Abstract:
An improved resilient pour spout for paint cans and similar containers that seals off the groove into which the lid of the container mates while preventing the liquid contents from flowing down the surface of the container. When not in use, the spout is stored on the sealed container in an inverted position so as not to take up additional space on the storage shelf. In this position, the trough of the spout will be tight against the container while its exposed outer surface provides a surface for retailers to display advertising. The spout also acts as a base for a second container that may be stacked concentrically above, thereby safely and neatly interconnecting the two containers. The pour spout has the option to be molded in a set so as to provide a carrier for the bulk shipment of several containers thereby reducing the cost of packaging.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. 120 based upon Provisional Application #60/411,523, Sep. 19, 2002 

   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not Applicable 
   REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
   Not Applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to assist in pouring a liquid, such as paint, from a can. More specifically, the present invention relates to an integral pour spout mounted flush with the can so as to provide a means to facilitate vertical storage and shipping as well as a surface to display graphics. 
   It is well known that the standard paint container consists of a one-gallon can with a metal press-on lid. This lid has a formed flange that fits into a circular groove around the circumference of the container thereby sealing the paint within. After removal of the lid, paint may be poured out of the can or a brush may be dipped into the paint whereby removing the paint directly from the can. In both instances, paint is inadvertently transferred into the circular groove that accepts the lid. This paint must be adequately removed from the groove prior to engaging the formed flange of the lid. If this is not done, the paint will likely harden around the flange of the lid making it difficult to remove when re-opening. In addition, while pouring paint from a can, the paint is susceptible to dripping down the exterior surface of the can. It is known that a lip to assist in pouring paint can be attached around the circumference of the container to prevent paint from being transferred into the groove. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,894,650 to Crump, U.S. Pat. No. 4,240,568 to Pool, U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,960 to Arnold, U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,089 to Palank, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,951 to Pruckler disclose an annular ring that attaches to the open rim of a can. While these devises will prevent the liquid contents from entering the groove around the top of the container they will not prevent the liquid contents from dripping down the exterior surface of the can. 
   As an alternative to protecting only the rim of the can, several other patents disclose a means of attaching a spout to one side of the rim. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,952,288 to Saxon, U.S. Pat. No. 2,767,891 to Beadles and U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,662 to Neff disclose a means of attaching a U-shaped trough to the open rim of the can. While these devises will assist in pouring the liquid from the container, they suffer the disadvantage of leaving the remaining rim and groove of the can unprotected and susceptible to paint transfer. 
   Several patents have combined the benefits of protecting the groove while providing a spout to assist in pouring the liquid from the container. For example U.S. Pat. No. 4,203,537 to McAlister, U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,714 to Gatz and U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,133 to Kensey disclose an annular rim for protecting the groove that combines a pour spout. In all cases, the prior art suffers the disadvantage of a spout that has to be removed from the top of the can and stored separately from the can itself when not in use. This takes up additional storage space and could result in misplacement of the spout if not stored in close proximity to the can. 
   Several patents have attempted to address the issue of storage. For example U.S. Pat. No. 2,720,346 to Compton discloses a method to store a spout on the exterior of a container in the inverted position by utilizing pressure adhesive tabs. U.S. Pat. No. 3,221,955 to Banaszak utilizes an integral clip that is adapted to be snapped onto the outer edge of the container so the attachment may be stored with the container in a hanging position. U.S. Pat. No. 3,239,113 to Knize engages the entire rim of the container and acts as a new attachment base for the press-on lid. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,469,735 to Burt discloses a means to store a protector of the container rim in the inverted position by engaging with the metal press-on lid. These patents demonstrate a need for a spout that is stored directly on the can to reduce the possibility of the spout being lost or misplaced. However, in each case the attachment takes up additional storage space on the container and has the disadvantage of not being able to accommodate the storage of additional containers. 
   Paint containers are typically stacked in the retail store, one on top of the other. The containers do not interlock so this structure becomes unstable and creates a safety concern if more than a couple of cans are stacked together. It is very difficult and time consuming for stock personnel to stack the containers concentrically on top of one another so it is seldom done. The visual image of paint containers precariously stacked one on top of the other, is one of disorder creating an unkempt appearance. It has been demonstrated by U.S. Pat. No. 3,173,574 to Goldsmith, U.S. Pat. No. 3,913,785 to Pattershall and U.S. Pat. No. 3,980,213 to Ramsay that by attaching a properly formed cover or lid to the opening of a container it is possible to stack additional containers in a stable position above. Thus there is a further need for an integral spout that allows a means of alignment of the paint containers so that they may be stacked concentrically on top of one another while structurally interlocking. 
