Liquid dispensing container

Abstract

A liquid dispensing container includes a housing having a body and a cap connected to the body. The cap has a support structure defining a receiving aperture and a base inlet. A liquid dispenser can include a nozzle rotatably supported within the receiving aperture and rotatable about an axis defined by the receiving aperture. The nozzle can include a base portion including a valve having an inlet. The nozzle is rotatable between an open position in which the inlet is substantially aligned with and overlaps the base inlet and a closed position in which the inlet is misaligned with the base inlet. The nozzle can include a body portion extending from the base portion and defining an outlet. The body portion includes an outer surface having at least one flat side for being gripped to rotate the nozzle between the open and closed positions. In the present arrangement, the nozzle is switched between the open and closed positions by rotation, which is a simple and quick operation for the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of liquid dispensing container technology, including water bottles used by athletes (e.g., cyclists, hockey players, football players, etc.) for rehydration, and particularly water bottle nozzles. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid dispensing containers, such as water bottles, are commonly used by athletes and others to hold and pour liquids, such as water and sports drinks. A typical water bottle consists of a body, a cap, and a valve that moves relative to the cap, switching between open and closed positions. When open, the liquid can be poured out; when closed, it prevents liquid from spilling.

[0003] The existing valves are not convenient to open and close. In addition, insufficient liquid sealing is also a common problem with existing water bottles. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a liquid dispensing device that is easy to open and close.

[0005] On one hand, this application provides a liquid dispensing container, comprising:

[0006] The housing includes a bottle body for containing liquid and a cap connected to the bottle body, the cap having a support structure defining a receiving hole and a base inlet; and

[0007] The nozzle is rotatably supported within the receiving hole and can rotate about an axis defined by the receiving hole;

[0008] The nozzle includes:

[0009] The base portion includes a valve with an inlet, and the nozzle is configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the inlet is substantially aligned with and overlaps the base inlet to allow fluid passage, and in the closed position...

[0010] In the closed position, the inlet is misaligned with the base inlet to prevent fluid passage; and

[0011] The body portion extends from the base portion and defines an outlet, the body portion including an outer surface having at least one flat side for being held to rotate the nozzle between an open position and a closed position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the at least one flat side includes opposing flat sides connected by a curved section.

[0013] In some embodiments, the body portion includes a first end defining the outlet of the nozzle and a second end adjacent to the base portion; the body portion gradually widens from the first end to the second end, and the first end has a first width and the second end has a second width greater than the first width.

[0014] In some embodiments, the body portion defines a length between the first end and the second end, and the ratio of the length of the body portion to the first width is greater than 3.

[0015] In some embodiments, a seal is further included connected to the base portion of the nozzle and near the inlet, wherein the seal includes a planar portion extending radially along the nozzle and a wavy portion extending from the planar portion to the inlet.

[0016] In some embodiments, the nozzle includes a first portion defining the structure of the nozzle and a second portion formed by secondary injection molding on the first portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first portion is made of a rigid material and the second portion is made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0018] In some embodiments, the support structure includes a wall extending downward from the inner wall of the cap and a stop extending radially from the wall; and the nozzle includes a protrusion configured to selectively engage with the stop to restrict movement of the nozzle between the closed position and the open position.

[0019] In some embodiments, the stop surface is located above the inner wall of the cap and the base inlet.

[0020] In some embodiments, the protrusion is located above the inlet.

[0021] On the other hand, this application provides a liquid dispensing container, comprising:

[0022] The housing includes a bottle body for holding liquid and a cap connected to the bottle body, the cap having a support structure that defines a receiving hole and a base inlet;

[0023] A nozzle, rotatably supported within the receiving orifice and rotatable about an axis defined by the receiving orifice, the nozzle comprising:

[0024] The base portion includes a valve with an inlet, the nozzle being configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the inlet is substantially aligned with and overlaps the base inlet to allow fluid passage, and in the closed position the inlet is misaligned with the base inlet to prevent fluid passage.

