SPOUT FOR A CONTAINER AND A CONTAINER INCLUDING THE SAME

Abstract

A spout for use on a portable liquid container and a container including the same. The spout includes a body having a channel extending between its first and second ends. A valve assembly is provided on the body and is movable between an open position where it allows liquid to flow through the channel and a closed position where it prevents liquid flow therethrough. The valve assembly is moved to the open position by moving the body in a first direction and is moved to the closed position by moving the body in the opposite direction. A locking assembly must be disengaged to move the body in the first direction. The spout may include a vent pipe to sense fuel levels in a second container in which liquid is to be dispensed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention generally relates to portable containers for liquids. More particularly, the invention relates to a portable fuel container that includes a pour spout. Specifically, the invention relates to a pour spout for a portable container that includes a valve assembly for sealing the spout when the container is not in use and which further includes a locking assembly for securing the valve assembly against being accidentally moved to an open position.

2. Background Information

As of Jan. 1, 2009, all portable fuel containers sold in the United States are required to conform to two new regulations. Firstly, they must meet new federal Mobile Source Air Toxic regulations. These regulations are based on regulations set up by California Air Resources Board (CARB) which have been in place in California and a number of other states for several years. Secondly, the portable fuel containers must meet the requirements of the Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Action (Public Law 110-278, 122 Stat. 2582-2583), signed into law by President Bush. This Act requires that the containers include certain childproof features.

These new regulations do not apply to OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) approved metal safety containers that are required on construction sites and on some landscape or tree care company job site. Instead, the new regulations apply to the common red plastic, portable fuel containers that tend to be used by the public at large. The regulations apply only to newly manufactured fuel containers, and there is no requirement on the part of users to discard their existing containers or to upgrade to meet these new regulations.

The CARB regulations were implemented in California in 2000. These regulations mandated that nozzles automatically stop when the container the fuel was being dispensed into was full. Additionally, the nozzles had to be self-venting and self-closing. However, the impact of the regulations was constrained by the poor design of some portable fuel containers produced to meet these regulations, many of which were cumbersome and/or dramatically slowed fill-up times for the containers. Many brands of portable fuel container on the market became unpopular in California. The state discovered that many of the users were so frustrated with some of these new products that they were taking the nozzles off and pouring the gas right out of the containers or they were punching holes in the backs of the containers so that they would fill faster. Obviously, these “fixes” defeated the entire purpose of the regulations.

In 2007, California introduced Phase II of the CARB regulations, which eased some requirements. They did away with the auto-stop requirement and with the requirement to be able to fill to within an inch of the top of the filler neck. These requirements had made the regulations hard to meet. They also reduced the internal pressure requirement without venting into the environment from 10 pounds pressure down to 5 pounds pressure. The state also slightly lowered the allowable level of permeation, i.e., the percentage of VOC molecules that permeate through the plastic.

Fifteen states adopted portable fuel container regulations based on the California model and the second wave of California requirements served as the model on which the EPA has based its new requirements nationwide. There is a sell-through period but any PFC manufactured after Jan. 1, 2009, must be EPA-certified.

While the Federal Government's CARB-based requirements were passed with an eye to saving the environment, they can also save the end-user money in the form of reduced gas spillage. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that there are about 80 million portable fuel containers in use in the United States. Further, it estimates that in 2005 commercial users alone dispensed approximately 2.15 billion gallons of fuel using portable fuel containers. Combined with the 1.12 billion gallons of fuel dispensed by homeowners from such containers, the EPA estimates that an approximate 70,260 gallons of gasoline has been spilled during these combined dispensing operations. The environmental issue with gas spills is primarily with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that escape into the atmosphere every time any gas is dispensed from a container. VOCs can even permeate through the plastic of the container itself and VOC emissions can occur when caps are left off fuel containers. VOCs can be extremely harmful. In addition to acting as greenhouse gases, they can contaminate groundwater and cause a number of health problems, from valve headaches to central nervous system damage to causing cancer. EPA data shows that left uncontrolled, the evaporative emissions from a gas container are up to 58 times the VOCs of a new Tier 2 vehicle evaporative control system. In other words, all of the technology that is put into controlling VOCs in automobile fuel systems is wasted if gas containers don't keep pace.

As indicated above, any portable fuel container manufactured after Jan. 17, 2009, must also be certified as childproof in accordance with the Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act and as administered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This requires an enormous change for the portable fuel container industry as the Act requires that all portable fuel container spouts must have a standard size cap to fit a standard size opening on the containers.

The new Federal regulations cover the CARB regulations, the childproof safety features and the generation of VOCs through spills and leakage from containers. There is therefore a need in the art for a spout and portable fuel container that is able to meet all of the new United States environmental and child safety regulations while still providing a full and steady flow of liquid from the container for the end user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a spout for use on a portable liquid container, a container including the same, and a method of using the spout on the container. While the spout and container are specifically designed to meet the regulations relating to portable fuel containers, it will be understood that the portable container can be used for transporting other liquids beside fuel.

The spout of the present invention includes a body having a channel extending between its first and second ends. A valve assembly is provided on the body and is movable between an open position where it allows liquid to flow through the channel and a closed position where it prevents liquid flow therethrough. The valve assembly is moved to the open position by moving the body in a first direction and is moved to the closed position by moving the body in the opposite direction. A locking assembly must be disengaged to move the body in the first direction. The spout may include a vent pipe to sense fuel levels in a second container in which liquid is to be dispensed.

