MXPA06000784A - Spout - Google Patents

Abstract

An insert (18) for a container (10) includes an outer wall (110), a upstanding spout (112), and a bottom wall (114). The outer wall (110) is configured to fit within an opening (32) of the container and defines the periphery of the insert (18) . The outer wall (110) has a lower edge (118) and an upper edge (116) that is disposed at a first elevation. The upstanding spout (112) is located within the outer wall (110) and includes at least one substantially straight portion (124). The straight portion (124) has a lower edge (144) as well as a substantially straight upper edge (134) that is disposed at a second elevation less than the first elevation. The bottom wall (114) connects the lower edge (118) of the outer wall (110) and the lower edge (144) of the spout (112) to form a channel (162) between the outer wall (110) and the spout (112).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to the field of dispensers for containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of dispensers for containers that are used in the distribution, sale and use of paint. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Typically, paint for application to a house or building for both indoor and outdoor applications, is sold in a gallon, cylindrical metal container. The metal container includes a round base and a cylindrical side wall attached to, and extending from the base.

The side wall terminates in an edge or edge having a U-shaped channel that frictionally receives and interconnects a plug or cover having an annular U-shaped ring that extends downward, which is frictionally interconnected by the walls of the wall. U-shaped channel. The lid of a conventional paint container is removed by applying a lever to the annular ring outside the channel. This is achieved by using a lever between an outer top edge of the cylinder and the outer edge of the lid. To ensure that the lid does not fall out of the container, the interference / friction fit between the ring annular of the lid and the U-shaped channel of the container is sufficient to require the use of tools to remove the lid. Accordingly, a lever such as a screwdriver is used to pry open the lid off its upper edge site using the edge of the side wall as a fulcrum to apply sufficient force to the outer edge of the lid to remove the lid. annular U-shaped channel ring. Depending on the amount of friction to be overcome, a user typically must apply pressure at several points around the circumference of the lid and container. Repeated insertion of the lever may result in damage to the lid or coating on the inner surface of the metal lid which is intended to prevent oxidation or contamination of the paint. The paint can be poured from the container into a tray or other smaller container to be used by the painter to apply the paint to the intended surface either by brush, pad, roller or other mechanical or electrical system: Almost every time When the paint is poured, the paint drips down the outside of the cylindrical wall and covers any identification label. If the dripping is significant, the paint may scratch the outer edge of the cylindrical wall and drip to the supporting surface on which the container has been placed. In any case, a certain amount of paint will be trapped within the annular U-shaped ring of the upper edge of the cylindrical side wall. When the lid is placed back on top of the container, the U-shaped ring extending down over the lid will be soiled by the paint in the annular receiving area of the cylindrical wall. This creates a potential problem the next time the lid is removed and placed on a support surface. The paint on the annular surface may soil the surface on which the paint lid rests or the user's hands when the lid is replaced again after use. If latex paint is found in the container then the latex may dry in the channel and act as an adhesive between the cover and the container, making subsequent removal of the cover more difficult. Dry paint in the channel can prevent an air tight seal as a result of paint build-up which prevents the cover from fully seating within the channel. In addition, paint trapped in the channel can be spattered around the room when the cover is replaced and the trapped paint will likely spill over the edge and flute the flank of the container. Additionally, if the pot itself is used as the container from which the painter dips the brush, a significant amount of paint will accumulate in the channel and when the brush is removed and the excess paint is wiped off the edge of the pot. In addition, the inner annular rim of the container channel makes it difficult to uniformly clean the paint of the brush. This results in uneven application of the paint on the brush and on the surface to be painted. In addition, the cylindrical container has other disadvantages in the shipment, display and handling of the container by the user. First, since the containers are round, the area between the cans represents wasted space when the containers are shipped from the factory to the point of retail sale. This wasted space must be paid in terms of boarding costs. Similarly, shelf space at the retail point of sale is wasted by the area between the boats. Since the cans are cylindrical, the label must also be cylindrical and therefore does not present the ideal display surface for the consumer at the point of retail sale. As the consumer typically walks the length of the island, the consumer observes the container at an angle which reveals only a portion of the label. Many display shelves also allow more than one boat to be stacked in a front-to-back mode. The cylindrical shape also limits the number of rows of cans that can be stacked on an exhibition shelf. The handle of typical paint containers is a thin, curved wire, composed of a .105 caliber material that is driven into the user's hand under the weight of the paint and container. It is difficult to transport more than one paint container in each hand using the curved wire. Additionally, the curved wire handle requires that pivot or "ear" supports be added to the outer surface of the cylindrical can. These pivot supports add assembly and material costs to the container. The pivot supports also affect the way in which containers for shipping and display must be packaged. Since the pivot supports extend