EP2032448A1

EP2032448A1 - Container and spout

Info

Publication number: EP2032448A1
Application number: EP07733715A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jason Lee Bayliffe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-05-25
Filing date: 2007-05-24
Publication date: 2009-03-11
Also published as: GB2429004B; GB0615497D0; GB2438391B; GB2429004A; GB2438391A; GB0610329D0; WO2007138350A1

Abstract

Container and Spout A container (100) is provided that comprises: a chamber (102) for holding liquid; a first passage (104) arranged to allow a flow of liquid from the chamber (102); a second passage (106) arranged to allow a flow of air into the chamber (102), during the pouring operation, substantially without disturbing the flow of liquid in the first passage (104); and a third passage (108) for preventing liquid from settling the second passage (106), the third passage (108) being arranged to drain liquid from that part of the second passage (106) into the chamber (102) away from the first passage (104). The third passage (108) is also arranged to allow the container (100) to be filled at least partly through the third passage (108). A removable spout for the container is also disclosed, as well as a spout unit that has an anti-glug effect when (20) installed into an otherwise conventional container.

Description

Container and Spout

The present invention relates to a container for holding liquid and a spout unit for a container for holding liquid, in particular a container and spout unit with improved dispensing properties.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container comprising: a chamber for holding liquid; a first passage arranged to allow a flow of liquid from the chamber to an exterior of the container during a pouring operation; a second passage arranged to allow a flow of air from the exterior into the chamber, to replace the liquid leaving the chamber through the first passage during the pouring operation, substantially without disturbing the flow of liquid in the first passage; and a third passage for preventing liquid from settling in and at least to some extent blocking a part of the second passage, the third passage being arranged to drain liquid from that part of the second passage into the chamber away from the first passage, and also being adapted and arranged to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage.

The first passage may be arranged to open into the chamber towards a first side of the container, and the second passage may be arranged to open into the chamber towards a second side of the container opposite the first side.

The first passage may be arranged to open into the chamber towards a first side of the container, and the third passage may be arranged to open into the chamber towards a second side of the container opposite the first side.

The second and third passages may be arranged mutually to open into each other substantially where they also mutually open into the chamber.

The third passage may be defined by exterior walls of the container. The third passage may be arranged to provide, with the container in an upright disposition, a downward-sloping channel for liquid substantially along its entire length in the direction away from the first passage.

The container may be blow-moulded.

The third passage may be joined to the chamber by webbing.

The third passage may be adapted to perform both an air flow function and a drainage function in use.

The container may be adapted and arranged to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage by providing that, where the first passage has a first opening to the exterior and the second and third passages have a mutual second opening to the exterior, the third passage is adapted and arranged such that the cross sectional area of the second opening is at least 15% of the cross sectional area of the first opening. The cross sectional area of the second opening may be at least 20% of the cross sectional area of the first opening. The cross sectional area of the second opening may be at least 25% of the cross sectional area of the first opening. The cross sectional area of the second opening may be at least 30% of the cross sectional area of the first opening. The cross sectional area of the second opening may be at least 35% of the cross sectional area of the first opening.

The container may be adapted and arranged to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage by providing that, where the first passage has a first opening to the exterior and the third passage has a second opening to the exterior, the cross sectional area of the second opening is at least 15% of the cross sectional area of the first opening.

The container may be adapted and arranged to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage by providing that a measure of the cross sectional area of the third passage is at least 15% of an equivalent measure of the cross sectional area of the first passage. The measure may be an average cross sectional area. The measure may be a minimum cross sectional area. The measure may be a median cross sectional area.

The container may be adapted and arranged to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage by providing that the first and third passages are adapted to allow filling of the bottle through the third passage at a filling rate of at least 15% of a filling rate through the first passage, assuming the same flow speed through both passages during filling.

This above-expressed percentage of at least 15% may be at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30% or at least 35%.

The third passage may be so adapted and arranged in that the third passage may be at least as wide as the second passage along a main part of its length.

A bottom wall of the third passage may slope at an angle of less than 5 degrees and still provide a proper drainage function, or may slope at an angle of less than 4 degrees, or of less than 3 degrees, or of less than 2 degrees, or in some cases of less than 1 degree. A bottom wall of the third passage may be required to slope at an angle of greater than 1 degree to provide a drainage function.