[0025] The body portion extends from the base portion and defines an outlet; and

[0026] A seal is attached to the base portion of the nozzle and close to the inlet, the seal comprising a planar portion extending circumferentially along the nozzle and a wavy portion extending from the planar portion to the inlet.

[0027] In some embodiments, the body portion includes opposing flat sides to facilitate gripping and rotating the nozzle to switch between an open and closed position.

[0028] In some embodiments, the nozzle includes a first portion defining the structure of the nozzle and a second portion formed by secondary injection molding on the first portion.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first portion is made of a rigid material and the second portion is made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0030] In some embodiments, the seal is integrally formed with the second portion.

[0031] In some embodiments, the support structure includes a wall extending downward from the inner wall of the cap and a stop extending radially from the wall; and the nozzle includes a protrusion configured to selectively engage with the stop to restrict movement of the nozzle between the closed position and the open position.

[0032] In some embodiments, the stop surface is located above the inner wall of the cap and the base inlet.

[0033] In some embodiments, the protrusion is located above the inlet.

[0034] In another aspect, this application provides a liquid dispensing container, comprising:

[0035] The housing includes a bottle body for holding liquid and a cap connected to the bottle body, the cap having a support structure that defines a receiving hole and a base inlet;

[0036] A nozzle, rotatably supported within the receiving orifice and rotatable about an axis defined by the receiving orifice, the nozzle comprising:

[0037] The base portion includes a valve with an inlet, the nozzle being configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the inlet is substantially aligned with and overlaps the base inlet to allow fluid passage, and in the closed position the inlet is misaligned with the base inlet to prevent fluid passage.

[0038] A body portion extending from the base portion and defining an outlet, the body portion including an outer surface having at least one flat side for being held to rotate the nozzle between an open position and a closed position; and

[0039] A seal is connected to the base portion of the nozzle and close to the inlet, the seal including a planar portion extending circumferentially along the nozzle and a wavy portion extending from the planar portion to the inlet;

[0040] The nozzle includes a first part that defines the structure of the nozzle and a second part that is injection molded onto the first part.

[0041] In some embodiments, the support structure includes a wall extending downward from the inner wall of the cap and a stop extending radially from the wall; the nozzle includes a protrusion configured to selectively engage with the stop to restrict movement of the nozzle between the closed position and the open position; the stop is located above the inner wall of the cap and the base inlet, and the protrusion is located above the inlet.

[0042] Compared with the prior art, the solution of this application has the following advantages and beneficial effects: In the solution of this application, the nozzle switches between the open and closed positions by rotation, and the operation of rotating the nozzle is simple and quick, relying on user operation; the body of the nozzle includes an outer surface with at least one flat side for being held to rotate the nozzle between the open and closed positions. The flat side makes it easy for the user to hold and use it as a force surface to rotate the nozzle, thus making it easier for the user to operate. In the solution of this application, a sealing element is provided near the inlet for connecting the base portion. The flat portion of the sealing element can prevent fluid from leaking between the nozzle and the cap, while the wavy portion can prevent fluid from leaking from the inlet and the nozzle when the nozzle is in the closed position, enhancing fluid sealing. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a liquid dispensing container according to one embodiment, including the bottle body, cap, and nozzle.

[0044] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the cap and nozzle of the liquid dispensing container.

[0045] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The bottom perspective view of the cap of the liquid dispensing container shows the base inlet in the cap's support structure.

[0046] Figure 4 yes Figure 1The top perspective view of the cap of the liquid dispensing container shows the stop surface in the cap's support structure.

[0047] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the nozzle of the liquid distribution container, showing the second set of inlets in the nozzle.

[0048] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Front view of the nozzle of the liquid dispensing container.

[0049] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The bottom perspective view of the cap and nozzle of the liquid dispensing container shows the valve in the nozzle in the open position.

