Fluid Transfer Device having Modular Connection

Abstract

A universal fluid transfer device is disclosed for transferring fluid from a first container to another utilizing gravity feed. The device comprises a first and second container-connecting cap adapted to securely connect to a receiving and emptying container opening, respectively. The caps preferably threadably engage each container opening, while a central transfer channel threadably connects to each cap to effectuate a path for fluid transfer therebetween. A plurality of cap sizes can be utilized in conjunction with the fluid transfer channel to accommodate various container opening sizes, providing transfer of fluid between identical or dissimilar container openings using a single device that can modularly adapt to different dimensions.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 490,263 filed on May 26, 2011, entitled “Gravity Cap.”BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to gravity fed fluid transfer devices for communicating fluid from one container to another. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a fluid transfer device that comprises container opening attachment caps that are adapted to securely mount to a receiving and emptying container using independent caps, wherein the caps then connect together via a central channel to transfer liquid and air from one container to the other. Each cap can be sized to fit an intended container opening and operate with a differently sized second cap that attaches to a second container.[0004]Transferring liquid from one container or vessel to another is a common problem in the restaurant and food industry as well as in the home, wher...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]Another object of the present invention to provide a simple and modularly structured device that is adapted to connect one container to another to create a direct pathway for fluid exchange.

[0020]A further object of the present invention is to provide a fluid transfer channel that is adapted to accommodate larger containers and allow transfer of both liquid and air between containers, preventing air pockets or vacuums from blocking flow.

[0021]A final object of the present invention is to provide a fluid transfer channel that is of simple construction, requires little to no training to utilize and affects a secure connection between a first and second container.

Problems solved by technology

Consolidation of such liquid products may be burdensome, and in some cases impossible.

This results in wasted product and increased costs for a restaurant / establishment owner or homeowner, who must purchase more of the product or containers thereof than would otherwise be necessary if the entire product was otherwise capitalized on.

Unitary structures and devices of this type generally do not accommodate large discrepancies between container sizes or openings thereof.

They are not adapted to provide the modularity required to connect a first and second container of different dimension and create an efficient pathway therebetween.

The device is constructed using a single molding operation such as injection molding, which creates a unitary structure that is not adaptable to different bottle size openings.

Sufficiently large bottle openings are not able to joint with smaller bottle openings to transfer fluid, which may be necessary when transferring industrial or larger sized containers of fluid to serving size bottles.

While this device provides a novel means to transfer fluid and prevents air blockages, this device suffers from a similar drawback as the aforementioned devices, wherein secure connection between dissimilar bottle openings is not accounted for.

The Downes device does not provide any connection between the inverted bottle and target receptacle, making its operation prone to fluid spillage.

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