The second passage may be arranged in a curved configuration, and the second and third passages may be arranged mutually to open into each other at that part of the second passage that would otherwise be prone to collect liquid, such that liquid is drained away from that part through the third passage. That part may be a U-bend part of the curved configuration.

The container may comprise a hollow handle forming the first passage.

The third passage may pass underneath the second passage with the container in an upright disposition. The second and third passages may be arranged respectively on opposite sides of a gripping opening through which a pourer would insert their hand to grip the handle during the pouring operation.

The second and third passages may be one and the same passage, the single passage performing both the air flow and the drainage functions.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spout unit for fitting into a wall of a container for liquid, such as a drinks carton, comprising: a first passage arranged, with the spout unit in its fitted disposition, to allow flow of liquid from an interior to an exterior of the container during a pouring operation; a second passage arranged, with the spout unit in its fitted disposition, to allow flow of air from the exterior to the interior of the container, to replace the liquid leaving the interior through the first passage during the pouring operation, substantially without disturbing the flow of the liquid in the first passage.

The spout unit may comprise a flange for use in attaching the spout unit to the wall of the container, the flange having a first side and a second side, with the first and second passages being arranged to protrude from the flange on the first side, outwardly away from the wall of the container in its fitted disposition.

The second passage may be arranged to pass over the flange on its second side to provide greater separation between the first and second passages where they separately open into the container in the fitted disposition.

The second passage may be arranged to pass over the flange a short distance away from it.

The spout unit may comprise webbing to secure the second passage to the flange. The spout unit may comprise a screw thread arranged on the outer side of the protrusion for receiving a cap for closing the container.

The spout unit may comprise a third passage for preventing liquid from settling in and to some extent blocking a part of the second passage, the third passage being arranged to drain liquid from the second passage into the container in its fitted disposition.

The third passage may comprise at least one perforation in the wall of the second passage.

The third passage may comprise a plurality of perforations in the wall of the second passage.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of filling a container according to the first aspect of the present invention, comprising injecting liquid into the container through the first and third passages.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for filling a container according to the first aspect of the present invention, comprising first and second portions for injecting liquid into the container through the first and third passages respectively.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spout for removable attachment to a container according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first passage of the container having a first opening to the exterior and the third passage of the container having a second opening to the exterior, and the spout comprising a main passage for carrying liquid poured from the container through the first passage during a pouring operation and a secondary passage for simultaneously carrying air into the container during the pouring operation, the main passage being adapted to extend into the first opening of the bottle when the spout is removably attached to the container. The secondary passage may be adapted to extend into the second opening of the bottle when the spout is removably attached to the container.

The spout may be elongate.

The spout may be flexible.

Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front view of a container according to an embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a front-left perspective view of the container;

Figure 3 shows a front-right perspective view of the container;

Figure 4 shows a left side view of the container;

Figure 5 shows a right side view of the container;

Figure 6 shows a top view of the container;

Figure 7 shows a front cross-sectional view of the container, taken along plane X-Z;

Figure 8 shows the cross-sectional view of Figure 7 in perspective;

Figure 9 shows the cross-sectional view of Figure 7 in another perspective;

Figure 10 illustrates a problem associated with a previously-considered container; Figure 11 shows a side view of a spout unit according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention;

Figure 12 shows a side cross-sectional view of the spout unit, taken vertically through the middle;

Figure 13 shows a front view of the spout unit, with the front being to the right of Figures 11 and 12;

Figure 14 shows a back view of the spout unit, with the back being to the left of Figures 11 and 12;

Figure 15 shows a bottom view of the spout unit, with the bottom being to the bottom of Figures 11 and 12;

Figure 16 shows a top view of the spout unit, with the top being to the top of Figures 11 and 12;

Figure 17 shows a bottom- front-side perspective view of the spout unit;

Figure 18 shows a bottom-back perspective view of the spout unit;

Figure 19 shows a top-front-side perspective view of the spout unit;

Figure 20 shows a top-back perspective view of the spout unit;

Figure 21 shows a perspective view of a spout unit embodying the present invention fitted into a carton;

Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional view of a spout unit embodying the present invention fitted into a carton; Figure 23 shows a cross-sectional view of a spout unit embodying the present invention fitted into a carton, explaining the flows of air and liquid during a pouring operation;

Figure 24 illustrates some example dimensions of parts of a container according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 25 illustrates a method and apparatus for filling a container according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 26 shows a side view of a pouring spout removably attached by means of an attachment cap to a container according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 27 shows a top perspective view of the pouring spout of Figure 26;

