Pouring Spout and Package Including the Same

Abstract

A spout fitment ( 130 ) for dispensing a scented household liquid ( 200 ) is disclosed that includes a pouring spout having a topographical feature ( 175 D) that may increase the exposed surface area of a liquid and/or alter the fluid dynamics of the scented household liquid ( 200 ) during a product dispensing event. The pouring spout may comprise a floor surface ( 144 ), a first side surface ( 145 ), and a second side surface ( 142 ) that collectively define a flow channel for dispensing the liquid, the flow channel extending along a longitudinal axis from a spout inlet to a spout outlet ( 150 ); and at least one of the floor surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface comprising a topographical feature ( 175 D) selected from at least one of a plurality of depressions and a plurality of protuberances ( 175 D).

1 . A spout fitment for dispensing a liquid, the spout fitment comprising:
 a pouring spout, the pouring spout comprising a floor surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface that collectively define a flow channel for dispensing the liquid, the flow channel extending along a longitudinal axis from a spout inlet to a spout outlet; and   at least one of the floor surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface comprising a topographical feature selected from at least one of a plurality of depressions and a plurality of protuberances.   
     
     
         2 . The spout fitment according to  claim 1  wherein the flow channel comprises a flared section in which a transverse distance between the first and second side surfaces increases with longitudinal distance from the spout inlet. 
     
     
         3 . The spout fitment according to  claim 1  wherein the topographical feature comprises a plurality of protuberances protruding from the floor of the pouring spout. 
     
     
         4 . The spout fitment according to  claim 3  wherein the plurality of protuberances comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending ridges. 
     
     
         5 . The spout fitment according to  claim 4  wherein the plurality of longitudinally extending ridges diverge from one another with longitudinal distance from the spout inlet. 
     
     
         6 . The spout fitment according to  claim 3  wherein the plurality of protuberances comprises a plurality of transversely extending ridges. 
     
     
         7 . The spout fitment according to  claim 1  wherein the topographical feature comprises a plurality of depressions formed in the floor of the pouring spout. 
     
     
         8 . The spout fitment according to  claim 7  wherein the plurality of depressions comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves. 
     
     
         9 . The spout fitment according to  claim 8  wherein the plurality of longitudinally extending grooves diverge from one another with longitudinal distance from the spout inlet. 
     
     
         10 . The spout fitment according to  claim 7  wherein the plurality of depressions comprises a plurality of transversely extending grooves. 
     
     
         11 . The spout fitment according to  claim 1  wherein the topographical feature comprises at least one longitudinally extending ridge protruding from each of the first and second side surfaces. 
     
     
         12 . The spout fitment according to  claim 1  wherein the topographical feature comprises at least one longitudinally extending groove formed in each of the first and second side surfaces. 
     
     
         13 . The spout fitment according to  claim 1  wherein the floor surface of the pouring spout is substantially planar. 
     
     
         14 . The spout fitment according to  claim 1  wherein each the first and second side surfaces have a height that decreases with longitudinal distance from the spout inlet. 
     
     
         15 . The spout fitment according to  claim 1  wherein the spout outlet has a width and a height, the width being greater than the height. 
     
     
         16 . The spout fitment according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 an annular wall; 
 an end wall extending inward from a bottom of the annular wall; and 
 the pouring spout extending upward from the end wall so that an annular gap is formed between the annular wall and the pouring spout. 
 
     
     
         17 . A packaged product comprising:
 the spout fitment according to  claim 1 ;   a container body forming a cavity containing the liquid, the container body comprising a neck portion;   the spout fitment coupled to the neck portion of the container body.   
     
     
         18 . The packaged product according to  claim 17  further comprising a cap detachably coupled to the container body to cover the pouring spout and seal the cavity. 
     
     
         19 . The packaged product according to  claim 17  wherein the neck portion comprises a top edge, the pouring spout having a first portion located within the neck portion and a second portion protruding beyond the top edge of the neck portion. 
     
     
         20 . The spout fitment according to  claim 17  wherein the liquid is a scented household liquid selected from a group consisting of a laundry care liquid and a cleaning liquid.