   Paint containers are shipped for retail distribution in bundles. For single gallon containers a bundle generally consists of four cans packaged in a box or in a cardboard tray. The boxes and trays can then be palletized for bulk shipments. The cardboard that makes up the boxes and trays is expensive. In addition, the boxes take up a lot of space when discarded and result in material waste. It is well known that cylindrical containers can be combined together such as in a six-pack of beverage cans. Such a multi-packaging device is disclosed in Pat. No. 4,462,494 to Cunningham. Thus there is an additional need for an inexpensive method of packaging the paint containers that will also eliminate the volume of cardboard waste that currently exists. 
   Another device used by painters is a stirring stick used for mixing paint. These include hand held mixing paddles as well as devices that are inserted into electric hand drills. Such drill operated devises are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,733,645 to Seiler and U.S. Pat. No. 4,083,653 to Stiffler. Thus there is a further additional need to provide such a mixing device integral with the spout attachment. 
   The paint container and lid are very generic in construction. One paint manufacturer may use a container that is indistinguishable from another paint manufacturer. The only distinguishing element on the container is the label, which typically encircles the entire can from top to bottom. This label leaves little or no room on the container for the retailer to display a trademark, logo and the like. In addition, once the paint leaves the retail store, the identity of where the paint was purchased has been lost. Thus there is a need for integral graphics which can be applied to the container without altering the manufacturer&#39;s label so as to display the retailer&#39;s trademark, logo and the like. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Stated generally, the present invention consists of a pour spout to assist in pouring liquids such as paint from a can. A component of the spout is extended around the entire circumference of the can to protect paint from entering the groove, which is occupied by the lid when the can is closed while providing a means to clean excess paint off a brush. The spout is stored in an inverted position directly on top of the can when not in use so as to reduce the likelihood of being lost or misplaced. The spout will also facilitate stacking of additional paint cans directly on top by providing a vertical lip that structurally interlocks the cans. The spout additionally provides a means of bundling several containers together for bulk shipments. The spout further provides a surface onto which graphics can be displayed. 
   Stated somewhat more specifically, the present invention consists of a downward facing circular channel that engages the exposed rim at the top of a container such as a paint can once the lid has been removed. The channel completely covers the entire circumference of the can and protects paint from entering the groove, which is occupied by the lid when the can is closed. Approximately halfway around the circumference, a trough to assist in pouring liquid from the can extends upward, perpendicular to the web, at the outer edge of the channel and is curved on a radius that is slightly larger than the radius of the can. On the remaining half of the circumference, a lip to assist in cleaning off excess liquid or paint from a brush extends inward in the same plane as the web of the channel. This lip may include a further extension to be used as a pull-tab for removal of the spout from the container. In addition, a smaller flange extends upward in the same relation as the trough so that if the spout is removed from the top of the can and inverted it will fit snugly over the top of the can once the lid has been replaced. To reduce storage space, the spout may be placed in this inverted position. While in the inverted position, the outermost exterior flange of the channel extends upward; thus enabling additional cans to be stored concentrically and directly on top. Several spouts can be manufactured so that they are interconnected to form a structural framework. When the interconnected spouts are placed in the inverted position on a like number of containers, the structural support created at the top of the containers enables the cylinders of the containers to be bound together inexpensively with a material such as plastic shrink wrap. In addition, with the spout in the inverted position, graphics, such as the name or logo of a retail store, may be displayed on the exterior surface of the lip. 
   Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved pour spout for paint cans and the like which assists in the transfer of liquid from the can while keeping the rim and exterior surface dry and free from the liquid. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a means whereby the spout can be easily and cleanly removed and conveniently stored on the can when not in use. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide for an integral means of vertical storage of additional paint containers so that they can be stacked concentrically on top of one another while interlocking structurally. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a means whereby the spout can be interconnected during manufacture so as to provide a structural framework for bundling several containers together for bulk shipments so as to reduce the cost of packaging. The addition of a four-blade stir paddle may be incorporated into the structural framework to help support the cans in the bundled position. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a surface for integral graphics which can be applied to the container without altering the manufacturer&#39;s label so as to display the retailer&#39;s trademark, logo and the like. 
   Other objects, features, and advances of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification, when taken in conjunction with the drawings and appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of the spout according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the spout shown in the pour position. 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the spout shown in the pour position 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view along line  4 — 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5  is a sectional view along line  5 — 5  of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the spout in the stored position. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of the spout in the stored position with a second can stacked above. 
       FIG. 8  is a front view of the spout in the stored position with a second can stacked above. 