Figure 28 shows a top view of the pouring spout of Figure 26;

Figure 29 shows a perspective view of the pouring spout of Figure 26 when removed from the container and without attachment cap;

Figure 30 shows another perspective view of the pouring spout of Figure 26 when removed from the container and without attachment cap;

Figure 31 shows a close-up side view of the pouring spout of Figure 26 with the container cut away;

Figure 32 shows a side view of the pouring spout of Figure 26 with the container cut away;

Figure 33 shows a perspective view of the attachment cap used to retain the spout in place on the container; and Figures 34A to 34C are for use in explaining example dimensions of a container embodying the present invention.

A container 100 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9, 24 and 25. Reference numerals are shown only in Figure 1, but the skilled person will easily be able to determine the corresponding parts in the other diagrams. The container comprises a chamber 102 for holding liquid. A first passage 104 is provided to enable a flow of liquid from the chamber 102 to an exterior of the container 100 through an opening 110 during a pouring operation. A second passage 106 is provided to enable a flow of air in the opposite direction from the exterior into the chamber 102, to replace the liquid leaving the chamber 102 through the first passage 104 during the pouring operation. These two flows are indicated by arrows in Figure 1.

The first and second passages 104, 106 are mutually arranged so that the flow of air into the chamber 102 through the second passage 106 substantially does not disturb the flow of liquid out of the chamber 102 through the first passage 104. This prevents the problem of "glugging" or "gurgling", which occurs in a conventional container with a single-passage opening when the inflowing air disturbs the outflowing liquid.

In this embodiment, the second passage is conveniently shaped to form a handle of the container. Containers of this type are intended to be stacked in great numbers on top of each other whilst in transit. Therefore it is generally preferable that the maximum possible area is available at the top of the container to support the weight of the containers above. To place all the weight solely on the neck of any container would create a potential for fracture and leakage from the container. Because the container is designed for ease of stacking, the upper wall of the handle is substantially level with the upper limit of the opening or neck 110 (with separate cap, not shown). Since the second passage must initially be directed downward in the opening 110, with the container in an upright disposition, and must also end up level with the top of the container, this results in a curved configuration having a U-bend or "swan neck" in which liquid can collect. Such collected liquid can cause the second passage 106 to be at least partially blocked during the pouring operation, thus restricting or even preventing flow of air through the second passage 106 and thereby degrading the anti- glug effectiveness of the container 100. This problem is illustrated in Figure 10, which shows a previously-considered design of container (not embodying the present invention); a collection point 10 is created for liquid that sloshes around in the container whilst in transit. This trapped liquid in the neck can prevent the container from achieving an anti-glug effect.

For this reason, the container 100 further comprises a third passage 108 for preventing liquid from settling in and at least to some extent blocking a part of the second passage 106. The third passage 108 is arranged to drain liquid from that part of the second passage 106 that would otherwise be prone to collecting liquid in the absence of the third passage 108. The second passage 106 is arranged in a curved configuration, with the second and third passages 106, 108 being arranged mutually to open into each other at that part of the second passage 106 that would otherwise be prone to collect liquid, such that liquid is drained away from that part through the third passage 108. The third passage 108 drains liquid in a direction away from the first passage 104, to fall back into the chamber 102 at a position away from the first passage 104. The third passage 108 is arranged to provide, with the container 100 in an upright disposition, a downward-sloping channel for liquid substantially along its entire length in a direction away from the first passage 104 towards where the third passage 108 opens into the chamber 102. Any liquid entering in the second passage 106 by sloshing during transit is drained away. The third passage 108 will also provide an air flow function, in addition to the air flow function provided by the second passage 106, as illustrated in Figure 1.

Placing the entry point for the third passage 108 into the chamber 102 too close to the first passage 104, at the mouth or neck of the container, would allow liquid to flow up through the third passage 108 and cause a blockage. In this embodiment, the first passage 104 is arranged to open into the chamber 102 towards a first side 112 of the container 100, the second passage 106 is arranged to open into the chamber 102 towards a second side 114 of the container 100 opposite the first side 112, and the third passage 108 is arranged to open into the chamber 102 towards the second side 114. The second and third passages 106, 108 are arranged mutually to open into each other substantially where they also mutually open into the chamber 102.

