Patent ID: 6629624
Filing Date: 2003-10-07
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
A drink spout system, comprising:a body having a base portion adapted to be coupled to a drink container having a compartment adapted to contain drink fluid and a dispensing portion coupled to the base portion and selectively movable relative thereto, wherein the dispensing portion includes an outlet through which drink fluid passes as it is dispensed from the drink spout system, and further wherein the dispensing portion defines at least a portion of a fluid conduit through which drink fluid flows through the drink spout system to the outlet; a valve assembly adapted to selectively permit drink fluid to flow through the fluid conduit to the outlet, wherein the valve assembly is selectively configurable between a dispensing position, in which drink fluid may flow through the fluid conduit to the outlet, and a closed position, in which the valve assembly prevents drink fluid from passing through the fluid conduit to the outlet, wherein the dispensing portion is adapted to urge the valve assembly to its dispensing position as the dispensing portion is moved in a direction generally toward the valve assembly; and an air return system adapted to permit air from external the compartment to enter the compartment as drink fluid is dispensed from the outlet, wherein the air return system includes at least one air return inlet on the body through which air from external the drink container may be drawn as drink fluid is dispensed through the drink spout system, at least one air return outlet in fluid communication with the at least one air return inlet and adapted to deliver the air into the compartment as drink fluid is dispensed through the drink spout system, and at least one air passage interconnecting the at least one air return inlet and the at least one air return outlet, wherein the air return system further includes a return valve assembly that is selectively configurable between an open position, in which air may pass through the at least one air passage and into the compartment, and a closed position, in which the return valve assembly obstructs the at least one air passage so that air may not pass through the at least one air passage and into the compartment, and further wherein the return valve assembly is adapted to automatically return to the closed position.