To provide several times the fuel flow, a new high flow valving system fits within the standard size opening on the container. To actuate the high flow valve, a completely different pouring actuation was employed that does not require the container to be inverted as do most containers on the market today. As the auto-stop feature is highly desirable, especially for filling small fuel tanks where there is little direction vision, the spout of the present invention may include a separate vent pipe and separate vent valve from the end of the pour spout to the top of the inside of the container to sense the liquid level. This second vent passage and its valve all compete for the area limited by the standard size of the container's opening. Therefore, the device of the present invention includes two embodiments of a spout for a portable fuel container, one without the fuel-sensing vent pipe that vents on the rear of the spout adjacent the cap, and one where the vent pipe goes all of the way from the first end to the second end of the spout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable fuel container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1b is a partially exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 showing the spout disengaged from the portable fuel container;

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side elevational view of the spout only that is used on the portable fuel container shown in FIG. 1, and showing the valve assembly in the closed position;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the spout shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the spout shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the spout of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the spout shown in FIG. 3 showing the valve assembly in the closed position and showing the valve head sealing off the valve body;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the locking assembly on the spout of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the spout of FIG. 3 illustrated with the spout pushed rearwardly and the valve assembly in the full open position;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the spout shown in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the spout pushed partially rearwardly and with the valve assembly in the half open position;

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of a spout in accordance with the present invention, showing a vent pipe in the opening to the spout;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the spout of FIG. 12, showing the valve assembly in the closed position;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the spout of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of spout of FIG. 12 with the valve assembly in the full open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-11 show a first embodiment of a spout for use with a portable liquid container. FIGS. 12-15 show a second embodiment of a spout for use with a portable liquid container.

Referring to FIGS. 1-11, there is shown a first embodiment of a spout for a portable liquid container, where the spout is generally indicated at 10 and the container is generally indicated at 12. Container 12 comprises a front wall 12a, a rear wall 12b, an upper wall 12c, a lower wall 12d, and a left side wall 12e. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1 it will be understood that container 12 further includes a right side wall that is disposed opposite left side wall 12e. Front, rear, upper, lower, left side walls 12a-12e and right side wall bound an interior chamber 14 that is designed to retain a quantity of liquid 16 therein. Container 12 further preferably includes a handle 18 so that a user may carry the container. Handle 18 may extend outwardly from any of the previously mentioned walls.

In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, container 12 includes only a single opening 20 into chamber 14. Opening 20 is defined by an annular flange 22 that extends upwardly and outwardly away from top wall 12c. It will, of course, be understood that flange 22 may instead extend outwardly away from any of the other walls without departing from the scope of the present invention. Flange 22 preferably is provided with threads 24 on its exterior surface. Opening 20 permits liquid communication between interior chamber 14 and the exterior environment surrounding container 12. It should be noted that container 12 contains no other openings in its walls that would permit liquid communication between chamber 14 and the exterior environment surrounding container 12. It will further be understood opening 20 is of a standard size in accordance with the new US regulations in this regard.

FIGS. 3-7 show spout 10 in greater detail. Spout 10 has a body comprising a first member 26, a second member 27 (FIG. 1b), and a flexible member 100 that extends between the first and second members 26, 27. First member 26 is comprised of a first region 28 and a second region 30. Second member 27 includes a locking assembly 54, a valve assembly 104 and a cap 142. Cap 142 is configured to engage flange 22 on container 12 and thus is effectively fixed in place once secured to container 12. While various components of the locking assembly 54 and valve assembly 104 are movable, an annular ring 56 of locking assembly 54 and a valve body 106 of valve assembly 104 remain stationary when spout 10 is engaged with container 12. First member 26 is movable relative to these stationary components of second member 27. Specifically, first member 26 pivots relative to second member 27. That pivoting motion is accommodated by flexible member 100. Spout 10 defines a channel through first member 26, flexible member 100 and second member 27. That channel extends from an opening 34 in second region 30 of first member, through to an opening in a bottom end 106a of valve body 106. Furthermore, spout 10 has a longitudinal axis “Y” (FIG. 3) that extends from a first end thereof proximate second region 30 to a second end thereof proximate bottom end 106a of valve body 106. Longitudinal axis “Y” is substantially at right angles to cap 142. Longitudinal axis “Y” also corresponds to a linear axis that extends through the channel when spout 10 is in a first position shown in FIG. 3. The structure and function of these various components will be more fully described hereafter.

As stated previously, first member 26 comprises a first region 28 and second region 30. Second region 30 is disposed at an angle “X” relative to first region 28. Preferably angle “X” is between 25 degrees and 90 degrees. First member 26 is generally tubular and defines a bore 32 (FIG. 6) therethrough which extends from first end 26a through to second end 26b thereof. Opening 34 referred to previously, is an opening to bore 32 and is provided in second region 30 at first end 26a of first member 26. A first and a second annular flange 36, 38 (FIG. 6) is provided on first region 28 proximate second end 26b of first member 26. First and second annular flanges 36, 38 are concentric and are separated from each other by an annular groove 40, the purpose of which will be described hereafter.

