U.S. patent application number 11/608242 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-20 for dispensing spout.
Invention is credited to Mark Bonner.
Application Number | 20070215242 11/608242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38122437 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070215242 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bonner; Mark |
September 20, 2007 |
DISPENSING SPOUT
Abstract
This invention relates to a spout for a hose, nozzle or a
container and to a hose, nozzle and a container used to dispense
liquids into a receptacle from a liquid source such as a gas
container, delivery hose or pump. In each case, there is a spout
means having a delivery trunk body formed with a dispensing
passageway leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the
liquid; a venturi means within the delivery trunk to reduce the
pressure within the dispensing passageway as liquid flows through
it during use; a control means; said control means having a
deactivation means, said deactivation means including an air
conduit with an air opening, the air conduit being in communication
with the dispensing passageway to permit the drawing of air into
the dispensing passageway through the air opening when pressure is
reduced by the venturi means, but inhibiting the flow of air into
the dispensing passageway when the air opening is blocked or
covered as the liquid level of dispensed liquid reaches the air
opening and cuts off access of air into the air opening; a
deactivation means to shut off the dispensing opening when the air
opening is closed to inhibit air from entering during use.
Inventors: |
Bonner; Mark; (Frenchtown,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark Bonner
2992 Daniel Bray Hwy.
Frenchtown
NJ
08825
US
|
Family ID: |
38122437 |
Appl. No.: |
11/608242 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60748047 |
Dec 7, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
141/198 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 7/42 20130101; B67D
7/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/198 |
International
Class: |
B65B 57/06 20060101
B65B057/06 |
Claims
1. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing having a dispensing passageway
therewithin leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the
liquid; a venturi means within the casing to reduce the pressure
within the dispensing passageway as liquid flows through the
dispensing passageway during use; a control means; said control
means having a valve means for closing and opening the dispensing
opening; said control means having a deactivation means, said
deactivation means including an air conduit with an air opening,
the air conduit being in communication with the dispensing
passageway to permit the drawing of air into the dispensing
passageway through the air opening from outside of the casing when
pressure is reduced by the venturi means but inhibiting the flow of
air into the dispensing passageway when the liquid level of
dispensed liquid reaches the air opening and blocks access of air
into the air opening and prevents access of air into the air
opening to cause the deactivation means to cause the valve means to
close the dispensing opening and prevent delivery of the liquid
from the dispensing opening during use.
2. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing formed with a dispensing passageway
leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the liquid along
the axis of the direction of flow a venturi means within the casing
to reduce the pressure within the dispensing passageway as liquid
flows through dispensing passageway during use; a control means;
said control means having a valve means for closing and opening the
dispensing opening; said control means having a deactivation means,
said deactivation means including an air conduit with an air
opening, the air conduit being in communication with the dispensing
passageway to permit the drawing of air into the dispensing
passageway through the air opening when pressure is reduced by the
venturi means, but inhibiting the flow of air into the dispensing
passageway when the air opening is blocked; the deactivation means
being operatively connected to the valve means to cause the valve
means to move along the axis of the direction of liquid flow by a
decreasing of the pressure within the casing to cause the valve
means to close when the air opening is blocked during use and
prevents access of air into the air opening.
3. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control
means further comprises an activation means for causing the valve
means to open and close the dispensing opening; said activation
means having an engaging means which, in use, can be activated by
engageably mounting the engaging means of the dispensing spout to a
liquid receptacle at its receiving receptacle opening to cause the
valve means to open to permit liquid delivery through the
dispensing passageway the engaging means causing the valve means to
close the dispensing opening to inhibit liquid from pouring from
the dispensing spout in response to the disengagement of the
engaging means by removing the dispensing spout away from the
receiving receptacle opening of the liquid receptacle.
4. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move to cause the deactivation
means to cause the valve means to close the dispensing open in
response to a decrease in pressure within the dispensing passageway
upon the air opening being blocked during use.
5. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 2 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move to cause the deactivation
means to cause the valve means to close the dispensing open in
response to a decrease in pressure within the dispensing passageway
upon the air opening being blocked during use.
6. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 3 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move to cause the deactivation
means to cause the valve means to close the dispensing open in
response to a decrease in pressure within the dispensing passageway
upon the air opening being blocked during use.
7. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the
deactivation means includes a pressure responsive means responsive
to a decrease in pressure within the dispensing passageway, during
use, upon the air opening being blocked to cause the deactivation
means to cause the valve means to close the dispensing opening.
8. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 2 wherein: the
deactivation means includes a pressure responsive means responsive
to a decrease in pressure within the dispensing passageway, during
use, upon the air opening being blocked to cause the deactivation
means to cause the valve means to close the dispensing opening.
9. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 3 wherein: the
deactivation means includes a pressure responsive means responsive
to a decrease in pressure within the dispensing passageway, during
use, upon the air opening being blocked to cause the deactivation
means to cause the valve means to close the dispensing opening.
10. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will respond to a decrease in
pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked during use to cause movement of the piston to thereby
in turn cause the deactivation means to cause the valve means to
close the dispensing opening; there is an indicator means
responsive and operatively connected to the piston means to
indicate activation of the deactivation means.
11. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 2 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will respond to a decrease in
pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked during use to cause movement of the piston to thereby
in turn cause the deactivation means to cause the valve means to
close the dispensing opening; there is an indicator means
responsive and operatively connected to the piston means to
indicate activation of the deactivation means.
12. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 3 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will respond to a decrease in
pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked during use to cause movement of the piston to thereby
in turn cause the deactivation means to cause the valve means to
close the dispensing opening; there is an indicator means
responsive and operatively connected to the piston means to
indicate activation of the deactivation means.
13. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 1 wherein: there is an
indicator means operatively connected to and responsive to the use
of the dispensing spout to indicate when the valve means is opened
to allow liquid to flow through the dispensing opening and when the
valve means is closed to prevent liquid from flowing through the
dispensing opening.
14. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 2 wherein: there is an
indicator means operatively connected to and responsive to the use
of the dispensing spout to indicate when the valve means is opened
to allow liquid to flow through the dispensing opening and when the
valve means is closed to prevent liquid from flowing through the
dispensing opening.
15. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 3 wherein: there is an
indicator means operatively connected to and responsive to the use
of the dispensing spout to indicate when the valve means is opened
to allow liquid to flow through the dispensing opening and when the
valve means is closed to prevent liquid from flowing through the
dispensing opening.
16. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is a
closure spring means provided to normally bias the valve means to
close the dispensing opening during non-use.
17. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 2 wherein there is a
closure spring means provided to normally bias the valve means to
close the dispensing opening during non-use.
18. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 3 wherein there is a
closure spring means provided to normally bias the valve means to
close the dispensing opening during non-use.
19. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move in response to a decrease
in pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked to in turn cause the valve means to close the
dispensing opening; there is an indicator means to indicate when
liquid is flowing through the dispensing opening and a linkage
means operatively connecting the piston means to the indicator
means so that the indicator means responds to the piston means upon
the deactivation means causing the valve means to close the
dispensing opening.
20. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 2 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move in response to a decrease
in pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked to in turn cause the valve means to close the
dispensing opening; there is an indicator means to indicate when
liquid is flowing through the dispensing opening and a linkage
means operatively connecting the piston means to the indicator
means so that the indicator means responds to the piston means upon
the deactivation means causing the valve means to close the
dispensing opening.
21. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 3 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move in response to a decrease
in pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked to in turn cause the valve means to close the
dispensing opening; there is an indicator means to indicate when
liquid is flowing through the dispensing opening and a linkage
means operatively connecting the piston means to the indicator
means so that the indicator means responds to the piston means upon
the deactivation means causing the valve means to close the
dispensing opening.
22. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a bellows means having a resiliently
formed bellows member whereby the bellows member will respond to a
decrease in pressure by overcoming the resilience of its usual
shape upon the air opening being blocked by liquid during use, to
move and in turn cause the valve means to close the dispensing
opening; the resiliently formed bellows member having a shape to
which it is normally biased, in the absence of the air opening
being blocked during use by rising liquid in a position whereby the
air opening remains unblocked when the activation means is
activated.
23. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 2 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a bellows means having a resiliently
formed bellows member whereby the bellows member will respond to a
decrease in pressure by overcoming the resilience of its usual
shape upon the air opening being blocked by liquid during use, to
move and in turn cause the valve means to close the dispensing
opening; the resiliently formed bellows member having a shape to
which it is normally biased, in the absence of the air opening
being blocked during use by rising liquid in a position whereby the
air opening remains unblocked when the activation means is
activated.
24. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 3 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a bellows means having a resiliently
formed bellows member whereby the bellows member will respond to a
decrease in pressure by overcoming the resilience of its usual
shape upon the air opening being blocked by liquid during use, to
move and in turn cause the valve means to close the dispensing
opening; the resiliently formed bellows member having a shape to
which it is normally biased, in the absence of the air opening
being blocked during use by rising liquid in a position whereby the
air opening remains unblocked when the activation means is
activated.
25. A liquid container for storing and dispensing liquid, said
container having a main body housing and a delivery means for
delivering liquid, there being a dispensing spout mounted to the
delivery means to be in fluid communication with the main body
housing for delivering liquid from the container, wherein the
dispensing spout comprises: a casing having a dispensing passageway
therewithin leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the
liquid; a venturi means within the casing to reduce the pressure
within the dispensing passageway as liquid flows through the
dispensing passageway during use; a control means; said control
means having a valve means for closing and opening the dispensing
opening; said control means having a deactivation means, said
deactivation means including an air conduit with an air opening,
the air conduit being in communication with the dispensing
passageway to permit the drawing of air into the dispensing
passageway through the air opening from outside of the casing when
pressure is reduced by the venturi means but inhibiting the flow of
air into the dispensing passageway when the liquid level of
dispensed liquid reaches the air opening and blocks access of air
into the air opening and prevents access of air into the air
opening to cause the deactivation means to cause the valve means to
close the dispensing opening and prevent delivery of the liquid
from the dispensing opening during use.
26. A liquid container for storing and dispensing liquid, said
container having a main body housing and a delivery means for
delivering liquid, there being a dispensing spout mounted to the
delivery means to be in fluid communication with the main body
housing for delivering liquid from the container, wherein the
dispensing spout comprises: a casing formed with a dispensing
passageway leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the
liquid along the axis of the direction of flow a venturi means
within the casing to reduce the pressure within the dispensing
passageway as liquid flows through dispensing passageway during
use; a control means; said control means having a valve means for
closing and opening the dispensing opening; said control means
having a deactivation means, said deactivation means including an
air conduit with an air opening, the air conduit being in
communication with the dispensing passageway to permit the drawing
of air into the dispensing passageway through the air opening when
pressure is reduced by the venturi means, but inhibiting the flow
of air into the dispensing passageway when the air opening is
blocked; the deactivation means being operatively connected to the
valve means to cause the valve means to move along the axis of the
direction of liquid flow by a decreasing of the pressure within the
casing to cause the valve means to close when the air opening is
blocked during use and prevents access of air into the air
opening.
27. A liquid container as claimed in claim 25 wherein the
dispensing spout further comprises: an activation means for causing
the valve means to open and close the dispensing opening; said
activation means having an engaging means which, in use, can be
activated by engageably mounting the engaging means of the
dispensing spout to a liquid receptacle at its receiving receptacle
opening to cause the valve means to open to permit liquid delivery
through the dispensing passageway the engaging means causing the
valve means to close the dispensing opening to inhibit liquid from
pouring from the dispensing spout in response to the disengagement
of the engaging means by removing the dispensing spout away from
the receiving receptacle opening of the liquid receptacle.
28. A liquid container as claimed in claim 25 wherein: the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move to cause the valve means
to close the dispensing open in response to a decrease in pressure
within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening being blocked
during use.
29. A liquid container as claimed in claim 26 wherein: the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move to cause the valve means
to close the dispensing open in response to a decrease in pressure
within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening being blocked
during use.
30. A liquid container as claimed in claim 27 wherein: the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move to cause the valve means
to close the dispensing open in response to a decrease in pressure
within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening being blocked
during use.
31. A liquid container as claimed in claim 25 wherein: the
deactivation means includes a pressure responsive means responsive
to a decrease in pressure within the dispensing passageway, during
use, upon the air opening being blocked to cause the valve means to
close the dispensing opening.
32. A liquid container as claimed in claim 26 wherein: the
deactivation means includes a pressure responsive means responsive
to a decrease in pressure within the dispensing passageway, during
use, upon the air opening being blocked to cause the valve means to
close the dispensing opening.
33. A liquid container as claimed in claim 27 wherein: the
deactivation means includes a pressure responsive means responsive
to a decrease in pressure within the dispensing passageway, during
use, upon the air opening being blocked to cause the valve means to
close the dispensing opening.
34. A liquid container as claimed in claim 25 wherein: the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will respond to a decrease in
pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked during use to cause movement of the piston to thereby
in turn cause the valve means to close the dispensing opening;
there is an indicator means responsive and operatively connected to
the piston means to indicate activation of the deactivation
means.
35. A liquid container as claimed in claim 26 wherein: the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will respond to a decrease in
pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked during use to cause movement of the piston to thereby
in turn cause the valve means to close the dispensing opening;
there is an indicator means responsive and operatively connected to
the piston means to indicate activation of the deactivation
means.
36. A liquid container as claimed in claim 27 wherein: the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will respond to a decrease in
pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked during use to cause movement of the piston to thereby
in turn cause the valve means to close the dispensing opening;
there is an indicator means responsive and operatively connected to
the piston means to indicate activation of the deactivation
means.
37. A liquid container as claimed in claim 25 wherein there is an
indicator means operatively connected to and responsive to the use
of the dispensing spout to indicate when liquid is flowing through
the dispensing opening and when liquid is prevented form flowing
through the dispensing opening.
38. A liquid container as claimed in claim 26 wherein there is an
indicator means operatively connected to and responsive to the use
of the dispensing spout to indicate when liquid is flowing through
the dispensing opening and when liquid is prevented form flowing
through the dispensing opening.
39. A liquid container as claimed in claim 27 wherein there is an
indicator means operatively connected to and responsive to the use
of the dispensing spout to indicate when liquid is flowing through
the dispensing opening and when liquid is prevented form flowing
through the dispensing opening.
40. A liquid container as claimed in claim 25 wherein: there is a
closure spring means provided to normally bias the valve means to
close the dispensing opening during non-use.
41. A liquid container as claimed in claim 26 wherein: there is a
closure spring means provided to normally bias the valve means to
close the dispensing opening during non-use.
42. A liquid container as claimed in claim 27 wherein: there is a
closure spring means provided to normally bias the valve means to
close the dispensing opening during non-use.
43. A liquid container as claimed in claim 25 wherein: the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move in response to a decrease
in pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked to in turn cause the valve means to close the
dispensing opening; there is an indicator means to indicate when
liquid is flowing through the dispensing opening and a linkage
means operatively connecting the piston means to the indicator
means so that the indicator means responds to the piston means upon
the deactivation means causing the valve means to close the
dispensing opening.
44. A liquid container as claimed in claim 26 wherein: the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move in response to a decrease
in pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked to in turn cause the valve means to close the
dispensing opening; there is an indicator means to indicate when
liquid is flowing through the dispensing opening and a linkage
means operatively connecting the piston means to the indicator
means so that the indicator means responds to the piston means upon
the deactivation means causing the valve means to close the
dispensing opening.
45. A liquid container as claimed in claim 27 wherein: the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move in response to a decrease
in pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked to in turn cause the valve means to close the
dispensing opening; there is an indicator means to indicate when
liquid is flowing through the dispensing opening and a linkage
means operatively connecting the piston means to the indicator
means so that the indicator means responds to the piston means upon
the deactivation means causing the valve means to close the
dispensing opening.
46. A liquid container as claimed in claim 25 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a bellows means having a resiliently
formed bellows member whereby the bellows member will respond to a
decrease in pressure by overcoming the resilience of its usual
shape upon the air opening being blocked by liquid during use, to
move and in turn cause the valve means to close the dispensing
opening; the resiliently formed bellows member having a shape to
which it is normally biased, in the absence of the air opening
being blocked during use by rising liquid in a position whereby the
air opening remains unblocked when the activation means is
activated.
47. A liquid container as claimed in claim 26 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a bellows means having a resiliently
formed bellows member whereby the bellows member will respond to a
decrease in pressure by overcoming the resilience of its usual
shape upon the air opening being blocked by liquid during use, to
move and in turn cause the valve means to close the dispensing
opening; the resiliently formed bellows member having a shape to
which it is normally biased, in the absence of the air opening
being blocked during use by rising liquid in a position whereby the
air opening remains unblocked when the activation means is
activated.
48. A liquid container as claimed in claim 27 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a bellows means having a resiliently
formed bellows member whereby the bellows member will respond to a
decrease in pressure by overcoming the resilience of its usual
shape upon the air opening being blocked by liquid during use, to
move and in turn cause the valve means to close the dispensing
opening; the resiliently formed bellows member having a shape to
which it is normally biased, in the absence of the air opening
being blocked during use by rising liquid in a position whereby the
air opening remains unblocked when the activation means is
activated.
