Spout and bottle

Abstract

The invention relates to a spout (1) for a bottle (16) containing a liquid, in particular for an oil or vinegar dispenser, and to a bottle (16) with such a spout (1). The spout (1) comprises a pouring tube (2) for dispensing the liquid, a return and vent tube (3) preferably arranged concentrically with the pouring tube (2) for returning liquid from a pouring opening (2a) of the pouring tube (2), and a housing (4, 5) with a first side having openings for the pouring tube (2) and the return and vent tube (3) and with a second side having an inlet (8) for the liquid contained in the bottle (16). The housing (4, 5) has a flow-connecting space (6) between the first and second sides in which a closure element (7) is arranged that opens or closes the inlet (8) depending on the inclination of the spout (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spout for a bottle containing a liquid, in particular for an oil or vinegar dispenser, and a bottle with such a spout.

[0002] Pourers of the type in question have been used in practice for years. They are employed in a wide variety of applications, particularly for easier dispensing of spirits in bars, for pouring wine, or for dispensing oil or vinegar from a suitable dispenser. One problem that has been identified is the soiling that occurs when drops run down the side of the pourer and onto the bottle. This is a well-known issue, especially with wine bottles, resulting in stains that remain on tablecloths and tables.

[0003] From DE 10 2005 036 784 B4, it is known to provide a sponge-like collecting mechanism for receiving drops. This sponge can then be cleaned or replaced when the spout is used for a new bottle of wine. However, this rarely occurs in the case of oil or vinegar dispensers, so this approach has limited applicability.

[0004] Another problem addressed by pouring spouts of the type in question is the protection of the liquid being poured. This includes, on the one hand, protection against dirt entering the bottle, and on the other hand, limiting the liquid's contact with the surrounding air. This is solved in DE 10 2005 036 784 B4 by inserting a closure body with a spherical sealing element into a pouring tube to seal the bottle. The spherical sealing element is adapted to the diameter and shape of the pouring tube to ensure a tight seal. However, to pour the liquid from the bottle, it is necessary to remove the closure body from the spout.

[0005] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of designing and further developing a spout of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that, on the one hand, contamination which occurs when drops flow down the side of the spout and the bottle is avoided, in particular when using the spout with an oil or vinegar dispenser, and thus that protection of the liquid is ensured.

[0006] According to the invention, the aforementioned problem is solved by the features of claim 1. The spout in question, for a bottle containing a liquid, in particular for an oil or vinegar dispenser, comprises a pouring tube for dispensing the liquid, a return and vent pipe preferably arranged concentrically with the pouring tube for returning liquid from a pouring opening of the pouring tube, and a housing with a first side having openings for the pouring tube and the return and vent pipe, and with a second side having an inlet for the liquid contained in the bottle. The housing has a flow-connecting space between the first and second sides in which a closure element is arranged that blocks or releases the inlet depending on the inclination of the spout.

[0007] In accordance with the invention, it has first been recognized that the problem of drops running down the neck of the bottle is particularly significant with oil and vinegar dispensers. Due to the lower viscosity of oil compared to wine, oil residue often remains at the spout of the pouring tube and flows down the bottle. Furthermore, the oil does not dry and remains as a film on the bottle, so that the user touches the contaminated surface. In addition, such a dispenser often remains in the same bottle for months, making an integrated catcher, such as a sponge, impractical. The present invention solves this problem by returning collected drops to the bottle via the return and vent tube. The return and vent tube also serves to ensure air equalization, which makes the flow of the liquid more consistent.The sealing element, which can be a sphere, particularly a stainless steel sphere, located in the flow-connecting space, serves to control the amount of liquid that can escape from the bottle and to prevent fresh oxygen from entering the bottle during storage. This helps to preserve the aroma of the liquid stored in the bottle for a longer period.

[0008] For example, the flow-connecting space can have an elliptical cross-section. This allows the closure element, when the spout is tilted, to roll out of the inlet into a recess of the elliptical shape, thus opening the inlet. Simultaneously, the elliptical shape allows the closure element to roll smoothly back into the inlet.

[0009] The automatic closure of the spout is based on the fact that the closure element either blocks or opens the flow depending on the angle of inclination. Specifically, the flow-connecting chamber and the closure element can be shaped so that the closure element opens the flow when the spout is tilted at least 45° from an upright position. This allows for the protected storage of the liquid even in a slightly inclined position, without impairing the functionality of the spout.