[0050] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The bottom perspective view of the cap and nozzle of the liquid dispensing container shows the valve in the nozzle in the closed position. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Before providing a detailed explanation of any construction in this application, it should be understood that the application of this application is not limited to the construction details and component arrangements described below, nor is it limited to the construction shown in the accompanying drawings. This application can support other constructions and can be implemented or performed in various ways.

[0052] According to an exemplary embodiment, a liquid dispensing container may include a housing comprising a bottle body for holding liquid and a cap connected to the bottle body. The cap has a support structure defining a receiving orifice and a base inlet. The liquid dispenser may include a nozzle rotatably supported within the receiving orifice and rotatable about an axis defined by the receiving orifice. The nozzle may include a base portion containing a valve having an inlet. The nozzle is rotatable between an open position and a closed position, in which the inlet is substantially aligned with and overlaps the base inlet to allow fluid passage, and in a closed position, the inlet is misaligned with the base inlet to prevent fluid passage. The nozzle may include a body portion extending from the base portion and defining an outlet, the body portion including an outer surface having at least one flat side for being gripped to rotate the nozzle between the open and closed positions.

[0053] According to another exemplary embodiment, a liquid dispensing container may include a housing comprising a body for holding liquid and a cap connected to the body. The cap may have a support structure defining a receiving orifice and a base inlet. The liquid dispensing container may include a nozzle rotatably supported within the receiving orifice and rotatable about an axis defined by the receiving orifice. The nozzle may include a base portion containing a valve having an inlet. The nozzle is rotatable between an open position and a closed position, in which the inlet is substantially aligned with and overlaps the base inlet to allow fluid passage, and in which the inlet is misaligned with the base inlet to prevent fluid passage. The nozzle may include a body portion extending from the base portion and defining an outlet. The liquid dispensing container may include a seal connected to the base portion of the nozzle and adjacent to the inlet; the seal includes a planar portion extending circumferentially along the nozzle and a wavy portion extending from the planar portion to the inlet.

[0054] According to another exemplary embodiment, a liquid dispensing container may include a housing comprising a body for holding liquid and a cap connected to the body. The cap has a support structure defining a receiving orifice and a base inlet. The liquid dispensing container may include a nozzle rotatably supported within the receiving orifice and rotatable about an axis defined by the receiving orifice. The nozzle may include a base portion containing a valve having an inlet. The nozzle is rotatable between an open position and a closed position, in which the inlet is substantially aligned with and overlaps the base inlet to allow fluid passage, and in a closed position, the inlet is misaligned with the base inlet to prevent fluid passage. The nozzle may include a body portion extending from the base portion and defining an outlet, the body portion including an outer surface having at least one flat side for being gripped to rotate the nozzle between the open and closed positions. The liquid dispensing container may include a seal connected to the base portion of the nozzle and adjacent to the inlet. The seal may include a planar portion extending circumferentially along the nozzle and a wavy portion extending from the planar portion to the inlet. The nozzle may include a first portion defining the structure of the nozzle and a second portion injection molded onto the first portion.

[0055] Figure 1 A liquid dispensing container 100 is shown. The liquid dispensing container 100 may include a housing 114 and a nozzle 118. The housing 114 may include a bottle body 122 for holding a liquid (e.g., water, sports drink, etc.) and a cap 126 connected to the bottle body 122. In the illustrated example, the cap 126 is connected via multiple threads 128 (see...). Figure 3The cap 126 is screwed onto the bottle body 122. In other examples, the cap 126 may be connected to the bottle body 122 by other means (e.g., by friction fit). In the illustrated example, the nozzle 118 is connected to the housing 114. In other examples, the nozzle 118 may be integrally formed with the housing 114 (e.g., the cap 126).