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view along  9 — 9  of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 10  is a sectional view along  10 — 10  of  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the spout shown in the pour position. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view that illustrates a method of connecting a set of pour spouts together. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an optional stir paddle integrated into the assembly depicted in  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the stir paddle detached from the spout assembly depicted in  FIG. 13 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout several views.  FIG. 1  depicts a pour spout  10  and its relationship to a paint container  12  onto which it will engage.  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  depict the present invention in the pour position. The pour spout  10  of the preferred embodiment is comprised of polypropylene, though other types of flexible and resilient plastic or rubber based materials are also suitable. The pour spout  10  consists of a circular channel cover  14 , a pour trough  20  and a control trough  30 . The circular channel cover  14  consists of three horizontal surfaces: the rim channel protector  24 , the stacking spacer  40  and the brush wipe  36 . The pour spout  10  is removed from the paint container  12  by pulling up on the pull-tab  38 . This will disengage the circular channel cover  14  closest to the pull-tab  38 . As the pull-tab  38  is pulled further, the circular channel cover  14  continues to disengage until the pour spout  10  is completely removed. When the pour spout  10  is installed in the pour position as shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , the rim channel protector  24  and stacking spacer  40  seal off the rim channel  54  and eliminate the possibility of paint from entering. The brush wipe  36  is a horizontal extension of the rim channel protector  24  but is present only in two places around the inner circumference of the pour spout  10 . The two brush wipes  36  are separated by the pull-tab  38  and cover approximately 90 degrees around the inner circumference of the pour spout  10 . The brush wipes  36  extend inward toward the center of the circle and provide a stiff edge on which to remove excess paint from a brush. pull-tab  38 . This will disengage the circular channel cover  14  closest to the pull-tab  38 . As the pull-tab  38  is pulled further, the circular channel cover  14  continues to disengage until the pour spout  10  is completely removed. When the pour spout  10  is installed in the pour position as shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , the rim channel protector  24  and stacking spacer  40  seal off the rim channel  54  and eliminate the possibility of paint from entering. The brush wipe  36  is a horizontal extension of the rim channel protector  24  but is present only in two places around the inner circumference of the pour spout  10 . The two brush wipes  36  are separated by the pull-tab  38  and cover approximately 90 degrees around the inner circumference of the pour spout  10 . The brush wipes  36  extend inward toward the center of the circle and provide a stiff edge on which to remove excess paint from a brush. 
   Two flanges  22 ,  28  extend downward from the horizontal surfaces created by the rim channel protector  24  and the stacking spacer  40 . The inner rim lock  22  extends downward from the rim channel protector  24  along its entire innermost circumference. The inner rim lock  22  is slightly curved so as to capture and lock around the inner rim  52  of the paint container  12 . The lower outer flange  28  extends downward from the stacking spacer  40  along its entire curved outermost circumference. The lower outer flange  28  along with the stacking spacer  40  captures the upper outer rim  50  of the paint container  12 . The lower outer flange  28  tapers toward a thin free edge away from the stacking spacer  40  which allows for slight tolerance variations of the upper outer rim  50 . The lower outer flange  28  extends downward slightly further than the inner rim lock  22  to ensure the pour spout  10  is properly centered on the paint container  12  prior to engagement of the inner rim lock  22 . The inner rim lock  22  is engaged by applying minimal downward force in a circular manner along the uppermost surface of the rim channel protector  24 . 
   Extending vertically upward from the stacking spacer  40  is the pour trough  20 . The pour trough  20  reaches approximately one-half of the way around the outermost circumference of the pour spout  10  and occupies an area around the circumference not occupied by the brush wipe  36  and opposite the pull-tab  38 . The unsupported free edge of the pour trough  20  is curved and shaped to facilitate pouring of a liquid from the paint container  12 . The outermost free edge of the pour trough  20  has a reverse curve to form a control trough  30 . The control trough  30  helps to direct the paint out of the pour spout  10  in a controlled manner. On the exterior edge of the control trough  30 , a drip lip  32  is provided so as to prevent paint from flowing back over the graphics surface  34  and onto the generally cylindrical can body  60 . The graphics surface  34  provides an area on the pour spout  10  for printed or embossed type graphics. Also extending vertically upward from the stacking spacer  40  is the upper flange  26 . The upper flange  26  reaches approximately halfway around the outermost circumference of the pour spout  10  and occupies the area around the circumference not occupied by the pour trough  20 . 