49. A delivery nozzle mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the delivery nozzle
comprises: a casing having a dispensing passageway therewithin
leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the liquid; a
venturi means within the casing to reduce the pressure within the
dispensing passageway as liquid flows through the dispensing
passageway during use; a control means; said control means having a
valve means for closing and opening the dispensing opening; said
control means having a deactivation means, said deactivation means
including an air conduit with an air opening, the air conduit being
in communication with the dispensing passageway to permit the
drawing of air into the dispensing passageway through the air
opening from outside of the casing when pressure is reduced by the
venturi means but inhibiting the flow of air into the dispensing
passageway when the liquid level of dispensed liquid reaches the
air opening and blocks access of air into the air opening and
prevents access of air into the air opening to cause the
deactivation means to cause the valve means to close the dispensing
opening and prevent delivery of the liquid from the dispensing
opening during use.
50. A delivery nozzle mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the delivery nozzle
comprises: a casing formed with a dispensing passageway leading to
a dispensing opening for delivery of the liquid along the axis of
the direction of flow a venturi means within the casing to reduce
the pressure within the dispensing passageway as liquid flows
through dispensing passageway during use; a control means; said
control means having a valve means for closing and opening the
dispensing opening; said control means having a deactivation means,
said deactivation means including an air conduit with an air
opening, the air conduit being in communication with the dispensing
passageway to permit the drawing of air into the dispensing
passageway through the air opening when pressure is reduced by the
venturi means, but inhibiting the flow of air into the dispensing
passageway when the air opening is blocked; the deactivation means
being operatively connected to the valve means to cause the valve
means to move along the axis of the direction of liquid flow by a
decreasing of the pressure within the casing to cause the valve
means to close when the air opening is blocked during use and
prevents access of air into the air opening.
51. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 49 wherein the dispensing
spout further comprises: an activation means for causing the valve
means to open and close the dispensing opening; said activation
means having an engaging means which, in use, can be activated by
engageably mounting the engaging means of the dispensing spout to a
liquid receptacle at its receiving receptacle opening to cause the
valve means to open to permit liquid delivery through the
dispensing passageway the engaging means causing the valve means to
close the dispensing opening to inhibit liquid from pouring from
the dispensing spout in response to the disengagement of the
engaging means by removing the dispensing spout away from the
receiving receptacle opening of the liquid receptacle.
52. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 49 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move to cause the valve means
to close the dispensing open in response to a decrease in pressure
within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening being blocked
during use.
53. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 50 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move to cause the valve means
to close the dispensing open in response to a decrease in pressure
within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening being blocked
during use.
54. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 51 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move to cause the valve means
to close the dispensing open in response to a decrease in pressure
within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening being blocked
during use.
55. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 49 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a pressure responsive means responsive
to a decrease in pressure within the dispensing passageway, during
use, upon the air opening being blocked to cause the valve means to
close the dispensing opening.
56. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 50 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a pressure responsive means responsive
to a decrease in pressure within the dispensing passageway, during
use, upon the air opening being blocked to cause the valve means to
close the dispensing opening.
57. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 51 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a pressure responsive means responsive
to a decrease in pressure within the dispensing passageway, during
use, upon the air opening being blocked to cause the valve means to
close the dispensing opening.
58. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 49 wherein the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will respond to a decrease in
pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked during use to cause movement of the piston to thereby
in turn cause the valve means to close the dispensing opening;
there is an indicator means responsive and operatively connected to
the piston means to indicate activation of the deactivation
means.
59. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 50 wherein the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will respond to a decrease in
pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked during use to cause movement of the piston to thereby
in turn cause the valve means to close the dispensing opening;
there is an indicator means responsive and operatively connected to
the piston means to indicate activation of the deactivation
means.
60. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 51 wherein the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will respond to a decrease in
pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked during use to cause movement of the piston to thereby
in turn cause the valve means to close the dispensing opening;
there is an indicator means responsive and operatively connected to
the piston means to indicate activation of the deactivation
means.
61. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 49 wherein there is an
indicator means operatively connected to and responsive to the use
of the dispensing spout to indicate when liquid is flowing through
the dispensing opening and when liquid is prevented form flowing
through the dispensing opening.
62. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 50 wherein there is an
indicator means operatively connected to and responsive to the use
of the dispensing spout to indicate when liquid is flowing through
the dispensing opening and when liquid is prevented form flowing
through the dispensing opening.
63. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 51 wherein there is an
indicator means operatively connected to and responsive to the use
of the dispensing spout to indicate when liquid is flowing through
the dispensing opening and when liquid is prevented form flowing
through the dispensing opening.
64. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 49 wherein; there is a
closure spring means provided to normally bias the valve means to
close the dispensing opening during non-use.
65. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 50 wherein; there is a
closure spring means provided to normally bias the valve means to
close the dispensing opening during non-use.
66. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 51 wherein; there is a
closure spring means provided to normally bias the valve means to
close the dispensing opening during non-use.
67. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 49 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move in response to a decrease
in pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked to in turn cause the valve means to close the
dispensing opening; there is an indicator means to indicate when
liquid is flowing through the dispensing opening and a linkage
means operatively connecting the piston means to the indicator
means so that the indicator means responds to the piston means upon
the deactivation means causing the valve means to close the
dispensing opening.
68. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 50 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move in response to a decrease
in pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked to in turn cause the valve means to close the
dispensing opening; there is an indicator means to indicate when
liquid is flowing through the dispensing opening and a linkage
means operatively connecting the piston means to the indicator
means so that the indicator means responds to the piston means upon
the deactivation means causing the valve means to close the
dispensing opening.
69. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 51 wherein; the
deactivation means includes a piston means having a piston whereby
the piston of the piston means will move in response to a decrease
in pressure within the dispensing passageway upon the air opening
being blocked to in turn cause the valve means to close the
dispensing opening; there is an indicator means to indicate when
liquid is flowing through the dispensing opening and a linkage
means operatively connecting the piston means to the indicator
means so that the indicator means responds to the piston means upon
the deactivation means causing the valve means to close the
dispensing opening.
70. A delivery nozzle claimed in claim 49 wherein; the deactivation
means includes a bellows means having a resiliently formed bellows
member whereby the bellows member will respond to a decrease in
pressure by overcoming the resilience of its usual shape upon the
air opening being blocked by liquid during use, to move and in turn
cause the valve means to close the dispensing opening; the
resiliently formed bellows member having a shape to which it is
normally biased, in the absence of the air opening being blocked
during use by rising liquid in a position whereby the air opening
remains unblocked when the activation means is activated.
71. A delivery nozzle claimed in claim 50 wherein; the deactivation
means includes a bellows means having a resiliently formed bellows
member whereby the bellows member will respond to a decrease in
pressure by overcoming the resilience of its usual shape upon the
air opening being blocked by liquid during use, to move and in turn
cause the valve means to close the dispensing opening; the
resiliently formed bellows member having a shape to which it is
normally biased, in the absence of the air opening being blocked
during use by rising liquid in a position whereby the air opening
remains unblocked when the activation means is activated.
72. A delivery nozzle claimed in claim 51 wherein; the deactivation
means includes a bellows means having a resiliently formed bellows
member whereby the bellows member will respond to a decrease in
pressure by overcoming the resilience of its usual shape upon the
air opening being blocked by liquid during use, to move and in turn
cause the valve means to close the dispensing opening; the
resiliently formed bellows member having a shape to which it is
normally biased, in the absence of the air opening being blocked
during use by rising liquid in a position whereby the air opening
remains unblocked when the activation means is activated.
73. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet;
an openable and closable valve means for permitting and precluding,
respectively, the dispensing of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing, wherein said valve means is biased closed;
receptacle engaging trigger means operatively mounted on said
casing and movable along said casing between a valve-open position
and a valve-closed position; linkage means operatively connecting
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means;
wherein said linkage means has an enabled configuration wherein
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means are
operatively connected such that movement of said receptacle
engaging trigger means from said valve-closed position to said
valve-open position causes said valve means to open, and a disabled
configuration wherein said valve means is closed, and said valve
means is precluded from being re-opened by movement of said
receptacle engaging trigger means until said linkage means is reset
to its enabled configuration; and, deactivation means for changing
said linkage means from said enabled configuration to said disabled
configuration, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, to thereby allow said valve means to close,
thus precluding the delivery of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing.
74. The dispensing spout of claim 1, wherein said linkage means
comprises a first linkage member and a second linkage member
connected together in angularly variable relation at a linkage
elbow, so as together to be movable between said enabled
configuration and said disabled configuration.
75. The dispensing spout of claim 74, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member connected together in pivotal
relation at said linkage elbow.
76. The dispensing spout of claim 73, further comprising a slider
assembly mounted in sliding relation on said casing.
77. The dispensing spout of claim 76, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means comprises a trigger assembly disposed in
sliding relation on said slider assembly.
78. The dispensing spout of claim 77, wherein said first linkage
member is operatively mounted on said receptacle engaging trigger
means and said second linkage member is operatively mounted on said
slider assembly.
79. The dispensing spout of claim 78, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means includes an upper hook and a lower hook for
engaging the inlet rim of a container.
80. The dispensing spout of claim 74, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration.
81. The dispensing spout of claim 80, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration by means of a reed spring connected to said
first linkage member.
82. The dispensing spout of claim 76, wherein said deactivation
means includes a venturi means.
83. The dispensing spout of claim 82, wherein said venturi means is
disposed within said casing.
84. The dispensing spout of claim 83, wherein said deactivation
means comprises an air conduit having an air inlet, said air
conduit being in fluid communication with said dispensing
passageway to permit the drawing of air into said dispensing
passageway through said air opening when the air pressure is
reduced by the venturi means, but inhibiting the flow of air into
the dispensing passageway when the liquid level of dispensed liquid
reaches the air opening and blocks access of air into said air
opening, to thereby cause the deactivation means to change the
linkage means to said disabled configuration, to thereby cause said
valve means to close, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing, as aforesaid.
85. The dispensing spout of claim 84, wherein said air conduit is
in fluid communication with said dispensing passageway via an air
hole in said slider assembly and an expandable and retractable
chamber between said air conduit and said air hole.
86. The dispensing spout of claim 85, wherein said expandable and
retractable chamber comprises a cylinder and piston moveable within
the cylinder, and wherein said piston engages the cylinder in
substantially sealed relation, and spring means to bias said piston
to an extended position.
87. The dispensing spout of claim 73, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure member for closing and opening said dispensing
opening.
88. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing formed with a dispensing passageway
leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the liquid; an
openable and closable valve means operatively mounted on said
casing for permitting and precluding, respectively, the dispensing
of liquid from said dispensing outlet of said casing, wherein said
valve means is biased closed; deactivation means operatively
mounted on said casing for causing said valve means to close and
prevent delivery of the liquid from the dispensing opening during
use, when the liquid level of dispensed liquid reaches said
deactivation means. deactivation means for causing said valve means
to close, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing.
89. The dispensing spout of claim 88, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure means operatively mounted within said casing
for closing and opening said dispensing opening.
90. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet;
an openable and closable valve means for permitting and precluding,
respectively, the dispensing of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing, wherein said valve means is biased closed;
receptacle engaging trigger means operatively mounted on said
casing and movable along said casing between a valve-open position
and a valve-closed position; linkage means operatively connecting
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means;
wherein said linkage means has an enabled configuration wherein
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means are
operatively connected such that movement of said receptacle
engaging trigger means from said valve-closed position to said
valve-open position causes said valve means to open, and a disabled
configuration wherein said valve means is closed, and said valve
means is precluded from being re-opened by movement of said
receptacle engaging trigger means until said linkage means is reset
to its enabled configuration; and, deactivation means for changing
said linkage means from said enabled configuration to said disabled
configuration, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, to thereby allow said valve means to close,
thus precluding the delivery of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing.
91. The dispensing spout of claim 90, wherein said linkage means
comprises a first linkage member and a second linkage member
connected together in angularly variable relation at a linkage
elbow, so as together to be movable between said enabled
configuration and said disabled configuration.
92. The dispensing spout of claim 91, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member connected together in pivotal
relation at said linkage elbow.
93. The dispensing spout of claim 90, further comprising a slider
assembly mounted in sliding relation on said casing.
94. The dispensing spout of claim 93, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means comprises a trigger assembly disposed in
sliding relation on said slider assembly.
95. The dispensing spout of claim 94, wherein said first linkage
member is operatively mounted on said receptacle engaging trigger
means and said second linkage member is operatively mounted on said
slider assembly.
96. The dispensing spout of claim 95, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means includes an upper hook and a lower hook for
engaging the inlet rim of a container.
97. The dispensing spout of claim 91, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration.
98. The dispensing spout of claim 97, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration by means of a reed spring connected to said
first linkage member.
99. The dispensing spout of claim 93, wherein said deactivation
means includes a venturi means.
100. The dispensing spout of claim 99, wherein said venturi means
is disposed within said casing.
101. The dispensing spout of claim 100, wherein said deactivation
means comprises an air conduit having an air inlet, said air
conduit being in fluid communication with said dispensing
passageway to permit the drawing of air into said dispensing
passageway through said air opening when the air pressure is
reduced by the venturi means, but inhibiting the flow of air into
the dispensing passageway when the liquid level of dispensed liquid
reaches the air opening and blocks access of air into said air
opening, to thereby cause the deactivation means to change the
linkage means to said disabled configuration, to thereby cause said
valve means to close, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing, as aforesaid.
102. The dispensing spout of claim 101, wherein said air conduit is
in fluid communication with said dispensing passageway via an air
hole in said slider assembly and an expandable and retractable
chamber between said air conduit and said air hole.
103. The dispensing spout of claim 102, wherein said expandable and
retractable chamber comprises a cylinder and piston moveable within
the cylinder, and wherein said piston engages the cylinder in
substantially sealed relation, and spring means to bias said piston
to an extended position.
104. The dispensing spout of claim 90, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure member for closing and opening said dispensing
opening.
105. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing formed with a dispensing passageway
leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the liquid; an
openable and closable valve means operatively mounted on said
casing for permitting and precluding, respectively, the dispensing
of liquid from said dispensing outlet of said casing, wherein said
valve means is biased closed; deactivation means operatively
mounted on said casing for causing said valve means to close and
prevent delivery of the liquid from the dispensing opening during
use, when the liquid level of dispensed liquid reaches said
deactivation means. deactivation means for causing said valve means
to close, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing.
106. The dispensing spout of claim 105, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure means operatively mounted within said casing
for closing and opening said dispensing opening.
107. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet;
an openable and closable valve means for permitting and precluding,
respectively, the dispensing of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing, wherein said valve means is biased closed;
receptacle engaging trigger means operatively mounted on said
casing and movable along said casing between a valve-open position
and a valve-closed position; linkage means operatively connecting
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means;
wherein said linkage means has an enabled configuration wherein
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means are
operatively connected such that movement of said receptacle
engaging trigger means from said valve-closed position to said
valve-open position causes said valve means to open, and a disabled
configuration wherein said valve means is closed, and said valve
means is precluded from being re-opened by movement of said
receptacle engaging trigger means until said linkage means is reset
to its enabled configuration; and, deactivation means for changing
said linkage means from said enabled configuration to said disabled
configuration, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, to thereby allow said valve means to close,
thus precluding the delivery of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing.
108. The dispensing spout of claim 107, wherein said linkage means
comprises a first linkage member and a second linkage member
connected together in angularly variable relation at a linkage
elbow, so as together to be movable between said enabled
configuration and said disabled configuration.
109. The dispensing spout of claim 108, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member connected together in pivotal
relation at said linkage elbow.
110. The dispensing spout of claim 107, further comprising a slider
assembly mounted in sliding relation on said casing.
111. The dispensing spout of claim 110, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means comprises a trigger assembly disposed in
sliding relation on said slider assembly.
112. The dispensing spout of claim 111, wherein said first linkage
member is operatively mounted on said receptacle engaging trigger
means and said second linkage member is operatively mounted on said
slider assembly.
113. The dispensing spout of claim 112, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means includes an upper hook and a lower hook for
engaging the inlet rim of a container.
114. The dispensing spout of claim 108, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration.
115. The dispensing spout of claim 114, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration by means of a reed spring connected to said
first linkage member.
116. The dispensing spout of claim 110, wherein said deactivation
means includes a venturi means.
117. The dispensing spout of claim 116, wherein said venturi means
is disposed within said casing.
118. The dispensing spout of claim 117, wherein said deactivation
means comprises an air conduit having an air inlet, said air
conduit being in fluid communication with said dispensing
passageway to permit the drawing of air into said dispensing
passageway through said air opening when the air pressure is
reduced by the venturi means, but inhibiting the flow of air into
the dispensing passageway when the liquid level of dispensed liquid
reaches the air opening and blocks access of air into said air
opening, to thereby cause the deactivation means to change the
linkage means to said disabled configuration, to thereby cause said
valve means to close, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing, as aforesaid.
119. The dispensing spout of claim 118, wherein said air conduit is
in fluid communication with said dispensing passageway via an air
hole in said slider assembly and an expandable and retractable
chamber between said air conduit and said air hole.
