Containment vessel for filling, storing and dispensing motor oil and similar fluids

Abstract

The container bottle of the present invention offers improved pouring capability for dispensing motor oil and similar fluids from the container into an automotive engine or other equipment by controlling liquid outflow sufficiently for the average end user to avoid unintended content spillage and thereby avoid the need for the use of a funnel for pouring assistance. The design of the present invention includes an integral barrier and flow channel while remaining economically in line with present day containers.

Claims

1. A substantially rectangular hollow body container vessel for filling, storing and dispensing a liquid content; said vessel comprising: (a) a three dimensional body structure wherein a linear width of said vessel is defined therebetween a right side and a left side of said structure and wherein a linear depth of said vessel is defined therebetween a front side and a rear side of said structure; wherein a lower portion thereof said structure define an under side of said vessel; (b) included therein said vessel and connected to said structure respectively, a right side body wall and a left side body wall substantially parallel opposed each other, a front side body wall and a rear side body wall substantially parallel opposed each other; and connected therein said structure respective said lower portion, an under side bottom wall; (c) comprehensively included therein said vessel from a perimeter edge of an upper portion thereof and connected to said structure respectively, a right side slope wall, a left side slope wall, a front side slope wall and a rear side slope wall wherein said slope walls respectively connect each other and collectively converge and culminate thereinto an open spout neck wherein said neck transitions thereinto a tubular spout wherein said neck interconnects said slope walls and said spout; and wherein said neck and said spout are combined and are aligned in a centerline core relative each other; and wherein said core therefrom an upper central portion of said spout is angular from horizontal relative to a normal linear vertical orientation of said vessel; wherein said spout is included more toward one side of said vessel relative to said width and is employed for filling said vessel with said content and for vacating said content therefrom said vessel; and wherein a linear height of said vessel is defined therebetween an upper most portion of said spout and said lower portion thereof said structure; (d) characterized in that said vessel include a syncline obstruction barrier means interposed therein from said one side of said vessel that includes said spout; and wherein said barrier means is connected to said structure from an upper portion thereof; and wherein said barrier means comprise a primary partition, a secondary partition and a return crest in sufficient form to block a motive out flow of said content thereupon a manual rotation of said vessel from said vertical orientation to a linear horizontal orientation from said one side of said vessel including said spout wherein said spout is downward; and (e) further characterized in that said vessel include a substantially rectangular open release channel means interposed therein and connected to said structure from the side of said vessel opposing said one side that includes said spout and said barrier means relative to said width of said vessel; and wherein said channel means is connected to said structure from said upper portion thereof; and wherein said channel means comprise sufficient form to release said out flow of said content past said barrier means thereupon a further manual rotation of said vessel from said horizontal orientation to beyond said horizontal orientation.

2. The container according to claim 1 wherein said core of said spout is approximately central relative to said depth of said vessel.

3. The container according to claim 1 wherein said core therein said portion of said spout is offset from about 78 percent to about 98 percent more to said one side of said vessel relative to said width; and wherein said one side of said vessel comprising said spout opposes said side of said vessel comprising said channel means.

4. The container according to claim 3 wherein said core therein said portion of said spout is offset approximately 94 percent more to said one side of said vessel relative to said width; and wherein said one side of said vessel comprising said spout opposes said side of said vessel comprising said channel means.

5. The container according to claim 1 wherein said core of said spout is angular relative to said width of said vessel from about 90 degrees to about 150 degrees from horizontal relative to said vertical orientation of said vessel.

6. The container according to claim 5 wherein said core of said spout is angular relative to said width of said vessel approximately 120 degrees from horizontal relative to said vertical orientation of said vessel.

7. The container according to claim 1 wherein said crest interconnects said primary partition and said secondary partition; and wherein said primary partition, said secondary partition and said crest are connected to said upper portion of said structure in a substantially horizontal manner relative to said vertical orientation of said vessel; and wherein said primary partition and said secondary partition are angularly opposed each other thus prompting a syncline gap therein said structure therebetween said primary partition and said secondary partition, including said crest; wherein said gap follows the arrangement of said barrier means; and wherein said barrier means including said primary partition serves to block said out flow of said content from said vessel thereupon said rotation of said vessel from said vertical orientation to said horizontal orientation, including said spout to be downcast.