[0010] The return and vent pipe allows the liquid to flow back into the bottle. To prevent liquid from escaping through the return and vent pipe, a protective barrier can be provided. In particular, the pouring spout can have an annular bulge on its side facing the flow-connecting chamber, which projects partially into an imaginary extension of the return and vent pipe to at least partially prevent liquid from entering the return and vent pipe from the flow-connecting chamber. This prevents liquid from escaping the return and vent pipe during normal pouring operations (i.e., pouring operations that are not nearly vertical).

[0011] The spout and / or the return and vent pipe may be angled on one side facing away from the flow-connecting space. This improves the pouring process and, in particular, shows the user how to hold the bottle during pouring.

[0012] This knowledge is particularly relevant when the interface between the flow-connecting chamber and the pipes is asymmetrical. For example, the bevel may result in the pouring spout and / or the return and vent pipe having one longer and one shorter side in cross-section. Specifically, the return and vent pipe may only be connected to the flow-connecting chamber along its shorter side, i.e., along one half of the pipe located on the shorter side. Since the user intuitively tilts the bottle so that the longer side faces downwards, this further prevents liquid from escaping through the return and vent pipe.

[0013] Preferably, the flow-connecting space can include a nub designed to prevent the closure element from blocking the pouring spout. This prevents the closure element from making it difficult to pour the liquid.

[0014] For example, the housing can have a transparent section that allows a view of the sphere in the flow-connecting chamber. This improves the user's understanding of the spout, as the user can intuitively grasp the mechanism.

[0015] The housing can, for example, be made of or contain silicone. Silicone is particularly effective in ensuring a seal against the bottle neck as well as against the closure element.

[0016] To prevent liquid or oxygen from flowing past the spout into or out of the bottle, the housing can comprise an outer shell with one or more sealing lips and an inner shell containing the flow-conducting chamber. This two-part housing design also allows for the use of different material types, such as different silicone materials, for the inner and outer shells.

[0017] The spout may also include a filter with openings on one side wall, positioned at the inlet. This filter can be used to prevent spices, herbs, chili, etc., which are infused into the liquid as flavorings, from entering the spout and being poured out.

[0018] For example, the filter can have a conical shape. This conical shape pushes the spices to the side when the spout is placed on the bottle. In addition to the openings on the side, the filter can also have a smaller diameter drip opening at one end of the conical shape, through which the liquid drips back into the center of the bottle. The conical shape helps to direct the liquid towards the drip opening.

[0019] In addition to the outlet pipe, the return and vent pipe, and the inlet, a vent opening can be arranged in the flow-connecting space to ensure additional air exchange between the flow-connecting space and the environment. This ensures air exchange even when liquid is present in the return and vent pipe.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention relates to a bottle, in particular an oil or vinegar dispenser, comprising the spout.

[0021] There are now various ways to advantageously elaborate and further develop the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference should be made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and further developments of the teaching are also explained. The drawing shows Fig. 1 shows a sectional drawing of a spout in a bottle; Fig. 2 shows a sectional drawing of the spout where the spout is inclined at 45°; Fig. 3 shows a sectional drawing of the spout where the spout is inclined at 135°; Fig. 4 shows a flow of liquid and air during a pouring process; Fig. 5 shows a backflow of liquid after the pouring process has ended; Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of the spout tube, return and vent tube, and vent opening; and Fig. 7 shows a view of openings between the flow-connecting chamber, the spout tube, the return and vent tube, and an additional vent opening.

[0022] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a sectional drawing of a spout 1 for a bottle 16 containing liquid, as well as of a bottle 16 with such a spout. In particular, the following is shown: Figs. 1 to 6 shown is an oil or vinegar dispenser comprising the bottle 16 and the spout 1.

[0023] The spout 1 includes a pouring tube 2 for pouring the liquid. The one in the Figs. 1 to 6 The pouring tube 2 shown has a round profile; however, pouring tubes with other profile shapes are also possible. The pouring tube 2 has a pouring opening 2a, through which the liquid exits the pouring tube.

