Universal and multi-use measurement device connectable to a liquid or granule material container

Abstract

The invention generally relates to containers and liquid or granulated powder volume measurement devices. The measurement device is transferrable between containers for the preparation of a measured dose of liquid.

Description

[0001] UNIVERSAL AND MULTI-USE MEASUREMENT DEVICE CONNECTABLE TO A LIQUID OR GRANULE MATERIAL CONTAINER

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention generally relates to containers and liquid or granulated powder volume measurement devices .

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Spray and pesticide in liquid or granulated powder forms (hereinafter, collectively referred to as " spray liquids" or "concentrates" ) are generally marketed in a concentrated form within plastic containers . Before use , the user must prepare , based on the speci fic use instructions , a measured small dose of concentrated liquid and then dilute the dose with water within a larger container of a spray apparatus or the like . For this purpose , the user typically pours some concentrate into a scale tube or pumps the concentrate into a measuring syringe to select the amount of liquid to use . This practice , however, is cumbersome , annoying, and even dangerous to the user , given the toxicity of the concentrated liquid .

[0006] US 4 , 646 , 948 discloses a container that integrally includes a primary compartment and a measuring compartment . When necessary to prepare a dose of concentrate , the user pours liquid from the primary compartment to the measuring compartment , all within the same integral container . The user can easily and safely return the excess dose to the primary compartment in a reverse manner, again within the integral container . When the dose is ready within the measuring compartment , the user can pour the measured dose into the sprayer' s container for dilution with water, followed by regular use of the sprayer . The integral container of US 4 , 646 , 948 suf fers from several drawbacks : ( a ) The shape of the double-compartment container is irregular, therefore requiring a highly complex mold for production, which also complicates the production process compared to a conventional container ; (b ) The doublecompartment container' s volume excessively increases compared to a conventional one , due to the measuring compartment , which does not contain liquid during regular times of marketing, transportation, and storage . Moreover, the irregular shape signi ficantly increases the storage space when storing a bulk of concentrate containers ; ( c ) the increased volume of the container and complicated shape also increases the amount of the used plastic, which is a very environmentally polluting material .

[0007] In another aspect , a new regulation, CTS , or "easyconnect" in its marketing form, has been defined to gradually become a standard in Europe and other countries within the next 5- 10 years . This regulation defines a new sealing connector for pesticide containers and an adaptor for connecting the container to industrial sprayers , such that the concentrate is trans ferred to the sprayer without human contact , followed by automatic cleaning of the container . When applied to domestic or low scale gardening, this standard avoids using the relatively expensive adaptor ; however, the same CTS-type sealing is still applied at the container to enable a conventional-like use . A solution to this type of connector is also required .

[0008] It is an obj ect of the invention to provide a multi-use measuring device that provides all the advantages of the double-compartment container of US 4 , 646 , 948 , while not expanding the container' s volume ( compared to a conventional container) , therefore, significantly reducing transportation and storage costs.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a multi-use liquid measuring device that provides all the advantages of the double-compartment container of US 4, 646,948, while not complicating the production mold and process compared to those required for producing a conventional container.

[0010] Still, another object of the invention is to provide a multi-use liquid measuring device that provides all the advantages of the double-compartment container of US 4, 646,948, while significantly reducing the amount of plastic used.

[0011] Still, another object of the invention is to provide a multi-use liquid measuring device that provides all the advantages of the double-compartment container of US 4, 646,948, while significantly reducing the space required to store and transport a bulk of concentrate containers. Given the space reduction, the transport costs and the fuel used are also considerably reduced, reducing air pollution.

[0012] Still, another object of the invention is to provide a nonhuman contact measuring solution to containers having a CTS-type sealing.

[0013] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The invention relates to a measurement device trans ferrable between containers , for the preparation of a measured dose of liquid, comprising ( a ) a connector configured for connecting the device to an opening of a liquid container ; a measurement compartment ; (b ) a level scale within the measurement compartment for indicating an amount of liquid included within the measurement compartment ; ( c ) a trans fer channel leading from the connector to the measurement compartment ; ( d) a level barrier between the trans fer channel and the measurement compartment , enabling liquid trans fer only when the liquid level exceeds the level barrier ; and ( e ) a pouring opening at the measurement compartment configured to allow pouring out of the measured dose from the measurement compartment .

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the connector is configured to fit a standard opening of the liquid container .

[0016] In an embodiment of the invention, the connector is a threaded-type connector, having a standard opening radius and thread, enabling connection to a standard container' s opening .

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, the measurement device is further provided with a removable cap for closing the pouring opening .

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, the measurement device is configured for connection to a top opening of the container . In an embodiment of the invention, the measurement device is configured for connection to a top opening of the container wherein the container is a pesticide container .

[0019] In an embodiment of the invention, the measurement device is configured for a multi-use .