8. The container according to claim 7 wherein said primary partition and said secondary partition are angularly opposed each other and angular each relative to a horizontal center thereof said crest relative to said vertical orientation of said vessel.

9. The container according to claim 8 wherein said primary partition is angular from about 2 degrees to about 8 degrees below said horizontal center of said crest; and wherein said secondary partition is angular from about 2 degrees to about 8 degrees above said horizontal center of said crest relative to said vertical orientation of said vessel.

10. The container according to claim 9 wherein said primary partition is angular to approximately 4 degrees below said horizontal center of said crest; and wherein said secondary partition is angular to approximately 4 degrees above said horizontal center of said crest relative to said vertical orientation of said vessel.

11. The container according to claim 1 wherein said channel means include the perimeter thereof a linear horizontal central portion of said crest and respective linear vertical portions of said structure adjacent to and opposed said portion of said crest thus encompassing the void therebetween, wherein said channel means including the void therein serves to release said out flow of said content from said vessel thereupon said further rotation of said vessel from said horizontal orientation to beyond said horizontal orientation.

12. The container according to claim 1 wherein said barrier means, said channel means, said slope walls, said neck and said spout collectively comprise sufficient continuity within to provide conduit for said content to enter said vessel thereupon filling the container and for said content to exit the container thereupon dispensing said content therefrom said vessel.

13. The container according to claim 1 wherein said barrier means include a major portion of said width and the whole of said depth therein said upper portion of said structure to include respective portions thereof said structure in delineation of said barrier means.

14. The container according to claim 1 wherein said barrier means and said channel means combined are juxtaposed in central alignment with each other in a substantially horizontal manner relative to said vertical orientation of said vessel and collectively include the whole of said width and the whole of said depth thereof said vessel to include respective portions thereof said upper portion of said structure in delineation perimeter of said barrier means and said channel means; wherein said barrier means serves to block in total the fluid volume level of said content within said vessel thereupon said rotation of said vessel from said vertical orientation to said horizontal orientation from said one side to include said spout and said spout to be downcast; and wherein said channel means facilitates the release of said content to fluidly over ride said barrier means and be discharged therefrom said vessel through said spout thereupon said further rotation of said vessel from said horizontal orientation to greater than said horizontal orientation.

15. The container according to claim 1 wherein said body walls and said bottom wall respectively included therein are near flush to recessed relative to said structure.

16. The container according to claim 15 wherein said body walls and said bottom wall respectively included therein are recessed relative to said structure.

17. The container according to claim 1 wherein said spout include an external thread and an external seal ring for threadedly mating and sealing a usual closure cap to said spout.

18. The container according to claim 1 wherein said vessel is configured to accommodate a usual liquid content volume of approximately 32 fluid ounces, 946 milliliters.

19. The container according to claim 1 wherein the material thickness of said structure, said slope walls and said neck range in taper from about 30 percent to about 50 percent greater in thickness as compared to the minimal material thickness of all remaining portions of the container to provide integral structural stability to said vessel.

20. The container according to claim 1 wherein said vessel is comprised of a plastic material wherein said material comprise polyethylene.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0015] (FIG. 1) Perspective (the present invention).

[0016] (FIG. 2) Front view (normal vertical long axis orientation).

[0017] (FIG. 3) Rear view.

[0018] (FIG. 4) Right side view.

[0019] (FIG. 5) Left side view.

[0020] (FIG. 6) Top view

[0021] (FIG. 7) Bottom view.

[0022] (FIG. 8A) Full section (indicated by line 8A-8A of FIG. 2).

[0023] (FIG. 8B) Full section (indicated by line 8B-8B of FIG. 2).

[0024] (FIG. 9) Full section (indicated by line 9-9 of FIG. 4).

[0025] (FIG. 10A) Reduction of FIG. 9 representing an un-sealed container with a full liquid content added (container in the normal vertical long axis orientation).