outwardly from the container, additional space is required between the products or the positioning such that the pivot supports are in the area of "dead" space between the containers. Cylindrical paint cans do not provide a surface to support a paint brush. To balance a paint brush over the open container, the brush must be supported by two points on the outer lip. This is most easily achieved with the bristles balanced at one point and the clamp balanced at another point. As discussed above, the paint often accumulates in the container channel, resulting in the clamp or handle getting dirty. Alternatively, if the channel contains no paint, the placement of the bristles on the edge of the container will likely result in paint runoff into the channel and / or over the edge of the container / which will likely soil the clamp or the clamp will be clamped or the handle is subsequently placed on the dirty region. Paint that falls into the channel also presents a problem when the lid is being secured to the container after use. The paint in the channel is forced out of the channel when the ring annular of the cover is being placed inside the channel. Unless the cover is covered, the paint in the channel will splash around the room when the cover is firmly attached to the container. This result is due to the fact that the cover must be fully seated within the channel and significant force is required. Typically a rubber mallet is used and the lid is struck several times with significant force. Another problem with existing paint containers is that if the paint is stirred in the container with the lid firmly fixed, the lower part of the lid will be covered with paint and becomes difficult to handle when removed from the container. From the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide a paint container that would minimize shipping costs and allow a maximum number of containers to be stacked on a retail point of sale shelf per linear display foot. It would also be desirable to provide a product and method for displaying a paint product that makes unbent labeling possible. It would be desirable to provide a container that can be placed correctly on the shelf, and not easily rotate to a position that makes it difficult for a consumer to observe the label. Another characteristic that would be desirable is a container system that facilitates the stacking of the containers facing one another. It would also be desirable to provide a container having a paint recovery pouring mechanism to maintain a clean working area. It would also be desirable to provide a paint container that eliminates the need for handle holders or ears on the cylinder. It would also be desirable to provide a handle that is easy to use by the user and is not incisive in the user's hand. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a container with a lid that also serves as a paint container. It would still be desirable to provide a cover that can be firmly fixed on the container without the need for tools. It would be desirable further to provide a container with a spout to allow a brush to be inserted into the container and include a non-curved edge to allow even cleaning of the brush. It would further be desirable to provide a spout that facilitates the pouring of viscous materials such as paint. It would also be desirable to provide a dispenser that makes it easier for a user to remove and replace the lid. In addition, it would be desirable to provide a container that does not permanently deform when it falls or hits. It would further be desirable to provide safe surfaces for a container having one or more of the above characteristics to be employed in stirring equipment, to mix and / or stir the paint. It would be desirable to provide a paint container with the above characteristics individually or in any combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An exemplary embodiment refers to an insert for a container. The insert for a container includes an outer wall, a straight spout, and a bottom wall. The outer wall is configured to fit within an opening of the container and defines the periphery of the insert. The outer wall has a lower edge and an upper edge which are arranged at a first elevation. The straight spout is positioned within the outer wall and includes at least a substantially straight portion. The straight portion has a lower edge as well as a substantially straight upper edge which are disposed at a second elevation less than the first elevation. The bottom wall connects the lower edge of the outer wall and the lower edge of the spout to form a channel between the outer wall and the spout. Another embodiment refers to a container. The container includes a body and an insert. The body defines a partially closed volume having an access opening defined by a neck. The insert is attached to the neck and includes a straight peripheral wall, a straight spout, and a channel. The straight peripheral wall is configured to be fixed within the neck of the container. The straight spout is located within the peripheral wall and includes a first straight region and a second straight portion. Each of the first straight portion and the second straight portion has a substantially straight upper edge and a substantially straight lower edge. The channel is arranged between the peripheral wall and the spout and includes an opening to provide access to the volume defined by the body. A further embodiment refers to an insert for a container having a body defining a volume as well as a neck defining an opening in the body. The neck of the container has a lower end close to the body and an upper edge distant from the body. The insert includes a cylindrical outer wall, a spout, and a back wall. The cylindrical outer wall is configured to engage the neck. The spout is located within the cylindrical outer wall, and includes a first side, a second side, and a third side. The first side has a lower edge, a substantially straight upper edge, a first end, and a second end. The second side is coupled to the first end of the first side at an angle with respect to the first side. The second side has an upper edge and a lower edge. The third side is coupled to the second end of the first side at an angle with respect to the first side. The third side has an upper edge and a lower edge. The bottom wall extends between