[0024] The spout 1 further comprises a return and vent pipe 3 for returning liquid from the pouring opening 2a of the spout pipe 2. The return and vent pipe 3 shown also has a round profile; however, it is possible to provide a different profile shape. In the exemplary embodiment of the Figs. 1 to 6The return and vent pipe 3 is arranged concentrically with the pouring pipe 2, such that the pouring pipe 2 is radially centered within the return and vent pipe 3 and laterally surrounds the return and vent pipe 3 at least on one side facing a housing 4, 5. The return and vent pipe 3 has a dual function: during pouring, it primarily serves to allow airflow into the interior of the bottle to prevent a vacuum from forming inside. After pouring, when the bottle with the pouring spout is returned to an upright position (approximately as described in the diagram), the return and vent pipe 3... Fig. 1In the upright position shown, or in a position that deviates from the upright position by an inclination of less than 90°, the return and vent pipe 3 serves to collect drops that have escaped from the pouring opening 2a and run back along the pouring pipe 2 towards the housing 4, 5, and to direct them into the interior of the housing 4, 5. In this process, the return and vent pipe 3 forms an annular channel.

[0025] To prevent liquid from escaping through the return and vent pipe during the pouring process, the pouring pipe 2 has an annular bulge 2b (i.e., an annular rim) on a side facing the flow-connecting space, which partially projects into an imaginary extension of the return and vent pipe 3. The annular rim 2b is in Fig. 6 shown in an enlarged view.

[0026] In addition to the pouring pipe 2 and the return and ventilation pipe, a ventilation opening 9 may be provided, which is also located in Fig. 6 shown in an enlarged view.

[0027] The spout 1 further comprises the housing 4, 5. In Figs. 1 to 6 The spout 1 is shown with a two-part housing 4, 5 comprising an outer housing 4 and an inner housing 5. The outer housing has radially circumferential sealing lips 12, 13 (approximately as shown in Figs. 1 to 5 The housing 4, 5 is designed to have an upper sealing lip 12 and two lower sealing lips 13, which on the one hand hold the spout in a neck of the bottle 16 and on the other hand prevent liquid from leaking out and air from entering around the spout. The housing 4, 5 is designed to extend over at least 60% (or at least 70% or at least 80%) of its length (or height in the section shown) Fig. 1(in the upright position shown) is inserted into the neck of the bottle so that both the upper sealing lip 12 and the lower sealing lips 13 are located in the neck of the bottle. The housing, i.e., both the outer and inner housings, can be made of or comprise silicone.

[0028] The housing, and in particular the inner housing 5, comprises a first side (top side in the in Fig. 1(in the upright position shown) with openings for the pouring tube 2 and the return and venting tube 3, and a second side (lower side in the upright position) opposite the first side, which includes an inlet 8 for the liquid contained in the bottle. The housing, and in particular the inner housing 5, has a flow-connecting space 6 between the first and second sides, in which a closure element 7 is arranged that blocks or releases the inlet depending on the inclination of the pouring spout 1. Here, the closure element 7 is shown as a sphere, which can be made of stainless steel or silicone, for example. However, other types of closure elements are also possible, such as other types of ellipsoids or a flap (not shown). In the Figs. 1 to 5The sealing element 7 interacts with an internal seal 11, which is part of the inner housing 5, and thus of the housing itself. In one exemplary embodiment, the housing, i.e., the outer and inner housings, can have a transparent section that allows a view of the sphere in the flow-connecting space. This allows the user to understand the operating principle of the seal and be assured that the liquid is protected.

[0029] To prevent the sealing element from obstructing the pouring tube (or the return and aeration stirrer), the flow-connecting space can include a ball stop 10 designed to prevent the sealing element from obstructing the pouring tube. Figs. 1 to 6 The ball stopper is designed as a stud, but other implementations are also possible, such as a grid.

[0030] The pouring spout 2, the return and vent pipe 3, and the inlet 8 are connected to the flow-connecting chamber. During a pouring process, the liquid flows from the bottle through the inlet 8 into the flow-connecting chamber 6 and through this chamber into the pouring spout 2, ultimately being poured out of the pouring opening 2a. Simultaneously, air enters the bottle 16 through the return and vent pipe 3, the flow-connecting chamber 6, and the inlet 8, thus preventing a vacuum from forming. If an additional vent opening 9 is provided, it is connected to the flow-connecting chamber 6 in addition to the pouring spout 2, the return and vent pipe 3, and the inlet 9, to ensure additional air exchange between the flow-connecting chamber 6 and the surrounding environment.

[0031] Optionally, the spout can also include a filter 14, which prevents infused herbs and spices from being poured out. In this case, the filter has a filter mesh or grid, i.e., openings, on one side wall of the grid. The filter is located at the inlet 8 on the housing. In this case, the filter has a conical shape, with a larger diameter at one end of the filter facing the inlet and a smaller diameter at the opposite end. In addition to the openings on the side wall, the filter includes an optional drip opening at the end with the smaller diameter. Its function is described in Fig. 5 shown. For example, the filter can be made of stainless steel, made of silicone, or contain silicone.