[0026] (FIG. 10B) Reduction of FIG. 9 representing an un-sealed container bottle and full liquid content with the bottle being rotated to a horizontal long axis orientation and the container maintaining full liquid content while the spout is down-turned and closely adjacent an engine oil fill opening, (engine oil fill opening represented by the space between two bold horizontal lines for drawing FIGS. 10B, 10C and 10D).

[0027] (FIG. 10C) Reduction of FIG. 9 representing an un-sealed container with full liquid content and the bottle being rotated to past horizontal orientation with the container spout opening fully within an engine oil fill opening and liquid content out flow beginning.

[0028] (FIG. 10D) Reduction of FIG. 9 representing an un-sealed container with liquid content being discharged upon rotating the bottle to inversion with the spout opening fully within an engine oil fill opening and with liquid out flow continuing.

[0029]

TABLE-US-00001 DRAWING FIGURE ELEMENTS 10 container bottle (the present invention) 12 body structure 14 corner round 16 front side body wall 18 right side body wall 20 rear side body wall 22 left side body wall 24 under side bottom wall 26 wedge shaped barrier 28 primary partition 30 return crest 32 secondary partition 34 wedge shaped gap 36 open channel 38 front side slope wall 40 rear side slope wall 42 right side slope wall 44 left side slope wall 46 open spout neck 48 tubular spout 50 spout edge rim 52 spout opening 54 external seal ring 56 external thread 58 fluid content 60 fluid out flow 62 air in flow 64 engine oil fill opening

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0030] As illustrated and described by the drawings and other reference the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a substantially rectangular hollow body container bottle 10 as shown in drawing (FIGS. 1-7). Bottle 10 is comprised of a common plastic material such as polyethylene or similar material used in the manufacture of present day container bottles for the filling, storing and dispensing of automotive motor oil and other fluids. In the preferred embodiment bottle 10 will typically accommodate a liquid content volume of approximately 1-U.S.quart/32 fluid ounces/946 mL.

[0031] Bottle 10 comprises a body structure 12 as shown in drawing (FIGS. 1-9). A plurality of corner rounds 14,14 are formed where angled surfaces of the container converge as shown randomly in drawing (FIGS. 1-7). Structure 12 of the container includes respectively a front side body wall 16, a right side body wall 18, a rear side body wall 20, and a left side body wall 22, as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 1-5 and 9). Bottle 10 further includes respectively within structure 12 an under side bottom wall 24 as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 7 and 9). Body walls 16,18,20,22 and bottom wall 24 are near flush to recessed within structure 12 as shown recessed in the preferred embodiment of respective drawing (FIGS. 1-5, 7 and 9). Body wall 18 includes a graphic label adhered to the wall stating: Pour From This Side (label and adhesive not shown).

[0032] Integrally within bottle 10 in continuity with structure 12 is a wedge shaped barrier 26 interposed therein the upper major portion width (right side toward left side) and the whole of the upper portion depth (front to rear) in the preferred embodiment as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 2-4 and 9). Barrier 26 includes a primary partition 28, a return crest 30 and a secondary partition 32 as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 2-4, 8A, 8B and 9). Partion 28 and the adjacent right side vertical portion of structure 12 are not in the cutting plane of sectional drawing (FIG. 8A) but are shown in sectional drawing (FIG. 9). Partition 32 and the adjacent right side vertical portion of structure 12 are not in the cutting plane of sectional drawing (FIG. 8B) but are shown in sectional drawing (FIG. 9). Partition 28 and partition 32 are in angular opposition to each other and are angular each from a horizontal center through crest 30 (FIG. 3) in relation to the normal vertical orientation of bottle 10. Partition 28 is variable from about 2 degrees to about 8 degrees below horizontal and partition 32 is variable from about 2 degrees to about 8 degrees above horizontal (variable angles of partition 28 and partition 32 not shown). In the preferred embodiment partition 28 is shown to approximately 4 degrees below horizontal indicated by angle reference X-1 of (FIG. 3) and partition 32 is shown to approximately 4 degrees above horizontal indicated by angle reference X-2 of (FIG. 3). Partition 28 and partition 32 are interconnected by crest 30 and collectively are connected to structure 12 (connected to front, rear and right side vertical portions of structure 12) and in effect form a wedge shaped gap 34 within the figure of barrier 26 and structure 12 as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 1-4 and 9). The open end vertical portions of structure 12 to each (front and rear) side of barrier 26 and gap 34 are inwardly rounded (these rounds not shown by element number). Beyond the width of barrier 26 to include a horizontally linear edge portion (front to rear) of crest 30 and a horizontally linear upper portion vertical left side of structure 12 opposing crest 30, including horizontally linear upper front and rear vertical portions of structure 12 adjacent crest 30 and including the void therebetween is effectuated in the preferred embodiment a substantially rectangular open channel 36 as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 2, 3, 8A, 8B and 9).