120. The dispensing spout of claim 119, wherein said expandable and
retractable chamber comprises a cylinder and piston moveable within
the cylinder, and wherein said piston engages the cylinder in
substantially sealed relation, and spring means to bias said piston
to an extended position.
121. The dispensing spout of claim 107, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure member for closing and opening said dispensing
opening.
122. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing formed with a dispensing passageway
leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the liquid; an
openable and closable valve means operatively mounted on said
casing for permitting and precluding, respectively, the dispensing
of liquid from said dispensing outlet of said casing, wherein said
valve means is biased closed; deactivation means operatively
mounted on said casing for causing said valve means to close and
prevent delivery of the liquid from the dispensing opening during
use, when the liquid level of dispensed liquid reaches said
deactivation means. deactivation means for causing said valve means
to close, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing.
123. The dispensing spout of claim 122, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure means operatively mounted within said casing
for closing and opening said dispensing opening.
124. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet;
and, indication means mounted on said casing.
125. The dispensing spout of claim 124, further comprising a
receptacle engaging trigger means operatively mounted on said
casing and movable along said casing between a valve-open position
and a valve-closed position.
126. The dispensing spout of claim 125, further comprising linkage
means operatively connecting said receptacle engaging trigger means
and said valve means.
127. The dispensing spout of claim 126, further comprising wherein
said linkage means has an enabled configuration wherein said
receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means are
operatively connected such that movement of said receptacle
engaging trigger means from said valve-closed position to said
valve-open position causes said valve means to open, and a disabled
configuration wherein said valve means is closed, and said valve
means is precluded from being re-opened by movement of said
receptacle engaging trigger means until said linkage means is reset
to its enabled configuration; and, deactivation means for changing
said linkage means from said enabled configuration to said disabled
configuration, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, to thereby allow said valve means to close,
thus precluding the delivery of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing.
128. A liquid container for storing and dispensing liquid, said
container having a main body housing and a delivery means for
delivering liquid, there being a dispensing spout mounted to the
delivery means to be in fluid communication with the main body
housing for delivering liquid from the container, wherein the
dispensing spout comprises: a casing having an inlet and a
dispensing outlet; an openable and closable valve means for
permitting and precluding, respectively, the dispensing of liquid
from said dispensing outlet of said casing, wherein said valve
means is biased closed; receptacle engaging trigger means
operatively mounted on said casing and movable along said casing
between a valve-open position and a valve-closed position; linkage
means operatively connecting said receptacle engaging trigger means
and said valve means; wherein said linkage means has an enabled
configuration wherein said receptacle engaging trigger means and
said valve means are operatively connected such that movement of
said receptacle engaging trigger means from said valve-closed
position to said valve-open position causes said valve means to
open, and a disabled configuration wherein said valve means is
closed, and said valve means is precluded from being re-opened by
movement of said receptacle engaging trigger means until said
linkage means is reset to its enabled configuration; and,
deactivation means for changing said linkage means from said
enabled configuration to said disabled configuration, in response
to detecting the proximity of dispensed liquid in a receptacle, to
thereby allow said valve means to close, thus precluding the
delivery of liquid from said dispensing outlet of said casing.
129. The liquid container of claim 128, wherein said linkage means
comprises a first linkage member and a second linkage member
connected together in angularly variable relation at a linkage
elbow, so as together to be movable between said enabled
configuration and said disabled configuration.
130. The liquid container of claim 129, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member connected together in pivotal
relation at said linkage elbow.
131. The liquid container of claim 128, further comprising a slider
assembly mounted in sliding relation on said casing.
132. The liquid container of claim 131, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means comprises a trigger assembly disposed in
sliding relation on said slider assembly.
133. The liquid container of claim 132, wherein said first linkage
member is operatively mounted on said receptacle engaging trigger
means and said second linkage member is operatively mounted on said
slider assembly.
134. The liquid container of claim 133, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means includes an upper hook and a lower hook for
engaging the inlet rim of a container.
135. The liquid container of claim 128, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration.
136. The liquid container of claim 135, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration by means of a reed spring connected to said
first linkage member.
137. The liquid container of claim 131, wherein said deactivation
means includes a venturi means.
138. The liquid container of claim 137, wherein said venturi means
is disposed within said casing.
139. The liquid container of claim 138, wherein said deactivation
means comprises an air conduit having an air inlet, said air
conduit being in fluid communication with said dispensing
passageway to permit the drawing of air into said dispensing
passageway through said air opening when the air pressure is
reduced by the venturi means, but inhibiting the flow of air into
the dispensing passageway when the liquid level of dispensed liquid
reaches the air opening and blocks access of air into said air
opening, to thereby cause the deactivation means to change the
linkage means to said disabled configuration, to thereby cause said
valve means to close, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing, as aforesaid.
140. The liquid container of claim 139, wherein said air conduit is
in fluid communication with said dispensing passageway via an air
hole in said slider assembly and an expandable and retractable
chamber between said air conduit and said air hole.
141. The liquid container of claim 140, wherein said expandable and
retractable chamber comprises a cylinder and piston moveable within
the cylinder, and wherein said piston engages the cylinder in
substantially sealed relation, and spring means to bias said piston
to an extended position.
142. The liquid container of claim 128, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure member for closing and opening said dispensing
opening.
143. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing formed with a dispensing passageway
leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the liquid; an
openable and closable valve means operatively mounted on said
casing for permitting and precluding, respectively, the dispensing
of liquid from said dispensing outlet of said casing, wherein said
valve means is biased closed; deactivation means operatively
mounted on said casing for causing said valve means to close and
prevent delivery of the liquid from the dispensing opening during
use, when the liquid level of dispensed liquid reaches said
deactivation means. deactivation means for causing said valve means
to close, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing.
144. The liquid container of claim 143, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure means operatively mounted within said casing
for closing and opening said dispensing opening.
145. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet;
an openable and closable valve means for permitting and precluding,
respectively, the dispensing of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing, wherein said valve means is biased closed;
receptacle engaging trigger means operatively mounted on said
casing and movable along said casing between a valve-open position
and a valve-closed position; linkage means operatively connecting
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means;
wherein said linkage means has an enabled configuration wherein
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means are
operatively connected such that movement of said receptacle
engaging trigger means from said valve-closed position to said
valve-open position causes said valve means to open, and a disabled
configuration wherein said valve means is closed, and said valve
means is precluded from being re-opened by movement of said
receptacle engaging trigger means until said linkage means is reset
to its enabled configuration; and, deactivation means for changing
said linkage means from said enabled configuration to said disabled
configuration, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, to thereby allow said valve means to close,
thus precluding the delivery of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing.
146. The liquid container of claim 145, wherein said linkage means
comprises a first linkage member and a second linkage member
connected together in angularly variable relation at a linkage
elbow, so as together to be movable between said enabled
configuration and said disabled configuration.
147. The liquid container of claim 146, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member connected together in pivotal
relation at said linkage elbow.
148. The liquid container of claim 145, further comprising a slider
assembly mounted in sliding relation on said casing.
149. The liquid container of claim 148, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means comprises a trigger assembly disposed in
sliding relation on said slider assembly.
150. The liquid container of claim 149, wherein said first linkage
member is operatively mounted on said receptacle engaging trigger
means and said second linkage member is operatively mounted on said
slider assembly.
151. The liquid container of claim 150, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means includes an upper hook and a lower hook for
engaging the inlet rim of a container.
152. The liquid container of claim 146, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration.
153. The liquid container of claim 152, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration by means of a reed spring connected to said
first linkage member.
154. The liquid container of claim 153, wherein said deactivation
means includes a venturi means.
155. The liquid container of claim 154, wherein said venturi means
is disposed within said casing.
156. The liquid container of claim 155, wherein said deactivation
means comprises an air conduit having an air inlet, said air
conduit being in fluid communication with said dispensing
passageway to permit the drawing of air into said dispensing
passageway through said air opening when the air pressure is
reduced by the venturi means, but inhibiting the flow of air into
the dispensing passageway when the liquid level of dispensed liquid
reaches the air opening and blocks access of air into said air
opening, to thereby cause the deactivation means to change the
linkage means to said disabled configuration, to thereby cause said
valve means to close, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing, as aforesaid.
157. The liquid container of claim 156, wherein said air conduit is
in fluid communication with said dispensing passageway via an air
hole in said slider assembly and an expandable and retractable
chamber between said air conduit and said air hole.
158. The liquid container of claim 157, wherein said expandable and
retractable chamber comprises a cylinder and piston moveable within
the cylinder, and wherein said piston engages the cylinder in
substantially sealed relation, and spring means to bias said piston
to an extended position.
159. The liquid container of claim 145, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure member for closing and opening said dispensing
opening.
160. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing formed with a dispensing passageway
leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the liquid; an
openable and closable valve means operatively mounted on said
casing for permitting and precluding, respectively, the dispensing
of liquid from said dispensing outlet of said casing, wherein said
valve means is biased closed; deactivation means operatively
mounted on said casing for causing said valve means to close and
prevent delivery of the liquid from the dispensing opening during
use, when the liquid level of dispensed liquid reaches said
deactivation means. deactivation means for causing said valve means
to close, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing.
161. The liquid container of claim 160, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure means operatively mounted within said casing
for closing and opening said dispensing opening.
162. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet;
an openable and closable valve means for permitting and precluding,
respectively, the dispensing of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing, wherein said valve means is biased closed;
receptacle engaging trigger means operatively mounted on said
casing and movable along said casing between a valve-open position
and a valve-closed position; linkage means operatively connecting
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means;
wherein said linkage means has an enabled configuration wherein
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means are
operatively connected such that movement of said receptacle
engaging trigger means from said valve-closed position to said
valve-open position causes said valve means to open, and a disabled
configuration wherein said valve means is closed, and said valve
means is precluded from being re-opened by movement of said
receptacle engaging trigger means until said linkage means is reset
to its enabled configuration; and, deactivation means for changing
said linkage means from said enabled configuration to said disabled
configuration, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, to thereby allow said valve means to close,
thus precluding the delivery of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing.
163. The liquid container of claim 162, wherein said linkage means
comprises a first linkage member and a second linkage member
connected together in angularly variable relation at a linkage
elbow, so as together to be movable between said enabled
configuration and said disabled configuration.
164. The liquid container of claim 163, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member connected together in pivotal
relation at said linkage elbow.
165. The liquid container of claim 162, further comprising a slider
assembly mounted in sliding relation on said casing.
166. The liquid container of claim 165, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means comprises a trigger assembly disposed in
sliding relation on said slider assembly.
167. The liquid container of claim 166, wherein said first linkage
member is operatively mounted on said receptacle engaging trigger
means and said second linkage member is operatively mounted on said
slider assembly.
168. The liquid container of claim 167, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means includes an upper hook and a lower hook for
engaging the inlet rim of a container.
169. The liquid container of claim 163, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration.
170. The liquid container of claim 169, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration by means of a reed spring connected to said
first linkage member.
171. The liquid container of claim 165, wherein said deactivation
means includes a venturi means.
172. The liquid container of claim 171, wherein said venturi means
is disposed within said casing.
173. The liquid container of claim 172, wherein said deactivation
means comprises an air conduit having an air inlet, said air
conduit being in fluid communication with said dispensing
passageway to permit the drawing of air into said dispensing
passageway through said air opening when the air pressure is
reduced by the venturi means, but inhibiting the flow of air into
the dispensing passageway when the liquid level of dispensed liquid
reaches the air opening and blocks access of air into said air
opening, to thereby cause the deactivation means to change the
linkage means to said disabled configuration, to thereby cause said
valve means to close, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing, as aforesaid.
174. The liquid container of claim 173, wherein said air conduit is
in fluid communication with said dispensing passageway via an air
hole in said slider assembly and an expandable and retractable
chamber between said air conduit and said air hole.
175. The liquid container of claim 174, wherein said expandable and
retractable chamber comprises a cylinder and piston moveable within
the cylinder, and wherein said piston engages the cylinder in
substantially sealed relation, and spring means to bias said piston
to an extended position.
176. The liquid container of claim 162, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure member for closing and opening said dispensing
opening.
177. A delivery nozzle mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the delivery nozzle
comprises: a casing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet; an
openable and closable valve means for permitting and precluding,
respectively, the dispensing of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing, wherein said valve means is biased closed;
receptacle engaging trigger means operatively mounted on said
casing and movable along said casing between a valve-open position
and a valve-closed position; linkage means operatively connecting
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means;
wherein said linkage means has an enabled configuration wherein
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means are
operatively connected such that movement of said receptacle
engaging trigger means from said valve-closed position to said
valve-open position causes said valve means to open, and a disabled
configuration wherein said valve means is closed, and said valve
means is precluded from being re-opened by movement of said
receptacle engaging trigger means until said linkage means is reset
to its enabled configuration; and, deactivation means for changing
said linkage means from said enabled configuration to said disabled
configuration, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, to thereby allow said valve means to close,
thus precluding the delivery of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing.
178. The delivery nozzle of claim 177, wherein said linkage means
comprises a first linkage member and a second linkage member
connected together in angularly variable relation at a linkage
elbow, so as together to be movable between said enabled
configuration and said disabled configuration.
179. The delivery nozzle of claim, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member connected together in pivotal
relation at said linkage elbow.
180. The delivery nozzle of claim 73, further comprising a slider
assembly mounted in sliding relation on said casing.
181. The delivery nozzle of claim 76, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means comprises a trigger assembly disposed in
sliding relation on said slider assembly.
182. The delivery nozzle of claim 77, wherein said first linkage
member is operatively mounted on said receptacle engaging trigger
means and said second linkage member is operatively mounted on said
slider assembly.
183. The delivery nozzle of claim 78, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means includes an upper hook and a lower hook for
engaging the inlet rim of a container.
184. The delivery nozzle of claim 74, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration.
185. The delivery nozzle of claim 80, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration by means of a reed spring connected to said
first linkage member.
186. The delivery nozzle of claim 76, wherein said deactivation
means includes a venturi means.
187. The delivery nozzle of claim 82, wherein said venturi means is
disposed within said casing.
188. The delivery nozzle of claim 83, wherein said deactivation
means comprises an air conduit having an air inlet, said air
conduit being in fluid communication with said dispensing
passageway to permit the drawing of air into said dispensing
passageway through said air opening when the air pressure is
reduced by the venturi means, but inhibiting the flow of air into
the dispensing passageway when the liquid level of dispensed liquid
reaches the air opening and blocks access of air into said air
opening, to thereby cause the deactivation means to change the
linkage means to said disabled configuration, to thereby cause said
valve means to close, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing, as aforesaid.
189. The delivery nozzle of claim 84, wherein said air conduit is
in fluid communication with said dispensing passageway via an air
hole in said slider assembly and an expandable and retractable
chamber between said air conduit and said air hole.
190. The delivery nozzle of claim 85, wherein said expandable and
retractable chamber comprises a cylinder and piston moveable within
the cylinder, and wherein said piston engages the cylinder in
substantially sealed relation, and spring means to bias said piston
to an extended position.
191. The delivery nozzle of claim 73, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure member for closing and opening said dispensing
opening.
192. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing formed with a dispensing passageway
leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the liquid; an
openable and closable valve means operatively mounted on said
casing for permitting and precluding, respectively, the dispensing
of liquid from said dispensing outlet of said casing, wherein said
valve means is biased closed; deactivation means operatively
mounted on said casing for causing said valve means to close and
prevent delivery of the liquid from the dispensing opening during
use, when the liquid level of dispensed liquid reaches said
deactivation means. deactivation means for causing said valve means
to close, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing.
193. The delivery nozzle of claim 88, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure means operatively mounted within said casing
for closing and opening said dispensing opening.
194. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet;
an openable and closable valve means for permitting and precluding,
respectively, the dispensing of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing, wherein said valve means is biased closed;
receptacle engaging trigger means operatively mounted on said
casing and movable along said casing between a valve-open position
and a valve-closed position; linkage means operatively connecting
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means;
wherein said linkage means has an enabled configuration wherein
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means are
operatively connected such that movement of said receptacle
engaging trigger means from said valve-closed position to said
valve-open position causes said valve means to open, and a disabled
configuration wherein said valve means is closed, and said valve
means is precluded from being re-opened by movement of said
receptacle engaging trigger means until said linkage means is reset
to its enabled configuration; and, deactivation means for changing
said linkage means from said enabled configuration to said disabled
configuration, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, to thereby allow said valve means to close,
thus precluding the delivery of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing.
195. The delivery nozzle of claim 90, wherein said linkage means
comprises a first linkage member and a second linkage member
connected together in angularly variable relation at a linkage
elbow, so as together to be movable between said enabled
configuration and said disabled configuration.
196. The delivery nozzle of claim 91, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member connected together in pivotal
relation at said linkage elbow.
197. The delivery nozzle of claim 90, further comprising a slider
assembly mounted in sliding relation on said casing.
198. The delivery nozzle of claim 93, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means comprises a trigger assembly disposed in
sliding relation on said slider assembly.
