BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the temporary containment and storage of automotive fluids such as motor oil and like substances for intended dispensation of the fluid from a containment vessel. More specifically relating to a substantially rectangular hollow body container bottle composed of a plastic material comprising polyethylene with the container bottle having a typical volume capacity for present day consumer use of approximately 1-U.S.quart/32 fluid ounces/946 milliliters.

Former automotive fluid containment vessels were of a cylindrical shape and comprised of a composite fiber including a wax seal coating to their inner cylindrical surface. Typically, former vessels were applied with a flat metallic bottom then filled with a liquid content and closed at top with a flat metallic closure seal. These containers had no self contained pouring method for convenient dispensing, thus the upper end closure had to be pierced to provide an opening for pouring the contained fluid and they had no re-seal ability to preserve and protect any unused portion of the fluid content. They were limited in shelf life due to their composite fiber manufacture, were inefficient for bulk storage and shipping and were cumbersome for consumer handling due to their cylindrical shape and due to oily seepage occurring through the wax coating and composite fiber causing a slippery film to eventually collect on the container's outer surface.

There are many variables in the design of present day container bottles, usually made of plastic, generally rectangular in body shape, some with a centrally oriented vertical tubular spout opening, some with an offset (more to one side) spout and many varying degrees of upper body wall slope all converging toward the filling and pouring spout whereby these container bottles are factory filled with a liquid content. Typically the spout includes an external thread that is threadedly mated to a usual seal cap made of plastic and having an internal thread. The cap is factory applied after container filling and includes a frangible plastic securing band to accommodate a sealing ring on the outer surface of the spout. Some may include a removable foil or fiber seal adhered to the outer edge of the spout opening before the cap is applied.

For consumer use of present day container bottles the seal is removed by twisting the cap usually counter-clockwise simultaneously fracturing the securing band freeing the cap from closure of the spout and if applicable removing the foil seal from closure of the spout opening wherein content can then be poured from the container. If full content is not used at that time the container can then be re-sealed to save and protect any remaining fluid for future use by threadedly mating the cap back to the spout usually by rotating the cap clock-wise to a snug fit. There are numerous advantages to present day plastic rectangular container bottles over former cylindrical composite fiber containers, to include providing more efficient individual spacing on a multiple container shipping or storage pallet, improved retail shelf space utilization, sturdier and longer lasting container integrity and providing for easier consumer handling.

With consideration to the advantages of present day rectangular container bottles there still remains inherent disadvantages relating to their pouring ability. That is, lacking the capacity to pour a liquid content from the container without unwanted content spillage and compelling the need for the use of a funnel or other pouring assistance device to avoid content spillage. The invention of Doering, U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,142 (1989) discloses a polyethylene rectangular container comprising an offset spout. The invention of Kearse et al, U.S. patent. No. D352,904 (1994) also discloses a polyethylene rectangular container including an offset spout. These and other prior art containers provide some improvement to pouring ability of a motor oil from a container into an automotive engine but there is still the need for further improvement.

Common disadvantages of present day rectangular containers are that they are prone to unintended content spillage especially at first use when the container is at maximum fullness because while in the process of manually rotating a full container toward either side (the long sided spout side or the opposing short side) of the container from the normal vertical position to the horizontal and past horizontal position for pouring there is still an immediate uncontrolled outward “surge” of liquid content before the spout opening can be placed fully within an engine oil fill opening, therein causing content spillage and creating the obvious need for the use of a funnel for pouring assistance. An additional pitfall somewhat contributing to the cause of content spillage of many prior art containers is inadequate air flow into the container over and around the liquid while pouring thus producing the well known undulating “glug” of the liquid and thereby adding to the force of “surge” but “glug” nor “surge” in themselves can cause content spillage if the liquid flow from a container spout is delayed long enough (while the container is rotated for pouring) for the container spout opening to be placed fully within the engine oil fill opening before liquid out flow producing “surge” and “glug” can begin, therein preventing unintentional content spillage and negating the need for the use of a funnel or other pouring assistance.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is a substantially rectangular shaped hollow body containment vessel made of a common plastic material such as modified polyethylene and is generally of a 1-U.S. Quart/32 Fluid Ounces/946 mL liquid volume capacity. From an upper portion of the hollow body, inwardly sloping walls converge and culminate into an angular offset open spout. The tubular spout serves for both filling the container and for out-pouring the liquid content from the container. The present invention includes an integral barrier for blocking liquid out flow while the (unsealed, filled) container is rotated from the normal linear vertical position to linear horizontal and includes a open channel adjacent the barrier to release fluid out flow when the container is further rotated to past linear horizontal. The barrier allows the container to be rotated from the normal vertical position to the horizontal position with the spout side down therein allowing the rim edge of the spout to be placed closely adjacent an engine oil fill opening before content out flow can begin. The container bottle of the present invention is then manually rotated from horizontal to variable degrees past horizontal allowing the now pre-positioned spout opening to be simultaneously inserted fully into the engine oil fill opening before liquid out flow can exit the spout. Once the container is past horizontal, liquid content will be released through the channel, topping over and past the barrier and out of the container spout along with air flow into the spout to aid somewhat in liquid out flow from the vessel. Unintended spillage of content is avoided because liquid flow from the container bottle of the present invention does not begin until the container spout opening is fully within the engine oil fill opening, therefore also avoiding the need for the use of a funnel or other pouring assistance device. The speed and amount of liquid out flow from the vessel is controlled simply by the speed and degree of manual rotation of the container from horizontal through inversion and reverse rotation. Accordingly several objects and advantages of the present invention are to provide:

(a) A generally rectangular hollow body container bottle made of a polyethylene plastic with an upright to angular offset fill/pour spout capable of being sealed/un-sealed/re-sealed at the spout with a yieldable on demand usual sealing cap closure.

(b) A container bottle that exceeds present day container capability for consumer handling and the dispensing of a liquid content.

(c) A container that will allow the consumer to avoid unwanted content spillage while dispensing fluid from the vessel and that will negate the need for the use of a funnel or other pouring assistance device to avoid content spillage.

(d) A container including an integral barrier wherein an un-sealed full or partially full content bottle can be rotated from the normal vertical position to a horizontal position with the spout side down without releasing a liquid content out flow.

(e) A container including an integral channel wherein an un-sealed full or partially full content bottle can be rotated from horizontal to variable degrees past horizontal for releasing a liquid content out flow.

(f) A container bottle that is production cost in line with present day containers but by design is greatly more consumer use friendly and efficient than former and present day containers.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

(FIG. 1) Perspective (the present invention).

(FIG. 2) Front view (normal vertical long axis orientation).

(FIG. 3) Rear view.

(FIG. 4) Right side view.

(FIG. 5) Left side view.

(FIG. 6) Top view

(FIG. 7) Bottom view.

(FIG. 8A) Full section (indicated by line 8A-8A of FIG. 2).

(FIG. 8B) Full section (indicated by line 8B-8B of FIG. 2).

(FIG. 9) Full section (indicated by line 9-9 of FIG. 4).

(FIG. 10A) Reduction of FIG. 9 representing an un-sealed container with a full liquid content added (container in the normal vertical long axis orientation).

(FIG. 10B) Reduction of FIG. 9 representing an un-sealed container bottle and full liquid content with the bottle being rotated to a horizontal long axis orientation and the container maintaining full liquid content while the spout is down-turned and closely adjacent an engine oil fill opening, (engine oil fill opening represented by the space between two bold horizontal lines for drawing FIGS. 10B, 10C and 10D).

(FIG. 10C) Reduction of FIG. 9 representing an un-sealed container with full liquid content and the bottle being rotated to past horizontal orientation with the container spout opening fully within an engine oil fill opening and liquid content out flow beginning.

(FIG. 10D) Reduction of FIG. 9 representing an un-sealed container with liquid content being discharged upon rotating the bottle to inversion with the spout opening fully within an engine oil fill opening and with liquid out flow continuing.

DRAWING FIGURE ELEMENTS

10
container bottle (the present invention)

12
body structure

14
corner round

16
front side body wall

18
right side body wall

20
rear side body wall

22
left side body wall

24
under side bottom wall

26
wedge shaped barrier

28
primary partition

30
return crest

32
secondary partition

34
wedge shaped gap

36
open channel

38
front side slope wall

40
rear side slope wall

42
right side slope wall

44
left side slope wall

46
open spout neck

48
tubular spout

50
spout edge rim

52
spout opening

54
external seal ring

56
external thread

58
fluid content

60
fluid out flow

62
air in flow

64
engine oil fill opening

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

As illustrated and described by the drawings and other reference the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a substantially rectangular hollow body container bottle 10 as shown in drawing (FIGS. 1-7). Bottle 10 is comprised of a common plastic material such as polyethylene or similar material used in the manufacture of present day container bottles for the filling, storing and dispensing of automotive motor oil and other fluids. In the preferred embodiment bottle 10 will typically accommodate a liquid content volume of approximately 1-U.S.quart/32 fluid ounces/946 mL.

