Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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1
DISPOSABLE FLUID CONTAINER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to disposable fluid containers including leak-proof bags
made from
flexible film, beverage container boxes lined with leak proof film, containers
made with
metalized films and other containers for edible fluids. Containers for edible
fluids include
containers for drinks, edible pastes, condiments, sauces, toppings and the
like. These
disposable containers also include single serving size items which may be
consumed as
single drink servings. Other disposable containers may be sized to provide
multiple
servings. In some instances, the containers may be resealed by the user for
later use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many conventional containers for beverages and other dispensable fluid
products are
made from rigid thermoplastics or from flexible films. Those conventional
containers are
either substantially rigid, preformed bottles and boxes or bag-like pouches
with flexible
walls. Conventional containers designed for beverages and other dispensable
food items
are often provided with various features to allow a user to drink or dispense
the fluid
contents from the container. However, those dispensing features are prone to
various
inefficiencies and inherent problems. For example, conventional beverage
containers are
often provided with small, pre-wrapped drinking tubes or straws in removable,
sealed
pouches secured to the containers. A user may tear open the sealed pouch,
remove the
straw and puncture the container with a sharpened end of the straw and insert
the straw to
drink the fluid contents. However, there are various problems inherent with
these designs.
For example, the pre-wrapped drinking tubes often become separated from their
corresponding containers and the user is left without a straw. The user must
either find a
replacement straw (which may be particularly inconvenient) or the user may be
forced to
tear open the container to drink directly from the container.
There are also other disadvantages associated with conventional container
designs which
are based on using pre-wrapped, sharpened drinking straws. The drinking straws
and the
wrappings may become separated from the containers, and thereby add to
unsightly litter.
Small children also risk injury from misusing sharp straws or from choking on
tear away
pieces of the plastic wrappings.
Many other conventional containers are made from rigid materials with
preformed spouts
sealed with twist caps. A user is then expected to twist open the cap and
drink from the
neck of the preformed spout, hold the cap and then reapply the cap in order to
reseal the
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container and its partially emptied contents. Often the caps are dropped or
soiled by
handling when they are separated from the containers. If a straw was inserted
into the
container, the user may need to remove the straw before reapplying the cap.
When using conventional containers, straws or other drinking tubes are
provided so that
the user may drink from the container while maintaining the container in a
generally vertical
orientation. However, while drinking from the container, the user must be
careful to avoid
misalignment of the interior portion of the drinking tube from the liquid
contents of the
container. If the interior portion of the drinking tube is moved, or inserted
to an insufficient
depth, the user may not be able to extract the remaining fluid contents of the
container. In
addition, a drinking tube which has been used to pierce the seal of the
container may
experience some leakage of the fluid between the pierced seal and the drinking
tube, when
the container is tipped away from the desired vertical orientation.
Many conventional containers, such as rigid box-type containers, plastic
bottles, and the
like, are not provided with a drinking tube. Rather, a user is expected to
remove a seal
and/or cap and to drink from the container by elevating the bottom of the
bottle so that fluid
will flow through the neck of the bottle, and out of a spout, as the user
drinks from that
container. If a user wishes to maintain the container in a vertical position,
below the user's
face, the user must use other means, such as a drinking tube, to withdraw
liquid from the
container.
There are many other disadvantages associated with conventional container
designs. It is
desirable to provide spouts and containers which overcome one or more of the
foregoing
disadvantages, or other disadvantages inherent in those earlier designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, a disposable container for an edible fluid is provided. The
container defines
a top edge and a bottom edge. The container includes a side wall which extends
between
the top edge and the bottom edge. The container also includes a chamber for
storing the
fluid up to a defined level. The defined level is positioned between the top
edge and the
bottom edge of the container. The container also includes a channel for fluid
communication between the bottom edge and an opening adjacent to top edge. The
channel is defined by a layer of a flexible film which extends vertically. The
channel is
positioned adjacent the side wall.
The exterior of the container may be rigid or flexible. For example, rigid box
type
containers are typically lined with leak proof flexible liners. Similarly, the
container may be
made from a combination of flexible and rigid materials. The channel may be
positioned
adjacent any side wall of the container. The channel extends vertically
adjacent that side
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wall so that the channel will enable fluid communication between the bottom of
the
container and the location adjacent to the top edge of the container. A seal
may be
provided to close the opening. The seal may be removable or destructible. In
addition, an
optional cover may be provided to protect an area surrounding the opening so
that the user
contact surface may be kept clean during shipping and handling.
In another embodiment, the layer of flexible film forming the channel may be
secured to the
side wall. Also, the layer of flexible film may be made from a sheet which
itself defines the
side wall. The channel defined by the layer of flexible film may be located
either inside or
outside of the chamber. In some embodiments, the opening may be located at or
near the
top edge. In some embodiments, an optional spout is provided for selective
fluid
communication with the contents of the container.