the lower edge of the cylindrical outer wall and the lower edges of the first side, the second side, and the third side, to form a channel between the spout and the cylindrical outer wall. The upper edge of the first side of the spout is located below the upper end of the neck. An even further embodiment refers to a container. The container includes a body and an insert. The body defines a partially closed volume having an access opening. The insert is formed integrally with the body and cooperates with the access opening. The insert includes a straight peripheral wall, a straight spout, and a channel. The straight peripheral wall is configured to be fixed within the access opening. The straight spout is located within the peripheral wall and includes a first straight portion and a second straight portion. The first straight portion has a substantially straight upper edge and a lower edge. The channel is disposed within the peripheral wall and the spout includes an opening to provide access to the volume defined by the body. Another embodiment refers to a paint container. The paint container includes a body, a spout, and a bottom wall. The body includes an upper portion, a flat side, and an arched side. The upper portion has an opening extending therethrough. The spout is co-molded to the body and cooperates with the opening in the upper portion. The spout is separated from the body and has a straight pouring edge close to the arched side of the body. The bottom wall is located between the body and the spout. The body, the spout, and the bottom wall form a channel between the body and the spout. Alternative exemplary embodiments refer to other characteristics and combinations of features as may be mentioned generally in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a paint container according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the paint container illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a dispenser insert according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the spout shown in FIG. 3, taken generally along the lines A-A.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the spout shown in FIG. 3, taken in general along lines B-B.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the spout shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the spout in FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is a side view of the spout shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 11 is a side view of the spout shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to another exemplary embodiment. FIG. 13 is a side view of the spout shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a top view of the spout shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the spout shown in FIG. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a container 10 includes a body 12, a lid 14, a handle 16, and a jet insert 18. The body 12 has a general D-shaped configuration and includes a bottom 20, a front wall 22, an opposite rear wall 24, and first and second side walls, 26, 28. The body 12 includes an upper part 30 having a neck 32 with external threads 34. The use of the front and back terms refers to the position in which the container can be placed on a retail rack. While the container can be placed on a retail shelf in any orientation, the front wall 22 provides a flat surface for an exhibit label. While the container is in actual use, the location of the dispenser 18 can be considered the front; however, for the purposes of this description, the dispenser 18 is closer to the rear wall 24. The upper part 30 also includes a first contact region 36 near the neck 32, a second angled transition region 38 and a top region 40 configured to support the handle 16. The contact region 36 may be flat or parallel to a horizontal plane as illustrated or may have another profile. The adjacent sides 26, 28 and upper 30 are a pair of handle support regions 42 that begin lower than the first contact region 36 and the upward angle of the transition region 38 and the bottom region. The region 42, when measured from a vertical plane in one embodiment, preferably has 45 degrees. Additionally, a back support region 44 as described below, supports the handle 16 in a backward position close to the spout 18. The rear support region 44 of the handle when measured from a vertical plane is preferably approximately 60 degrees. The angle of the support region 44 in combination with the size of the handle 16 prevents the handle 16 from contacting the jet 18 or the rear portion of the body 12, and still provides space on the lid 14 for lifting the handle 16. Accordingly, other angles of the region 44 can be used. The body 12 also includes a concave region 46 extending through the substantially flat front wall 22 and around at least a portion of the curved rear wall 24. The concave region 46 can receive a label that could be applied during the forming operation such as labeling in the mold for a component formed of plastic. A label can also be applied to the container after the container has been formed. A front edge 48 of the upper support region 40 may be curved or bevelled as a transition in the front wall 22. This transition edge 48 provides a simple surface for a user to be able to grasp the handle 16. While the front edge 48 may have a concave region that allows a user to slide their fingers under the handle, the handle 16 may also include a recess 50 either in addition to a recess in the edge 48 or independently of such recess. An interruption in the interface between the handle 16 and the upper part 30 and the front wall 22 allows the user to easily grasp and lift the handle 16. A lower pocket 52 is located at the lower edge of the container 10 between the front wall 22 and the bottom 20. The bottom recess 52 allows a user to reach the bottom of the container 10 while the container 10 is resting on a support surface or on another container 10. The recess 52 of the bottom facilitates the pouring of the paint from the container 10. The bottom hole 52 connects to a hollow or finger well (not shown) that extends into the container 10 from the bottom 20. The finger gap can be located immediately adjacent the bottom hole 52 or it can be connected to the bottom recess 52 with a recess channel (not shown). The bottom recess 52, the recess channel, and the