US20070215242A1

US20070215242A1 - Dispensing spout

Info

Publication number: US20070215242A1
Application number: US11/608,242
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark Bonner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-12-07
Filing date: 2006-12-07
Publication date: 2007-09-20
Also published as: WO2007065263A1

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.

Description

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

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dispensing spout simple in design, easily constructed and simple to use.
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.
Other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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:
FIG. 1 and FIG. 1B illustrate the preferred embodiment of the spout mounted to a gas can;
FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, illustrate front and rear perspectives, respectively, of the preferred embodiment of the dispensing spout;
FIG. 3 is a cut-away illustration showing the inside of the preferred embodiment of the dispensing spout as mounted on a dispensing nozzle;
FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the spout mounted to a liquid-dispensing nozzle;
FIG. 5 is a partially exploded illustration of the preferred embodiment of the spout;
FIG. 6 is an exploded illustration of the spout trunk assembly as shown in FIG. 5;
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;
FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of the slider components assembled for the preferred embodiment illustrated and described herein;
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;
FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are perspective illustrations, respectively, from the rear and front views of the sliders components;
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;
FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are, respectively, an exploded parts configuration and a perspective assembled configuration of the trigger components of the preferred embodiment;
FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are, respectively front and rearview perspective illustrations of the trigger component assembly of the preferred embodiment;
FIG. 14 is perspective illustrations of the cover assembly;
FIGS. 15A and 15B are front and back perspective illustrations of the cover components of the preferred embodiment showing their assembly;
FIG. 16 is a perspective illustration of the spout mounted for use being inserted into a receptacle opening;
FIG. 17 is an exploded sectional perspective illustrations showing the components of the cover assembly;
FIG. 18 is a cutaway illustration showing the inner parts of the dispensing spout in the closed configuration;
FIG. 19 is a cutaway illustration further to FIG. 18 showing the inner parts of the dispensing spout in the closed configuration;
FIG. 20 is a cutaway illustration showing the inner parts of the dispensing spout in the open/start configuration;
FIG. 21 is a cutaway illustration further to FIG. 20 showing the inner parts of the dispensing spout in the open/start configuration;
FIG. 22 is a cutaway illustration showing the piston pushing the linkage elbow into the reset configuration;
FIG. 23 is a cutaway illustration showing the inner parts of the dispensing spout in the reset configuration;
FIG. 24 is a cutaway illustration further to FIG. 23 showing the inner parts of the dispensing spout in the reset configuration;
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,
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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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).
It will be apparent that numerous modifications to the preferred embodiment are possible without deviating from the scope of the invention.
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.
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.
Briefly, the dispensing spout of this invention is the combination of a spout with auto closure and auto-shutoff capabilities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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).
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).
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.
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).
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).
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.
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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).
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).
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.
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).
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).
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).
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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).
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.

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 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;

6. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 3 wherein;

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;

12. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 3 wherein;

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;

21. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 3 wherein;

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;

24. A dispensing spout as claimed in claim 3 wherein;

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 control means;

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;

27. A liquid container as claimed in claim 25 wherein the dispensing spout further comprises:

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:

30. A liquid container as claimed in claim 27 wherein:

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:

33. A liquid container as claimed in claim 27 wherein:

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;

35. A liquid container as claimed in claim 26 wherein:

36. A liquid container as claimed in claim 27 wherein:

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:

42. A liquid container as claimed in claim 27 wherein:

43. A liquid container as claimed in claim 25 wherein:

44. A liquid container as claimed in claim 26 wherein:

45. A liquid container as claimed in claim 27 wherein:

46. A liquid container as claimed in claim 25 wherein;

47. A liquid container as claimed in claim 26 wherein;

48. A liquid container as claimed in claim 27 wherein;

49. A delivery nozzle mountable to a liquid feeding means for delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the delivery nozzle comprises:

a control means;

50. A delivery nozzle mountable to a liquid feeding means for delivering liquid from a liquid source, wherein the delivery nozzle comprises:

a control means;

51. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 49 wherein the dispensing spout further comprises:

52. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 49 wherein;

53. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 50 wherein;

54. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 51 wherein;

55. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 49 wherein;

56. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 50 wherein;

57. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 51 wherein;

58. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 49 wherein

59. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 50 wherein

60. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 51 wherein

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;

65. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 50 wherein;

66. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 51 wherein;

67. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 49 wherein;

68. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 50 wherein;

69. A delivery nozzle as claimed in claim 51 wherein;

70. A delivery nozzle claimed in claim 49 wherein;

71. A delivery nozzle claimed in claim 50 wherein;

72. A delivery nozzle claimed in claim 51 wherein;

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;

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:

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;

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:

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,

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;

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:

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;

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:

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;

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;

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:

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;

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:

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;

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:

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.