In another aspect, the spout may operate between a first position and a second
position.
In the first position, the spout is unused and closed against fluid
communication with the
chamber. In the second position, the spout is open for fluid communication
with the
chamber. In the second position, the user may drink or dispense fluid from the
interior of
the container. The spout may also be designed to operate between the first
position, the
second position and an optional third position. In the third position, the
spout is closed
against fluid communication with the chamber. However, when the spout is in
the third
position, the user is alerted that the container has been opened. In some
embodiments, it
may be desirable to prevent the spout from returning to the first position.
In another embodiment, the invention includes a spout for use in a disposable
container
designed for use with edible fluids. The container defines a chamber to
contain the edible
fluid. The spout operates from a first position in which the spout is unused
and closed
against fluid communication with the chamber. The spout moves from the first
position
toward the second position in which the spout is open for fluid communication
with the
chamber. The spout is also capable of moving to a third position in which the
spout is
closed against fluid communication with the chamber. When the spout is in the
third
position, the user is warned that the spout has been opened and moved from the
first
position. In some embodiments, it will be desirable to prevent the spout from
returning to
the first position after initial use. The spout may be designed to destroy a
seal which
prevents fluid communication between the chamber and the exterior of the
container. The
seal may be destroyed by the spout when the spout moves from the first
position to the
second position. The spout may contain a movable projection which pierces the
seal when
the spout is moved from the first position to the second position. If desired,
the spout may
be biased for one way movement from the first position to the second position.
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In certain embodiments, the spout defines a dispensing tip. In a preferred
embodiment, the
dispensing tip defines a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be used as a drinking
tube
which allows the user to drink fluid from within the container.
Where desirable, the container may be adapted so that it is reusable. For
example, the
container may be resealable. In addition, where desirable, the container may
be adapted
so that it may be refilled with the same edible fluid or another edible fluid,
as desired by the
user.
Specific embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to
the following
drawings which are appended to the application. The drawings are briefly
described
below.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an elevational view, in perspective, of one embodiment of the
present
invention.
Figure 2 is a partial sectional view, in perspective, of the bottom of the
container shown in
Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a bottom view of a channel of the container shown in Figures 1 and
2.
Figure 4 is a side view of the channel of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the channel shown in Figures 3
and 4.
Figure 6 is a partial sectional view, in perspective, of the bottom of another
container of the
present invention.
Figure 7 is a bottom view of a further embodiment of a channel of the
container shown in
Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a side view of the channel of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the channel shown in Figures 7
and 8.
Figure 10 is another embodiment of a container of the present invention,
showing the
spout in a first, unused position.
Figure 11 is a front view of the embodiment of Figure 10, shown in a second
position in
which the spout is opened.
Figure 12 is a front view of the container shown in Figures 10 and 11 in which
the spout is
shown in a closed, but used, position.
Figure 13 is a front view, in perspective, of the embodiment shown in Figure
10.
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Figure 14 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 13.
Figure 15 is an enlarged partial side view of the spout of the container shown
in Figure 14.
Figure 16 is a side view, in perspective of the container shown in Figure 11.
Figure 17 is a side view of the container shown in Figure 16.
Figure 18 is an enlarged partial side view of the spout of the container shown
in Figures
16 and 17.
Figure 19 is a side view, in perspective, of the container shown in Figure 12.
Figure 20 is a side view of the container shown in Figure 19.
Figure 21 is an enlarged partial side view of the spout of the container shown
in Figures
19 and 20.
Figure 22 is a side view of the mouthpiece of the spout shown in Figures 10 to
21.
Figure 23 is a side view of the base component of the spout shown in Figures
10 to 21.
Figure 24 is a bottom view of the mouthpiece shown in Figure 22.
Figure 25 is a bottom view of the base component shown in Figure 23.
Figure 26 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the mouthpiece shown in Figures
22 and 24.
Figure 27 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the base component shown in
Figures 23
and 25.
Figures 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d are side views in perspective of the
disassembled
components of another embodiment of the present invention, in which Figure 28a
shows a
mouthpiece, Figure 28b shows a tamper proof ring, Figure 28c illustrates an
inner race,
and Figure 28d shows a cutter. (The following figures further illustrate
features of this
embodiment.)
Figure 29a shows a top view of the mouthpiece and tamper proof ring in a
second position.
Figure 29b illustrates a side view, in perspective, of the inner race with the
cutter
positioned within the inner race.
Figure 30a shows a bottom view, in perspective, of the mouthpiece and tamper
proof ring
in a first position.
