of the contents once the spout is severed or otherwise opened. Such containers with pouring spouts have been produced by blow molding where the container wall, top wall and pouring spout are of integral construction as well as otherwise where the spout is merely secured in some fashion to the top wall of the container.
The present invention is a further improvement of the containers having pouring spouts associated therewith, either of integral or separate construction. In this regard, the container having the pouring spout extending outwardly therefrom for pouring better dispenses the contents if a vent opening is produced somewhere in the container. Such a vent permits easy dispensing without the possibility of partial or complete blockages of the spout due to entrapped air or the like. The container of the present invention is provided with a vent opening that is produced simultaneously with the opening of the container, i.e., withdrawal of the spout, whereby improved dispensing is realized.
The known prior art includes U.S. Pats. Nos. 2,533,305 to Wells; 2,685,385 to Kuss; 2,895,654 to Rieke; 3,042,271 to Winstead; 3,298,577 to Chlystun; 3,326,421 to Peace; 3,481,515 to Booth et al.; 3,502,246 to Kelbch; and 3,690,522 to Chlystun. None of these patents either along or in combination anticipate or suggest the self opening vent feature of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing container having a collapsible pour spout and self opening vent means associated therewith.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved dispensing container of integral construction.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved spout can having a pull tab secured to the top of the spout at one end and to the top wall of the container at an opposite end adjacent a weakened tear area.
Generally speaking, the container of the present invention comprises a container body; a top secured to said body; a pouring spout secured to said top, said spout being nestable within said body and removable to an extended pouring position; a pull tab secured to said spout adjacent an upper end thereof, said tab further being secured to said top; and a weakened tear area in said top adjacent said point of securement of said pull tab, whereby pulling on said tab causes rupture of said weakened area and produces a vent opening in said top and further pulling on said tab withdraws said spout from its nested position. More specifically, depending upon the particular structure of the container, the pull tab may produce a double result, in that, the vent opening is automatically produced and further, at the upward end of movement of the pull tab, the top of the spout is ripped off to open the spout for dispensing of the contents of the container.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention defines a blow-molded container having container walls, a container top and a spout, all of integral construction with the pull tab and cover for the spout likewise being integral therewith and produced in the blow-molded operation. In this regard, the pull tab after being produced in the blow-molded operation is forced down onto the top wall of the container as the pouring spout is collapsed to its nesting position. At this point, the pull tab is heat sealed to the top of the container adjacent a weakened tear area thereon. Upon subsequent removal of the pull tab so as to withdraw the spout from the nested position, the weakened tear area of the top wall of the container ruptures and a plug is removed, producing a vent opening therein. Continued upward movement of the pull tab extends the spout to a proper pouring position. Depending upon the particular embodiment the pull tab may then be pulled from the spout, separating at a weakened tear area, or severed therefrom.
The pouring spout per se is preferably comprised of at least two different diameter sections such that, in the nested position, a telescoping effect is produced, with each smaller diameter section residing within the next larger diameter section. At the top of the spout, an enlarged flange or the like is provided adjacent a weakened tear area. A cover that is preferably integral with the pull tab is secured on the opposite side of the weakened tear area to close the spout. Preferably, the internal configuration of the cover is a matching mate to the outside of the top of the spout. The spout can then be reclosed after initial removal of the cover. In other words, upward withdrawal of the pull tab will withdraw the pouring spout and at the upper end of movement, the pull tab will break away from the spout and open the spout for pouring. The cover at the end of the pull tab is then suitably used to reclose the spout in a sealing engagement due to interaction between components of the cover and spout such as the enlarged flange around the upper end of the now exposed spout and a matching shoulder or the like inside the cover at the end of the pull tab.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a portion of a container with an extended pouring spout.
FIG. 2 is a side cross sectional view of a container as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a top view of a container as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the pouring spout nested within the container and the pull tab secured to the top of the container.