199. The delivery nozzle of claim 94, wherein said first linkage
member is operatively mounted on said receptacle engaging trigger
means and said second linkage member is operatively mounted on said
slider assembly.
200. The delivery nozzle of claim 95, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means includes an upper hook and a lower hook for
engaging the inlet rim of a container.
201. The delivery nozzle of claim 91, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration.
202. The delivery nozzle of claim 97, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration by means of a reed spring connected to said
first linkage member.
203. The delivery nozzle of claim 93, wherein said deactivation
means includes a venturi means.
204. The delivery nozzle of claim 99, wherein said venturi means is
disposed within said casing.
205. The delivery nozzle of claim 100, wherein said deactivation
means comprises an air conduit having an air inlet, said air
conduit being in fluid communication with said dispensing
passageway to permit the drawing of air into said dispensing
passageway through said air opening when the air pressure is
reduced by the venturi means, but inhibiting the flow of air into
the dispensing passageway when the liquid level of dispensed liquid
reaches the air opening and blocks access of air into said air
opening, to thereby cause the deactivation means to change the
linkage means to said disabled configuration, to thereby cause said
valve means to close, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing, as aforesaid.
206. The delivery nozzle of claim 101, wherein said air conduit is
in fluid communication with said dispensing passageway via an air
hole in said slider assembly and an expandable and retractable
chamber between said air conduit and said air hole.
207. The delivery nozzle of claim 102, wherein said expandable and
retractable chamber comprises a cylinder and piston moveable within
the cylinder, and wherein said piston engages the cylinder in
substantially sealed relation, and spring means to bias said piston
to an extended position.
208. The delivery nozzle of claim 90, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure member for closing and opening said dispensing
opening.
209. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing formed with a dispensing passageway
leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the liquid; an
openable and closable valve means operatively mounted on said
casing for permitting and precluding, respectively, the dispensing
of liquid from said dispensing outlet of said casing, wherein said
valve means is biased closed; deactivation means operatively
mounted on said casing for causing said valve means to close and
prevent delivery of the liquid from the dispensing opening during
use, when the liquid level of dispensed liquid reaches said
deactivation means. deactivation means for causing said valve means
to close, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing.
210. The delivery nozzle of claim 105, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure means operatively mounted within said casing
for closing and opening said dispensing opening.
211. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet;
an openable and closable valve means for permitting and precluding,
respectively, the dispensing of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing, wherein said valve means is biased closed;
receptacle engaging trigger means operatively mounted on said
casing and movable along said casing between a valve-open position
and a valve-closed position; linkage means operatively connecting
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means;
wherein said linkage means has an enabled configuration wherein
said receptacle engaging trigger means and said valve means are
operatively connected such that movement of said receptacle
engaging trigger means from said valve-closed position to said
valve-open position causes said valve means to open, and a disabled
configuration wherein said valve means is closed, and said valve
means is precluded from being re-opened by movement of said
receptacle engaging trigger means until said linkage means is reset
to its enabled configuration; and, deactivation means for changing
said linkage means from said enabled configuration to said disabled
configuration, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, to thereby allow said valve means to close,
thus precluding the delivery of liquid from said dispensing outlet
of said casing.
212. The delivery nozzle of claim 107, wherein said linkage means
comprises a first linkage member and a second linkage member
connected together in angularly variable relation at a linkage
elbow, so as together to be movable between said enabled
configuration and said disabled configuration.
213. The delivery nozzle of claim 108, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member connected together in pivotal
relation at said linkage elbow.
214. The delivery nozzle of claim 107, further comprising a slider
assembly mounted in sliding relation on said casing.
215. The delivery nozzle of claim 110, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means comprises a trigger assembly disposed in
sliding relation on said slider assembly.
216. The delivery nozzle of claim 111, wherein said first linkage
member is operatively mounted on said receptacle engaging trigger
means and said second linkage member is operatively mounted on said
slider assembly.
217. The delivery nozzle of claim 112, wherein said receptacle
engaging trigger means includes an upper hook and a lower hook for
engaging the inlet rim of a container.
218. The delivery nozzle of claim 108, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration.
219. The delivery nozzle of claim 114, wherein said first linkage
member and said second linkage member are spring biased to said
enabled configuration by means of a reed spring connected to said
first linkage member.
220. The delivery nozzle of claim 110, wherein said deactivation
means includes a venturi means.
221. The delivery nozzle of claim 116, wherein said venturi means
is disposed within said casing.
222. The delivery nozzle of claim 117, wherein said deactivation
means comprises an air conduit having an air inlet, said air
conduit being in fluid communication with said dispensing
passageway to permit the drawing of air into said dispensing
passageway through said air opening when the air pressure is
reduced by the venturi means, but inhibiting the flow of air into
the dispensing passageway when the liquid level of dispensed liquid
reaches the air opening and blocks access of air into said air
opening, to thereby cause the deactivation means to change the
linkage means to said disabled configuration, to thereby cause said
valve means to close, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing, as aforesaid.
223. The delivery nozzle of claim 118, wherein said air conduit is
in fluid communication with said dispensing passageway via an air
hole in said slider assembly and an expandable and retractable
chamber between said air conduit and said air hole.
224. The delivery nozzle of claim 119, wherein said expandable and
retractable chamber comprises a cylinder and piston moveable within
the cylinder, and wherein said piston engages the cylinder in
substantially sealed relation, and spring means to bias said piston
to an extended position.
225. The delivery nozzle of claim 107, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure member for closing and opening said dispensing
opening.
226. A dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing formed with a dispensing passageway
leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the liquid; an
openable and closable valve means operatively mounted on said
casing for permitting and precluding, respectively, the dispensing
of liquid from said dispensing outlet of said casing, wherein said
valve means is biased closed; deactivation means operatively
mounted on said casing for causing said valve means to close and
prevent delivery of the liquid from the dispensing opening during
use, when the liquid level of dispensed liquid reaches said
deactivation means. deactivation means for causing said valve means
to close, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, thus precluding the delivery of liquid from
said dispensing outlet of said casing.
227. The delivery nozzle of claim 122, wherein said valve means
comprises a closure means operatively mounted within said casing
for closing and opening said dispensing opening.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filed U.S.
Provisional Patent Application numbered 60/748,047, entitled
V-Spout Auto-Closure & Auto Shutoff Venturi Spout, which is
here by incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a spout for a hose, nozzle
or a container and to a hose, nozzle and a container used to
dispense liquids into a receptacle from a liquid source such as a
gas container, delivery hose or pump.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is a problem with the present art of liquid delivery,
where delivery is accomplished by a nozzle and hose configuration
or from a portable container, such as is the case with gasoline,
that there can be unwanted dripping and spillage. For instance, the
nozzle can often still be operable after the receptacle has filled.
As well, in the case of containers, with no automatic shut-off, the
fuel keeps on pouring even after the receptacle is filled.
[0004] Devices which permit delivery of gas and which auto-close
when the device is removed from the receptacle are known in the
art. The problem which they have created, however, and the problem
which has not been hereto adequately and economically solved, is
that the user cannot easily appreciate when the receptacle has been
filled, and overflow spillage occurs.
[0005] A problem with the prior art is that there is no simple
device which permits easy modification of present systems to
automatically shutoff the delivery based on the level of liquid
fill in the receptacle.
[0006] Another problem with the prior art is that there is no
simple way or device which would operate in a manner whereby the
delivery of the liquid into the receptacle would be controlled by
both the position of the delivery spout vis-a-vis the receptacle
and the level of liquid fill in the receptacle.
[0007] Another problem with the prior art is that there are
presently many different types of nozzles and delivery containers
in use and no suitable device for easily modifying these hoses,
nozzles and delivery containers to make their delivery safer.
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
dispensing spout mountable to a delivery means such as a nozzle, a
hose or the delivery neck of a dispensing opening on a container
for delivering liquid from its respective delivery source into a
receptacle which has a deactivation means that automatically shuts
off delivery of liquid upon the receptacle being filled with
liquid.
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
dispensing spout mountable to a delivery means such as a nozzle, a
hose or the delivery neck of a dispensing opening on a container
for delivering liquid from its respective delivery source into a
receptacle wherein the dispensing spout has an actuation means
which only permits flow of the liquid from the spout when the spout
dispensing opening is inserted past the receiving opening of the
receptacle into which the liquid is being dispensed, and which has
a deactivation means that shuts off delivery of liquid upon the
receptacle being filled with liquid.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
dispensing spout simple in design, easily constructed and simple to
use.
[0011] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide a container, hose or a nozzle having a dispensing spout
which achieves the objects previously described.
[0012] Other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the
art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding means for
delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the dispensing
spout comprises: a casing formed with a dispensing passageway
leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the liquid; a
venturi means within the casing to reduce the pressure within the
dispensing passageway as liquid flows through it during use; and a
control means. The control means has a closure member for blocking
and unblocking the dispensing opening; and, as well, a deactivation
means. The deactivation means includes an air conduit with an air
opening wherein the air conduit is in communication with the
dispensing passageway to permit the drawing of air into the
dispensing passageway through the air opening when pressure is
reduced by the venturi means. As well, however, it inhibits the
flow of air into the dispensing passageway when the liquid level of
dispensed liquid reaches the air opening and blocks access of air
into the air opening. Upon that occurring, the deactivation means
blocks the dispensing opening and prevents delivery of the liquid
during use.
[0014] By feeding means, it is meant whatever ever structure or
device which would be necessary to feed or permit the flow of
liquid from the container to the spout. For instance, it may be a
nozzle, a hose or the dispensing neck of a container. By liquid
source, it is meant the source of the liquid, which may be a
container, a liquid pump, hose or any other source.
[0015] According to another aspect of this invention, there is
provided a dispensing spout with a dispensing opening for delivery
of liquid from a liquid source whereby there is a control means
having an activation means and a benchmark level means with a
benchmark level, whereby the control means is activated to prevent
liquid from pouring from the dispensing spout upon the dispensing
opening of the spout being removed from a receptacle opening or
when the level of dispensed fluid in the receptacle rises to reach
the benchmark level, whichever event occurs first.
[0016] According to another aspect of this invention, there is
provided a liquid container having a dispensing spout with a
dispensing opening for delivery of the liquid whereby there is a
control means having an activation means and a benchmark level
means with a benchmark level, whereby the control means is
activated to prevent liquid from pouring from the dispensing spout
upon the dispensing opening of the spout being removed from a
receptacle opening or when the level of dispensed fluid in the
receptacle rises to reach the benchmark level, whichever event
occurs first.
[0017] According to another aspect of this invention, there is
provided a liquid delivery nozzle having a dispensing spout with a
dispensing opening for delivery of the liquid whereby there is a
control means having an activation means and a benchmark level
means with a benchmark level, whereby the control means is
activated to prevent liquid from pouring from the dispensing spout
upon the dispensing opening of the spout being removed from a
receptacle opening or when the level of dispensed fluid in the
receptacle rises to reach the benchmark level, whichever event
occurs first.
[0018] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there
is disclosed a novel dispensing spout mountable to a liquid feeding
means for delivering liquid from a liquid source. The dispensing
spout comprises a casing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet;
an openable and closable valve means for permitting and precluding,
respectively, the dispensing of liquid from the dispensing outlet
of the casing, wherein the valve means is biased closed; receptacle
engaging trigger means operatively mounted on the casing and
movable along the casing between a valve open position and a valve
closed position; linkage means operatively connecting the
receptacle engaging trigger means and the valve means; wherein the
linkage means has an enabled configuration wherein the receptacle
engaging trigger means and the valve means are operatively
connected such that movement of the receptacle engaging trigger
means from the valve closed position to the valve open position
causes the valve means to open, and a disabled configuration
wherein the valve means is closed, and the valve means is precluded
from being re opened by movement of the receptacle engaging trigger
means until the linkage means is reset to its enabled
configuration; and, deactivation means for changing the linkage
means from the enabled configuration to the disabled configuration,
in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed liquid in a
receptacle, to thereby allow the valve means to close, thus
precluding the delivery of liquid from the dispensing outlet of the
casing.
[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is disclosed a novel dispensing spout mountable to a liquid
feeding means for delivering liquid from a liquid source. The
dispensing spout comprises a casing formed with a dispensing
passageway leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the
liquid; an openable and closable valve means operatively mounted on
the casing for permitting and precluding, respectively, the
dispensing of liquid from the dispensing outlet of the casing,
wherein the valve means is biased closed; deactivation means
operatively mounted on the casing for causing the valve means to
close and prevent delivery of the liquid from the dispensing
opening during use, when the liquid level of dispensed liquid
reaches the deactivation means; deactivation means for causing the
valve means to close, in response to detecting the proximity of
dispensed liquid in a receptacle, thus precluding the delivery of
liquid from the dispensing outlet of the casing.
[0020] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is disclosed a novel dispensing spout mountable to a liquid
feeding means for delivering liquid from a liquid source. The
dispensing spout comprises a casing having an inlet and a
dispensing outlet; an openable and closable valve means for
permitting and precluding, respectively, the dispensing of liquid
from the dispensing outlet of the casing, wherein the valve means
is biased closed; receptacle engaging trigger means operatively
mounted on the casing and movable along the casing between a valve
open position and a valve closed position; linkage means
operatively connecting the receptacle engaging trigger means and
the valve means; wherein the linkage means has an enabled
configuration wherein the receptacle engaging trigger means and the
valve means are operatively connected such that movement of the
receptacle engaging trigger means from the valve closed position to
the valve open position causes the valve means to open, and a
disabled configuration wherein the valve means is closed, and the
valve means is precluded from being re opened by movement of the
receptacle engaging trigger means until the linkage means is reset
to its enabled configuration; and, deactivation means for changing
the linkage means from the enabled configuration to the disabled
configuration, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, to thereby allow the valve means to close,
thus precluding the delivery of liquid from the dispensing outlet
of the casing.
[0021] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is disclosed a novel dispensing spout mountable to a liquid
feeding means for delivering liquid from a liquid source. The
dispensing spout comprises a casing formed with a dispensing
passageway leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the
liquid; an openable and closable valve means operatively mounted on
the casing for permitting and precluding, respectively, the
dispensing of liquid from the dispensing outlet of the casing,
wherein the valve means is biased closed; deactivation means
operatively mounted on the casing for causing the valve means to
close and prevent delivery of the liquid from the dispensing
opening during use, when the liquid level of dispensed liquid
reaches the deactivation means; and deactivation means for causing
the valve means to close, in response to detecting the proximity of
dispensed liquid in a receptacle, thus precluding the delivery of
liquid from the dispensing outlet of the casing.
[0022] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there
is disclosed a novel delivery nozzle mountable to a liquid feeding
means for delivering liquid from a liquid source. The delivery
nozzle comprises a casing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet;
an openable and closable valve means for permitting and precluding,
respectively, the dispensing of liquid from the dispensing outlet
of the casing, wherein the valve means is biased closed; receptacle
engaging trigger means operatively mounted on the casing and
movable along the casing between a valve open position and a valve
closed position; linkage means operatively connecting the
receptacle engaging trigger means and the valve means; wherein the
linkage means has an enabled configuration wherein the receptacle
engaging trigger means and the valve means are operatively
connected such that movement of the receptacle engaging trigger
means from the valve closed position to the valve open position
causes the valve means to open, and a disabled configuration
wherein the valve means is closed, and the valve means is precluded
from being re opened by movement of the receptacle engaging trigger
means until the linkage means is reset to its enabled
configuration; and, deactivation means for changing the linkage
means from the enabled configuration to the disabled configuration,
in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed liquid in a
receptacle, to thereby allow the valve means to close, thus
precluding the delivery of liquid from the dispensing outlet of the
casing.
[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is disclosed a novel delivery nozzle mountable to a liquid
feeding means for delivering liquid from a liquid source. The
delivery nozzle comprises a casing formed with a dispensing
passageway leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the
liquid; an openable and closable valve means operatively mounted on
the casing for permitting and precluding, respectively, the
dispensing of liquid from the dispensing outlet of the casing,
wherein the valve means is biased closed; deactivation means
operatively mounted on the casing for causing the valve means to
close and prevent delivery of the liquid from the dispensing
opening during use, when the liquid level of dispensed liquid
reaches the deactivation means; deactivation means for causing the
valve means to close, in response to detecting the proximity of
dispensed liquid in a receptacle, thus precluding the delivery of
liquid from the dispensing outlet of the casing.
[0024] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is disclosed a novel delivery nozzle mountable to a liquid
feeding means for delivering liquid from a liquid source. The
delivery nozzle comprises a casing having an inlet and a dispensing
outlet; an openable and closable valve means for permitting and
precluding, respectively, the dispensing of liquid from the
dispensing outlet of the casing, wherein the valve means is biased
closed; receptacle engaging trigger means operatively mounted on
the casing and movable along the casing between a valve open
position and a valve closed position; linkage means operatively
connecting the receptacle engaging trigger means and the valve
means; wherein the linkage means has an enabled configuration
wherein the receptacle engaging trigger means and the valve means
are operatively connected such that movement of the receptacle
engaging trigger means from the valve closed position to the valve
open position causes the valve means to open, and a disabled
configuration wherein the valve means is closed, and the valve
means is precluded from being re opened by movement of the
receptacle engaging trigger means until the linkage means is reset
to its enabled configuration; and, deactivation means for changing
the linkage means from the enabled configuration to the disabled
configuration, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, to thereby allow the valve means to close,
thus precluding the delivery of liquid from the dispensing outlet
of the casing.