Figure 30b is a top view, in perspective, of the inner race and cutter in a
first position.
Figure 31a is a top view, in perspective, of the cutter.
Figure 31b is a bottom view, in perspective, of the cutter.
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Figure 32a is a top view, in perspective, of the inner race.
Figure 32b is a side view of the inner race.
Figure 33a is an enlarged sectional view, of the assembled components of the
spout, in a
first position as further illustrated in Figure 33b.
Figure 33b is a partial top view of the assembled components of the spout, in
a first
position.
Figure 34a is an enlarged sectional view, of the assembled components of the
spout, in a
second position as further illustrated in Figure 34b.
Figure 34b is a partial top view of the assembled components of the spout, in
a second
position.
Figure 35a is a top view of the assembled components of the spout attached to
the surface
of the container, with the spout being in the first position.
Figure 35b is a bottom view of the assembled components of the spout when the
spout is
in the first position.
Figure 36a is a side view of the assembled components of the spout, showing
the
dispensing tip of the spout, when the spout is in the first position, and the
cutter has
pierced the container wall.
Figure 36b is a bottom view of the assembled components of the spout, in the
second
position.
Figure 37a is a side view of the assembled components of the spout, in a third
position,
Figure 37b is a bottom view of the assembled components of the spout, in the
third
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, a first embodiment of a
disposable fluid
container 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the container 1 is a bag-like
structure made of
relatively thin, flexible film. In this embodiment, thin thermoplastic
material is used. In
some embodiments, the flexible film may be reinforced with one or more layers
of
laminated film. In other instances, rigid outer walls may enclose an inner
liner made from
thin flexible film. The container 1 defines a chamber 2 for containing a
dispensable edible
fluid, including by a way of example, a beverage, edible paste, condiment,
sauce, a topping
and the like. The stored fluid defines a top fluid level 4 adjacent top edge 3
of the container
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1. In this embodiment, a channel 11 is defined by a narrow strip of flexible
film 9 extending
vertically along side wall 7 of the container 1. The channel 11 extends
vertically between
bottom edge 5 of container 1 and top edge 3. The narrow strip of flexible film
9 together
with the inside surface of side wall 7 define the channel 11 for fluid
communication
between the fluid entrance 30, near bottom edge 5, extending vertically to an
outwardly
facing opening 13 adjacent edge 3 and above fluid level 4. (In certain
embodiments, it will
not be necessary to have the opening 13 above fluid level 4.) In this
embodiment, the
opening 13 may be sealed with a removable cover, for example, a removable
patch to
prevent access to the contents of the container. The cover (not shown) may be
of
sufficient dimension and shape to cover a sufficient surface area surrounding
opening 13 to
provide a clean user contact surface after the cover is removed for access to
opening 13.
In this embodiment, the narrow flexible film strip 9 defines channel 11 in
which the diameter
of opening 13 is greater than the width 17 of channel 11. Opening 13 is
generally
round.
15 It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that a wide variety of
shapes and
configurations are possible for the channel 11, entrance 30 and opening 13.
The examples
described in the figures are merely illustrative of the wide variety of other
possible
variations which fall within the scope of the invention. For example, the
channel 11 in this
embodiment is shown as a relatively straight channel of relatively uniform
width 17
extending along its entire length between opening 13 and fluid entrance 30.
Other
embodiments of the invention may utilize channels of convoluted configuration
and
orientation. For example, a channel may be convoluted, for example a
serpentine shape
extending from a point adjacent the bottom edge 5 of container 1 up to an
opening
adjacent top edge 3. Similarly, the channel may be located at or near an edge
of any of
the side walls of the container shown in Figure 1. Preferably, the channel is
located on a
relatively large front wall 7 to facilitate easy access by the user to the
opening 13.
Disposable container 1 is initially sealed with a cover (not shown) overlying
opening 13.
(An example of a sample cover 14 is shown in Figure 10.) The user will remove
the cover
to gain access to opening 13, and ultimately, the fluid contents of the
container. The user
will be able to express or drink fluid from the contents of the container.
Enclosed dome 19
prevents entry of any trapped air within the head space of the chamber 2
(between fluid
level 4 and upper edge 3) into the channel 11 when the container is upright.
The generally
circular area of side wall 7 which overlays opening 13 provides an initial
seal against
access to the fluid contents of the container 1. In those instances where a
removable
cover is not provided, the overlying portion of side wall 7 represents a seal
21 which may
be pierced, removed or destroyed in some other manner to gain access to the
fluid
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contents. In those instances where a beverage is contained within container 1,
seal 21 is
broken, the user will bring his/her mouth to opening 13, allowing the user to
draw fluid from
the bottom of the container, through fluid entrance 30, vertically upwardly
through channel
11 and out through opening 13.
