Dispensing – Nozzles – spouts and pouring devices
Patent
1998-03-30
2000-06-13
Derakshani, Philippe
Dispensing
Nozzles, spouts and pouring devices
222571, B65D 574
Patent
active
060738162
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a heart-shaped drip-catcher. More particularly, the drip-catcher may be pushed into the opening of a bottle to prevent undesirable dripping when liquid is poured out of the bottle.
A similar drip-catcher in known from WO 95/19917.
Drip-catchers of this kind are intended for being placed in the opening of bottles, containers, test tubes and other receptacles containing a liquid (hereafter called: container) for improving the flow of liquid, so as to form a well defined jet. Otherwise, the jet is usually uneven and sometimes splashing, e.g. from a bottle.
The known drip-catcher: hands, and to be kept sqeezed during insertion in the container, the folding of the lower wings being adjusted to the opening of the container, also by the use of both hands. force, which usually flings remains of liquid on the inside of the piece over 180.degree.. decription later in the application.
It is the purpose of the invention to remedy these defects. This is done by shaping the drip-catcher in question.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side view of the drip catcher of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the drip catcher partially inserted into a container;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the drip catcher in a partially folded position inside the container;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drip catcher fully inserted into the container;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the drip catcher with a liquid flowing therethrough;
FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the view shown in FIG. 5 showing when the liquid flow is stopped;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the drip catcher disposed in an oil container;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the drip catcher inserted into a test tube containing an acid; and
FIG. 9 is a simplified front view of the drip catcher with a logo text.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With reference to FIGS. 1-9, the drip catcher 10 is heart-shaped and has an upper groove 12 defined at an upper elliptical shaped portion 14 between a left section 16 and a right section 18. Both the left and right sections have a curved convex edge 20, 22, respectively, that converge towards a bottom tip 24. An outwardly folded or bent segment 25 is disposed along a portion of the edge 20. A similar bent segment 23 is disposed along the edge 22 at the upper portion 14 thereof. The drip catcher 10 is insertable into an opening 26 at a rim 27 of a container 28 by one hand. The left and right sections are symmetrical and the placing of the drip catcher in the opening 26 is always the same, so that a printed logo on a front side 30 will always be visible above the container. The sections 16, 18 consist of a quarter of an ellipse which after pouring cuts off the flow so that no liquid is spilled outside the container.
The drip catcher of the present invention makes the insertion pleasant and easy, also for elderly people. No adjustments are necessary as a cut-out stop or bent segment 23 ensures that the drip catcher 10 is correctly inserted and placed within the opening of the container. The shape of a bottom portion 32 of the drip catcher 10 is shaped so as to tightly fit inside the opening of the container.
In operation, the drip catcher may be inserted by holding the drip catcher 10 in a flat position (not rolled up) at the portion 14 over the groove 12 by two fingers (see FIG. 2) and pressed lightly down into the container 28. The bottom 32 bends itself to conform to the round inside of the opening 26 and when the edges 20, 22 meet inside the opening 26, the bent segment 25 enables the side edge 20 to slide over the edge 22 to prevent entanglement and difficulty of insertion. The edges are important because the liquid tends to flow along the edges. The bent segment 25 ensures that the drip catcher may be inserted in the same way every time. This also ensures that any stamped or printed text will be correctly placed and always be visible at the mouth of the container. As best seen in FIG. 4, the segment 23 prevents the drip catcher 10 from being inserted too far into
REFERENCES:
patent: 2054265 (1936-09-01), Muguerditchian
patent: 3181742 (1965-05-01), Kebert
patent: 5121779 (1992-06-01), Green
patent: 5651481 (1997-07-01), Jensen
Derakshani Philippe
Fasth Rolf
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