In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, a first arm 42 and a second arm 44 extend outwardly and downwardly away from first region 28 and toward second end 26b. First arm 42 has a first end 42a that is secured to a rear surface 28a of first region 28. First arm 42 has a leg 42b that extends outwardly away from rear surface 28a of first region 28 and at an acute angle relative thereto. First leg 42b terminates in a pair of laterally spaced apart feet 42c that are also secured to first annular flange 36. Preferably, feet 42c are secured to an inner edge 36a of first annular flange 36 as is shown in FIG. 3. Feet 42c each define an aperture 46 that extends horizontally therethrough and generally at right angles to the longitudinal axis “Y” of first member 26. Apertures 46 in feet 42c are aligned one with the other. Feet 42c are also separated from each other by a gap 48 (FIG. 5).

Second arm 44 extends outwardly away from a front surface 28b of first region 28. Second arm 44 includes a wing region 44a that is disposed generally at right angles to front surface 28b and which extends generally longitudinally along front surface 28a toward second end 26b. Wing region 44a originates closer to second region 30 than does first end 42a of first arm 42. Second arm 44 includes a first leg 44b that extends outwardly from wing region 44a and is disposed generally at right angles thereto. First leg 44b is disposed at an acute angle relative to front surface 28b and flares outwardly away therefrom in the opposite direction to first leg 42b of first arm 42. First leg 44b terminates in a plurality of feet 44c that are also secured to first annular flange 36 in much the same manner as feet 42c. Feet 42c are spaced laterally apart from each other and a separated by gaps 50 (FIG. 4). Each foot 44c defines a horizontally oriented aperture 52 therein. The apertures 52 are all aligned with each other.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-11, locking assembly 54 includes annular ring 56 (FIG. 2), a first leg 58 and a second leg 58. Ring 56 is oriented so that its peripheral wall is generally aligned with the peripheral wall of first region 28. Ring 56 defines an aperture 62 therein that is generally aligned with the bore 32 of first region 28. Aperture 62 and bore 32 therefore constitute part of the channel through spout 10. First leg 58 extends outwardly from a first side of ring 56 and second leg 60 extends outwardly from a second side of ring 56 opposite first leg 58. Each of first and second legs 58, 60 is generally L-shaped and comprises a first portion 58a, 60a and a second portion 58b, 60b. The first portions 58a, 60a are generally aligned with each other and are disposed substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis “Y” of spout 10 as can be seen in FIG. 3. Each second portion 58b, 60b extends outwardly from the outermost end of the respective first portion 58a, 60a at an angle of slightly more than 90 degrees. As best seen in FIG. 4, ring 56 further includes an outer flange 57 and inner flange 59 disposed in the region between first leg 58b and second leg 60b. Inner and outer flanges 57, 59 are separated from each other by an annular groove 61.

First portion 58a of first leg 58 preferably is configured as a number of ribs 64 that are separated from each other by gaps 66. It may, however, be formed as a substantially solid unit. Second portion 58b of first leg 58 terminates in a plurality of toes 68 that extend longitudinally outwardly and forwardly therefrom. Adjacent toes 68 are separated from each other by a gap 70 (FIG. 4). A hole 72 is defined through each toe 68, with the hole 72 being oriented substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis “Y”. The holes 72 in the plurality of toes 68 are aligned with each other. When spout 10 is assembled, toes 68 interlock with feet 44c of second arm 44 in such a way that each foot 44c is received in one of the gaps 70 between adjacent toes 68, and each toe 68 is received in one of the gaps 50 between adjacent feet 44c. Holes 72 are alignable with apertures 52 and a pivot pin 74 is inserted therethrough. Thus, second arm 44 and first leg 58 are able to pivot relative to each other as will be hereinafter described.

First portion 60a of second leg 60 of locking assembly 54 preferably comprises two wings 76, 78 (FIGS. 5 & 8) which are separated from each other by a gap 80. Each wing 76, 78 defines one or more holes 82 therein that are oriented substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis “Y” of spout 10. Holes 82 are aligned with each other. Second portion 60b of second leg 60 defines a generally longitudinally aligned slot 84 which is best seen in FIG. 7. Slot 84 preferably is curved and preferably is concave relative to the exterior surface of ring 56. Second portion 60b is sized to be received in gap 48 between feet 42c. When this occurs, apertures 46 in feet 42c align with slot 84 and a pivot pin 86 is received therethrough. First arm 42 and second leg 60 are thus able to move relative to each other and to pivot around pivot pin 86 as will be hereinafter described.

Referring to FIG. 8, locking assembly 54 further includes a locking member 88, a spring 90 and a pivot pin 92. Locking member 88 is a generally V-shaped member having a body 88a with first and second arms 88b, 88c extending outwardly therefrom. Body 88a comprises first and second walls 94a, 94b that are spaced a distance apart from each other. Each of the first and second walls 94a, 94b defines an aperture (not shown) therein that is oriented at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y” when spout 10 is assembled. Each of the first and second walls 94a, 94b is configured to be engaged with one of wings 76, 78. As shown most clearly with reference to second wall 94b, each of the first and second walls 94, 94b is particularly configured to be received within a slot 96 in the relevant wing 76, 78. When so received, the apertures 96 (FIG. 6) in each of first and second walls 94a, 94b are aligned with the apertures 82 in first and second wings 76, 78. Pivot pin 92 is received through a central hole in spring 90 and pivot pin 92 is then engaged through the aligned apertures 82, 96. Locking member 88 is therefore able to pivot relative to first and second wings 76, 78 about pivot pin 92 and between first and second positions as will be described hereafter.