Figure 2 shows the narrow strip of flexible film 9 secured against front wall
7 of the
container 1. Figure 2 is a sectional, interior view of the container in which
the bottom wall
of the container has been removed for added visibility.
Figures 6 to 9 show a second embodiment of the flexible walled, bag-like
container 1'. In
this embodiment, the narrow strip of flexible film 9' defines a vertical
channel 11' extending
between fluid entrance 30' and modified opening 13' adjacent upper edge 3 of
the
container 1'. In this embodiment, the opening 13' faces outwardly against a
corresponding
overlying portion of side wall 7'. Opening 13' does not have access to the
head space
within the enclosed chamber of the container other than via fluid
communication through
fluid entrance 30'. Opening 13' is closed against direct communication to the
head space
by a generally flat enclosure 19' made of flexible film or other suitable
material. The user
may gain access to the fluid contents of container 1' by breaking a
corresponding seal 21'
defined by a portion of side wall 7 overlying outwardly facing opening 13'.
(It will be
understood by persons skilled in the art that certain embodiments will be
filled and sealed
during manufacture so that there is no head space or virtually no head space
between the
fluid level and top edge. If the container is made of sufficiently flexible
material, the
container may be designed to progressively collapse as more fluid is
withdrawn, to reduce
the volume of the container. The container may also be designed so that it
will not expand
after the user ceases to apply force to the container or the contents.)
Figures 10 to 12 inclusive illustrate a second embodiment of a bag-like fluid
container 10.
In this embodiment, the container is shown with a generally trapezoidal
profile. The
container comprises an assembled spout which includes a mouthpiece 12. The
mouthpiece 12 may be moved between three positions represented by a first
position A, a
second position B and a third position C. Container 10 defines a bottom edge
20 and a top
edge 18. In this embodiment, optional mouthpiece 12 is provided with an
overlying
protective cover 14 to seal the mouthpiece against dirt. In other instances,
the protective
cover may also act as a seal, and to discourage accidental displacement of
mouthpiece 12
from position A to position B. Mouthpiece 12 defines a user contact surface
16. In the
case of drinking containers, user contact surface 16 generally corresponds to
the portion of
the mouthpiece 12 which the user may take into his/her mouth when drinking
from the
container.
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In Figure 10, mouthpiece 12 is shown in position A which corresponds to a
closed and
unused position. That is, position A indicates to a potential user that the
container has not
been previously opened. Furthermore, the mouthpiece is closed to prevent
access to the
fluid contents of the container. In position B, the mouthpiece is open for
fluid
communication with the contents of the container. Movement from position A to
position B
may also correspond to destruction of an interior seal (see for example Figure
18) to allow
access to the fluid contents. In some instances, the mouthpiece 12 may be
provided with
features to prevent mouthpiece 12 from returning to position A. Mouthpiece 12
may be
further displaced from position B to position C to re-close the container, to
prevent access
to the fluid contents. In position C, the position of the mouthpiece 12
indicates to the user
that the container has been previously opened. This embodiment provides one
example of
the many different types and configurations of mouthpieces which may be used
to achieve
similar results.
Figures 13, 14 and 15 illustrate the container 10 as shown in Figure 10, in
which the
mouthpiece is shown in the first position A. First position A corresponds to a
position in
which the mouthpiece is closed and also indicating that the mouthpiece has not
been
previously opened. In this embodiment, mouthpiece 12 comprises two major
components,
a dispensing tip 38 which connects with and rotates relative to a base member
28. In
position A, dispensing tip 38 is spaced apart from base rim 29, forming a gap
G. Base 28
is securely affixed to first wall 22 of the container 10. Mouthpiece 12 is
positioned between
bottom edge 20 and top edge 18. More specifically, in this example, mouthpiece
12 is
positioned adjacent upper edge 18. Base 28 is securely attached to first wall
22 of the
container 10. By way of example, an adhesive may be used to secure base rim 29
to wall
22. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the mouthpiece may be
secured to the
container in other ways.
When mouthpiece 12 is in position A, dispensing tip 38 is pointed inwardly
toward the body
of the container. In that position, cutter 40 is positioned outwardly from the
thin film
defining first wall 22. Seal 24 remains intact over opening 23 to prevent
outward flow
through channel 26. Fluid within the chamber 2 of the container 10 is in fluid
communication with the channel 26 via fluid entrance 30. However, when the
mouthpiece
12 is in position A, opening 13 is sealed and there is no fluid communication
between the
chamber of the container 10 and the exterior of mouthpiece 12. In this
embodiment, base
28 has a hollow core 32 which is capable of fluid communication with a first
conduit
segment 34. However, in position A, first conduit segment 34 is not aligned
with second
conduit segment 36. Consequently, fluid communication is not possible between
the base
and dispensing tip.