finger recess can be configured to comfortably rest on a user's hand to assist in pouring the contents from the container. While a hand is holding the handle 16, a second hand can be holding the bottom by using the bottom hole 52, the finger gap, and the gap channel together or in any combination of these features. The height of the bottom recess 52 when measured from a container support surface, or when measured from the lowest support features in the bottom 20, may be sufficient to allow a user to insert their fingers or portion of their finger in the hollow of the bottom, the hollow of the channel, and / or the hollow of finger. This would allow a user in combination with the handle to easily lift the container from a support surface such as a retail point of sale shelf, table or other container. The bottom 20 may also include a lid gap (not shown) that is configured to receive a portion of the lid 14 when similar containers 10 are stacked one on top of the other. The lid recess may include a periphery having features corresponding to those of the lid 14 such as indentations to mate with the recesses 59 that are provided on the lid 14. Alternatively, the recesses may have an outer diameter that is matched or exceeds the outer diameter of the lid 14. According to a preferred embodiment, the body 12 includes a pair of handle recesses extending within a support wall 62 of the handle adjacent to the first region 36 and the region 42 of support. The hollows of the handle are configured to frictionally receive a pair of rotating supports or projections extending inwardly from the handle 16. Of course, the container may include a pair of outwardly extending projections, which could be received inside. of a couple of holes in the handle. The projections and recesses allow the handle 16 to rotate from a first rest position in which the handle 16 is proximate the front wall 22 to a position in use until a forward position in which the handle 16 rests against the 44 support surface of the handle. The friction or interference fit between the handle hollow and the swivel brackets allows a user to place the handle in a preferred position and have the permanent handle in that position unattended. Additionally, when the lid is outside the body of the container, the frictional fixation will keep the handle without movement toward the spout area. The support surface 44 ensures that even if the handle 16 is pushed towards the rear wall 24, it will not fall completely opposite the pouring edge of the spout 18. In addition, the friction or interference fixation of the holes in the handle and the supports rotating also resists the movement of the legs of the handle 116, to extend outwards which could result in the rotating supports being disengaged from the gaps. In this manner, the handle 16 remains attached to the body 12 even though the holder 16 is supporting the full but of the paint in the container 10. In a preferred embodiment, the container 10 is blow molded in plastic. With reference even to FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle 16 includes a lower surface 70 having substantially the same profile as the handle support region 42, the transition region 38 and the upper region 40 of the body 12. As discussed above, the handle 16 includes a recess 50 extending upwardly within the bottom of the handle 16 toward a front surface 72, to provide a recess for a user to easily raise the handle 16 from the upper surface 40 of the container. The handle 16 includes a honeycomb structure that includes a plurality of ribs to provide strength and rigidity to the handle. Of course, a solid handle can also be used, however this adds cost and weight to the product. The handle can be molded by injection in plastic. The exterior surface of the upper portion 76 of the handle includes a ribbed pattern 78 to provide a grasping surface for the user. The ribbed pattern 78 can be formed from a softer material to provide additional comfort to the wearer. The handle 16 also includes a back surface 80. When the user holds the container 10 with the handle 16 in the upright position, the back surface 80 rests on the portion of the hand of a user who is bearing most of the weight of the container 10. The honeycomb structure of the handle 16 rests against the tip of the user's fingers over an area that is not bearing most of the weight of the container. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the handle 16 includes a recess 82 extending inward toward the back surface 80. The recess 82 provides a central position for the container 10 to hang from a hook, nail or other support structure. The recess 82 prevents the container 10 from sliding along the rear surface 80 when the container is being supported by a hook attached to a support surface such as a ladder. The handle 16 may also include an opening that extends to a central portion of the handle configured to receive a hook or other member to hang the container. In a preferred embodiment, the space between a central region of the handle 16 proximate the hollow 50 of the handle and the support hollow 82 and the upper part of the lid 14 is 2.54 cm (one inch) when the handle 16 is located. substantially vertical. When the upper portion 76 of the legs of the U-shaped handle 16 is adjacent to the support surface 44 of the handle, the space between the middle region of the handle 16 and the top of the lid 114 is 5. inches Of course, other spaces can be designed, however, there should be enough space there to allow a user to freely transport and pour the paint from the container. The widths of the support regions 42 and 44 of the handle are at least as wide as the handle 16 so that the outer periphery of the handle 16 does not extend beyond the outer periphery of the body 12. Similarly, the The pivot connection of the handle 16 is located such that the front surface 72 of the handle 16 does not extend beyond the front wall 22. The handle 16 further includes two raised projections 90 having the same height from the bottom 20 as that of the upper part of the lid 14, when the lid 14 is threadably fixed to the neck 32 of the body 12. The bottom 20 includes two stacking recesses (not shown) that are configured to receive the projections 90 of the handle 16. This provides a positive locator for the stacked containers 10 as well as stability for the stacked