Spout 10 further includes a flexible member 100 that extends between flange 36 on first member 26 and annular ring 56 on locking assembly 54. As is best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, flexible member 100 comprises a rubber bellows that has a first annular flange 100a at a first end and a second annular flange 100b at a second end. Flexible member 100 further includes a plurality of annular folds 100c (FIG. 3). When first member 26, flexible member 100 and locking assembly 54 are secured together, first annular flange 100a is received in groove 40 between flanges 36 and 38 on first member 26. Second annular flange 100b is received in groove 61 between flanges 67 and 69. Flexible member 100 enables first member 26 to move back and forth relative to locking assembly as will be hereinafter described.

In addition to the flexible member 100, spout 10 further includes a coil spring 102 that is disposed between first member 26 and locking assembly 54. Spring 102 biases spout 10 into the closed position. Each coil of spring 102 is generally retained within one of folds 100c of flexible member 100. If flexible member 100 is compressed even partially and then released, spring 102 returns flexible member 100 to its original position.

Referring to FIGS. 6 & 7 and in accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, spout 10 further includes valve assembly 104. Valve assembly 104 comprises a valve body 106, a plunger 108, a coil spring 110, and an actuator 112. Valve body 106 is a generally tubular member having a first end 106a, a second end 106b and an external wall 106c extending therebetween. Second end 106b has an external diameter that is sized to be received within aperture 62 of ring 46 on locking assembly 54. External wall 106c of valve body defines a central bore 107 therethrough. Bore 107 extends between first and second ends 106a, 106b and constitutes part of the channel that extends through spout 10. An annular flange 114 extends radially outwardly away from external wall 106c. As seen best in FIG. 7, valve body 106 is molded to include an interior wall that defines a channel 116 through which a portion of plunger 108 extends. The interior wall of valve body 106 further defines an interior shoulder 118 that limits the travel of spring 110. In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, valve body 106 further defines a plurality of vent openings 120 (FIGS. 6 & 10) in its external wall 106c.

Plunger 108 includes a valve head 122 (FIG. 6) and a stem 124. The external diameter of valve head 122 is substantially identical to the internal diameter of bore 107 of valve body 106. Plunger 108 is therefore frictionally received within bore 107. A rubber O-ring 109 is provided on valve head 122 to ensure that an air-tight seal is maintained between valve body 106 and valve head 122 when valve assembly 104 is in the closed position as will be described hereafter. Stem 124 of valve body 106 includes a terminal end 124a and defines an aperture 126 therethrough. Aperture 126 preferably is disposed at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the stem 124. (The longitudinal axis of stem 124 is substantially parallel to longitudinal axis “Y”.) Coil spring 110 is wrapped around stem 124 and a washer 126 and clevis pin 128 retain spring 110 on stem 124.

As indicated previously, valve assembly 104 also includes an actuator 112. Actuator 112 is an elongate member having a first end 112a (FIG. 6), a second end 112b and an external wall 112c extending therebetween. First end 112a includes a generally semi-circular recess 130 configured to receive second end 124a of plunger 112 therein. Second end 112b of actuator 112 is flattened and includes a pair of spaced apart fingers 132 (FIG. 6). As best seen in either of FIGS. 7 and 10, second end 112b of actuator 112 is retained within a pocket 134 formed on the interior surface 28d of first region 28 of first member 26 in the interior wall. External wall 112c of actuator 112 also includes a wedge-shaped region 136 that projects radially outwardly from the exterior surface thereof. Wedge-shaped region 136 further includes a detent 138 that extends radially further outwardly therefrom. Detent 138 contacts the interior surface 28d of first region 28. Actuator 112 causes head 22 to travel linearly back and forth within bore 107 of valve body 106.

Finally, spout 10 includes a lock ring 140 and a cap 142. Cap 142 includes an external wall 142a (FIG. 3) and a top wall 142b. Top wall 142b defines an aperture 144 (FIG. 7) therethrough. Aperture 144 is sufficiently large enough that second end 106b of valve body 106 can pass through the same. Lock ring 140 is received around flange 114 on valve body 106 to ensure that valve body 106 cannot slide inwardly through aperture 144 and toward first member 26. Cap 142 is therefore retained on spout 10 by lock ring 142. Cap 142 is internally threaded for engagement with threads 24 on flange 22 of container 12.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 7-11, the present invention is used in the following manner. Spout 10 is removed from container 12 in order to introduce liquid 16 into chamber 14 of container 12. Once sufficient liquid 16 has been introduced into chamber 14, spout 10 is engaged with container 12. This is accomplished by positioning spout 10 on flange 22 of container 12 and then threadably engaging the internal threads on cap 142 with threads 24 on flange 122. It should be noted that spout 10 preferably is positioned so that opening 34 in second region 30 faces in generally the same direction as front wall 12a of container 12. Initially, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7, spout 10 is in a first position and valve assembly 104 is in the default position. The default position, for safety's sake, is with the valve assembly 104 in the closed position. In the closed position, at least a portion of valve head 122 of plunger 108 is seated substantially inwardly from the first end 106a of valve body 106. Valve head 122 is frictionally engaged with the interior surface of valve body 106 that defines bore 107, O-ring 109 is wedged between valve head 122 and the interior surface, and the opening to bore 107 is sealed off. It should be noted that valve body 106 is retained in such a position relative to cap 142 that vent openings 120 (FIG. 8) are disposed beneath locking member 88. However, since the opening to bore 107 is sealed, air does not actively flow through vent openings 120. Consequently, liquid communication between chamber 14 of container 12 and bore 32 of first region 28 is broken and liquid 16 cannot flow outwardly from chamber 14 through spout 10.