[0056] Please see Figure 2 The bottle cap 126 may include a support structure 130. The support structure 130 may define a receiving aperture 134 sized to receive the nozzle 118. The receiving aperture 134 may define a receiving axis 138 at its axial center, while the bottle cap 126 may define a central axis 142 at its axial center. The receiving axis 138 may be offset (e.g., radially offset) from the central axis 142. As described in detail below, the nozzle 118 is rotatably supported within the support structure 130 and can rotate about the receiving axis 138 between an open position and a closed position. However, in other examples, the nozzle 118 may be fixedly supported within the support structure 130 and / or fixed relative to the receiving axis 138, such that the nozzle 118 does not rotate (e.g., when the nozzle 118 and the housing 114 are integrally formed). Setting the receiving axis 138 off-center (e.g., radially off-center) from the central axis 142 helps to empty the liquid dispensing container 100 and prevents or reduces the accumulation of its contents below the nozzle 118 when the liquid dispensing container is tilted from an upright position to an inverted position.

[0057] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The support structure 130 may include a wall 146 (e.g., a circumferential wall) extending downward from the inner wall 150 of the cap 126. The wall 146 may have two base inlets 154a, 154b (see...). Figure 3 In some examples, wall 146 may have one base inlet 154a, 154b, or two or more base inlets (e.g., three, four, etc.).

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the support structure 130 may include one or more stop surfaces 158a, 158b extending radially inward from the wall surface 146. The stop surfaces 158a, 158b may be located above the base inlets 154a, 154b. In some examples, the stop surfaces 158a, 158b may be located above the inner wall 150 of the cap 126.

[0059] Please see Figure 2In some examples, nozzle 118 may include a first portion 166. Furthermore, nozzle 118 may include a second portion 170, formed by secondary injection molding onto the first portion 166. The first portion 166 may be made of a rigid material (e.g., a glass fiber reinforced nylon substrate or other suitable material). The second portion 170 may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer material (e.g., a material sold by DuPont). It is made of thermoplastic elastomer or other suitable material. For example, the second portion 170 of nozzle 118 may be injection molded onto a large portion of the outer surface of the first portion 166 of nozzle 118. In some examples, more than 75% of the outer surface of the first portion 166 may be covered by the secondary injection molded second portion 170. In other examples, the second portion 170 may be omitted.

[0060] Please see Figure 5-8 The nozzle 118 may include a base portion 172 (see...) Figure 6 ) and the valve 174 defined therein, and the body portion 176 extending (e.g., upwardly) from the base portion 172 (see Figure 6 In the illustrated example, valve 174 is a cylindrical valve; however, other examples may include other types of valves.

[0061] Please continue reading. Figure 5-8 Valve 174 may include a pair of inlets 178a, 178b communicating with an outlet 180 of nozzle 118 (e.g., at the upper end of nozzle 118). In some examples, inlets 178a, 178b may be circumferentially deflected relative to each other (e.g., circumferentially deflected by 180 degrees). Nozzle 118 may also include a pair of protrusions 162a, 162b circumferentially deflected from inlets 178a, 178b. Protrusions 162a, 162b may interact with stop surfaces 158a, 158b (see...). Figure 4 This is coordinated to limit the movement of nozzle 118 between the closed and open positions. For example, protrusions 162a and 162b may be located above inlets 178a and 178b, or between inlets 178a and 178b.

[0062] The arrangement of protrusions 162a, 162b and stop surfaces 158a, 158b allows nozzle 118 to rotate 90 degrees (or other desired range of rotation) relative to support structure 130, so that inlets 178a, 178b can be selectively aligned or misaligned with base inlets 154a, 154b of support structure 130, thereby positioning nozzle 118 in a closed or open position.

[0063] Please continue reading. Figure 5-8 The base portion 172 of the nozzle 118 may further include a fixing structure 182, which mates with the wall surface 146 of the support structure 130 to fix the nozzle 118 within the support structure 130 (see...). Figure 7For example, the fixing structure 182 may include a groove 186 that mates with the wall surface 146 and a protrusion 190 that extends axially beyond the wall surface 146. Figure 7 This restricts the movement of nozzle 118 along the receiving axis 138. The arrangement of the fixing structure 182 allows nozzle 118 to be press-fitted into the support structure 130. In some examples, nozzle 118 can be removed from the support structure 130 by holding the body portion 176 and pulling it along the receiving axis 138.