[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is disclosed a novel delivery nozzle mountable to a liquid
feeding means for delivering liquid from a liquid source. The
delivery nozzle comprises a casing formed with a dispensing
passageway leading to a dispensing opening for delivery of the
liquid; an openable and closable valve means operatively mounted on
the casing for permitting and precluding, respectively, the
dispensing of liquid from the dispensing outlet of the casing,
wherein the valve means is biased closed; deactivation means
operatively mounted on the casing for causing the valve means to
close and prevent delivery of the liquid from the dispensing
opening during use, when the liquid level of dispensed liquid
reaches the deactivation means; and deactivation means for causing
the valve means to close, in response to detecting the proximity of
dispensed liquid in a receptacle, thus precluding the delivery of
liquid from the dispensing outlet of the casing.
[0026] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there
is disclosed a novel liquid container for storing and dispensing
liquid, said container having a main body housing and a delivery
means for delivering liquid, there being a dispensing spout mounted
to the delivery means to be in fluid communication with the main
body housing for delivering liquid from the container, wherein the
dispensing spout comprises a casing having an inlet and a
dispensing outlet; an openable and closable valve means for
permitting and precluding, respectively, the dispensing of liquid
from the dispensing outlet of the casing, wherein the valve means
is biased closed; receptacle engaging trigger means operatively
mounted on the casing and movable along the casing between a valve
open position and a valve closed position; linkage means
operatively connecting the receptacle engaging trigger means and
the valve means; wherein the linkage means has an enabled
configuration wherein the receptacle engaging trigger means and the
valve means are operatively connected such that movement of the
receptacle engaging trigger means from the valve closed position to
the valve open position causes the valve means to open, and a
disabled configuration wherein the valve means is closed, and the
valve means is precluded from being re opened by movement of the
receptacle engaging trigger means until the linkage means is reset
to its enabled configuration; and, deactivation means for changing
the linkage means from the enabled configuration to the disabled
configuration, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, to thereby allow the valve means to close,
thus precluding the delivery of liquid from the dispensing outlet
of the casing.
[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is disclosed a novel liquid container for storing and
dispensing liquid, said container having a main body housing and a
delivery means for delivering liquid, there being a dispensing
spout mounted to the delivery means to be in fluid communication
with the main body housing for delivering liquid from the
container, wherein the dispensing spout comprises a casing formed
with a dispensing passageway leading to a dispensing opening for
delivery of the liquid; an openable and closable valve means
operatively mounted on the casing for permitting and precluding,
respectively, the dispensing of liquid from the dispensing outlet
of the casing, wherein the valve means is biased closed;
deactivation means operatively mounted on the casing for causing
the valve means to close and prevent delivery of the liquid from
the dispensing opening during use, when the liquid level of
dispensed liquid reaches the deactivation means; deactivation means
for causing the valve means to close, in response to detecting the
proximity of dispensed liquid in a receptacle, thus precluding the
delivery of liquid from the dispensing outlet of the casing.
[0028] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is disclosed a novel liquid container for storing and
dispensing liquid, said container having a main body housing and a
delivery means for delivering liquid, there being a dispensing
spout mounted to the delivery means to be in fluid communication
with the main body housing for delivering liquid from the
container, wherein the dispensing spout comprises a casing having
an inlet and a dispensing outlet; an openable and closable valve
means for permitting and precluding, respectively, the dispensing
of liquid from the dispensing outlet of the casing, wherein the
valve means is biased closed; receptacle engaging trigger means
operatively mounted on the casing and movable along the casing
between a valve open position and a valve closed position; linkage
means operatively connecting the receptacle engaging trigger means
and the valve means; wherein the linkage means has an enabled
configuration wherein the receptacle engaging trigger means and the
valve means are operatively connected such that movement of the
receptacle engaging trigger means from the valve closed position to
the valve open position causes the valve means to open, and a
disabled configuration wherein the valve means is closed, and the
valve means is precluded from being re opened by movement of the
receptacle engaging trigger means until the linkage means is reset
to its enabled configuration; and, deactivation means for changing
the linkage means from the enabled configuration to the disabled
configuration, in response to detecting the proximity of dispensed
liquid in a receptacle, to thereby allow the valve means to close,
thus precluding the delivery of liquid from the dispensing outlet
of the casing.
[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is disclosed a novel liquid container for storing and
dispensing liquid, said container having a main body housing and a
delivery means for delivering liquid, there being a dispensing
spout mounted to the delivery means to be in fluid communication
with the main body housing for delivering liquid from the
container, wherein the dispensing spout comprises a casing formed
with a dispensing passageway leading to a dispensing opening for
delivery of the liquid; an openable and closable valve means
operatively mounted on the casing for permitting and precluding,
respectively, the dispensing of liquid from the dispensing outlet
of the casing, wherein the valve means is biased closed;
deactivation means operatively mounted on the casing for causing
the valve means to close and prevent delivery of the liquid from
the dispensing opening during use, when the liquid level of
dispensed liquid reaches the deactivation means; and deactivation
means for causing the valve means to close, in response to
detecting the proximity of dispensed liquid in a receptacle, thus
precluding the delivery of liquid from the dispensing outlet of the
casing.
[0030] Other advantages, features and characteristics of the
present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of
the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts
and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following detailed description and the
appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the
latter of which is briefly described herein below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic
of the dispensing spout according to the present invention, as to
its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together
with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better
understood from the following drawings in which a presently
preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by
way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the
drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only,
and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the
invention. In the accompanying drawings:
[0032] FIG. 1 and FIG. 1B illustrate the preferred embodiment of
the spout mounted to a gas can;
[0033] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, illustrate front and rear perspectives,
respectively, of the preferred embodiment of the dispensing
spout;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a cut-away illustration showing the inside of the
preferred embodiment of the dispensing spout as mounted on a
dispensing nozzle;
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the spout
mounted to a liquid-dispensing nozzle;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded illustration of the preferred
embodiment of the spout;
[0037] FIG. 6 is an exploded illustration of the spout trunk
assembly as shown in FIG. 5;
[0038] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are rear top and front bottom
perspectives respectively of the spout trunk assembly further
showing (not shown because of the angle in FIG. 6 of the trunk dial
indicator step and the trunk bodies airway;
[0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of the slider
components assembled for the preferred embodiment illustrated and
described herein;
[0040] FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B are, respectively, a cut-away illustration
of the sliders components assembled and an exploded illustration of
the sliders components for the preferred embodiment illustrated and
described herein;
[0041] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are perspective illustrations,
respectively, from the rear and front views of the sliders
components;
[0042] FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are, respectively cutaway illustration
and a perspective illustration of the slider body, showing the air
hole and airways of this component part of the preferred
embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are, respectively, an exploded parts
configuration and a perspective assembled configuration of the
trigger components of the preferred embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are, respectively front and rearview
perspective illustrations of the trigger component assembly of the
preferred embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 14 is perspective illustrations of the cover
assembly;
[0046] FIGS. 15A and 15B are front and back perspective
illustrations of the cover components of the preferred embodiment
showing their assembly;
[0047] FIG. 16 is a perspective illustration of the spout mounted
for use being inserted into a receptacle opening;
[0048] FIG. 17 is an exploded sectional perspective illustrations
showing the components of the cover assembly;
[0049] FIG. 18 is a cutaway illustration showing the inner parts of
the dispensing spout in the closed configuration;
[0050] FIG. 19 is a cutaway illustration further to FIG. 18 showing
the inner parts of the dispensing spout in the closed
configuration;
[0051] FIG. 20 is a cutaway illustration showing the inner parts of
the dispensing spout in the open/start configuration;
[0052] FIG. 21 is a cutaway illustration further to FIG. 20 showing
the inner parts of the dispensing spout in the open/start
configuration;
[0053] FIG. 22 is a cutaway illustration showing the piston pushing
the linkage elbow into the reset configuration;
[0054] FIG. 23 is a cutaway illustration showing the inner parts of
the dispensing spout in the reset configuration;
[0055] FIG. 24 is a cutaway illustration further to FIG. 23 showing
the inner parts of the dispensing spout in the reset
configuration;
[0056] FIG. 25 is a cutaway showing an alternate configuration for
the piston used in preferred embodiment, namely this illustration
shows a resilient bellows piston as opposed to a spring biased
piston; and,
[0057] FIG. 26 shows an alternate jet configuration which can be
used in the case where the dispensing container only has one
opening.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 26 of the drawings, it will be
noted that FIGS. 1 through 24 illustrate a first preferred
embodiment of the dispensing spout of the present invention, and
FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the
dispensing spout of the present invention.
[0059] Reference will now be made to the FIGS. 1 through 24, which
show a preferred embodiment of the dispensing spout of the present
invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 20.
[0060] In this first aspect of the present invention, there is a
dispensing spout 500 mountable to a liquid feeding means, such as a
dispensing nozzle, hose, container, or the like, to provide a
delivery system for delivering liquid from a liquid source, such as
a portable fuel container 10, or the like, through a hose, such as
a fuel hose, garden hose, or the like. The dispensing spout 500
comprises a casing 120 having an inlet 139 to receive liquid from
the liquid source, such as the portable fuel container 10, and a
dispensing outlet 138, also referred to as the trunk tip opening,
to dispense liquid to a destination, either a permanent or portable
container or receptacle, or the like, such as a portable fuel
container, a fuel tank, and so on. The inlet 139 and the dispensing
outlet 138 are connected in fluid communication by a dispensing
passageway 155.
[0061] There is an openable and closable valve means, as indicated
by the general reference numeral 101, for permitting and
precluding, respectively, the dispensing of liquid from the
dispensing outlet 138 of the casing 110. The valve means 101
preferably comprises a closure member 130 for closing and opening
the dispensing outlet 138. The closure member 130 is slidably
retained with in the casing 120 for movement between its open
position and its closed position. The valve means 101,
specifically, the closure member 130, is biased closed by means of
a coil spring, specifically trunk spring 140, which is in
compression. The trunk spring 140, which is compressed in between
the jet 150 and the closure member 130, provides a force that
pushes the closure member 130, towards the trunk tip 125. The trunk
tip 125 is tapered to channel the flow of liquid to the closure
member 130.
[0062] The closure member 130 has an "O"-ring 131 seated in a
cooperating annular groove towards the front of the closure member
130. When the closure member 130 is in its closed position, as
biased by the trunk spring 140, the "O"-ring 131 seats against the
inner annular surface of the tip of 125 of the casing 120, which is
the dispensing outlet 138 of the casing 120. The dispensing opening
138 is sealed as the force of the trunk spring 140 compresses the
"O"-ring 131 between the closure member 130 and the trunk tip 125
interior, thereby providing an airtight leak-proof seal (see FIGS.
4, 5, 19 and 24).
[0063] When the closure member 130 is in its open position, the
"O"-ring 131 is separated in space relation from the inner annular
surface of the tip 125 of the casing 120, thus permitting liquid
flow between the closure member 130 and the dispensing outlet
138.
[0064] The dispensing spout 500 further comprises a slider assembly
200 mounted in sliding relation around the casing 120. The slider
assembly 200 is movable between a forward position, as can be best
seen in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4, 18 and 19, and a rearward position,
as can be best seen in FIGS. 20,21 and 22. The forward position and
the rearward position of the slider assembly 200 corresponds to the
closed position and the open position, respectively, of the closure
member 130. Accordingly, in order to open the valve means generally
referred to by 101, the slider assembly 200 is moved rearwardly, in
an indirect manner, as will be discussed in greater detail
subsequently.
[0065] The dispensing spout 500 also comprises a receptacle
engaging trigger means generally referred to by 301 operatively
mounted on the casing 110. More specifically, the receptacle
engaging trigger means 301 comprises a trigger assembly 300
disposed in sliding relation on the slider assembly 200. The
receptacle engaging trigger means 301 includes an upper hook 325
and a lower hook 328 for engaging the inlet rim of a container 10.
Each of the upper hook 325 and the lower hook 328 is connected to,
and preferably formed as an integrally molded part of the
receptacle engaging trigger means 301 (I'm thinking this is only
the red part).
[0066] The receptacle engaging trigger means 301, and more
specifically the trigger assembly 300, are movable along the casing
110 between a valve-open position, as can be best seen in FIG. 21,
and a valve-closed position, as can be best seen in FIG. 19. The
trigger assembly 300 is biased to the forward valve-closed position
by means of a trigger return spring 330 mounted in substantially
surrounding relation on a trigger spring guide shaft 321 that
extends rearwardly from the upper hook 325, and also seats in a
trigger spring guide 230 on the slider assembly 200.
[0067] In the valve-closed position of the trigger assembly 300,
the closure member 130 is biased closed by the trunk spring 140
such that the "O"-ring 131 seats against the inner annular surface
of the tip of 125 of the casing 120. Accordingly, the valve means
101 is closed. In the valve-open position of the trigger assembly
300, the closure member 130 is moved to its open position against
the biasing of the trunk spring 140 such that the "O"-ring 131
disposed in space relation from the inner annular surface that
defines the dispensing outlet 138, at the tip 125 of the casing
120. Accordingly, the valve means 101 is open, and liquid can flow
through the casing 120 and out the dispensing outlet 138.
[0068] The dispensing spout 500 according to the present invention
further comprises linkage means 315 operatively connecting the
receptacle engaging trigger means 301 and the valve means 101. The
linkage means generally referred by 315 has an enabled
configuration, as can be best seen in FIGS. 18 and 20, and a
disabled configuration, as can be best seen in FIG. 23. In its
enabled configuration, the receptacle engaging trigger means 301
and the valve means 101 are operatively connected such that
movement of the receptacle engaging trigger means 301 from the
valve-closed position to the valve-open position causes the valve
means 101 to open. More specifically, as can be best seen in FIGS.
18 and 20 the linkage means 315 transmits a rearwardly directed
force from the receptacle engaging trigger means 301, specifically
the upper hook 325 and the lower hook 328 and the trigger assembly
300, to the linkage means 315, as will be discussed in greater
detail subsequently.
[0069] In the disabled configuration, the valve means 101 is closed
such that fluid cannot be dispensed from the dispensing outlet of
the casing 110. Further, the valve means 101 is precluded from
being re-opened by movement of the receptacle engaging trigger
means 301 until the linkage means 315 is reset to its enabled
configuration.
[0070] More specifically, the linkage means 315 comprises a first
linkage member 340 and a second linkage member 260 connected
together in angularly variable relation at a linkage elbow 750, so
as together to be movable between the enabled configuration, as can
be best seen in FIGS. 18 and 20, and the disabled configuration as
can be best seen in FIG. 23. The first linkage member 340 and the
second linkage member 260 each have two parallel identical arms,
for the sake of redundancy and strength.
[0071] In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the first
linkage member 340 and the second linkage member 260 connected
together in pivotal relation at the linkage elbow 750. A "C"-shaped
axis clasp 342 disposed at the back end of each of the arms of the
first linkage member 340 receives and retains in pivotal relation a
slider linkage axis shaft 262 disposed that the front end of the
second linkage member 260.
[0072] The first linkage member 340 is operatively mounted on the
receptacle engaging trigger means 301 and the second linkage member
260 is operatively mounted on the slider assembly. Accordingly, the
first linkage member 340 may be referred to as the trigger linkage
member and the second linkage member 260 may be referred to as the
slider linkage member 260. The trigger linkage member 340 has a
trigger linkage axis shaft 341 disposed at its front end, which is
received and retained in pivoting relation within a trigger linkage
axis shaft clasp 323 that is integrally formed on the trigger
assembly 300.
[0073] The slider linkage member 260 has a "C"-shaped axis clasp
261 disposed at the back end of each of the arms of the slider
linkage member 260, which is receives and retains in pivoting
relation a slider linkage axis shaft 226 that is integrally formed
on the slider assembly 200. When assembled together, the trigger
linkage member 340 and the slider linkage member 260 are spring
biased to the enabled configuration by means of a reed spring 343
connected to the trigger linkage member 340. Preferably, the reed
spring 343 is integrally formed as part of the trigger linkage
member 340.
[0074] The dispensing spout 500 further comprises a deactivation
means 156 for changing the linkage means 315 from the enabled
configuration to the disabled configuration. The deactivation means
156 includes a venturi means 157 disposed within the casing 120.
More specifically, the venture means comprises a venturi that is
disposed at the tip 151 of the jet 150. As liquid leaves the jet
tip 151, which is an integral part of the venturi, it will expand
becoming turbulent. The expansion and the turbulence of the flow
will cause the liquid to collect and mix with air and that air will
exit the dispensing spout 500 with the liquid being dispensed
through the dispensing outlet 138. The liquid flowing through the
trunk body 120 will create a negative pressure within the trunk
body 120 which will continually draws air into the trunk body 120
through airway 127 as the liquid is flowing. This negative pressure
is the force which is used to change the linkage means 315 from its
enabled configuration to its disabled configuration, as will be
explained in greater detail subsequently.
