Pouring device for packaging container
The spout for packaging containers addresses leakage and stacking issues by providing a secure, detachable design that ensures contents stay within the container and allows for efficient stacking and storage without additional purchases.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024135795
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing dispensing devices for packaging containers face issues such as weak adhesion leading to leakage and staining, separate purchase requirements causing low adoption, and interference with stacking due to protruding designs.
A spout for packaging containers with a detachable pouring attachment and transport/storage attachment that fits snugly within the container's mouth, ensuring secure sealing and stacking compatibility, using a cylindrical body with a passageway that guides contents without overflowing, and an inner plug for tight fit.
The spout prevents contents from leaking onto the container surface, allows easy stacking and storage, and reduces material costs while maintaining efficient pouring without separate purchase needs.
Smart Images

Figure 2026022576000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a spout for a packaging container that is attached to the mouth of the container when in use. [Background technology]
[0002] A known conventional pouring device for a packaging container is disclosed in Patent Document 1, which comprises a ring portion that fits into a closed annular groove on the side of the container mouth of the packaging container, a tongue portion that extends horizontally from the ring portion, and guide walls that are erected on both ends of the tongue portion to guide the flow of the contents (see Figure 15).
[0003] Another known dispensing device is one that consists of an attachment part that covers the outer surface of the container mouth and has a recess that engages with a closed annular groove on the side of the container mouth, a sleeve / bellows tube extending from the attachment part, and a dispensing outlet at the tip of the sleeve / bellows tube (see Figure 16). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3366983 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] In the dispensing device of Patent Document 1, in order to avoid getting in the way when stacking packaging containers for storage or transportation, it is desirable to rotate the tip of the tongue portion toward the center of the packaging container so that it does not protrude outward from the top surface of the packaging container when not in use. This requires the ring portion to be loosely attached to the container mouth, resulting in weak adhesion. As a result, when dispensing, the contents flow out through the gap between the ring portion and the container mouth, staining the top surface of the container. Furthermore, when the container is returned to its upright position after dispensing, the contents remaining on the tongue portion also flow out through this gap or run down the ring portion. Contents that have accumulated on the top surface of the container drip when the container is tilted for the next pour, which is undesirable in terms of the effort required to wipe them off and the waste of contents. Furthermore, tilting the container too much during pouring has the disadvantage that the contents are ejected with such force that they overflow the guide wall and overflow.
[0006] On the other hand, the conventional dispensing tool shown in Figure 16 fits snugly against the container's neck and provides good guidance of the contents, eliminating this concern. However, since the dispensing tool is not included when the user acquires the container, it must be purchased separately, contributing to its low adoption rate. Furthermore, when users purchase a dispensing tool, they must first understand the specifications of the container's neck, which can be a hassle and lead to them deciding not to purchase it, or, in the worst case, purchasing the wrong dispensing tool that does not match the shape or size of the container's neck. While methods such as attaching the dispensing tool to the container with tape could be considered to deliver this type of dispensing tool to retailers as a set, the dispensing tool would interfere with stacking and arranging the containers, making it unsuitable for distribution and storage, creating a barrier.
[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a pouring tool for a packaging container that has excellent distribution and storage properties, that prevents the contents from flowing onto the top of the container when poured, that can be attached to the container in advance, and that does not interfere with stacking or arranging the containers. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the spout for a packaging container according to the present invention has the following features.
[0009] <1> The container includes a pouring attachment part and a pouring part for detachably attaching to the container mouth when pouring the contents. The pouring part includes a pouring outlet for discharging the contents to the outside of the container and a passageway, which is a hollow tube through which the contents pass toward the pouring outlet. The pouring part extends radially outward from the side wall of the cylindrical body having a top wall relative to the axis of the cylindrical body. The pouring attachment part is provided at the bottom of the cylindrical body. At least one of the passageway and the cylindrical body is connected separately from the pouring attachment part with a transport / storage attachment part (hereinafter, the transport / storage attachment part refers to both when the container is transported and when the container is stored) for detachably attaching to the container mouth or a lid that seals the opening of the container mouth. By attaching the transport / storage attachment part, the container can be attached to the container together with the lid. Furthermore, the total height of the cylindrical body and the pouring part combined is equal to or lower than the distance between the base plate of the upper container and the top surface of the lower container, which are located between the cylindrical body and the pouring part when the containers are stacked.
