Pouring Spout Cap Positioning With Radial Plug-In Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pouring devices suffer from sealing caps that do not maintain a stable position after opening, potentially interfering with product dispensing, especially during drinking or pouring.

Innovation Solution

A plug-in element extending from the cap is inserted into an insertion area on the spout, securing the cap in a defined position through a clamping or locking action, ensuring it does not obstruct the spout during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cap is designed to rotate around the spout axis to open the spout, then the spout can be easily opened and closed, but the cap does not assume a defined stable position after opening and may interfere with product dispensing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening and closing operationVSAvoidcap position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cap assembly is segmented into a cap body and a separate position-defining element (such as a latch or positioning protrusion) that engages with a corresponding feature on the spout. This segmentation allows the cap to rotate freely for opening/closing while the position-defining element provides stable positioning when opened, preventing interference with product dispensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary positioning mechanism (such as a latch, detent, or engaging protrusion) is introduced between the cap and spout. This intermediary element mediates the relationship between the rotating cap and the stationary spout, providing stable positioning when the cap is opened while maintaining the rotational capability for easy operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the cap partially covers the spout when closed to maintain sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the cap may get into the path of the product when pouring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidinterference with product dispensing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cap design incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to transition between a closed position where it partially covers the spout for sealing, and an opened position where it assumes a stable position clear of the product dispensing path. The dynamic repositioning is enabled by the rotational capability combined with stable positioning features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cap is designed to move not only radially (covering/uncovering the spout) but also axially or angularly to assume a stable position in another dimension when opened. This dimensional transition allows the cap to clear the product dispensing path while maintaining sealing effectiveness when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4490065B1Pouring device
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 GEORG MENSHEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4490065B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4490065B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4490065B1 patent drawingFigure 5~5A

AI summary

The invention relates to a pouring device comprising a pourer (2) which is connected to a container (13) or at least can be connected to a container (13) and which has a pourer spout (4) which is arranged around a spout axis (5), and a closure cap (1) which is arranged around a cap axis (3), and at least one holding strap (1d) which is connected in one piece to the closure cap (1) and by way of which the closure cap (1) is fastened to the pourer (2), in particular to the pourer spout (4) of the pourer (2), wherein a plug-in element (7) extends away at the lower open end (1c) of the closure cap (1) from the closure cap (1), in particular from the end surface (1h) of the annular edge which surrounds the opening of the open end (1c), in the direction of the cap axis (3), and a plug-in region (8) is arranged on the pourer (2), in particular on the pourer spout (4), into which plug-in region (8) the plug-in element (7) of the closure cap (1) can be plugged in a direction radially with respect to the spout axis (5). Furthermore, the invention relates to a container, in particular a bottle or a bag with a pouring device.