[0033] From the upper portion perimeter edge of structure 12, bottle 10 includes a front side slope wall 38, a rear side slope wall 40, a right side slope wall 42 and a left side slope wall 44 collectively connected respectively to structure 12 and each other as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 1-6 and 9). Shown here In the preferred embodiment and relative to the normal vertical orientation of bottle 10, slope wall 38 is angular approximately 65 degrees (acute) from horizontal indicated by angle reference X-3 (FIG. 5), slope wall 40 is angular approximately 115 degrees (obtuse) from horizontal indicated by angle reference X-4 (FIG. 5), slope wall 42 is angular approximately 60 degrees (acute) from horizontal indicated by angle reference X-5 (FIG. 2) and slope wall 44 is angular approximately 150 degrees (obtuse) from horizontal indicated by angle reference X-6 (FIG. 2).

[0034] Slope walls 38, 40, 42 and 44 collectively converge inwardly, respectively connect each other and culminate into an open spout neck 46 wherein neck 46 transitions thereinto a tubular spout 48 as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 1-6 and 9), therewith, neck 46 and spout 48 are conjoined in diametric central alignment relative to each other. Spout 48 is oriented approximately central to the depth (front to rear) of the container in the preferred embodiment as shown in drawing (FIG. 6). Spout 48 (from the central upper portion of the spout) in the preferred embodiment of drawing (FIG. 2) is offset approximately 94% the width (left side to right side) of bottle 10, (spout 48 opposes the side of the container comprising channel 36). The offset of spout 48 is variable from about 78% to about 98% the width of bottle 10 (variable offset not shown). Spout 48 is angular to approximately 120 degrees (obtuse) from horizontal in the preferred embodiment indicated by angle reference X-7 (FIG. 2) wherein the angle is variable from about 90 degrees to about 150 degrees from horizontal (variable angles not shown). Spout 48 terminates in a spout edge rim 50 wherein spout 48 includes a spout opening 52. Spout 48 further includes an external seal ring 54 and an external thread 56 as shown in drawing (FIGS. 1-6 and 9). Thread 56 of the open spout is threadedly mated to a plastic usual seal cap comprising an internal thread and including a frangible seal band to snug fit over ring 54 of spout 48 for closing and sealing bottle 10 (usual seal cap not shown).

[0035] In manufacture of the of the present invention for the preferred embodiment, a common plastic material such as modified polyethylene is fittingly appropriate but other materials may be suitable as well. A modified or high density polyethylene is available from Interstate Plastics 330 Commerce Circle Sacramento, Calif. 98515 but there are many other well known suppliers.

[0036] Extrusion blow molding is a common process for the production of articles of manufacture similar to bottle 10 usually with a monitored programming development but other processes are available and well known in producing many types of plastic containers. Forming body walls 16, 18, 20, 22, and bottom wall 24 in recess that are bound by structure 12 as shown in the preferred embodiment of respective drawing (FIGS. 1-5, 7 and 9) increases the integral stability of the container, however there are variables to the indent of recess from near flush to recess in relation to structure 12 that are comparable, (variables of recess not shown).