[0010] the above <1> According to this configuration, the container filled with the contents can be sealed with the lid while the dispensing device is attached, and the containers can be stacked, which makes it easy to transport and store, and improves distribution. Furthermore, the passage through which the contents pass to the spout is a tubular body, so it is reliably guided, and even if the container is tilted significantly, there is no risk of the contents being expelled forcefully and unintentionally soiling the top of the container. Unlike the dispensing device in Patent Document 1, the contents remaining in the passage will not spill onto the top of the container even if the container is returned to an upright position after dispensing.
[0011] <2> Preferably, the attachment portion for dispensing has an inner plug portion having an outer diameter or width large enough to fit tightly against the inner circumferential surface of the opening at the mouth of the container, and satisfies at least one of the following conditions (1) and (2). (1) The part of the cylindrical body located above the inner plug portion has a larger outer diameter or width than the inner plug portion, and forms a step at the boundary with the inner plug portion. (2) The spout portion forms a step at the boundary with the inner plug portion. When the spout is inserted into the container, the step abuts against the top surface of the container mouth to act as a stopper, and the inner plug is tightly fitted to the entire inner circumferential surface of the opening. Furthermore, if there is a closed annular groove in the center of the side surface of the container mouth, the height of the attachment part during spouting is lower than the height from the top of the container mouth to the closed annular groove.
[0012] the above <2> According to the configuration of (1), the stopper fits tightly to the opening of the container mouth when pouring, preventing leakage of the contents. Generally, it is easier to fit a stopper into a hole than to fit a ring around the outside of a cylindrical object, so it is easier to fit than the conventional pouring tool shown in Figure 16. Furthermore, if there is a closed annular groove in the center of the side of the container mouth, the overall height of the cylinder can be reduced compared to a method in which the outer surface of the container mouth is covered and part of the pouring tool engages with the groove from the outer periphery, making it easier to design the pouring tool so that it does not interfere too strongly with the container on top and lift it when the containers are stacked.
[0013] In the case of a container such as a 18L can with a cap equipped with an elastic hook, the part of the top surface of the container where the mouth of the container is crimped is one level lower so that the weight load is not placed on the can mouth (container mouth) or the cap (lid body) (hereafter, this will be referred to as a bowl-shaped crimp), so the containers can be stacked directly on top of each other. In other words, the distance between the base of the upper container and the top surface of the lower container is close, <2> This structure is effective. Also, in the case of small-capacity cans (containers) for similar elastic hook-and-loop caps, most do not have a bowl-shaped rim, and when stacking these types of containers, a frame is placed between the lower and upper containers to prevent weight from being applied to the lids or container mouths. The height of this frame is set to a height that will fit the taller of the handles or lids attached to the containers, for transport efficiency. Both the elastic hook-and-loop caps (lids) and the can mouths (container mouths) for them are particularly short compared to other caps, and it is desirable to keep the overall height of the pouring tool low accordingly, so <2> The configuration is effective.
[0014] In addition to the fact that the containers can be stacked, the overall height of the cylindrical body is lower and the outer diameter is also smaller, which reduces material costs and keeps prices down, contributing to an increase in the rate of adoption.
[0015] <3> More preferably, the connecting portion of the attachment portion has elasticity during transportation and storage.
[0016] the above <3> According to this configuration, even if the spout is attached so that it interferes with the base plate of the upper container when the containers are stacked, the connecting part of the mounting part can be prevented from elastically bending and pushing up the upper container during transportation and storage.
[0017] <4> More preferably, the pouring portion has a slope such that the height position increases toward the pouring outlet when pouring.
[0018] the above <4> According to this configuration, when the container is returned to its upright position after dispensing is complete, the contents remaining in the dispensing section flow back into the container, preventing the contents from dripping from the dispensing outlet and soiling the ground or the container. [Effects of the Invention]
[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, a pouring device for packaging containers can be provided that has excellent distribution and storage properties, as the contents do not flow onto the top surface of the container when poured, and does not interfere with stacking or alignment when attached to the container in advance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0020] [Figure 1] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the spout of the packaging container of FIG. 1, in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a front view (first embodiment). [Figure 2] (I) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1(a), and (II) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1(a). (First embodiment) [Figure 3] 1 and 2 are attached to the openings of the containers during transportation and storage, and the containers are stacked (first embodiment). [Figure 4]1 and 2 is attached to the container opening during transportation and storage (first embodiment).
