Adapter and Spray Apparatus for Non-Threaded Glass Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for dispensing liquids from glass containers are inefficient, often resulting in spills, product loss, and the need for multiple containers or specialized equipment, as they fail to accommodate non-threaded containers and do not allow for the dispersion of liquids into small droplets effectively.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an adapter, a spray apparatus, and a dip tube that securely attaches to the neck of a glass container without requiring threading, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, and enabling the dispersion of liquids directly from their original container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a pressurized pump atomizer is used, then liquid can be dispersed into small droplets, but a unique container is required and pressure must be rebuilt when it runs out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid dispersion qualityVSAvoidcontainer specialization and pressure maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the spray mechanism from the container, using a simple adapter that fits into the container opening. The spray apparatus is a self-contained unit that can be attached and detached, allowing the container to remain simple and universal while the spraying function is provided by the separate spray device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An adapter serves as an intermediary component between the container opening and the spray apparatus. This adapter enables the spray mechanism to interface with various container types without requiring modifications to the containers themselves, thus maintaining container universality while achieving effective liquid dispersion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If an adapter is used on the outside of the container neck, then attachment is possible, but the bottle neck may not provide sufficient friction to hold the adapter in place

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadapter attachmentVSAvoidadapter retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the adapter on the outside of the container neck, the adapter is inverted and positioned inside the container opening. This internal positioning allows the adapter to be held securely by the container walls through friction and geometric interference, providing reliable retention without requiring external mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If liquids are poured from the original container, then no threading is required, but the product is not dispersed into small droplets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer compatibilityVSAvoidliquid dispersion quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the simplicity of direct pouring with the functionality of spray dispersion by combining a spray apparatus with an adapter that fits into the container opening. This integration allows the liquid to be drawn from the container and dispersed into small droplets through the spray mechanism, achieving both container compatibility and effective liquid dispersion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If containers are transferred for spraying, then spraying capability is achieved, but spills and product loss occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespray capabilityVSAvoidproduct loss during transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter and spray apparatus combination provides universal compatibility with various container types without requiring liquid transfer. The adapter fits into the opening of different containers, allowing the spray function to be applied directly to the original container, thus eliminating spills and product loss associated with transferring liquids to separate spray containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the convenient and efficient dispensing of liquids from existing glass containers, reducing waste and eliminating the need for secondary containers, while allowing for the use of original packaging and easy re-use of the sprayer.

Implementation Method 1

enabling the dispersion of liquids into small droplets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomization: Aerosol

Implementation Method 2

a dip tube that securely attaches to the neck of a glass container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS11872577B2Device and method for dispensing liquids in glass containers

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 ADAMS CATHERINE E

AI summary

The present invention is a device and method for dispensing liquids in glass containers. The invention can be used to spray liquids from non-threaded glass containers that do not typically otherwise have a mechanism for spraying. Furthermore, this allows the user of the liquid to use the original container and avoid transferring the liquid from the original container. An adapter is fitted into the neck of an appropriate glass container, such as an olive oil bottle, and a sprayer may be threaded onto the adapter.