[0020] In an embodiment of the invention, at least the measurement compartment is made of a transparent or translucent material .

[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, the level barrier comprises a slanted plane and / or a wall .

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, the measurement device is configured for use with granule and / or liquid material .

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the connector is a tubetype connector, as disclosed in this application, configured for connection to a CTS-type container' s cap .

[0024] In an embodiment of the invention, the connector comprises a perforated tube connected at its proximal side to the trans fer channel of the device .

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the drawings :

[0027] Fig . 1 shows a conventional pesticide concentrate container and a test tube and inj ector that may be used to measure a concentrated dose before pouring it into a sprayer' s container ;

[0028] Fig . 2 illustrates the general structure of a prior art integral double-compartment container of US 4 , 646 , 948 ; Fig. 3a shows a first embodiment of the universal and multi-use concentrate measurement device of the present invention;

[0029] Fig. 3b shows the device of Fig. 3a, attached to a liquid container;

[0030] Fig. 4 shows two standard containers;

[0031] Fig. 5a illustrates the general structure of a CTS-type cap;

[0032] Fig. 5b illustrates the general structure of a second embodiment of the device of the invention, compatible for attachment to a CTS-type cap; and

[0033] Fig. 5c shows the device of Fig. 5b, attached to a container having a CTS-type cap.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a conventional pesticide concentrate container 10, and a test tube 12 and injector 14 that may be used to measure a concentrated dose before pouring it into a sprayer's container.

[0036] Fig. 2 illustrates the general structure of the integral double-compartment container 40 of US 4, 646,948 (Fig. 9 of US 4, 646,948 is provided, while several indices appearing in the figure are irrelevant to the present description) . Container 40 generally includes a primary compartment 62, a measurement compartment 64 above the primary container, a transfer channel 66, a liquid volume scale 44, a pour opening 49 (currently sealed by a cap) , and a liquid level barrier 74. When a need to prepare a dose of concentrate arises, the user transfers some liquid from the primary compartment 62 to the measuring compartment 64 (via transfer channel 66 and level barrier 74) by tilting the container counterclockwise, such that the concentrate passes barrier 14. Excess of concentrate beyond the desired dose can be returned to primary compartment 62 by tilting the container clockwise such that the concentrate again passes level barrier 74 in the opposite direction, returning to primary compartment 62. The user may repeat This process several times until the desired dose is indicated on scale 44. At that stage, the user can pour the dose of concentrate into the sprayer's container via opening 49.

[0037] As previously noted, the prior art double-compartment container of US 4, 646,948 suffers from several significant drawbacks, such as: (a) relatively complicated and high cost of production; (b) extra, unoccupied space in the container, resulting in increased overall volume during storage and transportation; (c) increased use of plastic, resulting in environmental pollution; and increased transportation pollution due to the increased container space .

[0038] The liquid measuring device of the present invention provides all the advantages associated with the doublecompartment container of US 4, 646,948, while eliminating, or at least significantly mitigating, the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0039] Figs. 3a-3b shows a first embodiment of the universal and multi-use concentrate measurement device 100 of the present invention. In general, device 100 includes a measurement compartment 164 (to the left of line 120 with a volume scale 144, a transfer channel 166 (to the left of line 120) , a pouring opening 149 (optionally fitted to a cap 151) , a liquid level barrier 174, and a threaded connector 110 configured for connection to a standard opening 61 of a conventional spray or pesticide liquid container (shown in Fig. 4) . While Fig. 4 shows a cylindrical-shape container, the device of the invention may be attached to containers of various shapes. The threaded connector 110 is connected, typically in its middle, to the transfer channel 166. While the description mainly refers to sprayer liquids, concentrates, and pesticides, the invention's device may apply to any liquid (or powder / granulated material) container as long as the cap 110 conforms to the container's opening 61.

[0040] Two typical prior art pesticide containers, 70 and 72, are shown in Fig. 4. These containers are 500 ml and _1000 ml, respectively; another, a 5000ml container (not shown) , is the most common container in the market. Irrespective of the liquid capacity, the containers have a standard opening of 40-63mm diameter and a respective standard thread. Other commonly used pesticide containers may have another opening diameter standard of, for example, 50mm. In any case, the device's threaded connector 110 is selected to fit the standard radius and thread of the relevant container used (e.g., 40mm or 63mm) .

