WO2006138633A2

WO2006138633A2 - A dispensing lid for a fluid container

Info

Publication number: WO2006138633A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/023599
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Hill; David Ren
Original assignee: Hill Holdings Llc
Priority date: 2005-06-17
Filing date: 2006-06-16
Publication date: 2006-12-28
Also published as: WO2006138633A3

Abstract

A dispensing lid (10) for a fluid container (12) comprising a cap portion (14) adapted to securely engage an opening in the fluid container (12); a spout (16) extending from the cap portion (14); and an air bleed valve (60) having an actuating shaft (74) and a valve actuating member (72). The actuating shaft (74) is biased so as to prevent air from entering the dispensing lid (10) through the air bleed valve (60) to assist in dispensing fluid from the fluid container (12) when the valve actuating member (72) is set to a first position. The valve actuating member (72) is rotated until it passes an over-centre point to permanently overcome the bias applied to the actuating shaft (74) to allow air to enter the dispensing lid (10) through the air bleed valve (60) until the valve actuating member (72) is counter-rotated past the over-centre point.

Description

"A DISPENSING LID FOR A FLUID CONTAINER"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a dispensing lid for a container for fluids. In particular, the invention relates to a dispensing lid for a container for petrochemicals. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

Various dispensing lids are known for fluids. Such dispensing lids suffer from the following problems:

• Where the dispensing lid comprises a spout and an air bleed aperture, it is common for the air bleed aperture to be covered by a threaded bung that must be removed to facilitate smooth pouring through the spout. This takes time in unthreading the bung and also increases the chance that the bung may be misplaced - leaving the fluid container open to contamination by dust, water or other materials.

• In order to refill the fluid container, the dispensing lid must be detached from the fluid container. Detaching the dispensing lid from the fluid container requires the dispensing lid to be placed somewhere while the fluid container is refilled. However, again, this increases the chance of contamination of the dispensing lid.

• In situations where the fluid container has been contaminated, no provision is made to filter the contaminants from the fluid dispensed from the fluid container. Where such provision has been made, they are commonly integral to the dispensing lid thereby preventing the user from changing the filter to target contaminants of a particular size, or to configure the lid for use with fluids of a particular viscosity.

• The dispensing lids provide very little assistance in visually determining such factors as the degree to which the dispensing lid is open or the contents of the fluid container. The latter problem has been addressed previously by making the dispensing lids in a range of colours, the user operable to designate a colour of a dispensing lid as a representation of the fluid contained in the fluid container. However, to prevent confusion and the potentially serious consequences that confusion may bring about, this means that multiple dispensing lids must be purchased to handle the various fluids that need to be dispensed during the purchaser's normal activities.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome, at least in part, some or all of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Throughout this document, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the terms "comprising", "consisting of", and the like, are to be construed as non-exhaustive, or in other words, as meaning "including, but not limited to".

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is a dispensing lid securely attachable to a fluid container, the dispensing lid having a spout and a handle containing an air bleed valve. The air bleed valve is biased towards a closed position. The air bleed valve is also connected to a valve actuator means such that, when the valve actuator means is set to a first position, the air bleed valve overcomes the bias and is locked in an open position without need of further or continual actuation of the valve actuator means. The valve actuator means may be replaced by a desiccant connector that, when inserted, also causes the air bleed valve to overcome the bias. The desiccant connector may attach to, or be integrally formed with, a desiccant insert.

Preferably, the spout has a channel formed therein to receive at least one guiding projection from a nozzle. Movement of the at least one guiding projection along the channel moves the nozzle from a fully closed position to a fully open position. Ideally the channel resembles to parabolic channels joined at their respective ends. In alternative configurations, the channel may be configured in a wave-like shape or one or more channels may be employed in a diagonal or spiral pattern. Such configurations allow the user to set the nozzle to a specific setting between the fully open and fully closed positions. Markings may be placed on the nozzle to assist the user in identifying positions indicative of specific settings between the fully open and fully closed positions.

A filter may be placed within the spout to assist in reducing the contamination of fluid dispensed by the dispensing lid from the fluid container.