The third passage 108 passes underneath the second passage 106 with the container 100 in an upright disposition, with the second and third passages 106, 108 being arranged respectively on opposite sides of a gripping opening 118 through which the person handling the container 100 would insert their hand to grip the handle during the pouring operation.

The container of this embodiment is conveniently blow-moulded, with the third passage 108 being defined by exterior walls of the container 100. The third passage 108 is joined to the chamber 102 by a webbed part 116.

It is common for a container to be shaken before use to ensure a proper mixing of its contents before pouring. It is also normal for the contents of container to be disturbed in transit or in handling. Therefore, the chances of liquid being spilled over into the handle are always high, and it is imperative that this liquid is dispersed as quickly as possible. To achieve this, the liquid must meet as little resistance as possible. For proper operation of a container embodying the present invention, it must therefore be ensured that the third (drainage) passage 108 has a suitably adapted cross-sectional form.

As can clearly be deduced from the front views shown in Figures 1 and 7, as well as several other perspective views in other ones of Figures 1 to 9, with the bottle 100 in an upright disposition, the cross-sectional height of the third passage 108 is of a comparable value to the cross-sectional height of the second (handle) passage 106. In the described embodiment, and as shown in Figures 1 to 9, the top wall of the third passage 108 is substantially horizontal (or parallel with the bottom wall of the second passage 106), although this is of course not essential, while the bottom wall of the third passage slopes downwardly away from the opening 110. Therefore, while the cross-sectional height of the third passage 108 is of a comparable value to the cross- sectional height of a main part of the second passage 106, it increases is it proceeds away from the opening 110 in this embodiment. The cross-sectional height of a main part the third passage 108 is preferably not less than 50% of the cross-sectional height of a main part of the second passage 106, more preferably not less than 75%, and more preferably not less than 100%.

Likewise, as can clearly be deduced from the top view shown in Figure 6, as well as several other perspective views in other ones of Figures 1 to 9, the cross-sectional width of a main part of the third passage 108 is at least as big as the cross-sectional width of a main part of the second passage 106. This is clear from Figure 6 because the third passage 108 is visible below the second passage 106 when viewed from above. It is possible that the cross-sectional width of a main part of the third passage 108 is slightly less than the cross-sectional width of a main part of the second passage 106, without serious degradation of performance, although it is preferable that the cross-sectional width of a main part of the third passage 108 is at least 75% of the cross-sectional width of a main part of the second passage 106, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably still at least 95%, and more preferably still at least 100%.

The above-mentioned cross-sectional form of the third passage 108, which means that the cross sectional area of a main part of the third passage 108 is comparable to that of a main part of the second passage 106, which itself is suitably sized to form a handle, ensures quick and efficient drainage of fluid into the chamber 102. It also provides good air flow properties, because the third passage 108 also performs an air flow function like the second passage 106. In addition, because the third passage 108 can be at least as wide as the second passage 106, a comfortable gripping opening can be formed with suitably wide and smooth walls to ensure that the user's hand does not catch or scrape on any angular or jagged parts.

It is also important to ensure an adequately-sized aperture for the second and third passages 106, 108 where they mutually open into the opening 110, to ensure an adequate flow of air into the handle section during pouring. As can be deduced from the top view shown in Figure 6, the second and third passages 106, 108 have a mutual opening having a cross-sectional area approximately 33% of the cross-sectional area of the opening for the first passage 104. Therefore a relatively large part of the overall opening 110 is occupied by the mutual opening for the second and third passages 106, 108, thus ensuring good air flow into the handle section during pouring. A value less than 33% would still provide adequate performance in many situations.

In addition, because air can flow both through the second passage 106 and through the third passage 108, which is of a comparable cross-section to the second passage 106, the anti-glug properties of an embodiment of the present invention are improved over known designs. The third passage 108 is adapted to provide an air flow function as well as a drainage function.

Figure 24 provides one set of example dimensions for the parts mentioned above, measured in millimetres. It will be appreciated that a bottle embodying the present invention will come in many different sizes, and so the dimensions are to be considered only as an example and are not to be considered limiting. The angle or gradient that the lower wall of the third passage 108 drops from front to back is 1 degree or more to enable proper the drainage of liquid. Because of the size of the third passage 108 relative to the second passage 106, a large angle is not required for adequate drainage, and this has an advantage is leaving more room for the holding chamber 102 and therefore a larger capacity bottle.