[0032] The following figures show the use of spout 1. Fig. 2Figure 1 shows a sectional drawing of the spout, in which the spout is tilted at 45°. In the upright position shown on the left, the flow-connecting chamber 6 is hermetically sealed by the closure element 7, as the sealing ball 7 forms an airtight seal with the seal 11 of the silicone housing 5. The right side shows the spout tilted at 45°. Due to the tilt beyond 45°, the sealing ball falls out of the way. This is made possible by the elliptical geometry of the silicone housing, and in particular of the flow-connecting chamber 6, as well as by gravity. Specifically, the flow-connecting chamber 6 can have an elliptical cross-section, allowing the closure element 7 to enter a recess of the flow-connecting chamber 6 when the housing is tilted.For example, the flow-connecting chamber and the closure element can be shaped so that the closure element releases the inlet when the spout is tilted at least 45° from its upright position. This tilt-dependent release of the inlet allows for one-handed operation of the spout.

[0033] In Figs. 3 and 4 The spout is now shown during the pouring process. Fig. 3Figure 1 shows a sectional drawing of the spout, in which the spout is inclined at 135°. In the spout shown, the pouring tube and the return and vent pipe are chamfered on one side facing away from the flow-connecting chamber. The chamfering of the pouring tube, in particular, serves to show the user how to tilt the spout, as the best pouring result is achieved when the longer side of the pouring tube points downwards. This allows the inner housing, and especially the flow-connecting chamber, to be designed asymmetrically, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 3 This is clearly visible. It is evident here that the return and ventilation pipe at the bottom, i.e., on the side with the longer cross-section, is not connected to the flow-connecting space. Also in Fig. 7 This is shown, whereby in Fig. 7The openings 3a (between the return and vent pipe 3 and chamber 6) and 9 (as an additional vent opening) are shown above during the pouring process. This is the case when the user directs the longer cross-sectional side of the pouring pipe and the return and vent pipe downwards during pouring. Thus, the return and vent pipe 3 is only connected to the flow-connecting chamber 6 on its shorter cross-sectional side, for example, via an opening adjacent to the shorter half of the return and vent pipe 3. Fig. 3 It is also easy to see how the ball stopper 5 prevents the ball 7 from blocking the pouring tube 2.

[0034] Fig. 4Figure 17 illustrates the flow of liquid 17 and air 18 during the pouring process. Arrow 17 shows how the liquid flows past the sphere 7 through the flow-connecting space 6. The flow cross-section for the liquid through the flow-connecting space past the sphere 7, which rests in the bulge of the elliptical shape, corresponds approximately (± 20%) to the flow cross-section of the pouring tube 2, ensuring a homogeneous flow of the liquid. Arrow 18 shows the flow of air through the return and vent pipe 3 (and optionally the vent opening 9), which also serves to guarantee a homogeneous flow of the liquid.

[0035] Fig. 5Figure 19a shows a backflow of liquid after the pouring process is complete. Arrows 19a and 19b indicate the backflow of drops that are directed back into the bottle from the return and vent tube 3. It can be seen that the drop at arrow 19a cannot flow into the flow-connecting chamber 6, but instead flows around the pouring tube 2 and then, as indicated by arrow 19b, enters the flow-connecting chamber 6 through the return opening 3a when the spout returns to its upright position. It is also shown that the drip opening 15 on the filter 14 ensures that the backflow drips off centrally (arrow 20).

[0036] Fig. 6Figure 1 shows a detailed view of pouring pipe 2, return and ventilation pipe 3, and ventilation opening 9. It is particularly evident that pouring pipe 2, ventilation and ventilation pipe 3 at the return opening 3a, and ventilation opening 9 are connected to the flow-connecting chamber 6. The annular rim 2b of pouring pipe 2, which projects into an extension of ventilation and ventilation pipe 3, is also visible.

[0037] Fig. 7Figure 1 shows an additional view of openings between the flow-connecting chamber 6, the pouring pipe 2, the return and vent pipe 3, and an additional vent opening 9, with the view shown from inside the flow-connecting chamber 6. It can be seen that an opening 2c is provided between the flow-connecting chamber 6 and the pouring pipe 2, spanning the full cross-section of the pouring pipe. This is not the case for the return and vent pipe 3 – here, only a small return and vent opening 3a is provided between an outward-facing portion of the return and vent pipe and the chamber. The additional vent opening 9 is also only a small opening. Additional air can be drawn in through this vent opening 9 during pouring. Both openings 3a and 9 are positioned so that they point upwards during the pouring process.on the side of the spout pipe 2 that is shorter in cross-section and / or the return and ventilation pipe 3.