The nozzle may integrally incorporate a flange near its discharge port. When incorporated, such a flange allows a user to use it in assisting in the guidance of fluid dispensed by the dispensing lid to a desired location.

The handle is preferably a pistol grip handle. The handle may be connected to an upper handle. This allows a user to comfortably manipulate the dispensing lid regardless of its orientation.

The dispensing lid may have one or more apertures provided therein that allow for access to the fluid container. Such apertures allow for refilling of the fluid container. Ideally, at least one of the apertures is of a quick refill type, such as a Standard American Quickfit connection.

Ideally, the dispensing lid has identification means provided thereon for identifying the fluid contained in the fluid container. The identification means is preferably by way of applying a correct colour coded removable panel for the fluid container in the fluid container to the handle. The identification means may further include a prominently located C-shaped channel in which an appropriate colour coded or marked label may be inserted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side plan view of a dispensing lid connected to a fluid connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing lid according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing lid connected to a fluid container and having a valve actuator means set to a first position.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing lid as shown in Figure 1 , the dispensing lid also connected to the fluid container and having the valve actuator means set to a second position.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle and spout of the dispensing lid as shown in Figure 1 , the nozzle being set to a first position.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle and spout of the dispensing lid as shown in Figure 1 , the nozzle being set to a second position.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a grip handle of the dispensing lid as shown in Figure 1 , with a valve actuator means set to a first position.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a grip handle of the dispensing lid as shown in Figure 1 , with a valve actuator means set to a second position.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention there is a dispensing lid 10 for a fluid container 12. The dispensing lid 10 comprises: • a cap portion 14;

• a spout 16; and

• a grip handle 18.

The cap portion 14 is integrally connected to both the spout 16 and the grip handle 18.

The cap portion 14 is shaped like a circular cylinder. At least a portion of the internal circumference 18 of the cap portion 14 is threaded. Located on the cap portion, just underneath the spout 16, is a "C"-shaped channel 20.

An aperture 22 is provided in the cap portion 14. In the embodiment shown, a plug 24 is adapted to be received within the aperture 22. The plug 24 is connected to a lanyard 26 provided on the outer circumference of the spout 16 nearest the end of the spout 16 connected to the cap portion 14.

The spout 16 extends from the cap portion 14 at an angle. A channel 28 extends circumferentially around the spout 16. The channel 28 comprises two parabolic grooves symmetrically disposed about the outer circumference of the spout 16. This is shown best in Figure 1. The spout 16 is threaded at its distal end 30.

A nozzle 32 is attached to the distal end 30 of the spout 16. The maximum inner diameter of the nozzle 32 is greater than the outer diameter of the spout 16. This allows the nozzle 32 to be sleeved over the spout 16. The diameter of the nozzle 32 tapers at the opening not sleeved over the spout 16 to define a discharge port 34. The nozzle 32 may be detached from the spout 16 as required.

At the opening of the nozzle 32 sleeved over the spout 16 are a pair of camming portions 36. The camming portions 36 are equidistantly spaced about the nozzle 32. Each camming portion 36 takes the form of a camming arm 38 that extends from the nozzle 32 such that, when the nozzle 32 is sleeved over the spout 16, the carrming arms 38 extend towards the cap portion 14. Each camming arm 38 has a retaining portion 40 at its distal end. Each retaining portion 40 is adapted to be received within the channel 28. A flange 42 is located near the distal end of the nozzle 32. The purpose of the flange will be explained in more detail below.

A stopper 44 is also connected to the distal end 30 of the spout 16. The stopper 44 comprises a head portion 46, an O-ring 48 and a cylindrical connector 50. The head portion 46 is marginally smaller than the diameter of the nozzle 32 taken at the discharge port 34. The O-ring 48 surrounds the head portion 46.

The cylindrical connector 50 is hollow. A plurality of supports 51 extend from the cylindrical connector 50 to connect the cylindrical connector 50 with the head portion 46. The cylindrical connector 50 is threaded so as to engage the threaded end of the spout 16.

Also retained in the spout 16 is a filter 52. The filter 52 rests on a small seat 54 located on the inner circumference of the spout 16. The filter 52 may be removed as desired.