[0075] The deactivation means 156 also comprises an air conduit 240
having an air inlet 241 at a front end thereof and an air outlet
227. The air conduit 240 is in fluid communication with the
dispensing passageway 155, to interact with the venturi means 157.
More specifically, the air conduit 240 is in fluid communication
with the dispensing passageway 155 via an air hole 228 in the
slider assembly 200 and an expandable and retractable chamber 242
between the air conduit 240 and the air hole 228. The expandable
and retractable chamber 242 comprises a cylinder 220 and piston 221
moveable within the cylinder 220. The piston 221 engages the
cylinder 220 in substantially sealed relation due to an "O"-ring
222. There is also a spring means, specifically a coil spring 223,
to bias the piston 221 to an extended position. Piston arms 224
extend laterally outwardly from opposite sides of the piston 221,
so as to be able to engage the linkage elbows 750 on each side of
the linkage means 315.
[0076] The air conduit 240 is in fluid communication with the
dispensing passageway 155, as described above, to permit the
drawing of air into the dispensing passageway 155 through the air
inlet 241 when the air pressure is reduced by the venturi means
157, but inhibiting the flow of air into the dispensing passageway
155 when the liquid level of dispensed liquid reaches the air inlet
241 and blocks access of air into the air inlet 241. When the
airflow into the dispensing passageway 155 is inhibited, the air
pressure within the cylinder 220 produces a downward force on the
piston 221, thus lowering the piston 221 from a raised position, as
seen in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21, to a lowered position, as seen in
FIGS. 22 and 23. As the piston 221 moves downwardly, the piston
arms 224 push on the trigger linkage member 340 and the slider
linkage member 260 of the linkage means 315 at the linkage elbow
750. The trigger linkage member 340 and the slider linkage member
260 go from their enabled configuration, past an over-the-center
point, and essentially fall to their disabled configuration. In
this manner, the deactivation means 156 has caused the linkage
means 315 to change to the disabled configuration, which in turn
causes the valve means 101 to close, thus precluding the delivery
of liquid from the dispensing outlet 138 of the casing 110.
[0077] In a more general sense, it can readily be seen that the
deactivation means 156 is for changing the linkage means 315 from
the enabled configuration to the disabled configuration, in
response to detecting the proximity of dispensed liquid in a
receptacle, to thereby allow the valve means 101 to close, thus
precluding the delivery of liquid from the dispensing outlet 138 of
the casing 110.
[0078] There is also an indication means operatively mounted on the
casing 120 and comprising a dial indicator 420 with a display 421
as seen in the covers window 411 of the cover body 410. The dial
indicator 420 is pivotally mounted within the interior. A hub means
with in the cover body 410 provides the dial indicator 420 with a
pivot point 412 where the axis shafts 422 on the dial indicator rib
423 is located. When the dispensing spout is in the closed setting,
the dial indicator step follower 424 on the dial indicator rib 423
will be in contact with the dial indicator step 350 which in turn
will orient the dial indicator 420 at an angle that aligns the
closed test on the dial indicator display 421 with the covers
window 411 so that it can be seen. Similarly, the step follower
424, the dial indicator rib 423 and dial indicator step 350 react
to the relative positioning of the parts of the dispensing spout to
indicate the deactivation and start orientations as well.
[0079] As shown in the drawings, there is a dispensing spout,
generally referred to by the numeral 500, mountable to a liquid
feeding means for delivering liquid from a container or a hose. In
FIGS. 2 and 4, the liquid feeding means is a nozzle 20 whereas in
FIG. 1, it is the threaded delivery neck 43 of a gas container
10.
[0080] Generally the dispensing spout comprises a delivery trunk
body 120 formed with a dispensing passageway 155 leading to a
dispensing opening 138 for delivery of the liquid. Within the
delivery trunk body 120, a venturi means generally referred to by
157 exists to reduce the pressure within the dispensing passageway
as liquid flows through it during use because, after flowing
through the smaller passageway of the jet 150, the liquid flows
through the larger passageway of the delivery trunk body 120,
thereby reducing pressure. Briefly, the venturi means is coupled
with a control means, which includes a deactivation means. The
de-activation means including an airway 127 with an air opening
241. The air conduit 127 is in communication with the dispensing
passageway of the trunks body 120 to permit the drawing of air into
the dispensing passageway through the air opening when pressure is
reduced as aforesaid during use. The air opening 241 is disposed on
the dispensing spout to mark a threshold level whereby when liquid
in the receptacle rises up to reach the level where the air opening
exists, further air flow into the dispensing passageway is thereby
cut off. The deactivation means then responds to shut off (stop)
the dispensing opening. More particularly, the de-activation means
has a closure member 130, which is caused to move in the direction
of flow within the delivery trunk to shut off the dispensing
opening upon when the air opening is blocked off from air during
use, due to the change in pressure. By having the closure member
move to shutoff the dispensing opening in the direction of flow,
space is saved so that the closure member can be easily disposed
within the spout. This will be more particularly explained by the
detailed description of the preferred embodiment, which hereby
follows.
[0081] Generally, the preferred embodiment is a dispensing spout
which has three functional settings, namely 1) `closed` where the
dispensing spout is not inserted into the opening of the receptacle
and the delivery passageway in the dispensing spout is closed, 2)
`open or start` where the dispensing spout is mounted onto the
receptacle and liquid can be delivered from the source, be it a
delivery hose or a container; and 3) `reset and closed` wherein the
delivery spout is mounted onto the receptacle for delivery of
liquid but the control means is activated, by reason of the
receptacle being filled to a threshold level on the spout dispenser
causing the dispensing spout to close off further liquid
delivery.
[0082] Respecting these three settings, there is an indication
means comprising a dial indicator 420 with a display 421 as seen in
the covers window 411 of the cover body 410. The dial indicator 420
is pivotally mounted within the interior. A hub means with in the
cover body 410 provides the dial indicator 420 with a pivot point
412 where the axis shafts 422 on the dial indicator rib 423 is
located. When the dispensing spout is in the closed setting, the
dial indicator step follower 424 on the dial indicator rib 423 will
be in contact with the dial indicator step 350 which in turn will
orient the dial indicator 420 at an angle that aligns the closed
text on the dial indicator display 421 with the covers window 411
so that it can be seen. Similarly, the step follower 424, the dial
indicator rib 423 and dial indicator step 350 react to the relative
positioning of the parts of the dispensing spout to indicate the
de-activation and start orientations as well.
[0083] As shown, in the drawings, the preferred embodiment
illustrated is a dispensing spout that can be easily secured as a
delivery system for a liquid source, whether it be a hose, a
container or a nozzle using standard threading or other appropriate
means. In FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown the dispensing spout,
generally referred to by the numeral 500 mounted to, respectively a
standard-type gas container 10 and a gas delivery nozzle 20 with a
fuel line 23. The dispensing spout 500 is connected, in both cases,
by threaded couplers, referred to in the drawings as 43 and 22,
respectively. As will be readily apparent, the coupling means is
standard and its design will depend on the application and device
to which the dispensing spout will be mounted. As well, although
this specification is being described in conjunction with a gas
delivery nozzle 20 and a gas container 10, it could be mounted to
any type of liquid source which is to be poured or delivered, be it
a different type of delivery system such as a hose or tube, or a
different type of liquid other than gas.
[0084] When the dispensing spout 500, is in the closed position,
liquid fuel is prevented from flowing through it and out of the
dispensing opening. The system is sealed. It is the trunk body 120
which acts to seal the dispensing spout. The trunk body 120 itself
utilizes three openings, which are unsealed or sealed to enable the
functioning of the liquid delivery or non-delivery. One of these
three openings is the trunk bases opening 139, another of these
three openings is trunk tips opening 138 and the third of these
three openings is the trunk bodies airway 127 located on the side
of the trunk body 120.
[0085] The trunk bases opening 139 is sealed from the atmosphere by
the screw cap 190, which is threaded on to the coupling means of
the liquid source, be it a nozzle or gas container or otherwise.
The screw cap 190 sandwiches the trunk base 126 and the jet base
152, as the case may be in the drawings, against either the nozzle
coupler's leading edge 25 or the gas container's inlet rim 42
providing an airtight leakproof seal I) for the nozzle: as between
the nozzle coupler 22, jet 150 and trunk base 126; or II) for the
gas container, the gas container coupling means 43, jet 150 and
trunk base 126.
[0086] The trunk tips opening 138 is sealed when the trunk core 130
is urged against the interior of opening 138 (see FIGS. 19 &
24). The trunk core 130, during the operation of the dispensing
spout 500, is caused to slide axially within the interior to the
trunk body 120, to move between a sealed position (as is the case
in the stop and de-activation settings) where it is seated against
the interior of opening 138 (see FIGS. 19 & 24) and an open
position (as in the case where open setting) where it is unseated
away from the rim of the opening 138 (see FIG. 21). As should be
apparent, there is no flowthrough of liquid from the source when
the trunk tips opening 138 is sealed. In the preferred embodiment,
the Trunks tip 125 is tapered at its forward end to cause increased
constriction of the rim of the trunk tips opening 138 against the
front end of the trunk core 130 as the normal biasing force of the
spring 140 asserts itself, there being a trunk cores o-ring 131
which secures the seal as airtight and leakproof. The trunk tips
opening 138 is the operative opening, which must be shut or opened
to prevent or permit flow as the case may be. If the trunk tips
opening 138 is open, liquid flow is possible. If the trunk tips
opening 138 is closed, no flow is possible.
[0087] The trunk bodies airway 127 is to be understood functionally
with the air passageways which surround its two ends. This airway
127 functionally provides a passageway for air into the trunk body
to merge with liquid passing through the venturi 157 see FIGS.
19,21 and 24 as it is being dispensed through the dispensing spout
500.
[0088] But when air supply can no longer be drawn through the trunk
bodies airway, such as would be the case if the level of liquid
fill in the receptacle reaches the threshold level of air channel
inlet 241 of the sectioned slider 210 (as will be described later),
an increased vacuum pressure situation occurs within the dispensing
spout to cause the trunks core 130 to reseat against the interior
of the opening 138 to shut off the dispensation of liquid. This
will be described in further detail later.
[0089] Suffice it to disclose at this portion of the description,
however, that there is a chamber created as between o-ring 121 and
o-ring 122 existing between the exterior of trunk bodies 120 and
the interior of the slider body 280. The slider body 280 has an
cylinders bottom air hole 228 which fluidly communicates through
the chamber of the piston cylinder 220 with the cylinders air inlet
227. Cylinders air inlet 227 opens into air channel 240 which
extends to air channel inlet 241. During use, however, as will be
described later, air is drawn into the chamber of the trunk body
120 in the opposite direction of the fluid flow, meaning that air
enters the system through air inlet 241, travels through air
channel 240 and air inlet 227 and then through the chamber of the
piston cylinder 220 to exit through air hole 228, then through the
chamber defined by the o-rings 121 and 122 and into the trunk body
120 through opening 127.
[0090] When opening the dispensing spout 500, the tip 201 should be
placed inside a gas receptacle inlet 41 where either the triggers
upper hook 325 or the triggers lower hook 328 is rested on the gas
container inlet rim 42 (see FIG. 16). Once in place and properly
aligned, the user will either apply pressure down the length of the
nozzle 20 or press down on the gas container 10 with a force along
the center line of the auto closure auto shut off spout 500. This
force will be transferred to the trigger bodies hooks (325 &
328, depending on the figure) which are integrally molded into the
trigger body 320. The spouts trigger assembly 300 will then convey
that force to the spouts slider assembly 200 via the connecting
linkages causing the spouts slider assembly 200 to slide axially
along the spouts trunk assembly 100 towards the trunks base 126
(see the change in position as between FIGS. 19 and 21). The force
transferred to the spouts slider assembly 200 by the spouts trigger
assembly 300 will have been further transferred to the trunks core
130 via the trunk cores tip ridge 133 which is in contact with the
exit grate 250 of the slider bodies 280 (See FIGS. 19, 21 and 24).
That force, in turn, will transfer through the trunks core 130 to
compress the trunks spring 140, which was also being compressed as
the trunks core 130 slid along the interior of the trunk body 120,
corresponding to movement of the spouts slider assembly 200. (see
comparison of FIGS. 19 and 21). Resulting from this, the spouts
slider assembly 200 will be moved to unseat the trunks cores o-ring
131 of the trunks tip 125 from the rim area of the opening. Liquid
is allowed to flow from the source through the jet 150, down the
length of the trunk body 120 around the trunks core 130, out the
trunks tip 125, into the interior of the slider body 280 and past
the exit grate 250 out of the dispensing spout.
[0091] As the dispensing spout 500 was changed to the open
position, the display 421 of the dial indicator 420 was moved from
indicating "closed" to "open" as appears in the covers window 411
so that the dial indicators step follower 424 on the dial
indicators rib 423 rests on the trunks dial indicator step 124 (see
FIG. 22). More particularly describing the movement from the closed
position to the open position, as the spouts trigger assembly 300
and the spouts slider assembly 200 were moved axially along the
spouts trunk assembly 100 towards the trunks base 126, the spouts
cover assembly 400 (attached to the spouts trigger assembly 300)
also was carried. As all three of these assemblies 200, 300 and 400
moved together, the dial indicators step follower 424 came into
contact with the trunks dial indicator step 124. In result, the
dial indicator step follower 424 will have then ridden up onto the
trunks dial indicator step 124, rotating the dial indicator 420
clockwise about the dial indicators pivot point 412. So it is that
the center area of the dial indicator display 421, which reads
`start` thereupon appears in the covers window 411 to be seen by
the user.
[0092] The design of the dispensing spout 500 takes advantage of
the fluid dynamics within the spouts trunk assembly 100, which has
been configured to utilize venturi principles. As the liquid leaves
the jets tip 151, it will expand becoming turbulent. The expansion
and the turbulence of the liquid flow will cause the liquid to
collect and mix with air (entering the system through air inlet
opening 241 and following the route previously described) within
the trunk body 120 so that the air will exit the dispensing spout
with the liquid. As the dispensing spout was oriented into the
`open` position, the airway was opened up between the exterior of
the dispensing spout and the interior of the trunk body 120 to
allow airflow directly into the trunk body 120. Moving into the
`open` position from the `closed` position, the spouts slider
assembly 200 moved along the trunk body and the hole in the bottom
of the piston cylinder 228 created an airway into the trunk bodies
120. This alignment enables the air to entering the spouts air
inlet opening 241, flowing down the sliders air channel 240, into
the pistons cylinder 220, down through the cylinders bottom air
hole 228, into the cavity between the trunks lower o-rings 228, and
then through the trunk bodies airway 127 into the trunk bodies 120
interior (see FIG. 21). The air introduced into the trunk body will
enter behind the jets tip 151 into the jets air cavity 154 where
this configuration helps prevent liquid from going directly into
the trunk bodies airway 127. Utilizing venturi principles, the
liquid flowing through the trunk body 120 creates a negative
pressure within the trunk body 120, and it is this negative
pressure which continually draws air into the trunk body 120 as the
liquid is flowing.
[0093] To turn off the flow of the dispensing spout and return the
indicator to the `close` position, the user need only remove the
spouts tip 201 from the opening of the gas receptacle 40 (see FIG.
16). Doing this removes the force asserted against the triggers
lower hook, allowing the trunk spring 140 to reassert its normal
biased position to return the trunk core 130 to the closed
orientation (see FIG. 19). Returning to that position, the force of
the trunk spring will press the trunk core 130 in the area of the
trunk cores o-ring 131 against the interior of the opening 138,
resulting in a leak-proof seal. It will be apparent that the trunk
core 130 acts as a valve means.
[0094] In the preferred embodiment, the trunks body 130 moves along
the axis of the direction of flow and this creates an economy of
space, allowing the spout to be made of an more compact dimension
than if the valve means had to move perpendicular to the axis of
the direction of flow. There are advantages achieved by this
preferred configuration, but it is also possible to achieve closing
by creating a valve means that closes the dispensing opening by
moving in a direction perpendicular or different to the axis of the
direction of flow.
[0095] However, it will also be desired that the user will be able
to rely upon this dispensing spout to automatically shut off the
flow of liquid upon the gas receptacle 40 reaching a filled up
capacity. This automatic shutoff is what can be termed as the
deactivation condition position. In this regard, the filled up
capacity would be reached upon the level of the liquid deposited in
the receptacle 40 reaching a threshold marking on the dispensing
spout, namely where the channel inlet 241 is disposed. This is
where no further air can be drawn into the flow system and the
pressure of the system will be altered causing a mechanical
reaction of the parts which will automatically shut off the flow of
liquid or deactivate the spout (see FIGS. 23 and 24).
[0096] As the air channels inlet tip 241 is covered by the rising
liquid in the gas receptacle 40, air would no longer be able to
enter the air channels inlet tip 241 and that would create a
decrease in pressure within the interior air passageways and
cavities, namely the air channel 240, piston cycler 220, the cavity
between the trunks lower o-rings 128, and trunk body 120. As this
decrease in pressure continues, the piston 221 will be drawn down
(see FIGS. 22 and 23). The downward motion of the piston 221 will
in turn act on the slider linkage 260 and the trigger linkage 340
via the piston arms 224, which will be pushing the linkage elbow
750 downwardly (see FIG. 22).
