AU2019100095A4 - A stand and opening device and method of use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

(Figure 1) The present invention concerns a stand and opening device for use with a container having a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism. The device includes a nozzle connecting portion for location about a nozzle of the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism and a stand portion for supporting the container in an inverted orientation atop a support surface. In use, the stand portion and a portion of the nozzle connecting portion together at least partially facilitate a user in opening and closing the twist nozzle mechanism of the container, which can be difficult to turn, particularly for users with impaired dexterity and/or when the contents of the container builds-up and dries between the nozzle and a post of the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism. Figure 1

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a stand and opening device for use with a container having a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism, particularly when the container contains, or is intended to contain, a viscous liquid.

BACKGROUND [0002] Viscous liquids such as, e.g., sauces, condiments, honey, shampoo, glue and the like, are typically provided in containers with a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism.

[0003] Such twist nozzle dispensing mechanisms usually include a nozzle body rotatably mounted on a threaded central post having a bore therethrough in fluid communication with the contents of the container. In use, the nozzle is rotatable relative to the post to open and close the bore and thereby open and close the container. The use of such mechanisms are favoured with flexibly resilient containers for dispensing viscous liquids as they allow reasonably precise dispensing of the liquid under pressure.

[0004] However, a problem with such containers and dispensing mechanisms is that it generally becomes difficult to dispense the remaining viscous liquid from the container once the container is less than half full. In such instances, the container, which is typically stored in an upright position, is inverted and there is usually a significant delay as the viscous liquid flows from the inverted bottom of the container to the dispensing mechanism under gravity, often causing frustration and waste in the meantime.

[0005] Another problem with such dispensing mechanisms is that the nozzle can be difficult to rotate relative to the post and container. In some instances, the nozzle may be difficult to rotate due to under developed or impaired dexterity of a user, such as, e.g., children, the elderly, arthritis sufferers and the like. In other instances, the nozzle may be difficult to rotate due to a build-up of residual viscous liquid between the nozzle and the post. In such instances, dehydration of the residual viscous liquid may result in an adhesive effect between the nozzle and the post.

[0006] Australian Patent Application No. 2003200259 A1 discloses a stand and twist-type closure cap that claims to address the above problems. However, the present inventors have found that the disclosed cap is unstable and will readily topple over with a slight movement, such as, e.g., the opening of a refrigerator door. Furthermore, the present inventors have found that the disclosed cap when fitted is prone to slipping relative to the nozzle of the twist nozzle

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 dispensing mechanism.

[0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a stand and opening device and method of use thereof, which may minimise or overcome at least one of the problems mentioned above, or which may provide a consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stand and opening device for use with a container having a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism, said device including:

a nozzle connecting portion connectable to a nozzle body of the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism, said portion having a first collar defining a receiving opening for receiving at least a portion of the nozzle body therethrough, an opposed second collar defining an outlet opening and at least one sidewall extending therebetween, said at least one sidewall having an inner surface configured to at least partially engage with an outer surface of the nozzle body; and a stand portion including at least one leg extending radially outward from the first collar and extending past the second collar for supporting the container in an inverted orientation atop a support surface, wherein the at least one leg additionally functions as a handle portion to at least partially assist a user in opening and closing the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism of the container.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stand and opening device for use with a container having a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism, said device including:

a nozzle connecting portion connectable to a nozzle body of the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism, said portion having a first collar defining a receiving opening for receiving at least a portion of the nozzle body therethrough, an opposed second collar defining an outlet opening and at least one nozzle engaging sidewall extending therebetween, said at least one sidewall having an inner surface configured to at least partially engage with an outer surface of the nozzle body; and a stand portion including a third collar and at least one stand sidewall extending from the first collar, past the second collar, to the third collar for supporting the container in an inverted

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 orientation atop a support surface, wherein at least one window is provided in the at least one stand sidewall to function as a handle portion to assist a user in opening and closing the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism of the container.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism for a container including the device of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0012] Advantageously, the present invention provides a device that may both stably support a container in an inverted orientation atop a support surface and enable a user to readily open and close a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism of the container. In particular, the large surface area of the nozzle connecting portion of the container ensures the portion efficiently grips an outer surface of the nozzle body when the device is rotated by a user and torque is applied to the nozzle body. Moreover, the handle portion enables a user to comfortably hold and grip the device to rotate the device relative to a connected container and open or close the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism of the container.