The grip handle 18 extends from the side of the cap portion 14 opposite the spout 16. The grip handle 18 comprises an upper handle 56, a pistol grip handle 58 and an air bleed valve 60.

The upper handle 56 connects the grip handle 18 with the spout 16. The pistol grip handle 58 is spaced from the cap portion 14 and the fluid container 12 to provide a comfortably sized opening for the user's fingers. The pistol grip handle 58 also includes recesses (not shown) for removably retaining indicator panels 59.

The air bleed valve 60 is provided in the grip handle 18 between the upper handle 56 and the pistol grip handle 58. The air bleed valve 60 includes an air conduit 62.

The air conduit 62 in the illustrated example takes the form of a cylindrical bore. The air conduit 62 has an interior exit 64 and an exterior exit 66. The interior exit 64 opens onto the interior space defined by the cap portion 14 and the fluid container 12. The exterior exit 66 opens onto the atmosphere external to the dispensing lid 10 and fluid container 12. An air bleed valve member 68 is provided for selectively sealing the air conduit 62 at the interior exit 64. This is achieved by the air bleed valve member 68 being resiliently biased towards a sealed position by a compression spring 70. A removable valve actuating member 72 is provided at the exterior exit 66 of the air conduit 62 for permitting selective actuation of the air bleed valve member 68. The valve actuating member 72 is manually operable.

An actuating shaft 74 extends between the air bleed valve member 68 and the valve actuating member 72 in the air conduit 62. The valve actuating member 72 is mounted in such a way it can rotate towards the pistol grip handle 58 or towards the upper handle 56, as desired, by way of a lever 76. The valve actuating member 72 also has a lug 78 attached thereto at a position substantially, but not directly, opposite the lever 76. In this manner, as the valve actuating member 72 is moved to a first position, the lug 78 engages the actuating shaft 74 and moves the actuating shaft 74 along the air conduit 62 away from the valve actuating member 72. When the valve actuating member 72 is moved to a second position, the lug 78 substantially disengages the actuating shaft 74 and allows the actuating shaft 74 to move along the air conduit 62 towards the valve actuating member 72. This change in position of the valve actuating member 72 causes the air bleed valve 60 to open fully when the valve actuating member 72 is set to the first position and for the air bleed valve 60 to close when the valve actuating member 72 is set to the second position.

It should also be noted that the valve actuating member 72 is configured to over-centre upon manual rotation, thus allowing locking of the air bleed valve member 68 when set to the first position.

In the embodiment shown, the air conduit 62 is threaded at the exterior exit 66 end. A desiccant connector (not shown) is adapted to engage the threaded end of the air conduit 62 when the vale actuating member 68 is removed. The end of the desiccant connector not engaged with the air conduit 62 is adapted to receive a desiccant insert (also not shown).

The embodiment will now be described in the context of its anticipated use. A user attaches the dispensing lid 10 to the fluid container 12 by rotating the dispensing lid 10 in such a manner that the threads of the cap portion 14 engage a threaded opening of the fluid container 12. Once so attached, the user can pick up the dispensing lid 10 and fluid container by way of upper handle 56.

To allow fluid stored in the fluid container 12 to be poured, the user rotates the nozzle 32 from a closed position. The closed position is, ideally, a point of the channel 28 closest to the cap portion 14.

As the user rotates the nozzle 32 from the closed position, the retaining portions 40 are guided by the channel 28. Due to the parabolic grooves of the channel 28, as the retaining portions 40 move along the channel, the nozzle 28 moves away from the cap portion 14 along axis X. In doing so, a gap is also created between head portion 46 and discharge port 34 that allows fluid to be poured from the fluid container 12.

Typically, the user will then pick up the dispensing lid 10 using the pistol grip handle 58. If two hands are required to easily manipulate the dispensing lid 10 or provide greater stability, the user may grip the upper handle 56 in addition to the pistol grip handle 58.