It should be noted from FIG. 2, that in accordance with one of the specific features of the present invention, the locking assembly 54 is initially in a safety lock position. In this position, front wall 88d (FIG. 3) of second arm 88c abuts a rear wall 42d (FIG. 9) of one or both feet 42c of first arm 42 in such a way that spout 10 cannot be pushed rearwardly (in the direction of arrow “A” shown in FIG. 7). This is because locking member 88 resists any movement of feet 42c when a force is applied to spout 10 in the direction of arrow “A”. When the user wishes to pour liquid 16 out of container 12 through spout 10, they first have to disengage locking assembly 54. This is accomplished by the user pushing downwardly on first arm 88b of locking member 88 in the direction indicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 2. This causes second arm 88c to pivot out of contact with rear walls 42d of feet 42c. There is therefore no longer any resistance to the movement of spout 10 in the direction of arrow “A”. While holding locking member 88 in this pivoted position, the user then pushes first region 28 of spout 10 rearwardly in the first direction as indicated by arrow “A” (FIG. 7). It should be noted that the force applied to move first region 28 in the first direction is applied at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis “Y” and, preferably, that angle is ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The force applied to the first end of spout 10 causes first region 28 to pivot relative to valve body 106. The rearward movement moves first region 28 from the first position (FIGS. 3&7) to a second position (FIGS. 9&10), causing first region 28 to move out of alignment with valve body 106. The motion also causes pivot pin 86 to slide in slot 84, thereby sliding feet 42c of first arm 42 under second arm 88c of locking member 88. As soon as spout 10 starts to move, the user is able to release locking member 88 because of the positioning of feet 42c under the interior surface of second arm 88c. The released locking member 88 will pivot back toward its original locked position. As it does so, the interior surface of second arm 88c engages the exterior surface 42e (FIG. 9) of feet 42c. This motion both prevents locking member 88 from returning to its original position and simultaneously clamps feet 42c in position.

The rearward movement of spout 10 in the direction of arrow “An” also causes valve assembly 104 to move from the closed position to the open position. This is seen by comparing FIGS. 3&7 and 9&10, it can be seen that when spout 10 is moved to the second position, the left side region of flexible member 110 and spring 102 is at least partially compressed relative to the right side region thereof. A comparison of the cross-sectional views (FIGS. 7 & 10) further shows that pivot pin 86 has been slid along slot 84 from a position proximate a top end of slot 84 to a position proximate a bottom end thereof. The movement also causes actuator 112 to force stem 124 downwardly in a second direction indicated by arrow “C” (FIG. 10). Valve body 106 remains in a fixed position because it is in physical contact with the upper end of flange 22 on container 12. The downward movement of actuator 112 therefore causes stem 124 and therefore valve head 122 of plunger 108 to slide within channel 114 in valve body 106. Valve head 122 is therefore forced downwardly out of the opening to bore 107 of valve body 106. Thus, an annular gap 115 opens up between valve head 122 and first end 106a of valve body 106. Since venting openings 120 are positioned under gap 80 in locking member 88 and are constantly open to the environment surrounding container 12, the opening of gap 115 between valve head 122 and first end 106a of valve body 106 allows for liquid communication between chamber 14 and the environment surrounding container 12. Air is therefore able to flow into venting openings 120, through bore 107 of valve body 106, through gap 115 and into chamber 14. The user can therefore dispense liquid 16 from container 12 by simply tipping the container so that liquid 16 will flow out of chamber 14, through a portion of gap 115, through a portion of bore 107 of valve body 106, through bore 101 of flexible member 100, through bore 32 of first region 28 and out of spout 10 through opening 34 in second region 30. The flow of liquid 16 is rapid as air can readily flow into chamber 14 through the pathway created by venting openings 120 and gap 115.

When sufficient liquid 16 has been dispensed, the user closes valve assembly 104 once again. The user depresses locking member arm 88b in the direction of arrow “B” (FIG. 10) to break the engagement between locking member 88 and feet 42c. Spring 102 in flexible member 100 returns to its original position and, consequently, flexible member 100 returns to its first, uncompressed position. As it does so, flexible member 100 moves first region 28 of spout 10 from the second position back to the first position thereby bringing first region 28 back into alignment with valve body 106 and ring 56. The movement of spout 10 back to the first position causes the downward force on actuator 112 to cease. Spring 110 around plunger stem 124 returns to its uncompressed state and, as it does so, it pulls plunger 108 upwardly in the opposite direction to the second direction indicated by arrow “C”. Valve head 122 of plunger 108 is therefore drawn back into the opening to bore 107 of valve body 108 and seals the same. The gap 115 is therefore closed up and neither air nor liquid 116 is able to flow between container 12 and spout 10.