[0038] The in Figs. 1 to 6 The spout shown includes a drip catcher, an automatic closure, and a stainless steel filter. The ventilation system ensures reliable and economical pouring and dispensing. The spout is drip-free, with any collected droplets being directed back into the bottle via the center of the dispenser. A gravity-based, integrated ball valve seals the dispenser airtight, securely, and cleanly. It also allows for convenient one-handed operation of the spout. The internal stainless steel filter retains herbs, chilies, and other ingredients during pouring. The dispenser bottle can be made of, for example, flavor-neutral borosilicate glass. The spout can be easily removed from the bottle as a single unit, revealing a large opening for filling.

[0039] Regarding further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the attached claims in order to avoid repetition.

[0040] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention described above serve only to discuss the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to these exemplary embodiments. Reference symbol list

[0041] 1 Spout 2 Pouring tube 2a Pouring opening 2b Ring-shaped rim 2c Opening between pouring tube and flow-connecting chamber 3 Return and vent pipe 3a Return opening 4 Silicone housing outer 5 Silicone housing inner 6 Flow-connecting chamber 7 Ball closure 8 Inlet 9 Venting opening 10 Ball stopper, knob 11 Inner seal 12 Outer seal top 13 Outer seal bottom 14 Filter 15 Drip opening 16 Bottle 17 Liquid flow 18 Air flow 19a, 19b Drip return 20 Drip return

Claims

1. Pouring spout (1) for a bottle (16) containing a liquid, in particular for an oil or vinegar dispenser, comprising: a pouring tube (2) for pouring the liquid; a return and venting tube (3) preferably arranged concentrically with the pouring tube (2) for returning liquid from a pouring opening (2a) of the pouring tube (2); and a housing (4, 5) with a first side having openings for the pouring tube (2) and the return and venting tube (3) and with a second side having an inlet (8) for the liquid contained in the bottle (16), wherein the housing (4, 5) has a flow-connecting space (6) between the first and second sides in which a closure element (7) is arranged which, depending on an inclination of the pouring spout (1), blocks or releases the inlet (8).

2. Pourer (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the flow-connecting space (6) has an elliptical shape in cross-section.

3. Pourer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the flow-connecting space (6) and the closure element (7) are shaped such that the closure element (7) releases the inlet (8) when the spout (1) is inclined at least 45° relative to an upright position of the spout (1).

4. Pourer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that The pouring pipe (2) has an annular bulge (2b) on a side facing the flow-connecting space (6), which extends at least partially into an imaginary extension of the return and ventilation pipe (3) in order to at least partially prevent the liquid from entering the return and ventilation pipe (3) from the flow-connecting space (6).

5. Pourer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the pouring pipe (2) and / or the return and ventilation pipe (3) are beveled on one side facing away from the flow-connecting space (6).

6. Pourer (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that The chamfer causes the pouring pipe (2) and / or the return and ventilation pipe (3) to have a longer side and a shorter side in cross-section, wherein the return and ventilation pipe (3) is connected to the flow-connecting space (6) at the shorter side.

7. Pourer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the flow-connecting space (6) includes a stud (10) designed to prevent the closure element (7) from closing the pouring tube (2).

8. Pourer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that the housing (4, 5) has a transparent section that provides a view of the closure element (7) in the flow-connecting space (6).

9. Pourer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that the case (4, 5) comprises silicone.

10. Pourer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact thatthe housing (4, 5) comprises an outer housing (4) with one or more sealing lips and an inner housing (5) with the flow-connecting space (6).

11. Spout (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a filter (14) with openings on a side wall of the filter (14), wherein the filter (14) is arranged on the inlet (8).

12. Pourer (1) according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the filter (14) has a conical shape.

13. Pourer (1) according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that In addition to the openings on the side wall, the filter (14) includes a drip opening (15) at one end of the conical shape with a smaller diameter.

14. Pourer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the fact thatIn addition to the pouring pipe (2), the return and ventilation pipe (3) and the inlet (8), a ventilation opening (9) is arranged in the flow-connecting space (6) to ensure additional air exchange between the flow-connecting space (6) and the environment.

15. Bottle (16), in particular oil or vinegar dispenser, comprising the spout (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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