[0023] FIG. [Figure 5] 1 and 2 is attached to the container opening during dispensing (first embodiment). [Figure 6] 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views showing different dimensions of the bowl-shaped container of FIG. 3, in which (a) shows a state in which the spout of the packaging container is attached to the opening of the container, and (b) shows a state in which the containers of (a) are stacked (first embodiment). [Figure 7] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a spout of a packaging container according to the present invention is attached to the opening of the container and the containers are stacked during transportation and storage (second embodiment). [Figure 8] 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the spout of the packaging container of FIG. 7 is attached to the opening of the container during spouting (second embodiment). [Figure 9] 10 is a plan view of a spout for a packaging container according to the present invention (third embodiment). [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the spout of the packaging container of FIG. 9 is attached to the opening of the container during transportation and storage (third embodiment). [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the spout of the packaging container of FIG. 9 is attached to the container opening before dispensing. (a) is a cross-section in the direction in which the cross-section of the spout part is visible, and (b) is a cross-section perpendicular to (a) (third embodiment). [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing a state in which a spout of a packaging container according to the present invention is attached to the mouth of the container during transportation and storage, in which (a) is a state in which the spout is attached to the lid, and (b) is a state in which the containers of (a) are stacked (fourth embodiment). [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are plan and cross-sectional views of a spout for a packaging container according to the present invention, showing the spout attached to the opening of the container during transportation and storage (fifth embodiment). [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are plan and cross-sectional views of a spout for a packaging container according to the present invention, showing the spout attached to the opening of the container during spouting (sixth embodiment). [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a conventional spout for a packaging container is used (conventional method 1). [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a conventional spout for a packaging container is used (conventional method 2). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. FIG.
[0022] First, the container 2, the container mouth 3, and the lid 4 shown in the diagrams (FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6) of the first embodiment in a state of use will be described.
[0023] Container 2 is a metal can used for transporting and storing food, paint, chemicals, fuel oil, etc., and has a metal container neck 3 crimped to its top. A bowl-shaped recess 22 is formed to prevent deformation or leakage of contents due to excessive load on the lid 4 and container neck 3 when containers 2 are stacked. A handle 23 is attached to the center of container top 20 (Fig. 4). Handle 23 consists of a trapezoidally bent iron wire and a flat plate that serves as a handle. One side of the trapezoidal iron wire is fixed by a pressure plate, allowing it to rotate freely around this axis. To avoid interfering with stacking of containers 2, handle 23 is kept in a tilted position when not in use.
[0024] The container mouth 3 has an open top, an arc-shaped upper side, and a closed annular groove 30 formed around the entire periphery in the center of the side. A wound portion 31' is also provided in the opening 31. In general, with this type of container mouth 3, the distance from the top surface to the bottom end of the wound portion 31' is shorter than the distance from the top surface to the closed annular groove.
[0025] The lid body 4 is a cap unit with an elastic hook, and the tip of the elastic hook is elastically engaged with the closed annular groove 30 at the container mouth 3. Furthermore, the side of the elastic hook 40 is pressed inward by the sealing member 41 to improve sealing performance (Figs. 3 and 6).
[0026] Next, we will explain the spout 1 for the packaging container exemplified in the first embodiment. The spout 1 is made of polyethylene and is integrally molded, and is composed of a cylindrical body 10, a spout portion 11, and an attachment portion 12 for transportation and storage (Fig. 1).
[0027] The cylindrical body 10 of the dispensing tool 1 consists of a top wall 100 and a side wall 101 hanging down from the periphery of the top wall 100. An air inlet hole 102 is opened near the periphery of the top wall 100 to facilitate smooth air exchange between the outside and inside of the container 2 and improve pouring (Fig. 2).
[0028] The side wall 101 has a flange portion 101a at its center that protrudes radially outward relative to the axis of the cylindrical body 10. The portion of the side wall 101 below the flange portion 101a is a dispensing attachment portion 101c that is smaller in outer diameter than the flange portion 101a, and a step portion 101b is formed at the boundary with the flange portion 101a. This step portion 101b functions as a stopper when the dispensing tool 1 is fitted into the container opening 3 (Figs. 2 and 5).