Bottle 10 comprises a body structure 12 as shown in drawing (FIGS. 1-9). A plurality of corner rounds 14,14 are formed where angled surfaces of the container converge as shown randomly in drawing (FIGS. 1-7). Structure 12 of the container includes respectively a front side body wall 16, a right side body wall 18, a rear side body wall 20, and a left side body wall 22, as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 1-5 and 9). Bottle 10 further includes respectively within structure 12 an under side bottom wall 24 as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 7 and 9). Body walls 16,18,20,22 and bottom wall 24 are near flush to recessed within structure 12 as shown recessed in the preferred embodiment of respective drawing (FIGS. 1-5, 7 and 9). Body wall 18 includes a graphic label adhered to the wall stating: “Pour From This Side” (label and adhesive not shown).

Integrally within bottle 10 in continuity with structure 12 is a wedge shaped barrier 26 interposed therein the upper major portion width (right side toward left side) and the whole of the upper portion depth (front to rear) in the preferred embodiment as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 2-4 and 9). Barrier 26 includes a primary partition 28, a return crest 30 and a secondary partition 32 as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 2-4, 8A, 8B and 9). Partion 28 and the adjacent right side vertical portion of structure 12 are not in the cutting plane of sectional drawing (FIG. 8A) but are shown in sectional drawing (FIG. 9). Partition 32 and the adjacent right side vertical portion of structure 12 are not in the cutting plane of sectional drawing (FIG. 8B) but are shown in sectional drawing (FIG. 9). Partition 28 and partition 32 are in angular opposition to each other and are angular each from a horizontal center through crest 30 (FIG. 3) in relation to the normal vertical orientation of bottle 10. Partition 28 is variable from about 2 degrees to about 8 degrees below horizontal and partition 32 is variable from about 2 degrees to about 8 degrees above horizontal (variable angles of partition 28 and partition 32 not shown). In the preferred embodiment partition 28 is shown to approximately 4 degrees below horizontal indicated by angle reference X-1 of (FIG. 3) and partition 32 is shown to approximately 4 degrees above horizontal indicated by angle reference X-2 of (FIG. 3). Partition 28 and partition 32 are interconnected by crest 30 and collectively are connected to structure 12 (connected to front, rear and right side vertical portions of structure 12) and in effect form a wedge shaped gap 34 within the figure of barrier 26 and structure 12 as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 1-4 and 9). The open end vertical portions of structure 12 to each (front and rear) side of barrier 26 and gap 34 are inwardly rounded (these rounds not shown by element number). Beyond the width of barrier 26 to include a horizontally linear edge portion (front to rear) of crest 30 and a horizontally linear upper portion vertical left side of structure 12 opposing crest 30, including horizontally linear upper front and rear vertical portions of structure 12 adjacent crest 30 and including the void therebetween is effectuated in the preferred embodiment a substantially rectangular open channel 36 as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 2, 3, 8A, 8B and 9).

From the upper portion perimeter edge of structure 12, bottle 10 includes a front side slope wall 38, a rear side slope wall 40, a right side slope wall 42 and a left side slope wall 44 collectively connected respectively to structure 12 and each other as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 1-6 and 9). Shown here In the preferred embodiment and relative to the normal vertical orientation of bottle 10, slope wall 38 is angular approximately 65 degrees (acute) from horizontal indicated by angle reference X-3 (FIG. 5), slope wall 40 is angular approximately 115 degrees (obtuse) from horizontal indicated by angle reference X-4 (FIG. 5), slope wall 42 is angular approximately 60 degrees (acute) from horizontal indicated by angle reference X-5 (FIG. 2) and slope wall 44 is angular approximately 150 degrees (obtuse) from horizontal indicated by angle reference X-6 (FIG. 2).

Slope walls 38, 40, 42 and 44 collectively converge inwardly, respectively connect each other and culminate into an open spout neck 46 wherein neck 46 transitions thereinto a tubular spout 48 as shown in respective drawing (FIGS. 1-6 and 9), therewith, neck 46 and spout 48 are conjoined in diametric central alignment relative to each other. Spout 48 is oriented approximately central to the depth (front to rear) of the container in the preferred embodiment as shown in drawing (FIG. 6). Spout 48 (from the central upper portion of the spout) in the preferred embodiment of drawing (FIG. 2) is offset approximately 94% the width (left side to right side) of bottle 10, (spout 48 opposes the side of the container comprising channel 36). The offset of spout 48 is variable from about 78% to about 98% the width of bottle 10 (variable offset not shown). Spout 48 is angular to approximately 120 degrees (obtuse) from horizontal in the preferred embodiment indicated by angle reference X-7 (FIG. 2) wherein the angle is variable from about 90 degrees to about 150 degrees from horizontal (variable angles not shown). Spout 48 terminates in a spout edge rim 50 wherein spout 48 includes a spout opening 52. Spout 48 further includes an external seal ring 54 and an external thread 56 as shown in drawing (FIGS. 1-6 and 9). Thread 56 of the open spout is threadedly mated to a plastic usual seal cap comprising an internal thread and including a frangible seal band to snug fit over ring 54 of spout 48 for closing and sealing bottle 10 (usual seal cap not shown).

