Spill-resistant, smoother pouring container for liquids

Dispensing – Supply containers with traps – With tiltable container trap only

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C222S457000, C222S479000, C222S482000, C222S564000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06758375

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The field of the invention is containers for dispensing a liquid and more particularly, is containers for dispensing a liquid with a smoother pour and/or with reduced spilling.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Man has used containers for storing and dispensing liquids for millenniums. However, containers still have their problems. For example, when pouring a full container of liquid into a smaller receptacle such as a cup, one may spill the liquid. Some containers spill very easily. This problem arises when pouring a container of juice or milk into a glass, pouring a can of motor oil into the engine, pouring anti-freeze liquid into the radiator. Sometimes, spilling occurs because the container is too full of liquid and the receptacle (e.g., a short cup or a low radiator with a fender in the way) is too low and distant from the container. Under these circumstances, man has resorted to using a funnel, being extra careful when pouring, or lifting the cup to the container. Therefore, there is a need for an improved container, which ideally does not spill when pouring and realistically, is spill-resistant.
When pouring liquid from a container, the same volume of air preferably enters the container to replace the liquid being poured out. A phenomenon referred to as “glugging” occurs when the liquid is poured more quickly from the container than air can enter the container. Glugging occurs when too much liquid tries to flow out of the container and not enough room is available in the outflow passageway for air to enter into the container to replace the volume of the outflowing liquid. When this happens, a partial vacuum is created inside the container that momentarily stops liquid from flowing out. Once the liquid flow stops, air starts to enter the container and when the incoming air has eliminated the partial vacuum, the liquid can resume its out flow. This intermittent and repeated liquid flowing and stopping is referred to as “glugging” and makes the pouring unstable, undesirable and less smooth. Glugging can also cause spills. Therefore, there is also a need for a container which reduces the glugging effect.
On the market, some container designs have a hollow handle molded near the mouth opening of the container. An air vent passageway is provided between the mouth opening and the hollow handle so that a separate air vent is provided. The air from the mouth opening travels down the vent passageway, through the hollow handle, and into the container to help reduce glugging. However, a further improved container which better eliminates glugging and improves the smoothness of the liquid flow is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The improved container for storing and dispensing liquids has a baffle. The improved container resists spilling and pours the liquid more smoothly. The baffle may include an optional notch or vent structure for reducing “glugging” or for allowing the liquid to pour more smoothly.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.


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