[0041] Fig. 3b shows the liquid measurement device 100 attached to container 72. Once attached to the container, the unified structure 190 (including measurement device 100 and container 72) practically functions similarly to the functionality of integral container 40 of Fig. 2. For example, when a necessity arises to prepare a dose of concentrate, the user slants the unified structure 190 counterclockwise so that the concentrate passes beyond the level barrier 174 into the measurement compartment 164. Excess dose, if exists, can be returned reversely to container 72 by slanting the unified structure clockwise. Once the desired dose is achieved at scale 144, the user may remove cap 151 and pour the dose into the sprayer's container (not shown) . Level barrier 174 ensures that only the designated dose is poured during the pouring, without any liquid spilling from container 72 (that cannot pass level barrier 174) into the measurement compartment 164. A higher level barrier 174 better prevents such a spill of concentrate. The level barrier 174, at the top of inclined plane 176 Fig. 3a) , may be replaced by a level vertical wall (not shown) . Once the concentrate is poured, device 100 may be disconnected from container 72. Next, device 100 may be reconnected to the same container or another container for additional use.

[0042] Fig. 5a shows the general structure of a CTS-type cap 205 typically includes a dust cover 209, a plug (seal) 213, a foamed seal ring 215, and a cap base 217 configured to rigidly attach the cap to the container (directly or indirectly) adjacent to the container's opening. Instead of having a conventional connector 110 (as in Fig. 3a) , device 200 includes a "tube-type connector" 204, which in turn includes a (preferably) rigid tube 210 with holes 211 (or orifices) disposed along the tub's cylindrical wall 207. The term "tube-type connector" refers to a structure having a tube rigidly attached in its proximal end 206 to the transfer channel 266 of device 200, and its distal end 227 is configured to enter through an opening of a CTS-type cap. To connect device 200 to a container having a CTS-type cap 205, the user first removes the cap's dust cover 209 and then pushes tube 210 against plug 213 (if it exists, namely, not yet been removed) , pushing the plug into the internal space of the container. This act of opening is performed only once, and later the opening remains open for all the following operations with device 200. Moreover, the user may remove this plug by simply pushing it toward the container's space. Once plug 213 is pressed, the user inserts tube 210 within the container via the opening created by the plug's removal. Once tube 210 is fully inserted (as shown in Fig. 5c) , a seal between the exterior of tube 210 and the cap's opening 149 is formed. This connection between device 200 and the container forms a unified container-device structure 290, similar to structure 190 of Fig. 3b. The functionality of structure 290 is also similar to the functionality of structure 190. Once a new dose is prepared at device 200 (entering either through the bottom of tube 210 and / or via holes 211, the user may pour the dose via opening 251. Device 200 may preferably remain attached to container 172 until the container is empty. Alternatively, when the dose is wholly poured, the user may separate device 200 from cap 205, reclose the dust cover 209 (Fig. 5a) , and keeps device 200 for another use.

[0043] Devices 100 and 200 may be made from two types of plastic. For example, the plastic making the main body of the devices (mainly measurement compartment 164 or 264, respectively, and transfer channel 166 or 266, respectively) is at least partially transparent, enabling viewing the liquid inside, and less rigid compared to the plastic from which connector 110 or tube 210 are made.

[0044] Devices 100 and 200 are universal in that they can fit various containers of various capacities. Devices 100 and 200 are also adapted for multi-use. The fact that the devices are universal and multi-use devices leads to several advantages compared to the multi-compartment container of US 4, 646,948: (a) It saves storage space, as it eliminates the extra space associated with the measurement compartment 64 of US 4, 646, 948, and also the irregular shape of container 64; (b) it saves transportation costs and pollution given the reduced volume; (c) it reduces pollution given the reduced amount of plastic which is used; (d) it saves production costs given that simpler molds are used and that the devices are for multi-use. Still, the devices provide all the advantages associated with the multicompartment container of US 4, 646,948.

[0045] While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried into practice with many modifications, variations, and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalent or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims1. A measurement device transferrable between containers, for the preparation of a measured dose of liquid comprising : a. a connector configured for connecting the device to an opening of a liquid container; b. a measurement compartment; c. a level scale within the measurement compartment for indicating an amount of liquid included within the measurement compartment; d. a transfer channel leading from the connector to the measurement compartment; e. a level barrier between the transfer channel and the measurement compartment, enabling liquid transfer only when the liquid level exceeds the level barrier; and f. a pouring opening at the measurement compartment configured to allow pouring out of the measured dose from the measurement compartment.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to fit a standard opening of the liquid container .

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the connector is a threaded-type connector, having a standard opening radius and thread, enabling connection to a standard container's opening.

4. The device of claim 1, further provided with a removable cap for closing the pouring opening.

5. The device of claim 1 configured for connection to a top opening of the container.

6. The device of claim 1, configured for connection to a top opening of the container wherein the container is a pesticide container.

7. The device of claim 1 configured for a multi-use.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein at least the measurement compartment is made of a transparent or translucent material .

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the level barrier comprises a slanted plane and / or a wall.

10. The device of claim 1, configured for use with granule and / or liquid material.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the connector is a tubetype connector, configured for connection to a CTS- type container's cap.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the connector comprises a perforated tube connected at its proximal side to the transfer channel of the device.

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