Flow reduction attachment for storage vessel

Abstract

This is a new and useful improvement to liquid and dry product containers, modifying the flow rate of delivery. The user sandwiches the invention between the cap and existing vessel, which reduces the delivery rate of the product from the container when poured by the user. The invention conserves product quantity and reduces loss in an accidental spill. The invention is designed to fit a variety of containers. The invention is designed to dispense different products at desired flow rates. The invention is designed to be modified for specific applications. The invention can be reused after the vessel is emptied, thus conserving production material. The improvement is obvious because it benefits the consumer, not the manufacturers.

Claims

1. A cylindrical fitment comprising a flow reduction member between open top and bottom portions; wherein the inner surface of said open bottom portion has coupling elements configured for coupling to corresponding exterior coupling elements of a container with a corresponding closure removed; the exterior surface of said open top portion has coupling elements configured for coupling to corresponding interior elements of the removed container closure; and said flow reduction member comprises at least one orifice smaller than the fitment inner diameter for reducing the flow of a product from within said container when said fitment is coupled to said container.

2. The cylindrical fitment of claim 1, wherein said bottom portion and top portion coupling elements are rotational threads.

3. The cylindrical fitment of claim 1, wherein said bottom portion and top portion coupling elements are snap fit ridges.

4. A cylindrical fitment comprising a flow reduction member between open top and bottom portions; wherein the surface of said open bottom portion has a coupling tongue configured for coupling to a corresponding exterior coupling groove of a container with a corresponding closure removed; the exterior surface of said open top portion has a coupling groove configured for coupling to a corresponding coupling tongue of the removed container closure; and said flow reduction member comprises at least one orifice smaller than the fitment inner diameter for reducing the flow of a product from within said container when said fitment is coupled to said container.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONFIG. 1 PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(1) FIG. 1 Shows the flow reduction attachment sandwiched between on an original container (2) and the original cap (4). The interior (6) and exterior (8) threads match the thread design of the host container. The delivery aperture (16) is smaller than the mouth of the original container. The optional textured ridges or bumps (18) allow easy gripping by user. The installed invention will reduce the flow rate from the vessel.

(2) FIG. 2 shows the flow reduction attachment with exterior (8) and interior (6) threads for mounting on the original cap and bottle. Flow reduction orifice (16) aperture is supported by the flow restriction wall (20). Textured ridges (18) on the exterior wall for pivotal gripping.

(3) FIG. 3 Design for flow reduction attachment used with a original container with a snap style lid. The aperture support/flow restriction wall (20) is in the middle of the invention with the flow reduction orifice (16) in the center of the restriction wall (20). Tabs (28) are shown to ease installation and removal of the invention. Exterior (12) and interior (10) ridges for interlock with the snap on host container. The distance of the external ridge (12) and internal ridge (10) from the top or bottom of the invention body (26) will vary with container and lid design

(4) FIG. 4 Flow reduction attachment exhibiting interior (6) and exterior (8) threads. The flow reduction orifice (16) is in the center of the restriction wall (20). FIG. 3 shows a modified design of a flow reduction orifice (16) incorporating a funnel to assist pouring from the host container after the flow has been reduced. The raised lip (30) on top of the attachment aids pouring and closure of original cap. This design increases the mass of the invention body (26).

(5) FIG. 5 Shows a tongue (22) and mating groove (24) for paint can style lid (4) with invention sandwiched between original lid and container. A flow reduction orifice (16) in the center of the restriction wall conserves material when poured (20). Tabs (28) are shown to ease installation and removal of the invention,

(6) FIG. 6 Alternative Embodiments Top view (14) looking down of the flow reduction attachment with a variety of flow reduction orifice (16) designs to create different flow rates with different materials. Multiple orifices (16) allow for air flow creating a smooth transfer of material. Textured ridges are on the exterior wall for gripping (18). Orifices are (16) seen on flow restriction wall (20) shown. Tabs (26) are shown to ease installation and removal of the invention from a container using a ridge lip or tongue and groove closure. Threads, grooves and ridges for sandwiching invention between vessel and lid are omitted here, as the objective in FIG. 5 is to show the orifice design only

POTENTIAL SCOPE AND SPECIALIZATION OF THE INVENTION

(7) The invention has a broad range of applications including:

(8) a) Salad dressings and syrup

(9) b) Paint cans,

(10) c) Powdered concentrate,

(11) d) Liquid concentrates,

(12) c) Toothpaste consistency products in squeeze tubes

(13) f) Gallon bulk bottles of food ingredients

(14) g) Medicine

(15) h) Personal fragrances,

(16) i) Motor oils and motor additives

(17) j) Beverages ready to drink

(18) k) 55 gallon drums and 5 gallon buckets

SUMMATION

(19) My invention can improve the efficiency of any size container that is tipped to allow delivery of the product by gravity. Upper exterior diameter threads, grooves, ridges or lips of the invention mate with the original snap, press screw cap closure design. Lower Interior Diameter threads, ridges or lips of the invention match the exterior diameter threads, ridges or lips of the original container. The invention will be pivotally installed between an original lid and original container with threads, forming an air or watertight seal employing the same mating specifications the container manufacturer chose. A paint can version will be sandwiched between the cover and container with matching male and female grooves. A smaller aperture configuration will reduce the flow of material, conserving the product and preventing excess loss in case of spillage. The snap on version employs interior and exterior ridges to join with a lip style closure system. The invention may be stored on the container while depleting the product, then reinstalled on a replacement container. The invention will allow the user to conserve materials of different consistencies by reducing the delivery rate. The invention will reduce loss in an accidental spill. The invention has no moving parts.