[0097] As previously described, the force applied to the spouts
trigger assembly 300 needed to open the dispensing spout was
conveyed through the trigger linkage 340 and was transferred to the
spouts slider assembly 200 via the slider linkage 260 causing the
spouts trigger assembly 300 and the spouts slider assembly 200 to
move together as they slid axially along the spouts trunk assembly
100 towards the trunks base 126. The auto shutoff feature of the
preferred embodiment works by relieving the spouts slider assembly
200 of the force being transferred to it by the spouts trigger
assembly 300. As the liquid in the gas receptacle 40 reaches the
threshold level, it will cover the air channels inlet tip 241
causing the vacuum pressure in the air conduit to increase which
will pull the piston 221 down disengaging the rigid connection
between the spouts trigger assembly 300 and the spouts slider
assembly 200 (see FIG. 23).
[0098] The piston arms 224 extending form the side of the piston
221 will push down on the linkage elbow 750 which will rotate the
trigger linkage 340 clockwise about trigger linkage axis 341 and
rotating slider linkage 260 counter clockwise about slider linkage
axis shaft 226 until the force conveyed between the linkages 340
and 260 is relieved (see FIG. 23). In the present invention, the
trigger linkage 340 will have rotated clockwise about trigger
linkage axis 341 to be pointing below the horizontal and the slider
linkage 260 will have rotated counter clockwise about slider
linkage axis shaft 226 to be then directed downwardly (see FIG.
23).
[0099] The disengagement of the ridged connection between the
linkages 340 and 260 permits the trunk spring to reassert to its
normal biased disposition and push the spouts slider assembly 200
to its closed position, sealing the dispensing opening at the trunk
tips 138. In contrast, the spouts trigger assembly 300 remains in
place (see FIGS. 23 and 24). As well, as the spouts slider assembly
200 slides axially along the trunk body 120 towards its closed
position, the piston cylinders bottom air hole 228 will move out of
communication with the cavity between the trunks lower o-rings 128
to interrupt the airway created when the auto shut off spout had
been opened. As the de-activation disposition is occurring, the
piston cylinders bottom air hole 228 will move axially along the
trunk body 120 from the cavity between the trunks lower o-rings 128
to the cavity between the trunks upper o-rings 129. The cavity
between the trunks upper o-rings 129 is formed by the trunks o-ring
at the tip 123 and the trunks middle o-ring 122, which are
sandwiched inbetween the trunk bodies 120 exterior and the slider
bodies 280 interior.
[0100] As the flow of liquid stops, the venturi vacuum pressure
produced by the flowing liquid will also stop, creating an absence
of the decreased pressure that had drawn the piston 221 downwardly.
When this decreasing pressure effect is lost, the spring 223 will
reassert its shape and push the piston upwardly within the piston
cylinder 220 until the top of the piston arms 224 come into contact
with the piston retention hooks 225. The retention hooks 225 retain
the piston 221 in its position within the piston cylinder 220.
[0101] In the preferred embodiment, when the dispensing spout is in
the closed position, the linkage elbow 750 of the trigger linkage
340 and the slider linkage 260 is slightly hyper-extended upwardly
so that force experienced by the trigger linkage 340 and the force
experienced by the slider linkage 260 are not in the same plane.
The angle between the trigger linkage 340 and the slider linkage
260 force directions would be greater than 180 degrees on the top
side of these two components and less than 180 degrees on the
bottom side of these components.
[0102] The hyper-extended state, as described, would transfer a
portion of the compression forces experienced by these linkages 340
and 260 upwardly onto the piston arms 224 the slider linkage stop
229, thereby keeping the components 340 and 260 in a static state.
The provision of hyperextension in these linkages 340 and 260
provides for greater stability to the linkages 340 and 260 to
prevent an accidental tripping into the de-activation position when
the spout is in use. Alternatively, however, the linkage elbow 750
could be a straight 180 degree connection between the trigger
linkage 340 and the slider linkage 260, relying on a spring such as
the trigger linkages cantilevered reed spring 343, which would then
provide the same upwardly stabilizing force to prevent accidental
tripping.
[0103] The dial indicator will accordingly change from the `open`
setting to the reset setting indicating that the auto-shutoff
condition has occurred. As the auto closure auto shut off spout 500
is tripped by the piston 221 into the de-activation orientation the
spouts slider assembly, 200, will slide relative to the spouts
trunk assembly, 100, and spouts trigger assembly 300, which will
remain relatively stationary. Before the auto closure auto shut off
spout 500 is tripped into the de-activation orientation, the auto
closure auto shut off spout is in the open or start orientation and
the dial indicator step follower 424 is resting on the trunks dial
indicator step 124 (see FIG. 22). As the auto closure auto shut off
spout is tripped into the de-activation orientation, the sliders
dial indicator step 270, which is positioned above the trunks dial
indicator step 124 will slide under the dial indicator step
follower 424 (see FIG. 23). This will cause the dial indicator 420
to rotate clockwise about the dial indicators pivot point 412 to
display the reset text of the dial indicators display 421 in the
covers window 411 (see FIG. 23).
[0104] After the `deactivation` condition has resulted from
fill-up, the dispensing spout can be reset to its original `closed`
setting for further use, by simple removal of the dispensing spout
from engagement with the receptacle. Upon disengagement, the
trigger return spring 330 will push the spouts trigger assembly
300, towards the sliders tip 201 returning the spouts trigger
assembly 300 the original closed position. As the spouts trigger
assembly 300 is being reset into the closed orientation the trigger
linkage 340 and the Slider linkage 260 will also be maneuvered back
into their original closed orientation. As the spouts trigger
assembly, 300, moves towards the sliders tip 201, the distance
between the slider linkage axis shaft 226 and the trigger linkages
axis shaft clasp 323 will increase causing the linkages 340 and 260
between them to straighten out. The increasing distance will rotate
the trigger linkage 340 counter clockwise about trigger linkage
axis 341 and rotating slider linkage 260 clockwise about slider
linkage axis shaft 226 until the linkages 340 and 260 of the auto
closure auto shut off spout are back to their original closed
orientation (reference linkage (340 & 260) changes between
FIGS. 23 and 18).
[0105] In the preferred embodiment shown, it will be noted that the
trigger linkages cantilevered reed springs 343 (see FIGS. 18, 20,22
and 23) within linkage members 340 help return, orient and maintain
the positioning of the trigger linkage 340 and slider linkage 260
when the auto closure auto shut off spout is in the closed
orientation. The Trigger linkages cantilevered reed springs 343
provide a counter clockwise moment to the Trigger linkage 340,
which would act to hold the linkage elbow 750 in place up against
the underside of the piston arms (see FIGS. 18, 20,22 and 23).
[0106] It will be apparent that numerous modifications to the
preferred embodiment are possible without deviating from the scope
of the invention.
[0107] For instance, piston 221 discussed above could also be a
flexible diaphragm, as shown in FIGS. 25 & 26 such as a bellow
290 with arms 292 & o-ring 291, which could be press fit into
the cylinder 220, that has a step 293 at the bottom to properly
maintain its position within the cylinder 220 (see FIG. 25). As the
vacuum pressure within the spout increases, the flexible material
of the bellows 290 is deformed like an accordion drawing the
bellows piston arms 292 down so they can perform the same function
as the pistons arms 224 to trip the linkage at the elbow and close
the valve The resilient material of the bellows 290 would also act
as its own return spring.
[0108] Of consideration, as well, the style of jet 150, as shown in
the preferred embodiment, is compatible with all flowing fluids but
an alternate jet 170 is preferable and advisable when the auto
closure auto shutoff spout of this invention is to be used with a
container 10 that only has one opening. Such an alternative jet is
shown in FIG. 26. When transferring fluid from any container there
must be and exchange of air for the fluid, which is removed. To
transfer fluid from a container with only one opening, air can only
be introduced into the container through the same opening that the
fluid is exiting. Alternate jet 170, as illustrated in FIG. 26,
provides an airway that bypasses the fluid flowing out of the spout
allowing air into the container, which will support a steady smooth
transfer of the fluid from the container. The alternate jet 170 can
be made to be compatible with both the nozzle 20 and any standard
gas receptacle 10. For the gas receptacles 10 with only one opening
as the spout is opened up liquid within the container will begin to
flow out through the spout. This liquid flow will also produce an
airflow into the jets air cavity 154 via the venturi effect. With
the alternate jet 170 air in the jets air cavity 154 will also be
allowed to flow into the container 10 via the air channels in the
jets threads 172. The air channels in the jets threads 172 provides
an airway that bypasses the fluid flow making for a smooth transfer
of both air and fluid in and out of the container.
[0109] Briefly, the dispensing spout of this invention is the
combination of a spout with auto closure and auto-shutoff
capabilities.
[0110] The auto auto-closure feature of the spout relate to a fluid
flow control means such as a valve within the spout which functions
to activate or start the flow of fluid through the spout when the
spout is properly mounted to the fill opening of a receptacle and
will stop the flow of fluid when the spout is pulled a way or
dismounts the receptacle. This feature of the present invention
will be discussed in detail below.
[0111] The auto-shutoff feature of the present invention relates to
a deactivation means within the spout, which provides the
dispensing spouts with the ability to automatically shutoff the
flow of fluid passing through it upon the receiving receptacle
becoming full to the point where the fluid within the receptacle
rises to cover and block the tip of the spout. This type
auto-shutoff function is well known in the art but until this point
an auto shutoff means has never been incorporated into a dispensing
spout in the way that's disclosed in this invention.
[0112] The auto closure auto shut off spout of this invention has
three settings or orientations that define its function; 1) closed,
2) open or start and 3) reset and closed.
[0113] The first setting of this auto closure auto shut off spout
is its closed orientation defined by the requirement that liquid,
vapor and or air cannot leak out or in through the spout which
would be attached any liquid source, liquid feeding means or fuel
transfer system.
[0114] When the dispensing spout of this invention is applied to a
particular liquid source it is the delivery trunk body or Trunk
body (120) also known as casing, which acts to seal that system.
The Trunk body (120) itself has three necessary openings in it,
which are opened and closed to enable the Auto closure auto shutoff
spout of this invention to function as disclosed below. The first
of the three openings is the Trunk bases opening (139) the second
is the Trunk tips opening (138) (see FIG. 21), which is also the
trunks dispensing opening and the third is the Trunk bodies airway
(127) in the side of the Trunk body (120) (see FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 8,
19).
[0115] When in the closed (500) orientation The first opening, the
Trunk bases opening (139) is sealed by the Screw cap (190) which is
threaded onto the coupling means of either a nozzle or gas
container (22 or 43) where the Screw cap (190) sandwiches the Trunk
base (126) and the Jet base (152) up against either a nozzle
Couplers leading edge (25) (see FIGS. 4, 19, 21, 24) or a gas
containers inlet rim (42) (see FIG. 16) providing an airtight leak
proof seal between the Nozzle coupler (22), Jet (150) and Trunk
base (126) or alternatively a Gas container coupling means (43),
Jet (150) and Trunk base (126) (see FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, 19,
21, 24).
[0116] The second opening in the Trunk body (120) is the Trunk tips
opening (138) (see FIG. 21) and is sealed by the Trunk core (130),
which is free to slide axially along the interior of the Trunk body
(120). It will be apparent that the trunk core acts as the valve
means for controlling the flow of liquid through the spout. When
the Auto closure auto shut off spout is in the closed orientation
(500) the Trunks spring (140), which is compressed in between the
Jet (150) and the Trunks core (130), provides a force that pushes
the Trunk core (130) towards the Trunks tip (125). The Trunks tip
(125) is tapered to constrict on the end and the Trunk tips opening
(138) is sealed as the force of the spring sandwiches the Trunk
cores o-ring (131) in between the Trunk core (130) and the Trunk
tips (125) interior providing an airtight leak proof seal (see
FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 8, 19).
[0117] The third opening in the Trunk body (120) is sealed by the
Cavity created between the trunks lower o-rings (128). The Trunk
bodies airway (127) facilitates the spouts auto shutoff function
and when the Auto closure auto shut off spout is in the closed
orientation (500) the Trunk bodies airway (127) is unable to
communicate or convey any material in or out of the auto closure
auto shut off spout (500) because it is contained by an airtight
leak proof Cavity between the trunks lower o-rings (128) that's
created by the Trunks o-ring at the base (121) and the Trunks
middle o-ring (122) which are sandwiched in between the Trunk
bodies (120) exterior and the Slider bodies (280) interior (see
FIG. 19).
[0118] When the Auto closure auto shut off spout of this invention
is in its closed orientation the Trunk bodies (120) three openings;
Trunk bases opening 139), the Trunk tips opening (138) and the
Trunk bodies airway (127) are completely sealed.
[0119] The spout of this invention will indicate this closed or
sealed orientation with an indication means where in the preferred
embodiment it is Dial indicator (420) whose display (421) will be
seen in the Covers window (411) (see FIGS. 2, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,
20, 22, 23). The Cover body (410) is provided with a Dial indicator
(420) pivotally mounted to its interior. A hub feature on interior
of the Cover body (410) provides the Dial indicator (420) with a
pivot point (412) where axis shafts (422) on the Dial indicators
rib (423) is located (see FIGS. 14, 15).
[0120] When the Auto closure auto shut off spout is in the closed
orientation (500) the Dial indicators step follower (424) on the
Dial indicators rib (423) will be in contact with the Triggers dial
indicator step (350) which will orient the Dial indicator (420) at
an angle that aligns the closed text on the Dial indicator display
(421) with the Covers window (411) so it can be seen (see FIG.
18).
[0121] The second orientation of this auto closure auto shut off
spout is its open or start orientation which allows fuel to flow
freely through the spout.
[0122] When opening or activating the auto shut off spout (500) the
tip (201) should be placed inside a receptacle opening or container
inlet (41) where either the Triggers upper hook (325) or the
Triggers lower hook (328) of the receptacle engaging trigger means
is rested on the container inlet rim (42) (see FIG. 16). Once in
place and properly aligned the user will either apply pressure down
the length of the Gas station shaped nozzle (20) or press down on
the Gas container (10) with a force along the center line of the
auto closure auto shut off spout (500). This force will be
transferred to the Trigger bodies hooks (325 or 328) which are
integrally molded into the Trigger body (320). The Spouts trigger
assembly (300) will then convey that force to the Spouts slider
assembly (200) via a linkage means, which is in the enabled
configuration. The linkage means connecting the Trigger body (320)
and slider assembly (200) will cause the Spouts slider assembly
(200) to slide axially along the Spouts trunk assembly (100)
towards the Trunks base (126). (see the change in position of
assemblies 100 & 200 between FIGS. 18 & 20). The force
transferred to the Spouts slider assembly (200) by the Spouts
trigger assembly (300) will have been further transferred to the
Trunks Core (130) via the Trunk cores tip ridge (133) which is in
contact with the Slider bodies (280) Exit grate (250) (see FIG. 21)
and that force will have been transferred through the Trunks core
(130) to the Trunks spring (140), which will have become further
compressed as the Trunks core (130) slid along the interior of the
Trunk body (120) with the movement of the Spouts slider assembly
(200) (see component changes between FIGS. 19 & 21). The
movement of the Spouts slider assembly (200) will have unseat the
Trunk cores o-ring (131) unsealing the Trunks tip (125) to allow
fluid to flow through the Jet (150), down the length of the Trunk
body (120) around the Trunks core (130), out the Trunks tip (125),
into the interior of the Slider body (280) and past the Exit grate
(250) out of the spout (see FIG. 21).
[0123] This open or start orientation is indicated by the Dial
indicator (420) whose display (421), can be seen in the Covers
window (411) (see FIGS. 14, 20, 22).
[0124] When the Auto closure auto shut off spout is in the open
orientation the Dial indicators step follower (424) on the Dial
indicators rib (423) will be resting on the Trunks dial indicator
step (124) (see FIG. 20).
[0125] As the Spouts Trigger assembly (300) and Spouts slider
assembly (200) were moved axially along the Spouts trunk assembly
(100) towards the Trunks base (126) the Spouts cover assembly
(400), which is attached to the Spouts trigger assembly (300) was
carried along with them. As all three of these assemblies (200,
300, & 400) moved together, the Dial indicators step follower
(424) will have come in contact with the Trunks dial indicator step
(124). The Dial indicators step follower (424) will have then
ridden up onto the Trunks dial indicator step (124), which will
rotate the Dial indicator (420) clockwise about the Dial indicators
pivot point (412) so that the center area of the Dial indicator
display (421) which reads start will appear in the Covers window
(411) so it can be seen (see FIG. 20).
[0126] To close or turn the spout off the operator will just simply
take the nozzle away from the Gas container (40) (see FIG. 16). At
which point the force that was applied to the Auto closure auto
shut off spout (500) to open it will have been removed and the
Trunk spring (140) will return the Trunk core (130) back into its
closed orientation (see FIGS. 17, 18, 19) where the force of the
spring will sandwiches the Trunk cores o-ring (131) in between the
Trunk core (130) and the Trunk tips (125) interior to provide and
airtight leak proof seal (see FIG. 19).