The user may alternatively close valve assembly 104 by pushing spout 10 in a direction different to the first direction. Specifically, the user may alternatively close valve assembly 104 by pushing spout 10 in the opposite direction to the direction indicated by arrow “A”. This physical movement causes pivot pin 86 to slide along slot 84 moving feet 42c out from under locking member 88. Spring 90 causes locking member 88 to rotate about pivot pin 92 back to it original position where wall 88d of first arm 88b abuts walls 42d of feet 42c. Thus, the safety lock is reengaged. The safety lock is engaged in this same way if the user first depresses locking member 88 to break the interlocking engagement of locking member 88 and feet 42c.

It should also be noted that the user can set the valve position by not fully pushing the spout rearwardly in the direction of arrow “A”. Locking member 88 will hold feet 42c in any number of positions between the valve assembly being fully opened and fully closed. This is illustrated in FIG. 11, which illustrates the valve assembly 104 being in the 50% open position. Valve head 122 of plunger 108 extends outwardly beyond a bottom end 142c of cap 142. The distance valve head 122 extends beyond bottom end 142c is greater than when valve assembly 104 is in a closed position (FIG. 3), i.e., is closed, but is less than when valve assembly 104 is in an open position and is fully open as shown in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 12-15 show a second embodiment of a spout in accordance with the present invention, the spout being generally indicated at 210. Spout 210 is a liquid-sensing spout that differs in certain aspects differs from spout 10. Specifically, spout 210 includes a vent pipe 263 that is provided in bore 232 of spout 210. Vent pipe 263 runs from adjacent annular flange 236 at bottom of first region 228 of spout 210, through to opening 234 thereof. Valve body 306 also includes a few modifications relative to valve body 106. Firstly, valve body is not provided with any vent openings similar to vent openings 120 on valve body 106. Secondly, valve body 306 is provided with a channel 314 through which plunger 308 travels. Valve body 306 further includes a vent pipe member 265 that is designed to be substantially continuous with vent pipe 263 when spout 210 is assembled. A vent valve 267 connects vent pipe 263 to vent pipe member 265. Vent valve 267 permits the flow of air into the container as liquid is dispensed therefrom but prevents liquid from flowing through vent pipe 263. It should be noted that vent pipe member 265 terminates a distance inwardly away from valve head 322 of plunger 308. Spout 210 is liquid-sensing because of the presence of vent pipe 263. When liquid has been poured from the container to which spout 210 is attached and into a tank, for example, then once the liquid in the tank touches the second end 230 of spout 210 and specifically contacts vent pipe 263, any flow of liquid from the container will cease. This is because the vent pipe 265 no longer can suck in air and so a vacuum is set up within the chamber of the container to which the spout 210 is connected and the flow of liquid through spout 210 is halted.

First region 228 of spout 210 differs from first region 28 in the configuration of first arm 242. Instead of a pair of feet 42c, the terminal end of first arm 242 is provided with a hook region 269 that extends outwardly beyond an exterior surface 242d thereof. Hook region 269 is disposed generally at right angles to exterior surface 242d.

Locking assembly 254 also differs from locking assembly 54 in a few ways. Essentially, first leg 258 is substantially identical in structure and function to first leg 58. Second leg 260 and locking member 288, however, differ from second leg 60 and locking member 88 in a number of ways. Second leg 260 includes a first wing (not shown) and a second wing 278 that are similar in structure and function to wings 76, 78. A base member 271 is fixedly secured to the first wing and second wing 278. Base member 271 includes a first upstanding wall 271a and a second upstanding wall 271b. Locking member arm 88 is pivotally secured to the first wing and second wing 278 by a pivot pin 292. A spring 290 is wrapped around pivot pin 292 and biases locking member 288 into a safety position as will be hereinafter described. Locking member 288 includes a body 288a, a first arm 288b and a second arm 288c. Locking member 288 further defines a gap 280 therein. A first and second wall 288e and 288f extend downwardly from a bottom surface 288g of second arm 288c. First wall 288e extends outwardly from bottom surface 288g for a shorter distance than second wall 288f. The region 288h between first and second walls 288e, 288f is substantially complementary in width and length to hook region 269 of first arm 242.

Cap 342 differs from cap 142 in that it is designed to snap on to a container such as container 12. The interior surface of cap 342 is therefore free of threads and a pull tab 273 is provided thereon to aid in removing cap 342 from the container.

Additionally, it should be noted that flexible member 300 slips over flange 236 and annular ring 256 instead of being captured in an annular groove between two concentric annular flanges, as is the case with the first embodiment.

Although not illustrated herein, spout 210 may also optionally be provided with an end cap for closing off access to opening 234 in second region 230 of spout 210. The end cap could be secured to a front surface of first region 228 by a tether that is molded as part of first region 228, or it may be secured thereto by a fastener, heat welded or otherwise adhesively secured thereto. Alternatively, the cap could be completely removable from region 230 and container.

All of the other components of spout 210, such as the O-ring 309, lock ring 340, spring 310, washer 326 and clevis pin 328, and actuator 312 are substantially identical in structure and function to the O-ring 109, lock ring 140, spring 110, washer 125, clevis pin 128 and actuator 112 used in spout 10.