[0013] A “twist nozzle dispensing mechanism” may encompass any dispensing mechanism for a container including a nozzle body that is rotatable relative to the container between open and closed positions.

[0014] Typically, the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism may include a nozzle body and a cap having a threaded central post. The nozzle body may be configured to be rotatably mounted on the threaded central post of the cap. In turn, the cap may be configured to be connected, fastened or fitted to a mouth of a container. The threaded central post may protrude outwardly from the cap away from the container. The post may have a bore therethrough in fluid communication with contents of the container.

[0015] In use, the nozzle body may be rotatable relative to the central post, the cap and the container between the open position and the closed position to allow the contents of the container to be dispensed and to seal the container, respectively.

[0016] Preferably, the “twist nozzle dispensing mechanism” may be the same as that described in US Patent No. 4,967,941, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0017] The device of the present invention may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be formed from any suitable material or materials to be connectable to a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism of a container. Generally, the device may be formed from

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 plastic, metal, wood or glass material or materials, typically plastic and/or glass material or materials, preferably plastic material or materials.

[0018] The device may be formed from two or more device pieces joined together, such as, e.g., the nozzle connecting portion and the stand portion, or may be of unitary construction, preferably the latter. Generally, the device may be formed by any suitable moulding process, typically injection moulding.

[0019] The device may include a body. The body may include the nozzle connecting portion and the stand portion.

[0020] As indicated above, the nozzle connecting portion includes the first collar defining the receiving opening, the opposed second collar defining the outlet opening and the at least one sidewall extending therebetween.

[0021] The nozzle connecting portion may preferably be sized and shaped to be located and snugly fitted about the nozzle body of the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism, and preferably at least partially complement the nozzle body.

[0022] Typically, the nozzle connecting portion may be located and fitted about a base of the nozzle body such that the tip of the nozzle body may protrude through the outlet opening and clear of the second collar.

[0023] The nozzle connecting portion may include a large internal surface area for engaging with the outer surface of the nozzle body. Advantageously, the large internal surface area may assist the device in efficiently gripping and turning the nozzle body when the device, in use, is rotated relative to the threaded central post, the cap and the container.

[0024] Both the first collar and the second collar may typically be substantially circular in shape. Likewise, the receiving opening and the outlet opening may preferably be substantially circular in shape. The receiving opening and the outlet opening may be of the same size or of differing sizes.

[0025] For example, in embodiments in which the openings have the same diameter, the at least one sidewall extending between the first collar and the second collar may define a nozzle connecting portion having a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0026] Conversely, in embodiments in which the openings are of differing sizes, the at least one sidewall may taper from one of the receiving opening and the outlet opening to the other of the receiving opening and the outlet opening to define a nozzle connecting portion having a

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 substantially frustoconical shape. In preferred such embodiments, the receiving opening may have a greater diameter than the outlet opening so that the at least one sidewall may taper from the first collar to the opposed second collar to thereby define a nozzle connecting portion having a substantially frustoconical shape that at least partially complements a nozzle body having a frustoconical shape.

[0027] The at least one sidewall may preferably extend from an inner edge of the first collar to the second collar.

[0028] In some embodiments, the at least one sidewall may extend in a substantially linear manner between the first collar and the second collar. In other embodiments, the at least one sidewall may include one or more curves to accommodate and at least partially accommodate one or more grooves or protrusions on an outer surface of the nozzle body.

[0029] The at least one sidewall may include one or more strengthening ribs or indents, as is well known in the art.

[0030] The nozzle connecting portion may be connectable to the nozzle body of the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism in any suitable way, preferably releasably.

[0031] In some embodiments, the nozzle connecting portion and the nozzle body may be connected together by one or more fasteners, such as, e.g., one or more mechanical fasteners and/or one or more chemical fasteners.

[0032] In one such embodiment, an outer surface of the nozzle body may be fastened to the inner surface of the at least one sidewall of the nozzle connecting portion by one or more chemical fasteners. For example, the one or more chemical fasteners may include a wet adhesive, a dry adhesive and/or double-sided adhesive tape, which may extend between the exterior surface of the nozzle body and the inner surface of the at least one sidewall.