In manufacture of the of the present invention for the preferred embodiment, a common plastic material such as modified polyethylene is fittingly appropriate but other materials may be suitable as well. A modified or high density polyethylene is available from Interstate Plastics 330 Commerce Circle Sacramento, Calif. 98515 but there are many other well known suppliers.

Extrusion blow molding is a common process for the production of articles of manufacture similar to bottle 10 usually with a monitored programming development but other processes are available and well known in producing many types of plastic containers. Forming body walls 16, 18, 20, 22, and bottom wall 24 in recess that are bound by structure 12 as shown in the preferred embodiment of respective drawing (FIGS. 1-5, 7 and 9) increases the integral stability of the container, however there are variables to the indent of recess from near flush to recess in relation to structure 12 that are comparable, (variables of recess not shown).

The necessary measurements and filling methods for bottle 10 to comprehend a full volume liquid content of about 1-U.S. quart/32 fluid ounces/946 mL or about 75% to about 85% the empty volume of the container are precisely calculated and modified by those skilled in the art.

Dimensions given here are general and approximations only. The overall height of bottle 10 from the under side of the container to the upper most portion of the spout for the preferred embodiment is approximately 9.00 inches/22.860 centimeters as shown between line A and line B (FIG. 2). An approximate width (left side to right side) of bottle 10 for the preferred embodiment is 4.00 inches/10.160 centimeters shown between line C and line D (FIG. 2). An approximate height of structure 12 within the container is about 6.50 inches/16.510 centimeters shown between line A and line E (FIG. 2), a remaining height of bottle 10 is approximately 2.50 inches/6.350 centimeters shown between line E and line B (FIG. 2).

An approximate depth (front to rear) for the preferred embodiment of bottle 10 is 2.00 inches/5.080 centimeters shown between line F and line G (FIG. 4). An inside diameter for opening 52 of spout 48 is approximately 1.00 inches/2.540 centimeters (diameter not shown in detail). Spout 48 is approximately central to the depth (front to rear) of bottle 10 with approximately 1.00 inches/2.540 centimeters of the container depth to each side of the open spout center shown in detail for one side only between line H and line I in drawing (FIG. 6). From the central upper portion of spout 48 wherein the open spout is angular in the preferred embodiment of bottle 10, spout 48 is offset (more to one side) to the width of the container by approximately 3.75 inches/9.525 centimeters as shown between line J and line K of drawing (FIG. 2).

The width of barrier 26 and gap 34 within structure 12 of the container to include partition 28, crest 30 and partition 32, including the respective right side vertical portion of structure 12 adjacent to and connected to partition 28 and including the respective right side vertical portion of structure 12 adjacent to and connected to partition 32 is approximately 3.50 inches/8.890 centimeters, comprising about 88% of the container width as shown for the preferred embodiment between line L and line M in respective sectional drawing (FIGS. 8A and 8B). Partition 28 and the adjacent right side vertical portion of structure 12 are not in sectional cutting plane of drawing (FIG. 8A) but are alternatively shown in the sectional drawing (FIG. 9). Partition 32 and the adjacent right side vertical portion of structure 12 are not in the sectional cutting plane of drawing (FIG. 8B) but are alternatively shown in the sectional drawing (FIG. 9). The width of channel 36 within structure 12 to include a linear central portion of crest 30, the left side vertical portion of structure 12 opposing crest 30 and the void therebetween is approximately 0.50 inches/1.270 centimeters, comprising about 12% of the container width as shown for the preferred embodiment between line M and line N in respective sectional drawing (FIGS. 8A and 8B).

The depth of barrier 26, gap 34 and channel 36 combined within structure 12 of the container is approximately 2.00 inches/5.080 centimeters, comprising the whole of the depth of bottle 10, to include partition 28, crest 30, partition 32, vertical portions (front and rear) of structure 12, and the void of channel 36 as shown for the preferred embodiment between lines O and lines P in respective sectional drawing (FIGS. 8A and 8B).