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Figures 16, 17 and 18 illustrate mouthpiece 12 when it is open for fluid
communication in
position B. Dispensing tip 38 points outwardly to position B. In this
embodiment,
dispensing tip 38 extends above upper edge 18 of the container for
convenience. With
reference to Figures 17 and 18, by rotational movement of dispensing tip 38
from position
A to position B, dispensing tip 38 has advanced toward, and into contact with,
base rim 29.
During advancement of dispensing tip 38 toward base rim 29, cutter 40 has
pierced former
seal 24, creating a destroyed seal 24'. At the same time, fluid communication
has been
established with the interior of the container, namely, chamber 2, partially
enclosed dome
19, through the opening established through broken seal 24' and into hollow
core 32 of
base 28. Bottom face 39 of dispensing tip 38 is in contact with the adjacent
surface of
base rim 29, thus closing the gap G which formerly existed between the
dispensing tip and
base. The hollow core 32 of base 28 is in fluid communication with first
conduit segment
34. First conduit segment 34 is aligned for fluid communication with second
conduit
segment 36, thereby providing for fluid communication between the contents of
the
container, the mouthpiece, and the exterior thereof.
By way of example, an internal threaded arrangement may be provided between
base 28
and dispensing tip 38. By rotating dispensing tip 38 from position A to
position B,
dispensing tip 38 advances toward base 28 and into destructive contact with
seal 24. It will
be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other arrangements may be
provided to
selectively destroy a seal provided between the chamber and the exterior
thereof.
With reference to Figures 19, 20 and 21, dispensing tip 38 is shown in
position C such that
mouthpiece 12 does not provide fluid communication between the contents of the
container
and the exterior thereof. Specifically, in this position, first conduit
segment 34 is no longer
aligned with section conduit segment 36. Accordingly, in position C,
mouthpiece 12 is
sealed against fluid communication between the contents of the container and
the outside
thereof.
Figures 22 to 27 illustrate the disassembled components of one example of the
mouthpiece described herein. With regard to base 28, a neck 52 extends
outwardly from
base rim 29. Neck 52 defines a sleeve with a hollow core 32 which communicates
with first
conduit segment 34. In this specific embodiment, the neck 52 is also provided
with first
stop 56 and second stop 58. When assembled for attachment to a container, neck
52 is
partially inserted into receiving slot 42 defined within the base of
dispensing tip 38. During
initial assembly, of this particular embodiment, base rim 29 and bottom face
39 of
dispensing tip 38 are spaced apart by a defined gap G. When in position A, the
dispensing
tip 38 may be advanced toward position B. As dispensing tip 38 advances toward
position
B, bottom face 39 approaches base rim 29, while cutter 40 advances into, and
ultimately
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pierces, seal 24 as shown in Figures 17 and 18. As dispensing tip 38 reaches
position B,
catch 54 advances past first stop 56 to prevent retreating movement of
dispensing tip 38
from position B toward position A. In effect dispensing tip 38 is thereby
limited to
movement in this embodiment between position B and position C. Upon rotation
of
dispensing tip 38 from position B to position C, catch 54 engages against
second stop 58.
When dispensing tip 38 is in position C, first conduit segment 34 and second
conduit
segment 36 are mis-aligned and thereby closed against fluid communication.
Figures 28a to 37b inclusive, illustrate the components of another embodiment
of a spout
of the present invention. The assembled body of the spout serves as a valve to
control
fluid flow from within a corresponding fluid container. More particularly, the
components of
the spout are shown in an exploded series of drawings. Figs. 28a to 28d.
Figure 28a
shows mouthpiece 60 having a drinking tube 61. Figure 28b illustrates a tamper
proof ring
65. Figure 28c shows a race 75 and Figure 28d shows a cutter 90. In a
preferred
embodiment, the four illustrated components are molded in pairs as further
described
below. In this example, the mouthpiece 60 (shown in Figure 28a) is molded to
the tamper
proof ring 65 (shown in Figure 28b) and the inner race 75 (shown in Figure
28c) is molded
with the cutter 90 (shown in Figure 28d). The two molded, paired parts (the
first paired
part being mouthpiece 60 and tamper proof ring 65 and the second paired part
being inner
race 75 and cutter 90) are press-fit together in a nested configuration.
The mouthpiece 60 comprises a housing 64 which is slide-fit over the inner
race 75 shown
in Fig 28c. In a preferred embodiment, outer edge 62 is molded along the base
of
mouthpiece 60 to the lugs 67 (shown in Fig 28b) to detachably secure the
tamper proof
ring 65 to the mouthpiece 60. Groove 70 receives the raised base profile 77
when the
tamper proof ring 65 is press-fit to the inner race 75.