[0033] In another such embodiment, the nozzle connecting portion may be fastened to a base portion of the nozzle body by one or more mechanical fasteners. For example, the one or more mechanical fasteners may include a clip or hook which may extend from the first collar to clip under or behind or hook over or behind a lower or base edge of the nozzle body.

[0034] In other embodiments, the nozzle connecting portion and the nozzle body may be connectable by a connecting mechanism or part of a connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism may be part of the nozzle connecting portion. For example, a first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the nozzle connecting portion may mate or engage with a second part of the connecting mechanism associated with the nozzle body.

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 [0035] The connecting mechanism may include a threaded connection, an interference fit connection or a bayonet-type connection, for example. Preferably, the nozzle connecting portion interference fits with the nozzle body. The connecting mechanism may typically include a male formation engaging with a female formation.

[0036] For example, the connecting mechanism may include the nozzle body having a male formation that engages with a female formation of the nozzle connecting portion.

[0037] In preferred embodiments, the nozzle body and the nozzle connecting portion may connect by a friction fit in which the nozzle body is pressed into the nozzle connecting potion such that at least a portion of an outer surface of the nozzle body frictionally engages with at least a portion of the inner surface of the at least one sidewall.

[0038] In some embodiments, the nozzle connecting portion may further include one or more indentations or projections for at least partially receiving or being received in one or more corresponding projections or corresponding indentations provided on an outer surface of the nozzle body to at least partially assist in connecting the nozzle body and the nozzle connecting portion together and/or in transferring any torque applied to the device by a user to the nozzle body.

[0039] For example, in some such embodiments, the nozzle connecting portion may include one or more resilient projections spaced around the inner surface of the at least one sidewall and configured to intermesh with corresponding projections provided on an outer surface of the nozzle body. The one or more resilient projection may extend at least partway between the first collar and the second collar, preferably to intermesh with corresponding vertically-extending projections provided on the outer surface of the nozzle body.

[0040] For example, in other such embodiments, the nozzle connecting portion may include one or more indentations extending at least partway across or along the inner surface of the at least one sidewall for engaging with and at least partially receiving one or more corresponding projections provided on the outer surface of the nozzle body when the nozzle connecting portion and the nozzle body are connected.

[0041] Conversely, in other such embodiments, the nozzle connecting portion may include one or more resilient projections extending at least partway across or along the inner surface of the at least one sidewall for engaging with and being at least partially received in one or more corresponding indentations provided on the outer surface of the nozzle body when the nozzle connecting portion and the nozzle body are connected.

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 [0042] In further embodiments, the nozzle connecting portion may further include a liner or coating on at least a portion of the inner surface of the at least one sidewall to at least partially assist in the formation of the friction fit with at least a portion of the exterior surface of the nozzle body. The liner or coating may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0043] Typically, the liner or coating may be formed from a resiliently deformable material or materials, such as, e.g., rubber, soft plastic or silicone material or materials.

[0044] In other embodiments, the at least one side wall of the nozzle connecting portion may further include a pad extending at least partially across the inner surface to at least partially assist in the formation of the friction fit with at least a portion of the exterior surface of the nozzle body.

[0045] The pad may typically be formed from a resiliently deformable material or materials such as, e.g., rubber, silicone or soft plastic material or materials.

[0046] Advantageously, the liner, coating or pad may further assist in engaging with the nozzle body by conforming to any ridges, grooves, projections or indentations provided on the outer surface of the nozzle body.

[0047] As indicated above, the device further includes a stand portion for supporting a container connected to the nozzle connecting portion in an inverted orientation atop a support surface. The stand portion may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be arranged relative to the nozzle connecting portion in any suitable arrangement.

[0048] Generally, the stand portion may be arranged relative to the nozzle connecting portion such that a nozzle tip of the container is held clear of the support surface when in an inverted orientation. In this regard, the device may provide any suitable clearance distance between the nozzle tip and the support surface when the container is supported in an inverted orientation by the device. For example, the device may provide at least 1mm, at least 2mm, at least 3mm, at least 4mm, at least 5mm, at least 6mm, at least 7mm, at least 8mm, at least 9mm or even at least 10mm of clearance between the nozzle tip and the support surface when the container is supported in the inverted orientation. Preferably, the device may be configured to provide at least 2-3mm of clearance between a nozzle tip and the support surface when the container is supported in an inverted orientation atop the support surface.