containers. The projections 90 are understood both in the transverse direction of the container and the leading / trailing direction resulting in a positive location in both directions. Nevertheless, the projections 90 and / or the stacking voids could be configured to restrict the stacked containers in a single direction. With reference to FIGS. 3-11, the spout insert 18 includes an outer wall 110, a spout 112, and a bottom wall 114. The bottom wall 110 is configured to slide within the neck 32 and includes features (described below) for securing the insert 18 within the neck 32. According to a preferred embodiment, the external wall 110 is a substantially cylindrical wall defining the periphery of the jet insert 18 and including an upper edge 116 and a lower edge 118. A small lip 120 extends radially outwardly from the upper edge 116, and serves as a stop to prevent the insert 18 from being pushed too far into, or through the neck 32. A protrusion 122 extends around the periphery of the wall 110 external, and is configured to engage a corresponding slot (not shown) provided inside the neck 32. The engagement of the protrusion 122 and the corresponding slot serves to maintain the spout 18 in the proper position with respect to the container 10. according to the alternative embodiments, the outer wall may include other features to prevent the insert being pushed too far into the neck of the container and / or to keep the insert in the neck, the insert may include threads on the external wall that engage the threads provided on the inner side of the neck when the insert is threaded into the neck. The insert can also be attached to the neck using frictional fit, friction welding, adhesives, or any of a wide variety of other techniques and methods known in the art. The spout 112 is provided within the periphery of the insert 18 (for example, the spout is located within, and separate from, the outer wall 110) and is generally configured to facilitate the pouring of the contents (e.g. or other fluids) from the container 10. According to a preferred embodiment, the spout 112 includes a first wall or side 124, a second wall or side 126, and a third wall or side 128. Each of the walls 124, 126 , and 128 are substantially flat panels having the same general orientation as the outer wall 110 (e.g., each of the walls 124, 126, and 128 lies in a plane that is substantially parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical outer wall 110. ). The walls 124, 126, and 128 are coupled together in a partial trapezoidal configuration, with the wall 126 forming the shorter of the two trapezoid parallel sides and the walls 124 and 128 forming the two non-parallel sides of the trapezoid that connect the two parallel sides. Accordingly, the wall 124 engages the end 130 of the wall 126 and the wall 128 engages the end 132 of the wall 126. The walls 124 and 128 extend from the ends 130 and 132 of the wall 126, respectively, to equal obtuse angles in general. The walls 124, 126, and 128 each have straight top edges 134, 136, and 138, respectively, upon which the contents of the container 10 (such as liquid coating materials such as paint, varnish, etc.).; Water; liquids; or other substances) are poured when the contents of the container 10 are removed using the spout 112. The straight top edges 134, 136, and 138 can also be used as brush cleaners to clean excessive paint from the brush. The upper edges 134, 136, and 138 define the height or elevation of the walls 124, 126, and 128, which maintain a constant overall height or elevation along their lengths. Each of the walls 124, 126, and 128 also have edges 144, 146, and 148, respectively, which define the bottom of the spout 112. The elevation or height of the top edges 134, 136, and 138 is approximately equal to, or slightly less than, the height of the upper edge 116 of the outer wall 110 and the upper edge of the neck 32. In addition to the walls 124, 126, and 128, the spout 112 includes the walls 150 and 152 extending from the ends 154 and 158 of the walls 124 and 128, respectively. The height of the walls 150 and 152 is reduced when the walls 150 and 152 extend away from the wall 124 and 128, respectively, until the walls 150 and 152 terminate. The walls 150 and 152 terminate before being intercepted with each other and they therefore leave an opening 160 in the opposite wall 126 of the spout 112. The function of the opening 160 will be described in more detail below. The bottom wall 114 extends between the outer wall 110 and the spout 112 and serves to engage the lower edge 118 of the outer wall 110 with the lower edges 144, 146, and 148 (and the lower edges of the walls 150 and 152 ). A channel 162 is thereby formed by the external wall 110, the bottom wall 114, and the spout 112, which extends around the insert 18 between the outer wall 110 and the spout 112. An opening 164 is provided in the channel 162 (partially on the bottom wall 114 and partially on the bottom portion of the external wall 110) at a location on the opposite wall 126. The opening 164 is configured such that substances (such as paint, for example) entering the channel 162 can pass through the opening 164 and drain back into the body 12 of the container 10. To direct any of the substances that can entering channel 162, towards opening 164, channel 162 slopes toward opening 164. To allow channel 162 to tilt toward opening 164, lower edge 118 of outer wall 110; bottom edges 144, 146, and 148 of walls 124, 126, 128, respectively; and bottom wall 114 are also tilted as necessary to allow channel 162 to tilt toward opening 164. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the spout insert 18 is preferably coupled to the container 10 such that the wall 126 is proximate the rear wall of the body 12 (eg, such that the wall 126 is the rearmost portion of the spout 112) . In such a configuration, a user of the container 10 can grasp the handle 16 with one hand and the bottom of the container 10 (more particularly, the bottom hole 52, the finger gap and / or the gap channel) with the other hand and pour the paint (or the material contained within the body 12) from the spout 112 on the upper right edge 136 and on the rear wall 124 of the container 10. Once the container 10 is returned to a vertical position, any paint that can having entered the channel 162 (such as during pouring or while cleaning a paint brush against one of the side edges of the spout 112) will flow into the opening 164 and return to the body 12 of the container 10. The channel 162 reduces at both the probability that the excess paint drips down the side of the container 10, which could hamper the ability to read any label that can be provided in the container 10 and which would allow the paint to remain in the surfaces for which painting is not intended. The opening 160 provided in the spout 112 can also serve to allow the paint to enter the channel 162 to return to the body 12. If it is desired to use the paint directly from the container 10, the user can simply apply the paint to his paint brush by inserting the paint brush into the body 12 between the walls 124, 126, and 128 (as well as the walls 150 and 152) of the spout 112. The edges 134, 136, and 138 straight upper ones can then be used to clean any excess paint from the brush. When the paint is finished, the user simply replaces the lid 14. With the edges 134, 136, and 138, upper of the walls 124, 126, and 128 respectively, no higher than the upper edge 116 of the external wall 110 and / or the upper edge of the neck 32, it may be easier to replace the lid 14 and any excess paint that may be on the outer side of the walls 124, 126 and / or 128 is less likely to be transferred to the lid 14 when the lid 14 is screwed onto the container 10. With reference to Figures 12-15, a spout insert 200 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. The spout insert 200 includes an outer wall 210, a spout 212, and a bottom wall 214, the outer wall 210 and the bottom wall 214 are substantially similar to the outer wall 110 and the bottom wall 114 described above with regard to with dispenser insert 18. The spout 212 also has characteristics similar to the characteristics of the spout 112. For example, the spout 212 includes a first wall or side 224, a second wall or side 226, and a third wall or side 228 coupled together in the same manner as the spouts. walls 124, 126, and 128 of the spout 112. In addition, the walls 224, 226, and 228 each have right upper edges 234, 236, and 238, respectively, onto which the contents of the container 10 are poured (e.g. paint, water, liquids or other substances) when the contents of the container 10 are removed using the spout 212. The upper edges 234, 236, and 238 define the elevation height of the walls 224, 226, and 228, which maintain a height or constant elevation in general along their lengths. The walls 224, 226, and 228 also have straight bottom edges 244, 246, and 248, respectively, defining the bottom of the spout 212. The spout 212 differs from the spout 112 in that the elevation of the walls 224, 226, and 228 is greater than the elevation or height of an upper edge 216 of the outer wall 210 and / or the upper edge of the neck 32. According to several alternative embodiments, the spout insert can take any of a plurality of different configurations. For example, any of the spout walls may extend vertically upwards or may have angles either towards or away from the center of the spout when they extend upwards. In addition, the upper edges of the walls may have the same elevation, or they may have different elevations. In addition, the elevation of the upper edge of one or more of the walls of the spout may vary along the length of the wall, or it may be constant. For example, the upper edge of one or more of the spout walls may be leveled or it may have an increasing or decreasing rise. The walls can also be configured such that the upper edge of the spout, as a whole, is level or such that it increases and / or is reduced in elevation. Additionally, the elevation of the spout walls may vary with respect to the height of the outer wall or with respect to the height of various parts of the container. Therefore, the upper edge of one or more of the spout walls may extend up, down, or be uniform with the upper edge of the outer wall, the upper edge of the neck of the container, and / or the edge of some another characteristic of the container. According to yet another alternative embodiment, the lower edge of one or more of the spout walls may be straight, curved, arched, or may have some other shape. further, the length of one or more of the spout walls may vary. The total size and shape of the spout may also vary. For example, the spout can be configured to allow a variety of paint brushes with different sizes to pass through the spout and into the body of the container. According to another alternative embodiment, one or more of the upper edges of the spout walls may have a honeycomb-like configuration intended to comb the excess paint of the paint brushes. According to another alternative embodiment, the spout can be formed integrally with the container. According to yet another alternative embodiment, the spout insert may not include an outer wall or a channel, but instead may be composed of one or more walls coupled together to form a spout. According to still other alternative embodiments, the spout insert includes only one of the openings provided in the channel and the opening provided in the spout. According to other alternative modalities, the transition between one or more of the spout walls may be a sharp, distinct corner; this may be rounded; it can be convergent or bevelled; or it may have some other gradual or abrupt transition. According to other alternative embodiments, the container may include an opening on a side different from its upper side and may include a spout insert within such an opening. It should be noted that references to "upper," "lower," "upper," "bottom," "height," and / or "elevation" refer to certain portions, positions and / or dimensions of the spout (and other parts of the spout). container) as they would appear when the container is placed as intended on a retail shelf, however, it should be understood that these references apply in the same way to the dispenser inserts (and other container parts) that are Therefore, the "lift" of the upper edge of a spout that extends horizontally out of the side of a container would be the same as the "lift" of an identical spout that extends vertically from the top of a container With reference now to Figures 1 and 2, the lid 14 serves as both a cover and a paint plate The cover 14 includes a downwardly extending