FIG. 4 is a cut away cross section of a portion of a container illustrating the vent opening as a part thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the Figures, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. In FIG. 1, a portion of a container generally indicated as 10 is illustrated having a spout generally indicated as 20 secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom with spout 20 having a pull tab generally indicated as 30 secured thereto. Container 10 has at least one side wall 12 to which a top 14 is secured and preferably having a lip 13 therearound so as to facilitate stacking and afford additional strength thereto. Spout 20 as may also be seen in phantom in FIG. 2, collapses to a nesting position within container 10. Preferably, spout 20 has a plurality of different diameter sections as illustrated by a base section 22 having a top, small diameter section 24 secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom. Base section 22 is secured to top 14, either integral therewith or in some other fashion according to the particular embodiment of the container. As shown in the drawings and as preferred according to the teachings hereof, an integral construction is preferred such as might be produced by blow-molding.
Spout 120 as mentioned above, is provided with a plurality of different size sections with bend areas at the junction of each section so as to permit a nestable collapse of spout 20 within container 10 which can later be withdrawn to a dispensing position. As shown in the Figures, spout 20 has a pull tab generally indicated as 30 secured to the upper end thereof. Pull tab 30 is provided with a spout cover 32 and a lift portion 33 that is secured to cover 32 and extends outwardly therefrom. Lift portion 33 of pull tab 30 has a finger receiving opening or the like 34 received therein so as to permit one to insert a finger within opening 34 to assist in lifting pull tab 30. In the collapsed position, top 14 of container 10 is preferably provided with a contoured recess 16 into which pull tab 30 is received and resides when spout 20 is in the collapsed position, the contour of depression 16 conforming generally in shape and size to that of pull tab 30 so as to provide a generally smooth surface.
Pull tab 30, as mentioned above, is preferably integral with spout 20, being jointly formed at the time of manufacture by virtue of the blow-molding process. Furthermore, as more specifically shown in FIG. 2, an enlarged flange 25 is shown just beneath cover 32 with a weakened tear line 26 therebetween. Upward movement of pull tab 30 at the top of extension of the spout from its nested position, will separate cover 32 from enlarged flange 25 at tear line 26 whereby spout 20 will be opened to permit dispensing of the contents of the container therethrough. Thereafter, if it is desirable to reclose the container, cover 32 may be placed over flange 25 of spout 20 so as to reseal the spout. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 2, the underside 31 of cover 32 is adapted so as to produce a friction fit with flange 25 when forced thereover. Container 10 is thus recloseable once it is opened whereby the contents may be preserved or held for interrupted use.
Pull tab 30 is preferably integral with spout 22 as mentioned hereinbefore. Cover 32 while providing a portion of pull tab 30 is, of course, positioned over spout 20 wtih section 33 of pull tab 30 extending outwardly therefrom. With spout 20 in the recessed position, the pull tab is adjacent the top 14 of the container. After the container is manufactured by blow-molding, for example, and the spout is collapsed to a nested position within container 10, pull tab 30 preferably resides in a contoured recess 16 provided therefor. At this point, pull tab 30 is heat sealed to top 14 in the middle of a weakened tear area 15. For example, a circular plug or member 15' may be provided in top 14 having a weakened tear line or area 15 therearound. Pull tab 30 can then be heat sealed to the island plug within the weakened tear area 15 whereby once pull tab 30 is lifted, plug or island 15' within the weakened tear area 15 breaks away from top 14 and moves upwardly with pull tab 30. As such, a vent 15" is provided in top 14 when the spout is in the extended position. Such an arrangement better facilitates dispensing of the contents of container 10 through spout 20. Preferably plug 15' is of such size and shape that it may be returned into vent 15" upon reclosing of spout 20 and collapse of spout 20 to a nested position. As such, vent 15" may be at least partially recloseable.
Pull tab 30 further preferably has a finger receiving opening 34 extending therethrough so as to receive a finger to assist in the upward movement of spout 20. Likewise, top 14 has a further depression 16' immediately under finger receiving opening 34 so as to permit the finger of one wishing to open container 10 to pass through opening 34 of pull tab 30 into depression 16' whereupon a better grip can be made on pull tab 30 for opening spout 20.
Having described the present invention in detail, it is obvious that one skilled in the art will be able to make variations and modifications thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be determined only by the claims appended thereto.