[0049] In some embodiments, the stand portion may include at least one leg extending radially outwardly from the first collar and past the second collar. The at least one leg may

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 preferably extend outwardly from the first collar at an obtuse angle relative to a plane of the first collar.

[0050] The at least one leg may terminate at an outer end edge for resting atop the support surface.

[0051] In some embodiments, the at least one leg may further include a foot extending outwardly from the outer end edge for at least partially stabilizing the leg atop the support surface.

[0052] In some embodiments, a lower surface of the foot may include a grip to assist in stabilising the stand portion and the device. In some such embodiments, the grip may include a liner or coating on at least a portion of the lower surface. In other such embodiments, the grip may include one or more pads extending at least partially across the lower surface. The grip may be formed from a resiliently deformable material or materials, such as, e.g., rubber or soft plastic material or materials.

[0053] Typically, the stand portion may include more than one leg. For example, the stand portion may include two, three, four or more legs extending radially outward from the first collar.

[0054] In preferred embodiments, the stand portion may include at least three legs extending radially outward from the first collar and past the second collar. Each leg may terminate at an outer end edge for resting atop the support surface.

[0055] Each leg may be substantially planar in shape and may extend longitudinally between an inner edge and an opposed said outer edge. Each leg may include an outer surface, an opposed inner surface, the inner edge extending from an outer edge of the first collar, the opposed said outer edge, and opposed side edges.

[0056] In some embodiments, the opposed side edges may extend substantially parallel to one another between the inner and outer edges.

[0057] In other embodiments, each leg may taper in width from the inner edge to the opposed outer edge.

[0058] Like the at least one sidewall, each leg may include one or more strengthening ribs or indents, as is well known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, each leg may include a strengthening ridge or fold extending at least partially between the inner and outer edges along a mid-line of the leg. In such embodiments, each leg may include a partial fold defining a concave surface along the inner surface of the leg.

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 [0059] In other embodiments, the stand portion may include the third collar and at least one stand sidewall extending from the first collar, past the second collar, to the third collar for supporting a container connected to the nozzle connecting portion in an inverted orientation atop a support surface.

[0060] The third collar may be of any suitable size, shape and construction for supporting the stand portion, the device and a container connected to the device atop a support surface. Typically, the third collar may have a substantially circular shape, although non-circular shapes are also envisaged, such as, e.g., rectangular or triangular.

[0061] Preferably, the third collar may be of a size such that it may be gripped by a single hand of a user.

[0062] Preferably, the third collar may include a central opening sized and shaped to enable contents of the container to be dispensed when the device is fitted.

[0063] Generally, the stand sidewall may extend at least partway around an outer edge of the first collar, preferably entirely around the outer edge. Usually, the at least one stand sidewall may extend outwardly from the first collar at an obtuse angle relative to a plane of the first collar thus giving the stand portion a substantially frustoconical shape.

[0064] The at least one stand sidewall may extend linearly or in a curvilineal manner between the first collar and the third collar, preferably linearly.

[0065] In some embodiments, the at least one stand sidewall may include one or more strengthening ribs or indents, as is well known in the art.

[0066] Typically, the third collar may be substantially planar so as to form a stable footing for supporting the device atop the support surface.

[0067] In some embodiments, a lower surface of the third collar may include a grip to assist in stabilising the stand portion and the device. In some such embodiments, the grip may include a liner or coating on at least a portion of the lower surface. In other such embodiments, the grip may include one or more pads extending at least partially across the lower surface. The grip may be formed from a resiliently deformable material or materials, such as, e.g., rubber or soft plastic material or materials.

[0068] As indicated above, the stand portion may additionally include a handle portion to at least partially assist a user in opening and closing the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism of the container. Specifically, to assist a user in rotating the nozzle body of the twist nozzle dispensing

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 mechanism relative to a remainder of the mechanism and the container to which it is attached.

[0069] In embodiments in which the stand portion includes the at least one leg, the handle portion may include the at least one leg. In such embodiments, a user may utilise the leg as a handle portion and turn the device, via the handle portion, relative to the container to thereby rotate the nozzle body of the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism relative to a remainder of the mechanism and the container to which it is attached.