Spout 210 is used in much the same manner as spout 10. Initially, locking assembly 254 is engaged so that first arm 242 and locking member 288 are locked together. This is illustrated in FIG. 13 where it can be seen that hook region 269 is received in region 288h between first and second walls 288e and 288f. Flexible member 300 is in its fully expanded and uncompressed state and valve head 322 of valve assembly 308 is seated in the opening to bore 307 of valve body 306, blocking liquid communication between the chamber (not shown) of the container (not shown). The user depresses locking member 288 by pushing first leg 288b in the direction of arrow “D”. This movement causes locking member 288 to pivot about pivot pin 292 in the direction indicated by arrow “E”. Second arm 288c of locking member lifts off hook region 269 of first leg 242. The user then pushes spout 210 in the direction of arrow “F”. This movement causes the position of hook region 269 relative to locking member 288 to change, with hook region 269 sliding along bottom surface 288g of locking member 288 until it engages wall 271b on base 271. As this occurs, flexible member 300 becomes compressed on the left side (as shown in FIG. 15). Actuator 312 is moved downwardly in the direction of arrow “G” as first region 228 moves in the direction of arrow “F”. Actuator 312 moves plunger 308 downwardly in the direction of arrow “G” causing valve head 322 thereof to become unseated from the opening to bore 307 of valve body 306. This opens up a gap 315 between valve head 322 and first end 306a of valve body 306 and air is able to flow through vent pipe 363, through gap 315 and into the chamber (not shown) of the container. This air flow is indicated by the arrows in FIG. 15. If the container is then tilted, then liquid retained within the chamber can be poured out of spout 310 as air is able to flow into the container to replace the dispensed liquid.

When sufficient liquid has been dispensed therefrom, the user depresses locking member 288 in the direction of arrow “D” so that hook region 269 can clear second wall 288g. First region 228 is pushed in a direction different to the direction indicated by arrow “F”. Specifically, first region 228 is pushed in the opposite direction to that indicated by arrow “F”. Locking member 288 is then released. Hook region 269 then becomes engaged in region 288h, thereby locking spout 210 against further back and forth motion. At the same time, the downward force on actuator 312 is stopped and a spring (not shown) in flexible member 300 returns to its original condition. These movements causes plunger 308 to be drawn upwardly in the opposite direction to arrow “G”. Valve head 322 of plunger 308 becomes re-seated in the opening to bore 307 of valve body 306, thereby sealing the same. As an added precaution, end cap 275 is engaged on second region 230 of body 326, thereby closing off access to opening 234.

It will be understood that while it has been disclosed that the spout is moved in a first direction and a second direction at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, the spout may be moved in a first direction and a second direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis without departing from the scope of the present invention. When the spout is moved in the first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the actuator will be moved in a direction that will cause the head of the plunger to be one of seated in the opening to the valve body or removed from being seated in the opening, and when the spout is moved in the second direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the actuator will be moved in a direction that will cause the head of the plunger to be the other of seated in the opening or removed from the opening. Thus, the movement of the spout in the first direction will cause the valve to be one of opened and closed and movement of the spout in a different direction to the first direction will cause the valve to be the other of opened or closed.

The spouts 10, 210 of the present invention are better equipped to meet the new Federal regulations in that they include a child safety lock in locking assembly 54, are self-venting either through vent openings 120 or vent pipe 263 and are configured to be sealed when not in use through the presence of valve assembly 104. Furthermore cap 142 is configured to be a standard size cap that is engageable with a standard size opening on a portable gas container.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. A spout for use on a portable liquid container, said spout comprising:

a body having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween,

a channel defined in the body and extending between the first and second ends thereof;

a cap provided at the second end of the body and being adapted to engage a flange surrounding an opening on the container; and

a valve assembly provided on the body, said valve assembly being movable between an open position where it allows liquid flow through the channel and a closed position where it prevents liquid flow through the channel, and wherein said valve assembly is moved to the open position by moving the body in a first direction, and is moved to the closed position by moving the body in a direction different from the first direction.

2. The spout as defined in claim 1, wherein the valve assembly is progressively opened by applying a force in the first direction to the first end of the body.

3. The spout as defined in claim 1, further comprising a locking assembly operationally engaged with the body, and wherein the locking assembly is released in order to move the body in the first direction.

4. The spout as defined in claim 3, wherein the valve assembly is moved to the closed position by moving the body in a direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein the locking assembly resists movement of the body in both of the first direction and the opposite direction, and wherein the locking assembly must be released prior to applying a force to move the body in either of the first direction and the opposite direction.

5. The spout as defined in claim 1, wherein when the body is moved in the first direction, the first direction is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the body.

6. The spout as defined in claim 1, wherein the body comprises a first member and a second member that are operationally engaged with each other, and the first member is movable in the first direction and out of alignment with the second member to move the valve assembly from the closed position to the open position, and the first member is movable in an opposite direction to the first direction and thereby back into alignment with the second member to move the valve assembly from the open position to the closed position.

7. The container as defined in claim 6, wherein the first member pivots relative to the second member about a pivot point and the pivot point is on a front side of the body, and wherein the body further includes a locking member disposed on a rear side of the body, and the locking member must be depressed before the first member is able to pivot relative to the second member.

