Dispensing Container Package With Segmented Spout And Measuring Overcap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containers for holding substances, such as liquids or solids, lack an efficient and leak-proof mechanism for pouring and measuring contents, especially when transferring between containers.

Innovation Solution

A container package comprising a main container, a spout adapter with internal knobs for secure fitting, a funnel adapter for frictional engagement, and an overcap with flanges for secure locking, allowing seamless pouring and measuring with integrated fins for smooth flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple container with wide mouth is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and leak-proof pouring capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The container system is segmented into multiple functional components: a main container for storage, a spout adapter for controlled pouring, a funnel adapter for transfer operations, and an overcap for sealing and measuring. Each component addresses specific functional requirements, allowing the system to provide both ease of operation through simple individual pieces and measurement precision through the integrated overcap with volume markings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a simple container with wide mouth is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of leak-proof pouring deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container system is segmented into multiple functional components: a main container for storage, a spout adapter for controlled pouring, a funnel adapter for transfer operations, and an overcap for sealing and measuring. Each component addresses specific functional requirements, allowing the system to provide both ease of operation through simple individual pieces and measurement precision through the integrated overcap with volume markings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spout adapter acts as an intermediary component between the main container and the pouring destination. It provides a controlled flow path with a spout that directs liquid flow, preventing uncontrolled pouring and leaks while maintaining ease of use. The adapter's locking mechanism ensures reliable connection without complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple separate components are used for pouring and measuring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The overcap serves multiple functions: it acts as a lid to seal the container, a measuring cup with volume markings for measurement, and a pouring vessel when detached. The spout adapter also provides dual functionality as both a pouring spout and a locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The components are designed to nest within each other: the funnel adapter fits inside the overcap, and the spout adapter integrates with the main container opening. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional components to be stored compactly together, reducing storage space requirements and simplifying the user experience despite the multiple functions provided.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If a secure locking mechanism is added to prevent leaks, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spout adapter acts as an intermediary component between the main container and the pouring destination. It provides a controlled flow path with a spout that directs liquid flow, preventing uncontrolled pouring and leaks while maintaining ease of use. The adapter's locking mechanism ensures reliable connection without complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-latching. The spout adapter's knobs engage with corresponding features on the container, automatically positioning and securing the adapter in place without requiring precise manual alignment or complex fastening steps. This self-service characteristic maintains ease of operation while ensuring reliable leak-proof connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 efficient and leak-proof pouring and measuring of substances from the container into another container or bottle, ensuring accurate measurement and minimizing spills.

Implementation Method 1

a funnel adapter configured to frictionally fit onto the spout adapter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the spout adapter includes a plurality of knobs extending internally from an inside portion of a side wall defined from the spout adapter, and wherein the knobs are positioned and configured to correspond and engage the locking ramps and channel ramps on the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS10059492B2Dispensing container package
Publication Date: 2018.08.28 BERLIN PACKAGING LLC
  • US10059492B2 patent drawing
  • US10059492B2 patent drawing
  • US10059492B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In one embodiment there is provided a container package configured to hold a substance. The container package includes a main container configured to hold a substance, either liquid or solid; a spout adapter configured to secure to the main container, the spout adapter having a spout end configured for pouring a substance out of the main container; a funnel adapter configured to frictionally fit onto the spout adapter, the funnel adapter having a funnel end configured to fit over the spout end; and an overcap configured to fit over the funnel adapter and removably secured to the spout adapter. When the overcap is removed the substance can be poured into the overcap and wherein the funnel adapter is configured for removable from the spout adapter and fitted into the overcap such that the substance in the overcap is pourable through the funnel adapter.