Apart from the advantageous liquid drainage and air flow properties provided by the sizing and arrangement of the various passages and openings as described above, a bottle embodying the present invention is also particularly advantageous by being thus provided with a third (drainage) passage that is adapted and arranged for use not only to drain unwanted liquid away, but also for use in filling the bottle. In this respect, one problem that bottle filling companies encounter with known anti-glug bottles is that the reduction in size of the filling hole at the opening or neck to accommodate the additional hole for the air vent will prevent the bottle from being filled at production speeds. This problem is addressed with a bottle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when used with a special filler nozzle 150 as illustrated in Figure 25. The filler nozzle 150 is split into first and second filling portions 152 and 154. The first filling portion 152 is adapted for insertion into the opening for the first passage 104, and the second filling portion 154 is adapted for insertion into the mutual opening for the second and third passages 106, 108. The second filling portion 154 may be adapted to discharge liquid out of its tip substantially parallel to the slope of the third passage 108 to improve the flow of liquid into the chamber 102 through the third passage 108. Because the size of the third passage 108 is at least that of the second passage 106, back pressure is reduced and the filling speed of the bottle can be maintained.

It is highly advantageous that the third passage 108 is adapted and arranged to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage 108. Some of the features of the third passage that enable this have already been described. For example, where the first passage 104 has a first opening to the exterior and the second and third passages 106, 108 have a mutual second opening to the exterior, the third passage 108 is preferably adapted and arranged so that the cross sectional area of the second opening is at least 15% of the cross sectional area of the first opening

(although this figure could be higher, for example 20%, 25%, 30% or 35%, depending on the application).

This provides a sufficient opening to the third passage 108 to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage 108, so that filling of the bottle can be through both the first and second openings for a highly advantageous improvement in filling speed compared to known bottles of this type.

Similar figures can also be expressed for some measure of the cross sectional area of the third passage 108 relative to the first passage 104 over some, most or all of their respective lengths. For example, it could be expressed that the average cross sectional area of the third passage 108 is at least 15% of the average cross sectional area of the first passage 104 (although this figure could be higher, for example 20%, 25%, 30% or 35%, depending on the application). Instead of an average, the measure could instead be the median or minimum or some other measure.

Also, the above figures relating to cross sectional areas can be considered to be equivalent to the relative filling rates through the first and second openings that are made possible. For example, the statements can be considered to be equivalent to stating that that the first and third passages 104, 108 are preferably adapted and arranged to allow the bottle to be filled through the second opening at a filling rate of at least 15% of a filling rate through the first opening (although this figure could be higher, for example 20%, 25%, 30% or 35%, depending on the application), assuming the same speed of flow through both openings (of course, it could be arranged that the flow speeds through the two openings are different, if required by the application). Here, filling rate is measured in volume per unit time (e.g. cm³ per second) while flow speed is measured in distance per unit time (e.g. cm per second).

It will be appreciated that, although the third (drainage) passage 108 is adapted and arranged to be suitable for filling the bottle as described above, this is not intended in any way to limit the bottle to being filled in this way. A conventional filling process can also be used where the bottle is filled only through the first passage 104. It will also be appreciated from the above description that the features that provide a third passage that is adapted and arranged to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage also provide at least some of the other advantages described above, such as improved drainage and air flow properties, irrespective of whether the container is intended to be filled at least partly through the third passage.

Some further example dimensions will now be explained with reference to Figures 34A to 34C. It is to be noted that these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting in any way. In a typical situation, an optimum pour angle of the container is achieved by ensuring that, as the bottle is poured from its upright position, and just as the liquid leaves the container and starts to creep over the edge of the spout, a minimum of 40 degree angle from the vertical should be the optimum pouring angle just as the liquid starts to leave the container. This angle would be achieved by ensuring that the height "D" of the spout of the container is no more than 0.84 times the width "A" of the liquid aperture. This will ensure that the Opposite length divided by the adjacent length of a right angle will always be as close to the value 0.84. Therefore, if the value of the spout height "D" = 15mm, then the width of the aperture "A" should preferably be no less than 18mm. The value of "C", which is the secondary liquid inlet for filling/pouring, should preferably be approximately 0.33 times the value of "D", as this will allow for an adequate size lance to be placed down the aperture to assist with filling, but will also allow the air flow rate to be adequate for when the bottle is being poured. The value of "B" is generally a by-product of what is left within the width of the overall nozzle, but should preferably be not be less than 2mm to ensure that the metal that forms this area within the mould will not be left vulnerable to pressure through manufacturing processes and prevent fracturing or fatigue around this area. The Value of "E", which is the head space of the bottle, or the distance between the fill point of the bottle and the bottom of the spout where the portion of the neck is formed, should preferably be at least 4 times the value of the spout height "D". Therefore, if the spout height is 15mm then the value of head space "E" would be at least 60mm. If these parameters cannot be met at points "A" and "D" then the value of "E" should preferably be increased to enable a minimum angle of 40 degrees from the vertical before the liquid can be poured from the mouth of the bottle as discussed previously.