[0127] The auto closure feature automatically returns all the
spouts components to their closed airtight leak proof orientation
as the spout is taken out of use.
[0128] The third orientation of this auto closure auto shut off
spout is its reset and closed orientation. This is where the
operator will have opened or started the spout but the spouts auto
shut off feature has been activated, which has sealed the spout
closed cutting off the flow of fluid exiting the spout.
[0129] The function of this inventions auto shut off feature is
similar to that of a standard gas station nozzle in that the auto
shut off mechanism is triggered as the fluid level in the Gas
container (40) rises to cover the tip of the spout and this feature
enables the spout to detect the proximity of dispensed liquid in
the receptacle.
[0130] The design of the auto closure auto shut off spout of the
present invention takes advantage of the fluid dynamics within the
Spouts trunk assembly (100), which has been configured to create a
venturi (see FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 19, 21, 24). As the fluid leaves
the Jets tip (151) it will expand becoming turbulent. The expansion
and turbulence of the fluid flow will cause the fluid to pick up
and mix with air within the Trunk body (120) and that air will be
taken with the fluid flow as it exits the spout.
[0131] The fluid flowing through the Trunk body (120) will create a
negative pressure within the Trunk body (120), which will
continually want to draw on air as the fluid is flowing and to
facilitate this desired airflow, an airway from the exterior of the
spout into the interior of the Trunk body (120) has been provided
(see FIG. 21).
[0132] As the Auto closure auto shut off spout had been actuated
into the open orientation (reference section 0029-1) an airway was
also opened up between the exterior of the spout and the interior
of the Trunk body (120) (see FIG. 21) to allow airflow directly
into the Trunk body (120). As the Spouts slider assembly (200)
moved along the Trunk body (120) the hole in the bottom of the
Piston cylinder (228) (see FIG. 11) became aligned with the Cavity
between the trunks lower o-rings (128) (see FIGS. 19, 21, 24)
creating an airway into the Trunk bodies (120) interior (see FIG.
21). This alignment forms an air conduit that now allows air to
enter the spouts air opening or Air inlet tip (241) flow down the
sliders Air channel (240) into the Pistons cylinder (220), down
through the Cylinders bottom air hole (228), into the Cavity
between the trunks lower o-rings (128) and then through the Trunk
bodies airway (127) into the Trunk bodies (120) interior (see FIG.
21). The air introduced into the trunk body will enter behind the
Jets tip (151) into the Jets air cavity (154) where this
configuration helps prevent fluid from going directly into the
Trunk bodies airway (127). The fluid flowing through the trunk body
(120) will exit the Jets tip (151) where the venturies turbulence
will draw on the air inside the Jets air cavity (154) through the
gap, which is between the Jets lip (153) and the Trunk bodies (120)
interior.
[0133] If at this point the operator would like to stop filling
before the auto shutoff function is activated the operator would
again just simply take the nozzle away from the Gas container (40)
(see FIG. 16) to stop the flow. The Trunk tips opening (138) would
be automatically resealed by the auto closure function and as well,
the airway that had been opened up between the exterior and the
interior of the spout would be interrupted as the Cylinders bottom
air hole is moved out of alignment with the Cavity between the
trunks lower o-rings (128) (see FIG. 19).
[0134] The auto closure feature will have automatically returned
all the spouts components to their closed airtight leak proof
orientation as the spout is taken out of use.
[0135] If the operator continues filling, the auto shutoff feature
of this invention would be activated as the fluid level in the Gas
container (40) reached the Air channels inlet tip (241). As the Air
channels inlet tip (241) is covered by the rising fluid in the Gas
container (40), air would no longer be able to enter the Air
channels inlet tip (241) and that would cause the negative vacuum
pressure within the Air channel (240), Pistons cylinder (220),
Cavity between the trunks lower o-rings (128), and Trunk bodies
(120) interior to increase. As this vacuum pressure builds up
within this system it will get to a point where that pressure will
begin to act on the spouts a pressure responsive means within the
spout where in the preferred embodiment it is a piston means where
that Piston (221) will be drawn down (see FIG. 22) so that this
downward motion of the Pistons (221) will in turn act on the Slider
linkage (260) which also known as the second linkage and the
Trigger linkage (340), which also known as the first linkage via
the Piston arms (224), which will be pushing the Linkage elbow
(750) down (see FIG. 22).
[0136] The force applied to the Spouts trigger assembly (300)
needed to open the spout had been conveyed through the Trigger
linkage (340) and was transferred to the Spouts slider assembly
(200) via the slider linkage (260) causing the Spouts trigger
assembly (300) and the Spouts slider assembly (200) to move
together as they slid axially along the Spouts trunk assembly (100)
towards the Trunks base (126). The auto shutoff feature of this
invention works by relieving the Spouts slider assembly (200) of
the force being transferred to it by the Spouts trigger assembly
(300). As the fluid in the Gas container (40) reaches the top it
will cover the Air channels inlet tip (241) causing the vacuum
pressure in the airway to increase which will pull the Piston (221)
down disengaging the rigid connection between the Spouts trigger
assembly (300) and the Spouts slider assembly (200) (see FIG.
23).
[0137] The Piston arms (224) extending from the side of the Piston
(221) will push down on the Linkage elbow (750) which will rotate
the Trigger linkage (340) clockwise about Trigger linkage axis
(341) and rotating Slider linkage (260) counter clockwise about
Slider linkage axis shaft (226) till the point where the force
being transferred between these linkages (340 & 260) is
relieved (see FIG. 23). In the present invention the Trigger
linkage (340) will have rotated clockwise about Trigger linkage
axis (341) to be pointing below the horizontal and the Slider
linkage (260) will have rotated counter clockwise about Slider
linkage axis shaft (226) to be pointing in a downward direction
(see FIG. 23). The piston (221) of the auto shutoff or deactivation
feature will have changed the linkage means from the enabled
configuration of the linkage means to the disabled
configuration.
[0138] This action will have disengaged the ridged connection
between the Linkages (340 & 260) removing the force on the
Spouts slider assembly (200) and that will allow the Trunk spring
(140) to return the Spouts slider assembly (200) to its original
closed orientation (see FIGS. 17, 23, 24) while the Spouts trigger
assembly (300) remains in place (see FIGS. 17, 23, 24). With the
force on the Spouts slider assembly (200) gone, the Trunk spring
(140), which pushes on the Spouts slider assembly (200) via the
Trunk core (130), will spring back returning the Spouts slider
assembly (200) to its closed orientation (see FIGS. 17, 23, 24). In
the same motion this action will have also returned the Trunk core
(130) to its closed orientation (see FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 19),
sealing the Auto closure auto shutoff spout closed (see FIGS. 17,
23, 24). The Trunk core (130) will have been returned to sandwiched
the Trunk cores o-ring (131) in between the Trunk core (130) and
the Trunk tips (125) interior to provide and airtight leak proof
seal at the Trunks tip (125) (see FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 19). As
well, the airway that had been opened up along the Air Channel
inlet tip (241) through the Piston cylinder (220), Trunk bodies
airway (127) into the Trunk bodies (120) interior will have been
interrupted as the Spouts slider assembly (200) is returned to its
closed orientation (see FIG. 24). As the Spouts slider assembly
(200) slides axially along the Trunk body (120) back towards the
Trunks tip (125) the piston Cylinders bottom air hole (228) will
move out of communication with the Cavity between the trunks lower
o-rings (128) to interrupt the airway that had been established as
the Auto closure auto shut off spout had been opened. As the Auto
closure auto shut off spout had actuated into the reset orientation
the piston Cylinders bottom air hole (228) will have move axially
along the Trunk body (120) from the Cavity between the trunks lower
o-rings (128) to the Cavity between the trunks upper o-rings (129)
(reference changes in air hole (228) location between FIGS. 21 and
24). The Cavity between the trunks upper o-rings (129) is formed by
the Trunks o-ring at the tip (123) and the Trunks middle o-ring
(122), which are sandwiched in between the Trunk bodies (120)
exterior and the Slider bodies (280) interior (see FIG. 19).
[0139] This reaction of the auto shut off feature will have
returned the Cylinders bottom air hole (228) of the Spouts slider
assembly (200) and the Trunk core (130) to an orientation that
provides the Trunk body (120) with an airtight leak proof seal (see
FIGS. 17, 23, 24).
[0140] As the auto shutoff feature is activated in the Auto closure
auto shutoff spout the flow of fluid will stop flowing through the
Auto closure auto shutoff spout. As the flow of fluid stops, the
venturi vacuum pressure produced by the flowing fluid will also
stop and in the absence of this negative pressure the Piston (221)
that had been drawn down by the vacuum pressure (see FIGS. 22, 23)
will return to its original orientation (see FIG. 24). In the
absence of the vacuum pressure the Pistons return spring (223) will
push the Piston (221) back up the Piston cylinder (220) until the
top of the Piston arms (224) come in contact with the Piston
retention hooks (225) which hold the Piston (221) in place within
the Piston cylinder (220) (see FIGS. 9, 10, 18, 20).
[0141] The preferred embodiment of the invention would be that when
the Auto closure auto shutoff spout is in its closed and open
orientation (500) the Linkage elbow (750) of the Trigger linkage
(340) and the Slider linkage (260) would be slightly hyper-extended
upward (see FIGS. 4, 5, 18, 20) so that the force traveling along
the Trigger linkage (340) and the force traveling along the Slider
linkage (260) are not in the same plane. The angle between the
Trigger linkage (340) and the Slider linkage (260) would be greater
than 180? on the top side of these two components (340 & 260)
and less than 180? on the bottom side (see FIGS. 4, 5, 18, 20).
[0142] This hyper-extended state would turn a portion of the
compression forces with in these linkages (340 & 260) into a
slight upward force on the Piston arms (224) and Slider linkage
stop (229) (see FIGS. 4, 5, 18, 20) which would serve to keep these
components (340 & 260) in a static state as force is applied to
open the spout. The provision of this hyperextension in the
linkages (340 & 260) would provide for greater stability to the
linkages (340 & 260) transferring the force and would work to
prevent them from accidentally tripping into the reset orientation
(see FIG. 23) as the spout is in use.
[0143] Alternatively the Linkage elbow (750) could also be a strait
180? connection between the Trigger linkage (340) and the Slider
linkage (260) which would rely on a spring such as the Trigger
linkages cantilevered reed spring (343) to provide the same upward
stabilizing force in order to maintain a static rigid connection
preventing the Linkages (340 & 260) from accidentally tripping
into the reset orientation.
[0144] As the Auto closure auto shut off spout is tripped by the
Piston (221) into the reset orientation the Spouts slider assembly
(200) will slide relative to the Spouts trunk assembly (100) and
Spouts trigger assembly (300) which will remain relatively
stationary (see FIGS. 17, 23,24). Before the Auto closure auto shut
off spout is tripped into the reset orientation the Auto closure
auto shut off spout is in the open orientation where the Dial
indicator step follower (424) is resting on the Trunks dial
indicator step (124) (see FIGS. 20, 22). As the Auto closure auto
shut off spout is tripped into the reset orientation the Sliders
dial indicator step (270), which is positioned above the Trunks
dial indicator step (124) (see FIGS. 18, 20, 22, 23) will slide
under the Dial indicator step follower (424) (see FIG. 23) which
will cause the Dial indicator (420) to rotate clockwise about the
Dial indicators pivot point (412) to display the reset text of the
Dial indicators display (421) in the Covers window (411) (see FIGS.
17, 23, 24).
[0145] To reset the Auto closure auto shut off spout the operator
will just simply take the nozzle away from the Gas container (40)
and as the force, which was applied to the Auto closure auto shut
off spout (500) to open it is removed (reference section 0026-1),
the Trigger return spring (330) will push the Spouts trigger
assembly (300) towards the Sliders tip (201) returning the Spouts
trigger assembly (300) of Auto closure auto shut off spout to its
original closed (500) orientation.
[0146] As the Auto closure auto shut off spout was tripped into the
reset orientation the Spouts slider assembly (200) had slid forward
relative to the Spouts trunk assembly (100) and Spouts trigger
assembly (300) which had remained relatively stationary (see FIGS.
17, 23, 24). In doing so the Trigger return spring (330) in between
the Spouts slider assembly (200) and Spouts trigger assembly (300)
had been compressed (reference changes in the Trigger return spring
(330) between FIGS. 19 and 24). Now, as the force, which was
applied to the Auto closure auto shut off spout (500) to open it is
removed the Trigger return spring (330) will be able to expand to
push the Spouts trigger assembly (300) along the Slider body (280)
towards the Sliders tip (201) returning the Spouts trigger assembly
(300) of Auto closure auto shut off spout to its original closed
(500) orientation (see FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 18).
[0147] As the Spouts trigger assembly (300) is being reset into the
closed (500) orientation the Trigger linkage (340) and the Slider
linkage (260) will also be being maneuvered back into their
original closed (500) orientation. As the spouts trigger assembly
(300) moves towards the Sliders tip (201) the distance between the
Slider linkage axis shaft (226) and the Trigger linkages axis shaft
clasp (323) will increase causing the linkages (340 & 260)
between them to straiten out (reference linkage (340 & 260)
changes between FIGS. 23 and 18). The increasing distance will
rotate the Trigger linkage (340) counter clockwise about Trigger
linkage axis (341) and rotating Slider linkage (260) clockwise
about Slider linkage axis shaft (226) until the linkages (340 &
260) of the Auto closure auto shut off spout are back to their
original closed (500) orientation (reference linkage (340 &
260) changes between FIGS. 23 and 18).
[0148] The preferred embodiment of this invention would provide a
spring such as the Trigger linkages cantilevered reed springs (343)
(see FIGS. 12, 13, 20, 22, 23) within the linkage system (340 &
260) which would help return, orient and maintain the positioning
of the Trigger linkage (340) and Slider linkage (260) when the Auto
closure auto shut off spout (500) is in the closed orientation. The
Trigger linkages cantilevered reed springs (343) (shown in FIGS.
12,13, 20, 22, 23) would provide a counter clockwise moment to the
Trigger linkage (340), which would act to hold the Linkage elbow
(750) in place up against the underside of the Piston arms (see
FIGS. 4, 5, 18, 20, 22).
[0149] As the Spouts trigger assembly (300) is being reset into the
closed (500) position the Dial indicators step follower (424) which
had been resting on top of the Sliders dial indicator step (270)
(see FIG. 23) will be moved to the Triggers dial indicator step
(350) (see FIG. 18). As the Spouts trigger assembly (300) moves
along the Slider body (280) towards the Sliders tip (201) the Cover
body (410), which carries the Dial indictor (420) will travel along
with it. As the Spouts trigger assembly (300) and Cover body (410)
move along the Slider body (280) towards the Sliders tip (201) the
Dial indicators step follower (424) will move off the Sliders dial
indicator step (270) and as this occurs, the Ribs cantilevered reed
spring (425) will rotate the Dial indicator (420) counter clockwise
about the Dial indicators pivot point (412) (reference Dial
indicator (420) changes between FIGS. 23 & 18) so the Dial
indicators step follower (424) will come to rest on the Triggers
dial indicator step (350). This will have aligned the closed text
on the Dial indicator display (421) in the Covers window (411) (see
FIGS. 2, 16, 17, 18, 19).
[0150] The piston (221) discussed above could also be a flexible
diaphragm such as a bellow (290) with arms (292) & o-ring
(291), which could be press fit into the Cylinder (220), that has a
step (293) at the bottom to properly maintain its position within
the Cylinder (220) (reference FIG. 25). As the vacuum pressure
within the Spout increases the flexible material of the Bellows
(290) would deform like an accordion drawing the Bellows piston
arms (292) down so they can perform the same function as the
Pistons arms (224) The flexible material of the Bellows (290) would
also act as its own return spring.
[0151] The style of Jet (150) is compatible with all flowing fluids
but an Alternate jet (170) is necessary when the Auto closure auto
shutoff spout of this invention is to be used with a Gas container
(10) that only has one opening.
[0152] When transferring fluid from any container there must be and
exchange of air for the fluid, which is removed. To transfer fluid
from a container with only one opening, air must be introduced into
the container through the same opening that the fluid is exiting.
Alternate jet (170) provides an airway that bypasses the fluid
flowing out of the container allowing air into the container, which
will support a steady smooth transfer of the fluid from the
container.
[0153] The alternate jet (170) is compatible with both the nozzle
(20) (reference FIG. 26) and any standard Gas container (10). For
the Gas containers (10) with only one opening as the spout is
opened up fluid within the container will begin to flow out through
the spout. This fluid flow will also produce an airflow into the
Jets air cavity (154) via the venturi effect. With the Alternate
jet (170) air in the Jets air cavity (154) will also be allowed to
flow into the container (10) via the Air channels in the jets
threads (172). The Air channels in the jets threads (172) provides
an airway that bypasses the fluid flow making for a smooth transfer
of both air and fluid in and out of the container (see FIG.
26).
[0154] Other modifications, depending on the application will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. The specification is not
intended to be read in a limited manner. The scope of the invention
is as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *