SPOUT PROTECTOR AND SYSTEM
A spout protector for protecting a neck or a spout of a container. In embodiments, the spout protector includes a substantially circular outer wall portion; a bottom portion that extends radially inwardly from a lower portion of the outer wall portion; and a raised portion that extends vertically upwardly from the bottom portion.
1 . A spout protector for protecting a neck portion or a spout of a container, the spout protector comprising:
an outer wall portion;
a bottom portion that extends radially inwardly from a lower portion of the outer wall portion; and
a raised portion that extends vertically upwardly from the bottom portion;
wherein the outer wall portion is substantially circular.
2 . The spout protector of claim 1 , wherein the raised portion includes a generally circular sidewall and an upper portion connected to the sidewall.
3 . The spout protector of claim 1 , wherein the spout protector is comprised of a polymer or plastic.
4 . The spout protector of claim 1 , wherein the spout protector is comprised of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene (PE), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
5 . The spout protector of claim 1 , wherein the outer wall portion of the spout protector comprises a tapered or angled portion.
6 . The spout protector of claim 1 , wherein the outer wall portion includes an upper portion and a lower portion that is radially offset from the upper portion of the outer wall portion.
7 . The spout protector of claim 1 , wherein the spout protector is configured to be nested within a portion of an identical spout protector.
8 . The spout protector of claim 2 , wherein the upper portion of the raised portion includes an aperture.
9 . The spout protector of claim 1 , wherein the spout protector is formed as a single, unitary component.
10 . The spout protector of claim 1 , wherein the spout protector is formed in two or more pieces that are combined or used in combination.
11 . The spout protector of claim 1 , wherein a diameter of the spout protector is greater than an outer diameter of a neck finish of an associated container.
12 . The spout protector of claim 1 , wherein an outermost diameter of the spout protector is less than an outermost width of an associated container.
13 . The spout protector of claim 12 , wherein a diameter of the spout protector is smaller than an outer diameter of a neck finish of an associated container.
14 . The spout protector of claim 1 , wherein a height of the spout protector is a minimum of 0.125 inches (3.18 mm) above a spout height of an associated container.
15 . An assembly comprising:
a spout protector comprising an outer wall portion, a bottom portion that extends radially inwardly from a lower portion of the outer wall portion, and a raised portion that is disposed vertically upwardly from the bottom portion; and
a container including a neck portion and a spout;
wherein the raised portion of the spout protector extends above the spout of the container.
16 . The assembly of claim 15 , wherein the raised portion encloses or covers the spout of the container.
17 . The assembly of claim 15 , wherein an outermost diameter of the bottom portion of the spout protector is greater than a diameter of a neck finish of the container.
18 . The assembly of claim 17 , wherein an overall diameter of the spout protector is less than an outer width of the container.
19 . The assembly of claim 15 , wherein a height of the spout protector will be a minimum of 0.125 inches (3.18 mm) above a height of the spout.
20 . The assembly of claim 15 , wherein the container is a spray or aerosol container and the spout comprises a nozzle.
21 . A spout protector for protecting a neck portion or a spout of a container, the spout protector comprising:
an outer wall portion; and
a top portion;
wherein the outer wall portion includes a lower portion having a bottom surface; the bottom surface is configured to contact a portion of a container; and the top portion is configured to be disposed over a spout of said container.
22 . A plurality of layers of containers, comprising:
a first layer including a plurality of containers;
a second layer including a plurality of containers;
wherein the second layer is provided above the first layer, and more than one of the plurality of the containers in the first layer include a spout protector that extends vertically above a spout of the respective container.