[0037] The necessary measurements and filling methods for bottle 10 to comprehend a full volume liquid content of about 1-U.S. quart/32 fluid ounces/946 mL or about 75% to about 85% the empty volume of the container are precisely calculated and modified by those skilled in the art.

[0038] Dimensions given here are general and approximations only. The overall height of bottle 10 from the under side of the container to the upper most portion of the spout for the preferred embodiment is approximately 9.00 inches/22.860 centimeters as shown between line A and line B (FIG. 2). An approximate width (left side to right side) of bottle 10 for the preferred embodiment is 4.00 inches/10.160 centimeters shown between line C and line D (FIG. 2). An approximate height of structure 12 within the container is about 6.50 inches/16.510 centimeters shown between line A and line E (FIG. 2), a remaining height of bottle 10 is approximately 2.50 inches/6.350 centimeters shown between line E and line B (FIG. 2).

[0039] An approximate depth (front to rear) for the preferred embodiment of bottle 10 is 2.00 inches/5.080 centimeters shown between line F and line G (FIG. 4). An inside diameter for opening 52 of spout 48 is approximately 1.00 inches/2.540 centimeters (diameter not shown in detail). Spout 48 is approximately central to the depth (front to rear) of bottle 10 with approximately 1.00 inches/2.540 centimeters of the container depth to each side of the open spout center shown in detail for one side only between line H and line I in drawing (FIG. 6). From the central upper portion of spout 48 wherein the open spout is angular in the preferred embodiment of bottle 10, spout 48 is offset (more to one side) to the width of the container by approximately 3.75 inches/9.525 centimeters as shown between line J and line K of drawing (FIG. 2).

[0040] The width of barrier 26 and gap 34 within structure 12 of the container to include partition 28, crest 30 and partition 32, including the respective right side vertical portion of structure 12 adjacent to and connected to partition 28 and including the respective right side vertical portion of structure 12 adjacent to and connected to partition 32 is approximately 3.50 inches/8.890 centimeters, comprising about 88% of the container width as shown for the preferred embodiment between line L and line M in respective sectional drawing (FIGS. 8A and 8B). Partition 28 and the adjacent right side vertical portion of structure 12 are not in sectional cutting plane of drawing (FIG. 8A) but are alternatively shown in the sectional drawing (FIG. 9). Partition 32 and the adjacent right side vertical portion of structure 12 are not in the sectional cutting plane of drawing (FIG. 8B) but are alternatively shown in the sectional drawing (FIG. 9). The width of channel 36 within structure 12 to include a linear central portion of crest 30, the left side vertical portion of structure 12 opposing crest 30 and the void therebetween is approximately 0.50 inches/1.270 centimeters, comprising about 12% of the container width as shown for the preferred embodiment between line M and line N in respective sectional drawing (FIGS. 8A and 8B).

[0041] The depth of barrier 26, gap 34 and channel 36 combined within structure 12 of the container is approximately 2.00 inches/5.080 centimeters, comprising the whole of the depth of bottle 10, to include partition 28, crest 30, partition 32, vertical portions (front and rear) of structure 12, and the void of channel 36 as shown for the preferred embodiment between lines O and lines P in respective sectional drawing (FIGS. 8A and 8B).

[0042] The height in part of barrier 26 within the container from the under side of bottle 10 to the lower portion of partition 28 adjacent structure 12 is approximately 5.75 inches/14.605 centimeters as shown between line Q and line R in the preferred embodiment of drawing (FIG. 9). The height in part of barrier 26 within the container from the lower portion of partition 28 adjacent structure 12 to the upper portion of partition 32 adjacent structure 12 is approximately 0.50 inches/1.270 centimeters shown between line R and line S in the preferred embodiment of drawing (FIG. 9). Material thickness of bottle 10 is variable according to portions of the container, for example; body walls 16,18, 20, 22, bottom wall 24, and spout 48 are approximately 0.031 inches/0.079 centimeters in minimal thickness, whereas structure 12, slope walls 38, 40, 42, 44 and neck 46 range from about 30 percent to about 50 percent greater in tapered thickness than the minimal thickness of aforementioned portions to about 0.063 inches/0.158 centimeters to provide sturdy integral strength overall to bottle 10. All preceding dimensions given are approximations only (material thickness differences are not shown).

