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US 12,698,197 B2Granted
Fluid dispenser
AssigneeStarbucks Corporation
InventorJoseph E. Gormley
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for dispensing a liquid can include a dispenser coupled to a container. The dispenser can be configured to move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the dispenser can be configured to dispense the liquid. The container can be in an inverted position such that an opening of the container is facing downward.
Claims28
An apparatus for dispensing a liquid, the apparatus comprising:
- a dispenser configured to be coupled to a container and configured to move between an open position and a closed position, the dispenser comprising an outlet an air docking tube extending perpendicular to a length of the dispenser measured along an axis extending through the outlet of the dispenser and the container when the dispenser is coupled to the container,
- wherein, in the open position, the dispenser is configured to dispense the liquid from the container through the outlet of the dispenser when the container is in an inverted position with an opening of the container facing downward, and
- wherein the outlet of the dispenser is positioned below and aligned with the opening of the container when the container is in the inverted position.
An apparatus for dispensing a liquid, the apparatus comprising:
- a dispenser comprising:
- a tube comprising a lumen with an inlet and an outlet;
- a cross lumen intersecting with the lumen of the tube between the inlet and the outlet of the tube, wherein a length of the cross lumen extends substantially perpendicular to the lumen of the tube;
- and
- a valve positioned within the cross lumen, the valve comprising a body having an enlarged portion configured to block the lumen of the tube and a neck portion configured to allow liquid to flow from the lumen of the tube and around the neck portion, wherein a diameter of the neck portion is smaller than a diameter of the enlarged portion,
- wherein the dispenser is configured to receive a container in an upside down position, such that an opening of the container is positioned below a remainder of the container, the dispenser configured to move between an open position and a closed position,
- wherein, in the open position, the dispenser is configured to dispense the liquid from the container.
4 more elements
An apparatus for dispensing a liquid, the apparatus comprising:
- a dispenser comprising:
- a tube comprising a lumen with an inlet and an outlet;
- a cross lumen intersecting with the lumen of the tube between the inlet and the outlet of the tube, wherein a length of the cross lumen extends substantially perpendicular to the lumen of the tube;
- a valve positioned within the cross lumen, wherein the dispenser is configured to receive a container in an upside down position, such that an opening of the container is positioned below a remainder of the container, the dispenser configured to move between an open position and a closed position;
- an air docking tube extending substantially perpendicular to a length of the dispenser;
- an air channel in fluid communication with an aperture of the air docking tube;
- and
- a sealing plug configured to prevent liquid from passing between the sealing plug and the opening of the container when the container is received by the dispenser, wherein the sealing plug comprises an inner protrusion that extends radially inward from an inner wall of the sealing plug,
- wherein, in the open position, the dispenser is configured to dispense the liquid from the container.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.