[0070] In embodiments in which the stand portion includes the third collar and the at least one stand sidewall extending from the first collar to the third collar, the handle portion may include one or more windows defined in the at least one stand sidewall. The one or more windows may extend entirely through both inner and outer surfaces of the at least one stand sidewall. The windows may be suitably sized to receive at least a portion of a hand of the user therethrough, preferably one or more fingers or thumbs.

[0071] In such embodiments, the user may utilise the one or more windows as a handle portion to turn the device relative to the container to thereby rotate the nozzle body of the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism relative to a remainder of the mechanism and the container to which it is attached.

[0072] In some embodiments, the one or more windows may additionally assist a user in viewing an outer tip of the nozzle body of the container, and preferably whether any contents of the container is being dispensed.

[0073] The device body, including the nozzle connecting portion and the stand portion, may be of differing or uniform thickness, typically the former. Generally, the first collar and/or the third collar may have a greater thickness than a remainder of the device for imparting greater structural rigidity to the device. In particular, the first collar may have a greater thickness than a reminder of the device for strengthening the join between the nozzle connecting portion and the stand portion.

[0074] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of opening and closing a container having a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism, said method including:

providing and fitting the stand and opening device of the first aspect or the second aspect to the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism; and rotating the stand portion of the device relative to the container such that a nozzle body of the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism rotates in conjunction with the stand portion to a desired open or closed position.

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 [0075] The method may include one or more characteristics or features of the device as hereinbefore described.

[0076] Generally, the fitting may include pressing the nozzle body of the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism and the nozzle connection portion of the device together until a frictional fit is achieved.

[0077] The rotating may include gripping a handle portion of the stand portion and rotating the stand portion relative to the container.

[0078] The method may include a further step of removing the device from the container when the container is empty. The removing may include pulling the nozzle body of the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism and the nozzle connection portion of the device apart from one another until the friction fit is overcome and the container and device separate. The device may now be re-used with another container.

[0079] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0080] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0081] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0082] Figure 1 is a line drawing showing a lower perspective view of a stand and opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0083] Figure 2 is a line drawing showing a sectional side view of the stand and opening device as shown in Figure 1;

[0084] Figure 3 is a photograph showing perspective view of the stand and opening device as shown in Figures 1 and 2 fitted to a nozzle of a containing having a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism;

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 [0085] Figure 4 is a line drawing showing an upper perspective view of the stand and opening device as shown in Figures 1 to 3;

[0086] Figure 5 is a line drawing showing a side view of the stand and opening device as shown in Figures 1 to 4;

[0087] Figure 6 is a line drawing showing a top view of the stand and opening device as shown in Figures 1 to 5;

[0088] Figure 7 is a line drawing showing a bottom view of the stand and opening device as shown in Figures 1 to 6;

[0089] Figure 8 is a line drawing showing a sectional side view of a stand and opening device according to another embodiment; and [0090] Figure 9 is a line drawing showing a lower perspective view of the stand and opening device as shown in Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0091] Figures 1 to 7 show a stand and opening device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention for use with a container (900; shown only in Figure 3) having a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism (800; shown only in Figure 3).

[0092] Referring to Figure 1, the device (100) includes a nozzle connecting portion (110) connectable to a nozzle body (810; shown only in Figure 3) of a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism (800; shown only in Figure 3) of a container (900; shown only in Figure 3) and a stand portion (120) for the container (900; shown only in Figure 3) when connected to the nozzle connecting portion (110) in an inverted orientation atop a support surface.

[0093] The nozzle connecting portion (110) has a first collar (112) defining a receiving opening (113) for receiving at least a portion of a nozzle body (810; shown only in Figure 3) therethrough, an opposed second collar (114) defining an outlet opening (115) and at least one sidewall (116) extending therebetween. The at least one sidewall (116) has an inner surface (118) configured to at least partially engage with an outer surface of a nozzle body (810; shown only in Figure 3).

[0094] The stand portion (120) includes a third collar (122) and at least one stand sidewall (124) extending between the first collar (112) and the third collar (122) past the second collar (114) for supporting the container (900; shown only in Figure 3) connected to the nozzle

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 connecting portion (110) in an inverted orientation atop a support surface.