wall extending from the top 170 of the top 14 between the external wall 110 and the jet 112 of the jet insert 18. The lid 14 further includes a wall 172 having internal threads that threadably engage the external threads 34 of the neck 32. The lid 14 may also include an indentation or recess on the top of the lid, which receives a logo molded inside and / or a very small amount of paint that allows the user to identify the color of the paint by the color of the small amount of paint on the lid. The small amount of paint would be on a white or colored sticker placed in the hole or slot on top of the lid. In one embodiment, the diameter of the lid is 10.16 cm (four inches) and includes a plurality of slots or corrugations to allow a user to easily grip and rotate the lid. Other modifications may be made in the design, arrangement and combinations of the elements without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. For example, a top member that includes one or more of the features discussed above, such as the spout, retrieval structure or channel, and others can be formed integrally with the body member or can be attached to the container as a separate component. . Additionally, the container may include transparent areas to allow the user to observe the contents of the container. In addition, the fixing of the lid can include a transparent area to indicate if the lid is firmly fixed to the container to prevent the paint accidentally spilling. Although the container has been mentioned as a paint container, other liquids can be stored as well. While some of the features have a unique application for the storage and application of paint, other features can be used for other liquids as well. Additionally, the label that is applied to the container may include a portion with blank space to allow the user or the manufacturer to smear or paint a sample of the paint on the container to clearly show what color is contained within the container and as it appears when it is painted on a white background. It is also noted that the features described in the specification and shown in the figures either individually or in combination, may also be combined with the individual or multiple features described herein or in the priority applications noted above. These and other modifications can be made in the design, arrangement and combination of the elements without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims (48)

1. CLAIMS 1. An insert for a container, characterized in that it comprises: an external wall configured to be fixed or fitted within an opening of the container and defining the periphery of the insert, the outer wall having an upper edge and a lower edge, upper edge that is disposed at a first elevation; a straight or erect spout located within the outer wall, the spout that includes at least a substantially straight portion, the straight portion that it has. a lower edge and a substantially straight upper edge, the upper edge of the spout which is disposed at a second elevation no greater than the first elevation; and a bottom wall connecting the lower edge of the outer wall and the lower edge of the spout to form a channel between the outer wall and the spout.
2. 2. The insert of claim 1, characterized in that the outer wall is circular.
3. The insert of claim 1, characterized in that the spout includes at least three substantially straight portions.
4. 4. The insert of claim 3, characterized in that each of the three straight portions has a substantially straight upper edge.
5. The insert of claim 4, characterized in that the elevations of the upper edges of the three substantially straight portions are equal.
6. The insert of claim 4, characterized in that each of the three substantially straight portions has a lower edge and wherein the lower edge of at least one of the three substantially straight portions gradually changes the elevation along the length of the bottom edge.
7. The insert of claim 1, characterized in that the channel includes an opening.
8. 8. The insert of claim 7, characterized in that the channel is inclined towards the opening.
9. The insert of claim 1, characterized in that the insert has a front side and a back side corresponding to a front side and a rear side of the container, and wherein the at least one straight portion is provided on one of the front sides and rear of the insert.
10. A container, characterized in that it comprises: a body defining a partially enclosed volume having an access opening defined by a neck; and an insert coupled to the neck, the insert comprising: a straight or upright peripheral wall configured to fit within the neck of the container; a straight or erect spout located within the peripheral wall, the spout including a first straight portion and a second straight portion, each of the first straight portion and the second straight portion having a substantially straight upper edge and a substantially lower lower edge straight; and a channel disposed between the peripheral wall and the spout, the channel including an opening to provide access to the volume defined by the body.
11. The container of claim 10, characterized in that the neck has a lower edge close to the body and an upper edge distant from the body, the upper edge of the neck that is at a first distance from the body.
12. 12. The container of claim 11, characterized in that the upper edge of the first straight portion is at a second distance from the body.
13. The container of claim 12, characterized in that the second distance from the body is smaller than the first distance from the body.
14. The container of claim 10, characterized in that the elevation of the upper edge of the first straight portion is equal to the elevation of the upper edge of the second straight portion.
15. 15. The container of claim 10, characterized in that the channel inclines towards the opening.
16. 16. The container of claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises a third straight portion having a substantially straight upper edge and a substantially straight lower edge.
17. 17. The container of claim 16, characterized in that the first straight portion has a first end and a second end and wherein the second straight portion is coupled to the first straight portion and the third straight portion is coupled to the second end of the first straight portion.