[0029] The opening side of the cylindrical body 10 faces downward (toward the container top surface 20) when the attachment part 12 is fitted into the container mouth 3 during transportation and storage, making it difficult for foreign matter such as dust to get into the cylindrical body 10 (Figure 3).
[0030] The attachment portion 101c for dispensing has, at its upper part, an inner plug portion 101c1 having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the rolled portion 31' of the container mouth 3 and sufficient to fit into the container mouth 3, and the lower part of the attachment portion 101c for dispensing has a fitting guide portion 101c2 having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the rolled portion 31' of the container mouth 3. The inner plug portion 101c1 has, at a part thereof, a circumferential convex portion 101c1' that bulges outward in the radial direction relative to the axis, and when the dispensing tool 1 is fitted into the container mouth 3, the circumferential convex portion 101c1' is engaged with the rolled portion 31' of the container mouth 3. In addition, the height of the attachment portion 101c for dispensing is lower than the height from the highest point of the container mouth 3 to the closed annular groove 30 (Figs. 2, 3, 5).
[0031] Generally, it is easier to fit a stopper into a hole than to fit a ring around the outside of a cylindrical object, and this, combined with the provision of fitting guide portion 101c2, makes fitting easier. Internal stopper portion 101c1 provides a tight seal with opening 31 of container mouth 3 during pouring, preventing leakage of the contents. Circumferential protrusion 101c1' provides a feeling of complete fit, preventing partial fit and also preventing accidental falling off during pouring.
[0032] Furthermore, compared to a method in which the outer peripheral surface of the container mouth 3 is covered and part of the dispensing tool 1 is engaged from the outer periphery into the closed annular groove 30, the overall height of the cylindrical body 10 can be reduced, making it easier to design the dispensing tool 1 so that it does not strongly interfere with and lift up the container 2 placed on top when the containers 2 are stacked. In addition to making it possible to stack the containers 2, the overall height of the cylindrical body 10 is lower and the outer diameter is also smaller, so material costs can be reduced and prices can be kept down.
[0033] The spout 11 has a passage 110 through which the contents pass, and a spout 111 at the tip of the passage 110, which is an outlet for discharging the contents to the outside of the container 2 (FIG. 2).
[0034] The passage 110 is a hollow tube extending radially outward from above the step 101b of the side wall 101 of the cylindrical body 10 relative to the axis of the cylindrical body 10, and has a slope that increases in height from its base toward the spout 111. In order to reduce the height of the spout 1, the cross section of the passage 110 is a wide rectangular ring to ensure a sufficient flow rate (Figs. 1 and 2).
[0035] Furthermore, the spout 11 is set to a length that causes the spout 111 to protrude outward from the outer periphery of the top surface 20 of the container when the spout 1 is attached to the container mouth 3 so that the spout 111 faces the outside of the container 2, preventing the contents from dripping into the container 2 during pouring (Fig. 5).
[0036] Because passage 110 is a pipe, the contents are guided reliably, and there is no need to worry about the contents being forcefully discharged and unintentionally soiling the container top surface 20 or the ground even when container 2 is tilted significantly. Furthermore, the contents remaining in dispensing part 11 after dispensing is completed and container 2 is returned to the upright position also flow in the direction returning to container 2, so the contents do not drip from dispensing outlet 111 and soil the ground.
[0037] The attachment portion 12 for transport and storage is ring-shaped, and its inner diameter is set slightly larger than the outermost diameter of the container mouth 3 to make it easier to attach and remove, and is set close to the outer diameter of the bottom of the container mouth 3 to prevent the spout 1 from accidentally rotating. The thickness t1 is the same as or thinner than the distance t2 from the bottom end of the lid 4 to the part of the container top surface 20 where the container mouth 3 is crimped when only the lid 4 is fitted to the container mouth 3 without the spout 1 attached, so that the sealing by the lid 4 is not affected (Figs. 1, 2, 3).