[0095] Referring to Figure 2, the device (100) is of unitary construction and formed by plastic by an injection moulding process. The device (100) is typically of uniform thickness with the exception of the first collar (112) and the third collar (122), which are both thicker to enhance the structural integrity of the device (100).

[0096] Best shown in Figure 3, the nozzle connecting portion (110) is sized and shaped to be located and snugly fitted about a nozzle body (810) of a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism (800) and at least partially complement the nozzle body (810). As shown, the nozzle connecting portion (110) is configured to be located and fitted about a base of the nozzle body (810) such that a tip (812) of the nozzle body (810) can protrude through the outlet opening (115) clear of the second collar (114).

[0097] Referring back to Figure 2, the nozzle connecting portion (110) includes a large internal surface area for engaging with an outer surface of the nozzle body (810; shown only in Figure 3). Advantageously, the large internal surface area assists the device (100) in efficiently gripping and turning the nozzle body (810; shown only in Figure 3) when the device (100), in use, is rotated relative to a cap (820; shown only in Figure 3) and the container (900; shown only in Figure 3).

[0098] Referring briefly to Figure 7, the first collar (112) and the second collar (114) are both substantially circular in shape. Likewise, the receiving opening (113) and the outlet opening (115) are also substantially circular in shape.

[0099] Referring back to Figure 2, the receiving opening (113) has a greater diameter than the outlet opening (115) such that the at least one sidewall (116) tapers from the first collar (112) to the opposed second collar (114) to thereby define a nozzle connecting portion (110) having a substantially frustoconical shape for complementing a nozzle body having a substantially frustoconical shape.

[00100] The at least one sidewall (116) extends from an inner edge of the first collar (112) to the second collar (114) in a substantially linear direction.

[00101] The device (100) and a container (900; shown only in Figure 3) are connectable by a friction fit achieved by inserting a nozzle body (810; shown only in Figure 3) of a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism (800; shown only in Figure 3) into the nozzle connecting portion (110) via the receiving opening (113) and pressing the device (100) and the container (900; shown only in Figure 3) together. Typically, the nozzle body (810; shown only in Figure 3) is pressed

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 into the nozzle connecting potion (110) such that at least a portion of an outer surface of the nozzle body (810; shown only in Figure 3) frictionaIly engages with at least a portion of the inner surface (118) of the at least one sidewall (116).

[00102] As shown, the nozzle connecting portion (110) further includes a plurality of resilient ridges (210) spaced around the inner surface (118) of the at least one sidewall (116). Each ridge (210) extends at least partway between the first collar (112) and the second collar (114). The ridges (210) in use are configured to intermesh with corresponding vertically-extending ridges provided on an outer surface of the nozzle body (810; shown only in Figure 3) to grippingly engage the nozzle body (810; shown only in Figure 3). Furthermore, intermeshing of the ridges (210) with any corresponding ridges provided on an outer surface of the nozzle body (810; shown only in Figure 3) advantageously assists in the transfer of any torque applied to the device (100) to the nozzle body (810; shown only in Figure 3).

[00103] Referring to Figure 3, the stand portion (120) and the nozzle receiving portion (110) are arranged relative to one another such that the tip (812) of the nozzle body (810) is held clear of a support surface when the container (900) is supported by the device (100) in the inverted orientation.

[00104] Referring briefly to Figures 6 and 7, the third collar (122) of the stand portion (120), like the first and second collars (112, 114) is substantially circular in shape. As shown in Figure 6, the third collar (122) includes a central opening (126) sized and shaped to enable the contents of a connected container to be dispensable when the device (100) is connected.

[00105] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the at least one stand sidewall (124) extends entirely around an outer edge of the first collar (112) to the third collar (122) at an obtuse angle relative to a plane of the first collar (112) to give the stand portion (120) a substantially frustoconical shape. The at least one stand sidewall (124) extends around and from an outer edge of the first collar (112).

[00106] The at least one stand sidewall (124) extends linearly between the first collar (112) and the third collar (122).

[00107] Best shown in Figure 5, the third collar (122) is substantially planar so as to provide a stable footing for supporting the device (100) atop a support surface.

[00108] Still referring to Figures 4 and 5, the stand portion (120) further includes handle portions to at least partially assist a user in gripping and applying torque to the stand portion (120) to thus rotate a nozzle body (810; shown only in Figure 3) and open or close a twist nozzle

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 dispensing mechanism (800; shown only in Figure 3) of a container (900; shown only in Figure 3) connected to the device (100).