18. 18. The container of claim 17, characterized in that the second straight portion and the stubborn straight portion are coupled to the first straight portion at an angle.
19. 19. The container of claim 18, characterized in that the angle is obtuse.
20. The container of claim 18, characterized in that the angle at which the second straight portion engages with the first straight portion is the same to which the third straight portion engages with the first straight portion.
21. The container of claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a liquid coating material disposed within the volume defined by the body.
22. 22. An insert for a container having a body defining a volume and a neck defining an opening in the body, the neck having a lower end close to the body and a distal upper end of the body, the insert characterized in that it comprises: an external cylindrical wall configured to be attached to the neck; a spout located within the cylindrical outer wall, the spout comprising: a first side having a lower edge and a substantially straight upper edge and having a first end and a second end; a second side coupled to the first end of the first side at an angle with respect to the first side, the second side having an upper edge and a lower edge; and a third side coupled to the second end of the first side at an angle with respect to the first side, the third side having an upper edge and a lower edge; and a bottom wall extending between the lower edge of the cylindrical outer wall and the lower edges of the first side, the second side, and the third side to form a channel between the spout and the cylindrical outer wall; wherein the upper edge of the first side of the spout is located below the upper end of the neck.
23. 23. The insert of claim 22, characterized in that the upper edge of the second side is substantially straight.
24. 24. The insert of claim 23, characterized in that the upper edge of the third side is substantially straight.
25. The insert of claim 22, characterized in that the angle at which the second side engages with the first side is the same as the angle at which the third side engages with the first side.
26. 26. The insert of claim 22, characterized in that the angle at which the second side engages with the first side is obtuse.
27. The insert of claim 22, characterized in that the upper edge of the first side has a first elevation, the upper edge of the second side has a second elevation, and the upper edge of the third side has a third elevation.
28. 28. The insert of claim 27, characterized in that the first elevation, the second elevation, and the third elevation are equal.
29. 29. The insert of claim 22, characterized in that at least one of the bottom pairs and the cylindrical outer wall includes an opening configured to provide access to the volume defined by the body when the insert is attached to the neck.
30. 30. The insert of claim 29, characterized in that the channel between the spout and the cylindrical outer wall is inclined toward the opening.
31. The insert of claim 29, characterized in that the lower edge of the at least one of the first side, the second side, and the third side, slopes toward the opening.
32. 32. The insert of claim 22, characterized in that at least one of the first side, the second side, and the third side, is substantially parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical outer wall.
33. 33. A container, characterized in that it comprises: a body defining a partially closed volume having an access opening; and an insert formed integrally with the body and cooperating with the access opening, the insert comprising: a straight or upright peripheral wall configured to fit within the access opening; a straight or erect spout, located within the peripheral wall, the spout including a first straight portion and a second straight portion, the first straight portion having a substantially straight upper edge and a lower edge; and a channel disposed between the peripheral wall and the spout, the channel including an opening to provide access to the volume defined by the body.
34. 34. The container of claim 33, characterized in that the insert is welded by friction to the body.
35. 35. A paint container, characterized in that it comprises: a body including an upper portion, a flat side, and an arcuate side, the upper portion having an opening extending therethrough; a spout coupled to the body and cooperating with the opening in the upper portion, the spout that is separate from the body and having a first wall with a straight pouring edge proximate the arched side of the body; and a bottom wall located between the body and the spout; where the body, the spout, and the bottom stop form a channel between the body and the spout.
36. 36. The paint container of claim 35, characterized in that the upper portion of the body has a first elevation and the straight pouring edge of the first wall has a second elevation.
37. 37. The paint container of claim 36, characterized in that the second elevation is not greater than the first elevation.
38. 38. The paint container of claim 35, characterized in that the first wall further comprises a straight edge opposite the straight pouring edge.
39. 39. The paint container of claim 35, characterized in that it further comprises a second wall and a third wall extending from opposite ends of the first wall.
40. 40. The paint container of claim 35, characterized in that the container body has a substantially D-shape.
41. 41. The container of claim 35, characterized in that it further comprises a handle grip attached to the body.
42. 42. The paint container of claim 41, characterized in that the handle handle engages the body between the flat side and the arched side.
43. 43. The paint container of claim 42, characterized in that the handle handle can be moved between a rest position and a position of use.
44. 44. The paint container of claim 43, characterized in that the handle rests on the upper portion in the rest position.
45. 45. The paint container of claim 35, characterized in that the bottom wall further comprises an opening.
46. 46. The paint container of claim 45, characterized in that the channel is inclined toward the opening.
47. 47. The paint container of claim 35, characterized in that the flat side of the body includes a concave portion.
48. 48. The paint container of claim 476, characterized in that it further comprises a label located within the concave portion.