[0064] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some examples, seal 194 may be connected to nozzle 118, near inlets 178a, 178b. When nozzle 118 is in the closed position, seal 194 may selectively engage with wall surface 146 of support structure 130 to prevent fluid flow through inlets 178a, 178b, thereby closing valve 174 (see [link to product description]). Figure 8 The seal 194 may include a planar portion 198 extending (e.g., circumferentially) around the nozzle 118 and a wavy portion 202 extending from the planar portion 198 to the inlets 178a, 178b. In the illustrated example, the wavy portion 202 is generally U-shaped around the inlets 178a, 178b. Figure 5 ), forming an inverted U-shape between inlet 178a and 178b ( Figure 6 The combination of the flat portion 198 and the wavy portion 202 surrounds the respective inlets 178a, 178b to prevent fluid leakage within the liquid dispensing container 100 when the nozzle 118 is in the closed or open position. For example, the flat portion prevents fluid leakage between the nozzle 118 and the housing 114 (e.g., cap 126) regardless of the nozzle 118's position, while the wavy portion 202 prevents fluid leakage from the inlets 178a, 178b and the nozzle 118 when the nozzle 118 is in the closed position. Furthermore, the wavy portion 202 is arranged in a wavy pattern that gradually moves away from the inlets 178a, 178b (see...). Figure 6 Because the wavy portion 202 transitions to the flat portion 198, this helps to allow the nozzle 118 to rotate smoothly between the open and closed positions while maintaining a seal against fluid leakage within the container 100. In some examples, the seal 194 may be integrally formed with the second portion 170 of the nozzle 118, which is secondary injection molded onto the first portion 166 (see...). Figure 2 In other examples, seal 194 may be omitted, or it may be included in a shape and size different from those shown in the illustration.

[0065] Please see Figure 5-8The body portion 176 of the nozzle 118 may include an outer surface having two opposing flat surfaces 206a, 206b connected by curved sections 210a, 210b. The body portion 176 may include one end defining the outlet 180 of the nozzle 118 and the other end adjacent to the base portion 172. In some examples, the first end may be generally elliptical, and the second end may be generally circular. The body portion 176 may gradually widen from the first end to the second end. For example, the first end of the body portion 176 may have a first width W1, while the second end of the body portion 176 may have a second width W2 greater than the first width W1. In the illustrated example, the first width W1 is approximately 16 millimeters (mm), and the second width W2 is approximately 19 mm; however, other examples may include other values ​​or ranges of values. Please continue reading. Figure 6 The body portion 176 of the nozzle 118 may also have a length L defined between the first end and the second end. In the illustrated example, the length L is approximately 60 mm; however, other examples may include other values ​​or ranges of values. In some examples, the ratio of the length L of the body portion 176 of the nozzle 118 to the width W1 of the body portion 176 adjacent to the outlet 180 is approximately 3.75. In some examples, the ratio of the length L to the first width W1 is in the range of 2 to 5. In some examples, the ratio is greater than 3.

[0066] The gradient design of the body portion 176 and the ratio of the length L1 to the first width W1 of the body portion 176 allow the nozzle 118 to easily pass through cage-like structures (e.g., on a helmet) when the user is hydrating. In these examples, the nozzle 118 allows the user to hydrate without removing their helmet. Furthermore, the combination of the flat sides 206a, 206b of the body portion 176 and the increased width (e.g., W2) of the body portion 176 adjacent to the second end provides the user with a gripping surface for rotating the nozzle 118 on the receiving axis 138 to switch between an open and closed position.