[0038] This attachment portion 12 for transport and storage is connected to a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the flange portion 101a of the cylindrical body 10 via a slanted connecting portion 120. If the extension direction of the spout portion 11 around the axis of the cylindrical body 10 is the 12 o'clock direction, the connection position of the attachment portion 12 for transport and storage is the 3 o'clock direction (FIG. 1). When the attachment portion 12 for transport and storage is attached to the container opening 3 and rotated, the maximum distance P of the spout 1 from the rotation center is smaller than when the attachment portion 12 for transport and storage is attached to the container opening 3 (FIG. 4). Therefore, when attempting to store the spout 1 so that it does not protrude outward from the container top surface 20 so as not to get in the way during transport or storage of the container 2, it is possible to avoid the handle 23 of the container 2 from hitting it and preventing the spout 1 from doing so.
[0039] The height position of the attachment portion 12 for transport and storage is set so that the cylindrical body 10 does not interfere strongly with the container top surface 20 when attached to the container mouth 3 together with the lid 4 (state during transport and storage). When the container 2 has a bowl-shaped recess 22 as in the first embodiment, there is a large difference in height between the bottom end surface of the cylindrical body 10 and the bottom end surface of the attachment portion 12 for transport and storage. (The diagram of the second embodiment in use shown in Figure 7 shows a state in which the container 2 does not have a bowl-shaped recess 22, and this difference is clear.)
[0040] Furthermore, the total height H1 of the cylindrical body 10 and the dispensing portion 11 when viewed as a unit is equal to or lower than the distance H2 between the container top surface 20 and the base plate 21 located above and below the cylindrical body 10 and the dispensing portion 11, respectively, when the containers 2 are stacked in the form used for transportation and storage, so that when the containers 2 are stacked, the upper container 2 will not be lifted by the dispensing tool 1 (Fig. 3). The total height H1 of the cylindrical body 10 and the dispensing portion 11 combined is approximately 7mm to 20mm in the case of a 18L can with a bowl-shaped drawstring 22.
[0041] If the depth or diameter of the container 2 and the bowl-shaped portion 22 shown in Figure 3 differ, the cylindrical body 10 or connecting portion 120 may interfere with the container top surface 20, causing the cylindrical body 10 to be installed at an angle, or the depth of the bowl-shaped portion 22 and the height position of the connection of the attachment portion for transport and storage 12 may not match perfectly, causing the spout 1 to interfere with the base plate 21 of the upper container 2 when the containers 2 are stacked (Figure 6). Even in such cases, the connecting portion 120 or the attachment portion for transport and storage 12 will bend elastically, so they will not push up the upper container 2 (Figure 6(b)). This is made possible by the fact that the material is elastic polyethylene and that the connecting portion 120 and the attachment portion for transport and storage 12 are each thin, flat plates that are easily flexible.
[0042] Hereinafter, the procedure for using the spout 1 for a packaging container according to the present invention will be described using the first embodiment as an example.
[0043] To prepare the container 2 for transportation and storage, first insert the attachment part 12 for transportation and storage into the container opening 3. At this time, the dispensing tool 1 is inserted in a rotated position so that it does not protrude beyond the top surface 20 of the container 2 so as not to interfere with transportation and storage (it can also be rotated later). After the contents are filled into the container 2, the lid 4 is inserted to seal the container 2. Then, the attachment part 12 for transportation and storage is sandwiched between the bottom end of the lid 4 and the top surface 20 of the container, so the dispensing tool 1 will not fall off due to vibrations or shocks during transportation. Furthermore, as mentioned above, this dispensing tool 1 is configured to prevent the upper container 2 from being lifted when stacked by reducing its height and using an elastic material, which improves transportation and storage efficiency (Figs. 3 and 4).
[0044] Next, when pouring the contents, first remove the lid 4 and then the transport / storage attachment part 12, and then place the pouring attachment part 101c on the opening 31 of the container mouth 3 so that the outlet 111 is rotated outward from the container top surface 20. Next, press down on the top wall 100 of the cylindrical body 10 to fit the pouring attachment part 101c. When the container 2 is tilted, the contents are discharged from the outlet 111 through the pouring part 11. After pouring, return the container 2 to its upright position. Because the pouring part 11 has a slope that increases in height toward the outlet 111, any contents remaining in the pouring part 11 will not drip out of the outlet 111 after the container is turned upright (Fig. 5).
[0045] Until the next time of dispensing, the dispensing attachment part 101c of the dispensing tool 1 may be stored in the state where it is fitted into the container mouth 3, or the dispensing tool 1 may be removed from the opening 31 of the container mouth 3 and resealed with the lid 4. In this case, it is important to also attach the dispensing tool 1 in the same form as when transporting and storing it to prevent it from being lost.