The height in part of barrier 26 within the container from the under side of bottle 10 to the lower portion of partition 28 adjacent structure 12 is approximately 5.75 inches/14.605 centimeters as shown between line Q and line R in the preferred embodiment of drawing (FIG. 9). The height in part of barrier 26 within the container from the lower portion of partition 28 adjacent structure 12 to the upper portion of partition 32 adjacent structure 12 is approximately 0.50 inches/1.270 centimeters shown between line R and line S in the preferred embodiment of drawing (FIG. 9). Material thickness of bottle 10 is variable according to portions of the container, for example; body walls 16,18, 20, 22, bottom wall 24, and spout 48 are approximately 0.031 inches/0.079 centimeters in minimal thickness, whereas structure 12, slope walls 38, 40, 42, 44 and neck 46 range from about 30 percent to about 50 percent greater in tapered thickness than the minimal thickness of aforementioned portions to about 0.063 inches/0.158 centimeters to provide sturdy integral strength overall to bottle 10. All preceding dimensions given are approximations only (material thickness differences are not shown).

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the main operational objectives are for bottle 10 to possess the capability of being partially or entirely emptied while avoiding unintended content spillage especially at first use when the container is at maximum content fullness and to avoid the need for the use of a funnel or other pouring assistance device to prevent content spillage.

Bottle 10 accommodates a fluid content 58 as shown with the container unsealed and in the normal long axis vertical orientation depicted in drawing (FIG. 10 A). Bottle 10 is manually rotated to a long axis horizontal orientation with the spout side down as partition 28 of barrier 26 blocks content 58 from exiting the container therein maintaining the container's full fluid level while rim 50 of the open spout is placed closely adjacent an engine oil fill opening 64 as shown in drawing (FIG. 10 B, opening 64 is represented by the space between the two bold horizontal lines shown). Once bottle 10 is in the horizontal position the container is rotated further to any variable degree past horizontal while rim 50 of spout 48 is simultaneously placed fully within opening 64 (FIG. 10 C). Content 58 will then flow through channel 36, topping over crest 30 and past partition 32 of barrier 26 therein funneling through the converged slope walls, the spout neck, opening 52 and out of spout 48 as a fluid out flow 60 while allowing an air in flow 62 into the container. Out flow 60 will enter the engine through opening 64 as shown in drawing (FIG. 10 C) thus avoiding unwanted spillage therefore also avoiding the need for the use of a funneling device to avoid spillage because opening 52 of spout 48 is then completely within opening 64 before the liquid flow from the open spout of bottle 10 can begin. The position of bottle 10 depicted in drawing (FIG. 10 C) will allow ease of reversing the container position for a partial emptying of content 58 from bottle 10. For complete emptying of content 58 from the container simply continue manual rotation of bottle 10 to inversion wherein out flow 60 and in flow 62 will alternate course but will continue the outward flow of liquid from the container and the inward flow of air into the container as shown in drawing (FIG. 10 D) to allow a complete emptying of content 58 from bottle 10.

In reiteration of prior art disadvantages, unintended content spillage while pouring liquid from present day container bottles occurs often and more predominantly at first use when the container is at maximum fullness causing typical content “surge”. A contributing factor to “surge” is uneven flow of air into the container while pouring fluid causing the well known undulating “glug” which intensifies “surge” all the more. However the underlying cause of unintended fluid spillage from present day containers is not “surge” or “glug”, it is simply the end user not being able to place the spout opening of the container fully within the engine opening quickly enough before the liquid begins flowing with “surge” and “glug” while rotating the container from vertical to horizontal and past horizontal for pouring.

Although pouring abilities of present day container bottles have improved over time, prior art containers are still lacking in the ability to pour a liquid into an engine without unwanted content spillage and lacking in the ability to avoid the use of a funnel for pouring assistance especially for the average non-skilled consumer. It is not the intent nor the design of the present invention to reduce or eliminate common “surge” or “glug” during dispensing but it is the intent and design of the present invention to eliminate unintended liquid content spillage during dispensing in spite of “surge” and “glug”. It is also the intent of the present invention to eliminate the need for the use of a funnel or other pouring assistance device to assist in the action of pouring a liquid from a container bottle into an automotive engine or other equipment.

Now having described a preferred embodiment of the present invention this description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as illustration of the preferred embodiment. For example a portion of the container body may include grooves, ridges indices, and other superficial features and/or other graphic labels not described in the specification. There may be a transparent portion or portions of the container for visibility in part of the fluid content, it may be manufactured in variables of the structural material described, it may have a 90 degree upright spout rather than a more than 90 degree angular spout. The container may have an offset spout that is fully to one side rather than partially to one side with different slope wall angles, it may be of other liquid volume capacities and may have flush or near flush body walls relative to the structure rather than body walls recessed relative to the structure without departing from the intended purpose. Therefore the spirit and scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims and their legal limitations rather than by descriptions given.