[00109] The handle portions are each in the form of a plurality of windows (128) defined in the at least one stand sidewall (124). The windows (128) each extend entirely through the stand sidewall (124) and are sized and shaped to receive one or more digits of a hand of a user.

[00110] As best shown in Figures 3 and 4, the windows (128) additionally assist a user in viewing a tip (812; shown only in Figure 3) of the nozzle body (810; shown only in Figure 3) of the container (900; shown only in Figure 3) when connected and whether any contents of the container (900; shown only in Figure 3) is being dispensed.

[00111] Figures 8 and 9 show another embodiment of the stand and opening device (100) of the present invention.

[00112] As shown, in this embodiment the device (100) further includes a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism (800) integrally formed with the nozzle connection portion (110) of the device (100).

[00113] The twist nozzle dispensing mechanism (800) includes a nozzle body (810) and a cap (820) having a threaded central post (822). The nozzle body (810) is rotatably mounted on the threaded central post (822) and rotatable between open and closed positions.

[00114] The cap (820) in turn is configured to be connectable to a mouth of a container.

[00115] The threaded central post (822) has a central bore therethrough configured to be in fluid communication with the contents of a container connected to the cap. The central bore is sealed when the nozzle body (810) is in the closed position and open when the nozzle body (810) is in the open position.

[00116] A method of using the device (100) is now described in detail with reference to Figure 1.

[00117] The device (100) is fitted to a nozzle body of a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism of a container by inserting the nozzle body into the nozzle connecting portion (110) via the receiving opening (113) and pressing the container and device (100) together until a frictional fit is achieved between an outer surface of the nozzle body and the inner surface (118) of the at least one sidewall (116) of the nozzle connecting portion (110).

[00118] Once fitted, the device (100) can be used for storing a container in an inverted

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 orientation atop a support surface.

[00119] Furthermore, the device (100) can be used for opening and closing a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism of a container.

[00120] In this regard, a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism of a container can be opened and closed by rotating the stand portion (120) of the device (100) relative to a connected container such that a nozzle body of the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism rotates in conjunction with the stand portion to a desired open or closed position.

[00121] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00122] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00123] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A stand and opening device for use with a container having a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism, said device including:

a nozzle connecting portion connectable to a nozzle body of the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism, said portion having a first collar defining a receiving opening for receiving at least a portion of the nozzle body therethrough, an opposed second collar defining an outlet opening and at least one sidewall extending therebetween, said at least one sidewall having an inner surface configured to at least partially engage with an outer surface of the nozzle body; and a stand portion including at least one leg extending radially outward from the first collar and extending past the second collar for supporting the container in an inverted orientation atop a support surface, wherein the at least one leg additionally functions as a handle portion to at least partially assist a user in opening and closing the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism of the container.

2. A stand and opening device for use with a container having a twist nozzle dispensing mechanism, said device including:

a nozzle connecting portion connectable to a nozzle body of the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism, said portion having a first collar defining a receiving opening for receiving at least a portion of the nozzle body therethrough, an opposed second collar defining an outlet opening and at least one nozzle engaging sidewall extending therebetween, said at least one sidewall having an inner surface configured to at least partially engage with an outer surface of the nozzle body; and a stand portion including a third collar and at least one stand sidewall extending from the first collar, past the second collar, to the third collar for supporting the container in an inverted orientation atop a support surface, wherein at least one window is provided in the at least one stand sidewall to function as a handle portion to assist a user in opening and closing the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism of the container.

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the nozzle connecting portion at least partially complements an outer surface of the nozzle body.

4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, further including one or more resilient projections spaced around the inner surface of the at least one sidewall of the nozzle connecting portion, said projections configured to intermesh with corresponding projections provided on an outer surface of the nozzle body.

5.

A method of opening and closing a container having a twist nozzle dispensing

2019100095 29 Jan 2019 mechanism, said method including:

providing and fitting the stand and opening device of any one of claims 1 to 4 to the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism; and rotating the stand portion of the device relative to the container such that a nozzle body of the twist nozzle dispensing mechanism rotates in conjunction with the stand portion to a desired open or closed position.