Figures 26 to 33 illustrate a spout 300 for removable attachment to a container described above. Figure 26 shows a side view of the spout 300 removably attached by means of an attachment cap 330 to a container as described previously. Figure 27 shows a top perspective view of the spout 300, Figure 28 shows a top view of the spout 300, Figure 29 shows a perspective view of the spout 300 when removed from the container and without attachment cap 330, Figure 30 shows another perspective view of the spout 300 when removed from the container and without attachment cap 330, Figure 31 shows a close-up side view of the spout 300 with the container cut away for a clearer view, Figure 32 shows a side view of the spout 300 with the container cut away, and Figure 33 shows a perspective view of the attachment cap 330 used to retain the spout in place on the container.

As described previously, the first passage of the container has a first opening to the exterior, and the third passage of the container has a second opening to the exterior.

The spout comprises a main passage 310 for carrying liquid poured from the container through the first passage during a pouring operation and a secondary passage 320 for simultaneously carrying air into the container during the pouring operation. The main passage 310 is adapted to extend into the first opening of the bottle when the spout is removably attached to the container. The secondary passage 320 is preferably adapted to extend into the second opening of the bottle when the spout is removably attached to the container.

This differs from known spouts in that, with a known spout, the passages do not extend all the way into corresponding respective openings of the container onto which the spout is attached. A spout embodying the present invention is advantageously adapted to mate with the passages of a container embodying the present invention, providing a secure passage of fluid in one direction and air in the other direction without risk of mixing or spilling; the superior anti-glug effect as previously described is thereby maintained even with a spout attached.

Although the above embodiment shows the passage 106 for air flow being provided separately to the passage 108 for drainage, it will be appreciated that it is not essential to provide two separate passages. Instead, a single passage could perform both functions. For example, if handle of the above-described embodiment were not hollow, then effectively there would be no second passage 106 since it would be blocked. However, in that case the third passage 108 would perform both an air flow function and a drainage function, with air entering the chamber 102 through the third passage 108 and any being of such a configuration to prevent any liquid from collecting therein and degrading the anti-glug performance. It will also be appreciated that the above-described embodiment of the present invention is not limited to its use with holding and dispensing liquids, but the same useful properties will apply with respect to its use with any pourable substance, be it liquid, powder, gel, grains, crystals, semi-solids or a combination of any of the above. The appended claims are to be interpreted as covering a container used for holding and dispensing any such pourable substance.

A spout unit 200 according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 10 to 18. The spout unit 200 is intended for fitting into a wall of a container for liquid, such as a drinks carton. These are common in the United Kingdom in the form of fruit juice cartons. Reference numerals are shown only in Figure 12, but the skilled person will easily be able to determine the corresponding parts in the other diagrams.

The spout unit 200 comprises a first passage 204 arranged, with the spout unit in its fitted disposition, to allow flow of liquid from an interior to an exterior of the container during a pouring operation. The spout unit 200 also comprises a second passage 206 arranged, with the spout unit in its fitted disposition, to allow flow of air from the exterior to the interior of the container, to replace the liquid leaving the interior through the first passage during the pouring operation, substantially without disturbing the flow of the liquid in the first passage. In use, the spout unit would be fitted with the second passage 206 located above the first passage 204. This prevents the problem of "glugging" or "gurgling", which occurs with a conventional single- passage spout when the inflowing air disturbs the outflowing liquid.