[0067] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 8 The figure shows that valve 174 of nozzle 118 is in the open position (see figure). Figure 7 ) and closing position (see Figure 8 In the illustrated example, nozzle 118 may be positioned around receiver axis 138 (see...). Figure 2 The valve 174 rotates between the open and closed positions. Rotating the nozzle 118 allows the inlets 178a and 178b to rotate relative to the base inlets 154a and 154b of the cap 126. As described above, when the inlets 178a and 178b are misaligned with the base inlets 154a and 154b, the valve 174 is in the closed position of the nozzle 118 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 8This prevents liquid from flowing out of the bottle body 122 through the nozzle 118. When the nozzle 118 is rotated to a position where the inlets 178a, 178b are substantially aligned and overlapped with the base inlets 154a, 154b, the valve 174 is in the open position of the nozzle 118 (see...). Figure 7 This allows the liquid to flow out through nozzle 118.

[0068] In the illustrated example, nozzle 118 is in the closed position when inlets 178a, 178b are rotated 90 degrees relative to base inlets 154a, 154b. In other examples, different values ​​or ranges of values ​​may be included (e.g., 80 degrees, 100 degrees).

[0069] Some examples of this application will be further described by the following numbered clauses:

[0070] Article 1 — A liquid dispensing container, comprising:

[0071] The housing includes a bottle body for containing liquid and a cap connected to the bottle body, the cap having a support structure defining a receiving hole and a base inlet; and

[0072] The nozzle is rotatably supported within the receiving hole and can rotate about an axis defined by the receiving hole;

[0073] The nozzle includes:

[0074] The base portion includes a valve with an inlet, the nozzle being configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the inlet is substantially aligned with and overlaps the base inlet to allow fluid passage, and in the closed position the inlet is misaligned with the base inlet to prevent fluid passage; and

[0075] The body portion extends from the base portion and defines an outlet, the body portion including an outer surface having at least one flat side for being held to rotate the nozzle between an open position and a closed position.

[0076] Article 2 – Liquid dispensing container according to Article 1, wherein opposing flat sides are connected by curved sections.

[0077] Article 3 – A liquid dispensing container according to Article 1 or Article 2, wherein: the body portion includes a first end defining the outlet of the nozzle and a second end adjacent to the base portion, the body portion gradually widening from the first end to the second end, and the first end having a first width and the second end having a second width greater than the first width.

[0078] Article 4 – The liquid dispensing container according to Article 3, wherein the body portion defines a length between the first end and the second end, and the ratio of the length of the body portion to the first width is greater than 3.

[0079] Article 5—The liquid dispensing container according to any of the preceding articles further includes a seal connected to the base portion of the nozzle and close to the inlet, wherein the seal includes a planar portion extending radially along the nozzle and a wavy portion extending from the planar portion to the inlet.

[0080] Article 6 – A liquid dispensing container according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the nozzle comprises a first portion defining the structure of the nozzle and a second portion formed by secondary injection molding on the first portion.

[0081] Article 7 – Liquid dispensing container as described in Article 6, wherein the first part is made of a rigid material and the second part is made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0082] Article 8 – A liquid dispensing container according to any of the preceding articles, wherein: the support structure includes a wall extending downward from the inner wall of the cap and a stop extending radially from the wall; and the nozzle includes a protrusion configured to selectively engage with the stop to restrict movement of the nozzle between the closed position and the open position.

[0083] Article 9 – Liquid dispensing container according to Article 8, wherein the stop surface is located above the inner wall of the cap and the base inlet.

[0084] Article 10 – Liquid dispensing container according to Article 8 or 9, wherein the protrusion is located above the inlet.

[0085] Article 11 – A liquid dispensing container, comprising:

[0086] The housing includes a bottle body for holding liquid and a cap connected to the bottle body, the cap having a support structure that defines a receiving hole and a base inlet;

[0087] A nozzle, rotatably supported within the receiving orifice and rotatable about an axis defined by the receiving orifice, the nozzle comprising:

[0088] The base portion includes a valve with an inlet, the nozzle being configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the inlet is substantially aligned with and overlaps the base inlet to allow fluid passage, and in the closed position the inlet is misaligned with the base inlet to prevent fluid passage.