8. The spout as defined in claim 6, wherein the body further comprises a flexible member disposed between the first and second members, and wherein a portion of the flexible member is compressed when the first member is moved in the first direction, and the portion of the flexible member returns to its original shape when the first member is moved in the direction opposite to the first direction.

9. The spout as defined in claim 6, further comprising a spring member operationally engaged with the body, said spring member being disposed to resist movement of the first member in the first direction and to thereby biase the valve assembly into the closed position.

10. The spout as defined in claim 9, wherein the spring member is positioned between the first and the second members.

11. The spout as defined in claim 1, wherein the valve assembly includes:

an actuator secured at a first end to the body;

a plunger disposed within the channel and being operationally engaged with the actuator, said plunger including a head; and, when the body is moved in the first direction, the actuator moves the plunger linearly within the channel in a second direction and opens a gap between the head and one of the first and second ends of the channel, and when the body is moved in the different direction to the first direction, the actuator moves the plunger linearly within the channel in a direction opposite to the second direction and causes the head to seal the one of the first and second ends of the channel.

12. The spout as defined in claim 11, further comprising valve body disposed in the second member, said valve body defining a bore which is in liquid communication with the channel, and wherein the plunger is disposed at least partially in the valve body and is movable to seal an opening at one end of the valve body and thereby prevent liquid communication to the channel, and wherein the valve body includes a plurality of vent openings therein that are adapted to provide liquid communication between an environment surrounding the spout and the bore of the valve body when the plunger is not in a sealing arrangement with the opening at the one end of the valve body.

13. The spout as defined in claim 1, further comprising a vent pipe provided on the body and adapted to permit air to flow into an interior of the container when liquid is dispensed through the channel.

14. The spout as defined in claim 13, wherein the vent pipe has a first end that is disposed proximate the first end of the channel and a second end that is disposed a distance inwardly from the second end of the channel; wherein the valve assembly includes a head disposed to seal off the second end of the channel, and wherein the second end of the vent pipe is disposed a distance inwardly from the second end of the channel.

15. The container as defined in claim 1, wherein the body includes a first region including the first end and a second region including the second end, and wherein the first region is set at an angle relative to the second region, and wherein that angle is between 25 degrees and 90 degrees.

16. A spout for use on a portable liquid container, said spout comprising:

a body having a first end and a second end;

a channel defined in the body and extending between the first and second ends,

a cap provided on the second end and adapted to engage a flange surrounding an opening on the container;

a valve provided on the body and being movable between an open position where liquid is able to flow through the channel and a closed position where liquid is unable to flow through the channel, and wherein movement of the body in a first direction causes movement of the valve in a second direction.

17. The spout as defined in claim 16, wherein movement of the body in a direction different to the first direction causes the valve to move in a direction opposite the second direction.

18. The spout as defined in claim 17, wherein the movement of the valve in either one of the second direction and the direction opposite the second direction is movement that is substantially parallel to a linear axis of the channel.

19. A container for holding a liquid, said container comprising:

a housing having a bottom wall, a top wall and a perimeter wall extending between the bottom and top walls;

a chamber defined and bounded by the bottom, top and perimeter walls;

a single opening defined in one of the bottom, top and perimeter walls, wherein said single opening is surrounded by a flange and provides liquid communication between the chamber and an exterior environment surrounding the container; and

a pour spout engageable with the flange, said spout defining a channel therein extending between a first end and a second end thereof,

a valve assembly engaged with the spout, said valve assembly being moved to an open position to permit liquid to flow through the channel when the spout is moved in a first direction, and being moved to a closed position to prevent liquid to flow through the channel when the spout is moved in a direction different to the first direction.

20. The container as defined in claim 19, wherein the spout has a linear axis extending between the first and second ends thereof, and the movement of the spout is at an angle relative to the linear axis, and the valve assembly includes a valve head that moves linearly within the channel in response to the movements of the spout.

21. The container as defined in claim 19, further comprising a locking assembly engaged with the spout, and wherein the locking assembly includes a locking member that resists movement of the spout in the first direction, and the locking member must be depressed inwardly toward the spout to permit movement of the body in the first direction.

22. A method of pouring liquid from a first container into a second container comprising the steps of:

moving a spout on the first container in a first direction to move a valve within a channel of the spout from a closed position to an open position;

pouring liquid from the container through the channel; and

moving the spout in a direction different to the first direction to move the valve within the channel from the open position to the closed position once a desired quantity of liquid has been dispensed from the first container.

23. The method as defined in claim 22, further comprising the step of:

unlocking a locking assembly in order to permit the spout to be moved in the first direction.

24. The method as defined in claim 23, wherein the step of unlocking the locking assembly includes the step of depressing a locking member to pivot a stop on the locking member out of abutting contact with a region of the spout.

25. The method as defined in claim 24, further comprising the step of holding the locking member in the depressed position while moving the spout in the first direction.

26. The method as defined in claim 25, further comprising the step of releasing the locking member as soon as the spout begins to move in the first direction.

27. The method as defined in claim 24, further comprising the steps of depressing the locking member immediately prior to the step of moving the spout in a direction different to the first direction.

28. The method as defined in claim 27, further comprising the steps of:

holding the locking member in the depressed position until the spout begins to move in the direction different to the first direction; and then releasing the locking member.