Stopper 63 is provided on the outside surface of housing 64 and serves to
prevent the user
from returning the mouthpiece 60 to its first position after the mouthpiece 60
has been
moved to the second position.
Inside the tamper proof ring 65 there are three recesses 68, which are
asymmetrically
shaped, to receive the three corresponding stoppers 78 on inner race 75. The
recesses 68
are used to locate, in one position only, the mouthpiece 60 relative to the
inner race 75
when the paired parts are press-fit in their assembled position. Once
assembled, the
stoppers 78 are engaged within recesses 68 to prevent the tamperproof ring 65
from
turning when the mouthpiece 60 is broken away from the tamper proof ring and
turned to
the second position (to open the spout for fluid flow).
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When the mouthpiece is turned to the second position (to open the spout) the
lugs 67 will
break off between the mouthpiece and the tamper proof ring, producing an
audible noise
(for example, a cracking sound) to alert the user that the spout has been
opened and that
the container has been cut to provide access to its fluid contents. The seal
formed by the
container wall is broken to permit a user to dispense fluid from within the
container.
Stoppers 66 on the tamper proof ring 65 interact with the stoppers 63 of the
mouthpiece
60. When the mouthpiece 60 is turned from its first position (in a clockwise
direction as
shown in this embodiment) toward the second position, the stopper 63 engages
with the
stoppers 66, pushing stoppers 66 outwardly away from the housing 64, in a
spring-like
action. Once the mouthpiece 60 has turned sufficiently so that stoppers 63
have passed
beyond stoppers 66, stoppers 66 spring inwardly, toward the outer surface of
housing 64.
The stoppers 63, 66 are shaped appropriately to prevent the user from
returning the
mouthpiece 60 to the first position (its original, sealed position). That is,
the stoppers 63,
66 are shaped to permit the one pair of stoppers to slide over the other in a
clockwise
direction when the spout is moved toward the second position and to prevent
the user from
returning the spout to the first position.
In this embodiment, the inner race 75 is a circular plastic piece having a
wall 76, which
serves as a valve when the inner race 75 is slide-fit inside of the mouthpiece
60, preventing
fluid from flowing between the inside of the container and the mouthpiece. In
the second
position, when the opening 80 defined by the outer wall of the inner race 75
is aligned with
the opening 106 of the mouthpiece 60 (shown in Figure 30a), then a fluid
passageway is
created and fluid is allowed to flow from the inside of the container to the
outside of the
container. The inner surface 85 of inner race 75 defines a stopper to prevent
the
mouthpiece 60 from traveling more than 270 degrees. The surface 85 defines a
groove 84
in which the emboss 105 (shown in Fig 30a) travels.
A stopper 82 is provided on the inside surface of the inner race 75. The
surface 95 of the
cutter 90 will abut against the stopper 82 to prevent the cutter 90 from
rotating when
pressure is exercised on the cutter. The stopper 82 will act as a sliding
guide for the cutter
90. The inner race 75 defines a ring 79 which engages, in a snap-fit manner,
along a
groove 108 defined on the inner surface of the mouthpiece 60, to prevent the
mouthpiece
60 from being removed from the inner race 75 after assembly. This feature may
be used to
deter young children from removing the mouthpiece 60 from the inner race 75.
Stopper 78
on the inner race 75 engages with the recess 68 of the tamper proof ring 65 to
align the
parts in proper orientation and to prevent the tamper proof ring from turning.
With
reference to Figures 28a, 32a and 32b, the raised profile 77 of the inner race
75 engages
with the groove 70 of the tamper proof ring 65 to prevent the tamper proof
ring 65 from
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being removed after the parts are snapped in place. With reference to Figure
28d, the
cutter 90 has a generally circular, tubular body, with two arcuate ramps 92,
92' which serve
to create a linear, outward movement of the cutter 90 relative to the housing
64 when the
stud 103 (shown in Figure 30a) of the mouthpiece 60 engages against the
arcuate ramps
92, 92' and the mouthpiece 60 is rotated. Elongated surface 95 on stopper 93
engages
with the stopper 82 of the inner race 75 to prevent the cutter 90 from
rotating while the
mouthpiece 60 is turning. The cutter 90 has a splined recess 98 to allow fluid
to flow from
the interior of the container to the mouthpiece 60. At one end of ramp 92,
stopper 94
serves to rotate the cutter 90 when stopper 94 is in contact with the surface
104 of the leg
103 of the mouthpiece 60 (shown in Figure 30a). After the cutter 90 has
traveled a
predetermined distance, outwardly from the housing 64, along the length of the
stopper 82
to the edge 86 of the inner race 75, the cutter 90 is then free to rotate as
the leg 103
engages against the stopper 94. The cutter 90 will rotate during the last 90
degrees of the
rotation of the mouthpiece 60.
With reference to Figures 31a, 31b, and 33a, surface 96 represents a
relatively small area
where the cutter 90 is attached (during the molding process) to the inside of
the inner race
75 via a connective bridge at the base of recess 81. The connective bridge at
surface 96 is
relatively small and is designed to break when force is exerted by the
mouthpiece 60
against the cutter 90 during the outward movement. The connective bridge at
surface 96
will break away during movement from the first position toward the second
position, and
the cutter 90 will be free to move outwardly.
With reference to Figure 29a, the drinking tube 61 is shown in a drinking
position
corresponding to the second position of the spout. The lugs 67 are detached to
the
edge 62 of the mouthpiece 60. The lugs 67 were broken when the mouthpiece 60
was
rotated clockwise from the first position to the second position.
In Figure 29b the cutter is shown inside the inner race, in their original
molded position.
The cutter 90 is shown as it is attached to the inner race 75 after molding.
Arcuate ramp
92 defines a ramp that works with the leg 103 provided within the mouthpiece
60. The
emboss 105 (shown in Figure 30a) on the mouthpiece 60 is provided to travel in
groove 84
defined along the top of the inner race 75. The stopper 85 is part of the
inner race 75 and
is provided to limit the range of travel of the mouthpiece 60 from its start
position to a
maximum of 270 degrees.
With reference to Figures 30a, 33a and 34a, Figure 30a shows a bottom view, in
perspective, of the mouthpiece 60. The sectional views in Figures 33a and 34a
show the
interior features of the assembled spout. Inside the housing 64, main post 107
serves to
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guide the cutter 90 and provide a structure supporting the legs 103 which will
be contacting
and exerting pressure against the ramp 92 of the inner race 75.
Groove 108, defined along the interior surface of the mouthpiece 60, is snap-
fit over the
ring 79 of the inner race 75. Opening 106 defines a fluid entrance for the
fluid to flow into
the drinking tube 61. The inside diameter of the mouthpiece 60 is slide-fit
against the
outside surface of wall 76 of the inner race 75. The interior configuration of
the mouthpiece
60 prevents the liquid from flowing out from the container unless the
mouthpiece 60 is
moved into the second position (i.e., the open position) in which the two
openings 106
defined by the mouthpiece 60 and opening 80 defined by the inner race 75 are
properly
aligned to allow such flow.
Emboss 105 is situated within the mouthpiece 60, at the top of the interior
surface of the
housing 64. Emboss 105 engages and travels within groove 84 of the inner race
75.
Emboss 105 also acts as a stopper or travel limiter against the edge of the
stopper 85 of
the inner race 75. Bottom surface 101 of the tamper proof ring 65 is flush
with bottom
surface 102 of the mouthpiece 60. In a preferred embodiment, both of the
surfaces 101
and 102 may be welded, glued, or otherwise secured to the exterior surface of
the
container. For example, suitable materials may be selected to permit the parts
and
container to be ultrasonically welded or bonded. Similarly, suitable adhesives
may be
chosen to bond parts made of appropriate materials, which in many instances
will be
plastics. If adhesives are employed, the adhesives should be of sufficient
strength and
exhibit minimal elasticity, so that when force is exerted against the cutter,
there will be no
de-lamination of the adhesive and no consequent loss in the cutting/piercing
force to be
exerted by the cutter against the wall of the container.
Figure 30b shows a top view of the inner race 75 in which lug 93 is attached
at the bottom
of the inner race 75, in recess 81.
Figures 31a and 31b show top and bottom views of the cutter 90 in perspective.
The outer
surface of the cutter 90 is flush with the outer surface of a first tooth 97
located at one end
of a row of teeth, whereas teeth 91 are recessed away from the outside surface
of the
cutter 90. Recess 98 is not provided with any teeth. The first tooth 97 is
configured such
that its front surface (leading edge) is rounded. The row of teeth is
configured in this
manner so that when the cutter 90 pierces linearly through the wall of the
container, the
row of teeth will initially make an indent in the wall of the container. When
the cutter 90 is
turned during the last step of its movement from the second position (when the
spout is
open) to the third position (when the spout is closed), a flap 125
corresponding to a portion
of the wall of the container is severed in the area of the recessed teeth 91.