The spout unit 200 comprises a flange 220 for use in attaching the spout unit 200 to the wall of the container. The flange 220 has a first side 222 and a second side 224, with the first and second passages 204, 206 being arranged to protrude from the flange 220 on the first side 222, or outwardly away from the wall of the container when the spout unit 200 is in its fitted disposition. In this embodiment, the second passage 296 is arranged to pass over the flange 220 on its second side 224 to provide greater separation between the respective openings 205, 207 of first and second passages 204, 206 where they separately open into the container in the fitted disposition. This reduces the risk that liquid enters the second passage 206 during the pouring operation, which would eliminate any anti-glug effect.

Although not shown this way in the drawings, the second passage 206 can be arranged to pass over the flange 220 a short distance away from it, and in this case webbing can be provided to secure the second passage 206 to the flange 220.

The spout unit 200 comprises a screw thread 226 arranged on the outer side of the protrusion for receiving a cap for releasably closing the container.

The second passage 206 depicted in the drawings has a curved configuration having a "dog-leg" or right angle part in which liquid can collect when the spout unit is in its in use configuration. Such collected liquid can cause the second passage 206 to be at least partially blocked during the pouring operation, this restricting or even preventing flow of air through the second passage 206 and thereby degrading the anti-glug effectiveness of the spout unit 200.

For this reason, the spout unit 200 can further comprise a third passage for preventing liquid from settling in and at least to some extent blocking a part of the second passage 206. The third passage would be arranged to drain liquid from that part of the second passage 206 that would otherwise be prone to collecting liquid in the absence of the third passage, so as to fall back into the container. The third passage, although not shown in the drawings, would be provided in one example in or around the dog-leg marked as 228. The third passage would be arranged to provide, with the container in an upright disposition, a downward-sloping channel for liquid back into the container. The third passage may comprise at least one perforation in the wall of the second passage 206, preferably a plurality of perforations. It has been found through experimentation that the presence of these perforations at the dog-leg 228 of the second passage 206 does not result in liquid entering the second passage 206 from the container during the pouring operation, and the presence of such perforations enhances the performance by preventing blockage of the second channel 206.

A spout unit embodying the present invention can be manufactured at relatively low cost in standard sizes for straightforward fitting into drinks cartons and the like with minimal or no changes required to the fitting procedure. Figures 21 and 22 show the spout unit as fitted into a typical drinks carton, while Figure 23 shows the flow of air and liquid during a pouring operation (for proper viewing, the drawing should be rotated anti-clockwise so that the depicted liquid level is horizontal).

It will be appreciated that such a spout unit can also be formed as an integral part of the container, rather than being a separate unit for fitting into the container.

It will also be appreciated that the above-described embodiment of the present invention is not limited to its use with holding and dispensing liquids, but the same useful properties will apply with respect to its use with any pourable substance, be it liquid, powder, gel, grains, crystals, semi-solids or a combination of any of the above. The appended claims are to be interpreted as covering a spout unit for use with a container used for holding and dispensing any such pourable substance.

The skilled person will appreciate that minor changes can be made to the designs depicted in the drawings and/or described above without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A container comprising: a chamber for holding liquid; a first passage arranged to allow a flow of liquid from the chamber to an exterior of the container during a pouring operation; a second passage arranged to allow a flow of air from the exterior into the chamber, to replace the liquid leaving the chamber through the first passage during the pouring operation, substantially without disturbing the flow of liquid in the first passage; and a third passage for preventing liquid from settling in and at least to some extent blocking a part of the second passage, the third passage being arranged to drain liquid from that part of the second passage into the chamber away from the first passage; characterised in that the third passage is adapted and arranged to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first passage is arranged to open into the chamber towards a first side of the container, and the second passage is arranged to open into the chamber towards a second side of the container opposite the first side.

3. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first passage is arranged to open into the chamber towards a first side of the container, and the third passage is arranged to open into the chamber towards a second side of the container opposite the first side.

4. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second and third passages are arranged mutually to open into each other substantially where they also mutually open into the chamber.

5. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the third passage is defined by exterior walls of the container.

6. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the third passage is arranged to provide, with the container in an upright disposition, a downward-sloping channel for liquid substantially along its entire length in the direction away from the first passage.

7. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container is blow- moulded.

8. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the third passage is joined to the chamber by webbing.

9. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the third passage is adapted to perform both an air flow function and a drainage function in use.

10. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first passage has a first opening to the exterior and the second and third passages have a mutual second opening to the exterior, and wherein the cross sectional area of the second opening is at least 15% of the cross sectional area of the first opening.

11. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first passage has a first opening to the exterior and the third passage has a second opening to the exterior, and wherein the cross sectional area of the second opening is at least 15% of the cross sectional area of the first opening.

12. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a measure of the cross sectional area of the third passage is at least 15% of an equivalent measure of the cross sectional area of the first passage.

13. A container as claimed in claim 12, wherein the measure is an average cross sectional area.

14. A container as claimed in claim 12, wherein the measure is a minimum cross sectional area.

15. A container as claimed in claim 12, wherein the measure is a median cross sectional area.

16. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and third passages are adapted to allow filling of the bottle through the third passage at a filling rate of at least 15% of a filling rate through the first passage, assuming the same flow speed through both passages during filling.

17. A container as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the percentage is at least 20%.

18. A container as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the percentage is at least 25%.

19. A container as claimed in one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the percentage is at least 30%.

20. A container as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 19, wherein the percentage is at least 35%.

21. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the third passage is at least as wide as the second passage along a main part of its length.

22. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a bottom wall of the third passage slopes at an angle between 1 and 5 degrees to provide a drainage function.

23. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second passage is arranged in a curved configuration, and wherein the second and third passages are arranged mutually to open into each other at that part of the second passage that would otherwise be prone to collect liquid, such that liquid is drained away from that part through the third passage.

24. A container as claimed in claim 23, wherein that part is a U-bend part of the curved configuration.

25. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a hollow handle forming the first passage.

26. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the third passage passes underneath the second passage with the container in an upright disposition.

27. A container as claimed in claim 26, when dependent on claim 25, wherein the second and third passages are arranged respectively on opposite sides of a gripping opening through which a pourer would insert their hand to grip the handle during the pouring operation.

28. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the second and third passages are one and the same passage, the single passage performing both the air flow and the drainage functions.

29. A method of filling a container as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising injecting liquid into the container through the first and third passages.

30. An apparatus for filling a container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 28, comprising first and second portions for injecting liquid into the container through the first and third passages respectively.

31. A spout for removable attachment to a container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 28, the first passage of the container having a first opening to the exterior and the third passage of the container having a second opening to the exterior, and the spout comprising a main passage for carrying liquid poured from the container through the first passage during a pouring operation and a secondary passage for simultaneously carrying air into the container during the pouring operation, the main passage being adapted to extend into the first opening of the bottle when the spout is removably attached to the container.

32. A spout as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the secondary passage is adapted to extend into the second opening of the bottle when the spout is removably attached to the container.

33. A spout as claimed in claim 31 or 32, wherein the spout is elongate.

34. A spout as claimed in claim 31, 32 or 33, wherein the spout is flexible.

35. A spout unit for fitting into a wall of a container for liquid, such as a drinks carton, comprising: a first passage arranged, with the spout unit in its fitted disposition, to allow flow of liquid from an interior to an exterior of the container during a pouring operation; a second passage arranged, with the spout unit in its fitted disposition, to allow flow of air from the exterior to the interior of the container, to replace the liquid leaving the interior through the first passage during the pouring operation, substantially without disturbing the flow of the liquid in the first passage.

36. A spout unit as claimed in claim 35, comprising a flange for use in attaching the spout unit to the wall of the container.

37. A spout unit as claimed in claim 36, wherein the flange has a first side and a second side, with the first and second passages being arranged to protrude from the flange on the first side, outwardly away from the wall of the container in its fitted disposition.

38. A spout unit as claimed in claim 37, wherein the second passage is arranged to pass over the flange on its second side to provide greater separation between the first and second passages where they separately open into the container in the fitted disposition.

39. A spout unit as claimed in claim 38, wherein the second passage is arranged to pass over the flange a short distance away from it.

40. A spout unit as claimed in claim 39, comprising webbing to secure the second passage to the flange.

41. A spout unit as claimed in any one of claims 36 to 40, comprising a screw thread arranged on the outer side of the protrusion for receiving a cap for closing the container.

42. A spout unit as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 41, comprising a third passage for preventing liquid from settling in and to some extent blocking a part of the second passage, the third passage being arranged to drain liquid from the second passage into the container in its fitted disposition.

43. A spout unit as claimed in claim 42, wherein the third passage comprises at least one perforation in the wall of the second passage.

44. A spout unit as claimed in claim 43, wherein the third passage comprises a plurality of perforations in the wall of the second passage.