     FIG. 6  depicts the present invention in the stored position. When the pour spout  10  is installed in the stored position as shown in  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 10 , the upper flange  26  along with the stacking spacer  40  captures the upper outer rim  50  of the paint container  12 . The upper flange  26  is slightly thinner at the free edge away from the stacking spacer  40  that allows for slight tolerance variations of the upper outer rim  50 . In the stored position, the pour trough  20  extends downward with its surface parallel to the generally cylindrical can body  60 . In this position, the graphics surface  34  is oriented in the appropriate manner to display logos, graphics and the like. In the stored position, the lower outer flange  28  and the inner rim lock  22  project upward. The lower outer flange  28  will capture the lower rim  56  of a second paint container  12  if placed concentrically on top. The weight of a second paint container  12  on top is transferred from the lower rim  56  into the stacking spacer  40  and then into the upper outer rim  50  of the paint container  12  below. The inner rim lock  22  has the ability to deflect downward if contacted by the can bottom  58 . When the pour spout  10  is in the stored position, the opening of the lower paint container  12  is generally sealed tightly with the metal press-on lid  62 . 
     FIG. 11  depicts the pour spout  10  with an alternate configuration for the pull-tab  42 . While in the pour position, the pull-tab  42  projects upward in the same manner and around the same circumference as the pour trough  20 . When this alternate configuration is placed in the stored position, it is evident that there is no longer a need for the upper flange  26  as the pour trough  20  and the pull-tab  42  capture the paint container  12  on two opposing sides. In addition, the brush wipe  36  can be combined into a single wipe  44  and extend continuously opposite the pour trough  20 . 
     FIG. 12  depicts the present invention in a set of four (4), which are attached by four (4) connectors  46 . The connectors  46  are comprised of the same material as the pour spout  10  and are located 90 degrees apart at the two points around the circumference defined by the least distance to the adjoining adjacent pour spouts. The connectors  46  may be of slightly less thickness to facilitate easy detachment. The four (4) connectors  46  create a structural framework  16  of four interconnected spouts. It will be appreciated that applying the framework  16  to a like number of paint containers will structurally maintain the position of the paint containers so that a shrink or plastic wrap can be applied to the bundle prior to shipment. 
     FIG. 13  depicts the structural framework  16  with the addition of a stir-paddle  18 . The stir-paddle  18  provides additional stability to support the sides of the containers when they are bundled together. After shipment, the stir-paddle  18  can be easily detached and used in conjunction with an electric drill to assist in mixing the contents of the container  12 . 
     FIG. 14  illustrates the stir-paddle  18  after it has been detached from the structural framework  16 . The stir-paddle  18  consists of a circular or hexagonal shaft  72  the length of which is slightly less than the height of the container  12 . The diameter of the shaft  72  is approximately 6 mm, however other practical diameters may be used that are compatible with a standard electric hand drill. At the upper end of the shaft, four blades  74  project radially outward to a distance at which they may be conveniently attached to the connectors  46  of the structural framework  16 . The height of the blades  74  shall be sufficient to provide support to the bundled containers as well as allow for proper mixing of the contents of the container  12 . Each of the blades  74  has several openings  76  where material has been eliminated from the blade  74 . The openings  76  may be comprised of parallel cutouts as illustrated or any other shape whereby enough material is left remaining in the blade to provide support to the bundled containers as well as allow for proper mixing of the contents of the container  12 . 
   It will be appreciated that the pour spout  10  of the disclosed embodiments provides numerous advantages over the prior art pour spouts. First, the pour spout of the present invention eliminates the liquid contents from dripping down the exterior surface of the can when transferring paint by either brush or pour. This is accomplished while adequately and completely sealing off the groove formerly occupied by the lid and the contents of the container are exposed. Second, the spout can easily be removed by means of a pull-tab without transfer of wet paint to the hands or adjacent surfaces. Third, when the spout is not in use, it may be stored integrally on the container in an inverted position; thus reducing storage space and eliminating the possibility of misplacement. Fourth, the interlocking feature of the pour spout facilitates a neat and safe storage of additional containers by means of a structural interlock. Fifth, by providing a means to structurally interconnect several cans in a bundle to facilitate shipping and eliminate the need for cardboard boxes or trays thus reducing shipping costs. The addition of a stir-paddle may be incorporated into the interconnected framework to assist in container separation and structural integrity of the bundle for shipment. The stir-paddle can also be removed by the end user to assist in mixing the contents of the container. Lastly, the spout of the present invention provides for a surface to display advertising that may be displayed on the container without affecting the label provided on the can by the manufacturer. 
   While the preferred embodiment has been disclosed with respect to a paint can, it will be appreciated that the design is equally applicable to other types and sizes of containers that have a liquid contents such as stains, solvents, cleaners and the like. 
   Finally, it will be understood that the preferred embodiment has been disclosed by way of example, and that other modifications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.