[0046] Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. Second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments will be described below.
[0047] The following describes the second embodiment of the spout 1 shown in Figures 7 and 8, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the use state diagram of Figure 7, the container 2 does not have a bowl-shaped drawer 22, so the difference in height between the bottom end surface of the cylindrical body 10 and the bottom end surface of the attachment part 12 for transport and storage is smaller than in the spout 1 of the first embodiment. The length of the connecting part 120 can also be shorter. Furthermore, the side wall 101 of the cylindrical body 10 does not have a flange part 101a, and the part above the attachment part for spouting 101c is formed with a constant diameter, with the step part 101b as the boundary. The connecting part 120 is connected to the side wall 101 of the cylindrical body 10.
[0048] 7 does not have a bowl-shaped recess 22, so when stacking, a frame 5 is placed along the outer edge of the container top surface 20. If the total height H1 of the cylindrical body 10 and the spout portion 11 is lower than the total height of the frame 5, the containers 2 can be stacked without any problems. (Figure 7) The overall height of frame 5 is set to a height that will accommodate lid 4 and handle 23, so there is no problem if the overall height H1 of cylindrical body 10 and spout 11 combined is the same as or lower than whichever of lid 4 and handle 23 has the higher distance from container top 20 to its highest point. However, when using a cap with an elastic hook as shown in Figure 7, the highest point of lid 4 is often lower than handle 23, so it is safest to set the overall height H1 of cylindrical body 10 and spout 11 combined to be the same as or lower than the distance H3 from container top 20 to the highest point of lid 4, regardless of the type of handle 23 that can be used.
[0049] Next, we will explain the differences between the first and second embodiments and the third embodiment of the dispensing tool 1 shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11. In the use state diagrams of Figures 10 and 11, the container 2, container neck 3, and lid 4 are made of resin and are screw-type. In the transport / storage state, the cylindrical body 10 faces upward (away from the container top surface 20) (Figure 10). When transitioning from the transport / storage configuration to the dispensing configuration, the lid 4 is removed and then the dispensing attachment part 101c is fitted into the opening 31 of the container neck 3. However, because the connecting part 120 is bent, this operation can be performed without removing the transport / storage attachment part 12 from the container neck 3 (Figure 11 shows the fitted state). The passage 110 of the dispensing part 11 has a circular cross section, and the spout 111 is cut obliquely to allow for smooth drainage. The spout 11 is horizontal and not inclined, and a pipe is extended to the opposite side, with an air inlet 102 at the outlet. The spout 111 is cut at an angle to allow for good drainage (Fig. 11).
[0050] The dispensing tool 1 of the third embodiment is also provided with a lid that closes the dispensing outlet 111 and the air inlet hole 102, so that the container 2 can be kept airtight without having to replace the dispensing tool 1 with the lid 4 after dispensing. The pipe continuing to the air inlet hole 102 and the dispensing part 11 also form the step 101b, which also serves as a stopper when the dispensing tool 1 is attached to the container mouth 3. The opening 31 of the container mouth 3 is rectangular, and the attachment part 101c when dispensing is also rectangular to match. The attachment part 12 for transport and storage is roughly semicircular, and its connection position with the cylindrical body 10 is at the 9 o'clock position, with the extension direction of the dispensing part 11 centered on the axis of the cylindrical body 10 being the 12 o'clock position. Since the inner plug portion 101c1 of the attachment portion 101c for dispensing does not have a circumferential protrusion 101c1', the diameter of the inner plug portion 101c1 is sized to fit snugly against the opening 31 of the container mouth 3, and the length of the inner plug portion 101c1 is set to be longer so that it does not fall off during dispensing. In addition, since a frame 5 is used when stacking these containers 2, the total height H1 of the cylindrical body 10 and the dispensing portion 11 is set lower than the distance H3 from the container top surface 20 to the highest point of the lid 4 (Figs. 9, 10, 11).