[0089] The body portion extends from the base portion and defines an outlet; and

[0090] A seal is attached to the base portion of the nozzle and close to the inlet, the seal comprising a planar portion extending circumferentially along the nozzle and a wavy portion extending from the planar portion to the inlet.

[0091] Article 12 – Liquid dispensing container as described in Article 11, wherein the body portion includes opposing flat sides for easy gripping to rotate the nozzle between an open and closed position.

[0092] Article 13 – A liquid dispensing container according to Article 11 or 12, wherein the nozzle comprises a first portion defining the structure of the nozzle and a second portion formed by secondary injection molding on the first portion.

[0093] Article 14 – Liquid dispensing container as described in Article 13, wherein the first part is made of a rigid material and the second part is made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0094] Article 15 – Liquid dispensing container according to Article 13 or 14, wherein the seal is integrally formed with the second part.

[0095] Article 16—A liquid dispensing container according to any of the preceding articles, wherein the support structure includes a wall extending downward from the inner wall of the cap and a stop extending radially from the wall; and the nozzle includes a protrusion configured to selectively engage with the stop to restrict movement of the nozzle between the closed position and the open position.

[0096] Article 17 – Liquid dispensing container as described in Article 16, wherein the stop surface is located above the inner wall of the cap and the base inlet.

[0097] Article 18 – Liquid dispensing container according to Article 16 or 17, wherein the protrusion is located above the inlet.

[0098] Article 19 – A liquid dispensing container, comprising:

[0099] The housing includes a bottle body for holding liquid and a cap connected to the bottle body, the cap having a support structure that defines a receiving hole and a base inlet;

[0100] A nozzle, rotatably supported within the receiving orifice and rotatable about an axis defined by the receiving orifice, the nozzle comprising:

[0101] The base portion includes a valve with an inlet, the nozzle being configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the inlet is substantially aligned with and overlaps the base inlet to allow fluid passage, and in the closed position the inlet is misaligned with the base inlet to prevent fluid passage.

[0102] A body portion extending from the base portion and defining an outlet, the body portion including an outer surface having at least one flat side for being held to rotate the nozzle between an open position and a closed position; and

[0103] A seal is connected to the base portion of the nozzle and close to the inlet, the seal including a planar portion extending circumferentially along the nozzle and a wavy portion extending from the planar portion to the inlet;

[0104] The nozzle includes a first part that defines the structure of the nozzle and a second part that is injection molded onto the first part.

[0105] Article 20 – A liquid dispensing container according to Article 19, wherein: the support structure includes a wall extending downward from the inner wall of the cap and a stop extending radially from the wall; the nozzle includes a protrusion configured to selectively engage with the stop to restrict movement of the nozzle between the closed position and the open position; the stop is located above the inner wall of the cap and the base inlet, and the protrusion is located above the inlet.

[0106] The various features and advantages of this application are set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing container, comprising: The outer casing includes a bottle body for containing liquid and a cap connected to the bottle body, the cap having a support structure that defines a receiving hole and a base inlet; as well as The nozzle is rotatably supported within the receiving hole and can rotate about an axis defined by the receiving hole; The nozzle includes: The base portion includes a valve with an inlet, the nozzle being configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the inlet is substantially aligned with and overlaps the base inlet to allow fluid to pass through, and in the closed position the inlet is misaligned with the base inlet to prevent fluid from passing through; as well as The body portion extends from the base portion and defines an outlet, the body portion including an outer surface having at least one flat side for being held to rotate the nozzle between an open position and a closed position.

2. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one flat side includes opposing flat sides connected by a curved section.

3. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein: The body portion includes a first end defining the outlet of the nozzle and a second end adjacent to the base portion; The body portion gradually widens from the first end to the second end, and The first end has a first width, and the second end has a second width that is greater than the first width.

4. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 3, wherein, The body portion defines a length between the first end and the second end, and the ratio of the length of the body portion to the first width is greater than 3.

5. The liquid dispensing container of claim 1, further comprising a seal connected to the base portion of the nozzle and adjacent to the inlet, wherein, The seal includes a planar portion extending radially along the nozzle and a wavy portion extending from the planar portion to the inlet.

6. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein, The nozzle includes a first part that defines the structure of the nozzle and a second part that is injection molded onto the first part.

7. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 6, wherein, The first part is made of a rigid material, and the second part is made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

8. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein: The support structure includes a wall surface extending downward from the inner wall of the bottle cap and a stop surface extending radially from the wall surface; and The nozzle includes a protrusion configured to selectively engage with the stop surface to restrict movement of the nozzle between the closed position and the open position.

9. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 8, wherein, The stop surface is located above the inner wall of the bottle cap and the base inlet.

10. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 8, wherein, The protrusion is located above the inlet.

11. A liquid dispensing container, comprising: The housing includes a bottle body for holding liquid and a cap connected to the bottle body, the cap having a support structure that defines a receiving hole and a base inlet; A nozzle, rotatably supported within the receiving orifice and rotatable about an axis defined by the receiving orifice, the nozzle comprising: The base portion includes a valve with an inlet, the nozzle being configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the inlet is substantially aligned with and overlaps the base inlet to allow fluid passage, and in the closed position the inlet is misaligned with the base inlet to prevent fluid passage. The body portion extends from the base portion and defines an outlet; as well as A seal is attached to the base portion of the nozzle and close to the inlet, the seal comprising a planar portion extending circumferentially along the nozzle and a wavy portion extending from the planar portion to the inlet.

12. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 11, wherein, The body portion includes opposing flat sides for easy gripping to rotate the nozzle between the open and closed positions.

13. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 11, wherein, The nozzle includes a first part that defines the structure of the nozzle and a second part that is injection molded onto the first part.

14. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 13, wherein, The first part is made of a rigid material, and the second part is made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

15. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 13, wherein, The seal is integrally formed with the second part.

16. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 11, wherein: The support structure includes a wall surface extending downward from the inner wall of the bottle cap and a stop surface extending radially from the wall surface; and The nozzle includes a protrusion configured to selectively engage with the stop surface to restrict movement of the nozzle between the closed position and the open position.

17. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 16, wherein, The stop surface is located above the inner wall of the bottle cap and the base inlet.

18. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 16, wherein, The protrusion is located above the inlet.

19. A liquid dispensing container, comprising: The housing includes a bottle body for holding liquid and a cap connected to the bottle body, the cap having a support structure that defines a receiving hole and a base inlet; A nozzle, rotatably supported within the receiving orifice and rotatable about an axis defined by the receiving orifice, the nozzle comprising: The base portion includes a valve with an inlet, the nozzle being configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the inlet is substantially aligned with and overlaps the base inlet to allow fluid passage, and in the closed position the inlet is misaligned with the base inlet to prevent fluid passage. The body portion extends from the base portion and defines an outlet, the body portion including an outer surface having at least one flat side for being held to rotate the nozzle between an open position and a closed position; and a seal connected to the base portion of the nozzle and adjacent to the inlet, the seal including a planar portion extending circumferentially along the nozzle and a wavy portion extending from the planar portion to the inlet; The nozzle includes a first part that defines the structure of the nozzle and a second part that is injection molded onto the first part.

20. The liquid dispensing container according to claim 19, wherein: The support structure includes a wall extending downward from the inner wall of the bottle cap and a stop surface extending radially from the wall; The nozzle includes a protrusion configured to selectively engage with the stop surface to restrict movement of the nozzle between the closed position and the open position; The stop surface is located above the inner wall of the bottle cap and the base inlet, and the protrusion is located above the inlet.

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