[0043] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the main operational objectives are for bottle 10 to possess the capability of being partially or entirely emptied while avoiding unintended content spillage especially at first use when the container is at maximum content fullness and to avoid the need for the use of a funnel or other pouring assistance device to prevent content spillage.

[0044] Bottle 10 accommodates a fluid content 58 as shown with the container unsealed and in the normal long axis vertical orientation depicted in drawing (FIG. 10 A). Bottle 10 is manually rotated to a long axis horizontal orientation with the spout side down as partition 28 of barrier 26 blocks content 58 from exiting the container therein maintaining the container's full fluid level while rim 50 of the open spout is placed closely adjacent an engine oil fill opening 64 as shown in drawing (FIG. 10 B, opening 64 is represented by the space between the two bold horizontal lines shown). Once bottle 10 is in the horizontal position the container is rotated further to any variable degree past horizontal while rim 50 of spout 48 is simultaneously placed fully within opening 64 (FIG. 10 C). Content 58 will then flow through channel 36, topping over crest 30 and past partition 32 of barrier 26 therein funneling through the converged slope walls, the spout neck, opening 52 and out of spout 48 as a fluid out flow 60 while allowing an air in flow 62 into the container. Out flow 60 will enter the engine through opening 64 as shown in drawing (FIG. 10 C) thus avoiding unwanted spillage therefore also avoiding the need for the use of a funneling device to avoid spillage because opening 52 of spout 48 is then completely within opening 64 before the liquid flow from the open spout of bottle 10 can begin. The position of bottle 10 depicted in drawing (FIG. 10 C) will allow ease of reversing the container position for a partial emptying of content 58 from bottle 10. For complete emptying of content 58 from the container simply continue manual rotation of bottle 10 to inversion wherein out flow 60 and in flow 62 will alternate course but will continue the outward flow of liquid from the container and the inward flow of air into the container as shown in drawing (FIG. 10 D) to allow a complete emptying of content 58 from bottle 10.

[0045] In reiteration of prior art disadvantages, unintended content spillage while pouring liquid from present day container bottles occurs often and more predominantly at first use when the container is at maximum fullness causing typical content surge. A contributing factor to surge is uneven flow of air into the container while pouring fluid causing the well known undulating glug which intensifies surge all the more. However the underlying cause of unintended fluid spillage from present day containers is not surge or glug, it is simply the end user not being able to place the spout opening of the container fully within the engine opening quickly enough before the liquid begins flowing with surge and glug while rotating the container from vertical to horizontal and past horizontal for pouring.

[0046] Although pouring abilities of present day container bottles have improved over time, prior art containers are still lacking in the ability to pour a liquid into an engine without unwanted content spillage and lacking in the ability to avoid the use of a funnel for pouring assistance especially for the average non-skilled consumer. It is not the intent nor the design of the present invention to reduce or eliminate common surge or glug during dispensing but it is the intent and design of the present invention to eliminate unintended liquid content spillage during dispensing in spite of surge and glug. It is also the intent of the present invention to eliminate the need for the use of a funnel or other pouring assistance device to assist in the action of pouring a liquid from a container bottle into an automotive engine or other equipment.

[0047] Now having described a preferred embodiment of the present invention this description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as illustration of the preferred embodiment. For example a portion of the container body may include grooves, ridges indices, and other superficial features and/or other graphic labels not described in the specification. There may be a transparent portion or portions of the container for visibility in part of the fluid content, it may be manufactured in variables of the structural material described, it may have a 90 degree upright spout rather than a more than 90 degree angular spout. The container may have an offset spout that is fully to one side rather than partially to one side with different slope wall angles, it may be of other liquid volume capacities and may have flush or near flush body walls relative to the structure rather than body walls recessed relative to the structure without departing from the intended purpose. Therefore the spirit and scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims and their legal limitations rather than by descriptions given.