[0051] Next, the differences between the first, second, and third embodiments and the fourth embodiment of the dispensing tool 1 shown in Figure 12 will be mainly described. In the fourth embodiment, a groove is provided in the side wall of the sealing member 41, which is part of the lid 4, and a ring-shaped attachment portion 12 for transport and storage is adapted to engage with this groove during transport and storage. In this state, when containers 2 are stacked, the dispensing portion 11 interferes with the base plate 21 of the upper container 2 (Figure 12(a)). However, because the connecting portion 120 elastically deforms, the dispensing portion 11 is pushed downward and its height position is lowered, so the upper container 2 is not lifted by the dispensing tool 1 (Figure 12(b)).
[0052] Next, the fifth embodiment of the spout 1 shown in Figure 13 will be described, focusing on differences from the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments. In the fifth embodiment, the closure member 41 pressing the side wall of the elastic hook piece 40 serves two purposes: (a part of) the lid 4 for sealing the opening 31 of the container neck 3, and (an) attachment portion 12 for attaching the spout 1 to the container neck 3 during transport and storage. A connecting portion 120 connects the side wall 101 of the cylindrical body 10, which is not the flange portion 101a forming the step portion 101b or the inner plug portion 101c1, to the side wall of the closure member 41 (attachment portion 12 for transport and storage). The connecting portion 120 is not sloped. The spout 111 is cut out at an angle to allow for good drainage. Furthermore, the connection position of sealing member 41 (attachment portion 12 during transportation and storage) to cylindrical body 10 is at 6 o'clock, with the direction in which spouting portion 11 extends around the axis of cylindrical body 10 as the 12 o'clock direction. In addition, in the usage diagram of the fifth embodiment (FIG. 13(b)), since frame body 5 is used when stacking containers 2 that do not have bowl-shaped recesses 22, total height H1 of cylindrical body 10 and spouting portion 11 combined is lower than distance H3 from container top surface 20 to the highest point of lid body 4.
[0053] Next, we will explain the sixth embodiment of the spout 1 shown in Figure 14, focusing on differences from the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments. In the usage diagram of the sixth embodiment (Figure 14(b)), the container 2 does not have a bowl-shaped drawer 22. Therefore, as long as the total height H1 of the cylindrical body 10 and spout 11 combined is equal to or shorter than the distance H3 from the container top surface 20 to the highest point of the lid 4, stacking of the containers 2 is not hindered regardless of the height of the attached handle 23. As in Figures 3, 7, 12, etc., a closed annular groove 30 is formed in the center of the side of the container mouth 3, but this is the container mouth 3 for a resin hinge cap (lid 4) rather than a can mouth (container mouth 3) for a cap with an elastic hook. The opening 31 does not have a winding portion 31', but only has a material hanging down. This type of container neck 3 and lid 4 are taller than those for caps with elastic hooks, so the height of the cylindrical body 10 does not need to be reduced significantly to meet the height requirements. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, the spout 1 is not tightly fitted to the container neck 3 by the inner stopper portion 101c1, but rather the inner surface of the cylindrical body 10 covers the outer periphery of the container neck 3, and a convex portion formed on the inner surface is engaged with the closed annular groove 30 of the container neck 3 to achieve tight contact. The spout 11 extends horizontally from its base and slopes upward toward the spout 111. The attachment portion 12 for transport and storage is directly connected to the spout 11 and the cylindrical body 10. (The portion near the connection base of the attachment portion 12 for transport and storage can also be referred to as the connecting portion 120.) (Fig. 14)
[0054] In examples other than the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments, the spout 1 does not need to be made of polyethylene, but may be made of other resins or metals, as long as the purpose can be achieved. It may also be an assembly rather than a single unit. The inner stopper portion 101c1 does not need to be larger than the opening 31 of the container mouth 3 as long as it is in close contact with the entire circumference of the opening 31. The attachment portion 12 for transport and storage may be connected only to the spout 1. In the use state diagrams of the second, third, fifth, and sixth embodiments, in the case of a container 2 without a bowl-shaped lid 22, the distance H3 from the container top surface 20 to the highest point of the lid 4 is lower than the total height H1 of the cylindrical body 10 and spout portion 11. However, this is set for reliability; if the height of the handle 23 attached to the container 2 and the height of the frame 5 used when stacking the containers 2 are known, setting the spout 1 lower than these heights will prevent the spout 1 from lifting the upper container 2 when stacking the containers 2. In other words, whether the container 2 has a bowl-shaped drawstring 22 or not, it is sufficient that the total height H1 of the cylindrical body 10 and the spouting portion 11 combined is the same as or lower than the distance H2 between the container top surface 20 and the base plate 21 located above and below the cylindrical body 10 and the spouting portion 11 when the containers 2 are stacked. Furthermore, the timing for fitting the spouting tool 1 into the container mouth 3 may be before or after the container 2 is filled with the contents. The spouting tool 1 may also be attached when the empty container 2 is transported to a location where the contents will be filled.