However, tooth
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97 defines a greater cutting radius relative to the teeth 91. As tooth 97
pierces through the
container, tooth 97 will plow and push open the flap of film, leaving a
partially uncut
segment attached to the wall of the container, thus forming the flap 125. This
partial uncut
segment will hold the flap 125 and prevent the cutout portion of the wall
(i.e., the flap) from
entering the mouthpiece 60 or clogging opening 106 of the mouthpiece.
At one end of the ramp 92 there is a surface 94 against which the legs 103 of
the
mouthpiece 60 engage to exert a force against the cutter 90, to rotate the
cutter. During
the movement of the leg 103 along the surface of ramp 92, the surface 95 of
the cutter 90
is engaged against surface 86 of the stopper 82 positioned on the interior
surface of the
inner race 75 (shown in Figure 32a). The cutter 90 is prevented from rotating
until the top
of lug 93 has linearly passed under the edge 87. After the top of lug 93
clears edge 87, the
cutter is rotated. Interior surface 99 of the cutter is provided with multiple
linear splines that
allow the fluid to flow in the spaces formed between the interior of the
cutter and the centre
post 107 of the mouthpiece 60 (shown in Figures 30a and 34a).
Figure 33a is a sectional view of the spout shown in Figure 33b, showing the
interior of
assembled spout. The lugs 67, after they are broken from the mouthpiece, exert
a force
against the outside of edge 62, which in turn maintains a force to prevent
removal of the
mouthpiece 60 from the inner race 75.
Figure 33b is a top view of the assembled spout. Stopper 66 and 66' are
positioned
adjacent stoppers 63 and 63' of the mouthpiece 60. The mouthpiece 60 is shown
in the
first position. The lugs 67 are broken when the mouthpiece is turned clockwise
toward the
second position, to open the sealed container. By rotating the stoppers 63 and
63' 180
degrees, the stoppers 63, 63' will slide over stoppers 66, 66', pushing the
tamper proof ring
65 outwardly and allowing the stoppers 63, 63' and 66, 66' to pass. Once the
stoppers
pass, as shown in Fig 34b, the mouthpiece has rotated 180 degrees, and the
spout is now
in the drinking position. The acute inner angles of stopper 63, 63' now face
the adjacent
stoppers 66', 66, the acute angles of the stoppers 63, 63' prevent the
counterclockwise
rotation of the mouthpiece 60 from the second position toward the first
position.
Figure 34a shows a sectional view of the assembled spout of Figure 34b in the
open,
drinking position (the second position) after the cutter has traveled linearly
toward the
container and pierced the wall of the container. Ramp 92 is engaged with leg
103 of the
mouthpiece and the centre post 107 guides the travel of the cutter 90. Figure
34a also
shows groove 84 which defines a path for travel of emboss 105 (shown in Figure
30a).
Figures 35a and 35b show side and bottom views of the mouthpiece when the
container is
sealed and unopened, and the spout is in the first position. The surfaces 88
and 69 of the
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inner race 75 and the tamper proof ring 65 are secured to the wall 120 of the
container.
The cutter is positioned within the inner race 75, and in turn, within the
housing 64 of the
mouthpiece 60.
Figures 36a and 36b show side and bottom views respectively of the mouthpiece
60 after
the mouthpiece has been rotated 180 degrees in a clockwise direction, from the
first
position to the second position. Area 98 of the cutter is shown, where there
are no teeth,
which also corresponds to the area 130 where the wall of the container will
not be cut by
the first tooth 97, but merely indented and stretched. Opening 106 in drinking
tube 61 is in
fluid communication with the opening 80 of the inner race 75. The cutter 90
has traveled
linearly toward the container, piercing the wall 120 of the container leaving
a flare 122 in
the wall 120 of the container.
Figures 37a and 37b show side and bottom views of the mouthpiece rotated to
270
degrees bringing the mouthpiece to a third position where the spout is closed
against fluid
flow. In this example of the third position, the cutter 90 has traveled by
rotation and has
made a cutout in an arc along the wall (equal to about three-quarters of a
circle) leaving the
area 130 uncut. The tooth 97 is shown at the extent of its travel, to one end
of the segment
130. In this illustrated example, the area without teeth 98 is positioned to
the right of the
assembled spout, whereas in Fig 36b this area 98 without teeth, is positioned
at the lower
edge of the assembled spout. The area 130 corresponds to the uncut zone where
the flap
125 remains connected to the wall 120 of the container. The first tooth 97 and
a recessed
tooth of the cutter 90 are shown when the spout is in the third position.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many other types and
designs of
optional spouts may be used. In other instances, it may be desirable to forego
use of the
optional spout.
The embodiments described in this application are merely illustrative and are
not intended
to be limited to the specific features or elements as described herein.
Further and other
modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art,
thus making it
possible to practice other embodiments, all of which are within the scope and
spirit of the
present invention as set out in the appended claims.