[0055] Although the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and other examples have been given above, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to these examples. The present invention also includes combinations of known or commonly used technologies, partial substitutions, and modifications that would be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art.
[0056] To further explain conventional dispensing tools for packaging containers, the ring portion of the dispensing tool (Fig. 15) disclosed in Patent Document 1 serves as both the attachment portion 12 during transport and storage and the attachment portion 101c when dispensing. The tongue portion is the passage 110 for the contents, and its tip is the dispensing outlet 111. In the dispensing tool shown in Fig. 16, the attachment portion with the recess is the attachment portion 101c when dispensing, the sleeve and bellows tube are the passage 110, and the outlet of the passage 110 is the dispensing outlet 111. [Explanation of symbols]
[0057] 1 Pour tool 10 Cylinder 100 Top wall 101 Side wall 101a Flange 101b Stepped section 101c Placement for dispensing 101c1 Inner plug part 101c1' Circumferential convex portion 101c2 Mating guide part 102 Air inlet 11 Pour section 110 Passage 111 Spout 12 Mounting part for transport and storage 120 Connection section 2 containers 20 Top (container top) 21 Main plate 22 Bowl-shaped drawing 23 Handle 3 Container mouth 30 Closed annular groove 31 Opening 31' Winding section 4 Lid 40 Elastic hook 41 Sealing member 5 Frame t1 Thickness of mounting part during transportation and storage t2 Distance from the bottom edge of the lid to the part of the top surface of the container where the mouth of the container is crimped P Maximum distance of the pouring tool from the center of rotation when the attachment part is attached to the opening of the container and rotated during transportation and storage H1 Total height including cylinder body and outlet H2 When stacking containers, the distance between the top surface of the container located above and below the cylinder and the pouring part and the bottom plate H3 Distance from the top of the container to the highest point of the lid
Claims
1. A pouring tool for a packaging container, comprising: a pouring attachment part for being detachably attached to the opening of a container when pouring the contents of the container; and a pouring part having a pouring outlet for discharging the contents to the outside of the container and a passage through which the contents pass toward the pouring outlet, a dispensing device for a packaging container, characterized in that the passage is a hollow tube, the pouring portion extends radially outward from the side wall of a cylinder having a top wall relative to the axis of the cylinder, the lower part of the cylinder is provided with the pouring attachment portion, and at least one of the passage and the cylinder is connected separately to a transport / storage attachment portion for being detachably attached to the container mouth or a lid that seals the opening of the container mouth, the transport / storage attachment portion being connected separately from the pouring attachment portion, the dispensing device can be attached to the container together with the lid by attaching the transport / storage attachment portion, and the total height of the cylinder and the pouring portion combined is the same as or smaller than the distance between the top surface and base of the container located above and below the cylinder and the pouring portion when the containers are stacked.
2. The dispensing device for a packaging container according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment portion for dispensing includes an inner plug portion having an outer diameter or width large enough to fit tightly against the inner circumferential surface of the opening of the container mouth, and satisfies at least one of the following conditions: (1) a portion of the cylindrical body located above the inner plug portion has an outer diameter or width larger than the inner plug portion, forming a step at the boundary with the inner plug portion, or (2) the dispensing portion forms a step at the boundary with the inner plug portion; when fitted into the container, the step abuts against the upper surface of the container mouth to form a stopper, and the inner plug portion is fitted tightly against the inner circumferential surface of the opening around its entire circumference; and when there is a closed-annular groove in the center of the side of the container mouth, the height of the attachment portion for dispensing is lower than the height from the top point of the container mouth to the closed-annular groove.
3. 3. The spout for a packaging container according to claim 2, wherein the connecting portion of the attachment portion for transport and storage has elasticity.
4. The spout for a packaging container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, when spouting, the spout portion has an inclination such that the height position increases toward the spout outlet.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Synthetic resin pouring tool
JP3366983B2