The user is then free to pour the fluid from the fluid container 12 to a receptacle or place of interest. Ideally, this is achieved by abutting an edge of the receptacle or place of interest against both the discharge port 34 and flange 42. The use of flange 42 thereby allows the fluid flowing from the discharge port 34 to be guided to the receptacle or place of interest easily and without the unsteadiness inherent in a user manually seeking to pour the fluid to the receptacle or place of interest without such a guide.

Once the dispensing lid 10 is so positioned, the user tilts the dispensing lid 10 and fluid container 12 in the direction of the receptacle or place of interest. At the same time, the user adjusts valve actuating member 72 to be set to the first position (as shown in Figure 6). By setting the valve actuating member 72 to the first position, lug 78 engages the actuating shaft 74. The engagement between lug 78 and actuating shaft 74 causes actuating shaft 74 to move along the air conduit 62 away from the valve actuating member 72. In turn, and by virtue of its position in the air conduit 62, this movement causes the air bleed valve member 68 to extend compression spring 70. This results in the air bleed valve member 68 no longer being biased towards the sealed position and allows air to enter the space defined by the dispensing lid 10 and fluid container 12. Due to the over-centre configuration of the valve actuating member 72, the air bleed valve member 68 is then maintained in this position.

The user continues to pour fluid from the discharge port 34. Just prior to dispensing, the fluid passes through filter 52 to remove any contaminants equal to or greater than the rating of the filter 52. This continues until the desired level of fluid has been dispensed.

Once the desired level of fluid has been dispensed, the user then tilts the dispensing lid 10 and fluid container 12 away from the direction of the receptacle or place of interest. The user also operates to adjust the valve actuating member 72 to be set to the second position. This substantially disengages the actuating shaft 74 with the end result being that the compression spring 70 no longer extends and thus biases the air bleed valve member 68 to the sealed position.

If the fluid in the fluid container 12 has been completely used, the user removes the plug 24 from aperture 22. The desired replenishing fluid may then be poured directly into the fluid container 12 by way of the aperture 22. Once the fluid container 12 has been suitably replenished, the user replaced the plug 24 in aperture 22.

If the replenishing fluid differs from the fluid originally retained in the fluid container 12, the user removes the:

• label, if any, retained in the "C"-shaped channel 20; and

• the indicator panels 59.

The user then inserts the indicator panel into the recesses of the pistol grip handle 58 appropriate for the replenishing fluid. The user also inserts the appropriate label for the replenishing fluid in the "C"-shaped channel 20.

The user can also remove the valve actuating member 72 from the air conduit 62. When removed, the user can threadedly engage a desiccant connector to the threaded portion of the air conduit 62. A desiccant insert can then be attached to the end of the desiccant connector not threadedly engaged with the air conduit 62.

As is illustrated in the Figures, the threaded portion of the air conduit extends approximately the same distance with the air conduit as the lug 78 does when the valve actuating member is set to the first position. Thus, as the desiccant insert is threadedly engaged with the air conduit 62, the desiccant insert moves the actuating shaft 74 along the air conduit and thereby opens the air bleed valve 60.

In this manner, by biasing the actuating shaft 74 towards the closed position, the dispensing lid 10 remains substantially free of potential contaminants even when a change-over is effected from the valve actuating member 72 to the desiccant insert.

It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the embodiment described. In particular, the following modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention:

• Threaded connectors may be replaced with other means for securely connecting one component to another, such as twist locking devices.

Alternatively, a first component may be set to slightly larger or smaller dimensions than the component it is to engage with so as to form a secure fit between the two components when engaged;

• The spout 16 may be integral to the cap portion 14 or may be releasably connected thereto; Similarly, the grip handle 18 may be integral to the cap portion 14 or may be releasably connected thereto.

• There may be a plurality of apertures 22 provided in the cap portion 14 each having a projection extending therefrom. The projections may also be adapted to engage specific types of connectors. For example, a projection may be provided to engage a Standard American Quickfit connection;

• Channel 28 may comprise more than the two parabolic grooves mentioned such that the channel 28 takes on a wave-like shape. In this configuration, -lithe adjacent parabolic grooves may have different amplitudes to define a plurality of dispending flow rate positions. In yet other alternative configurations, parabolic grooves can be replaced with grooves that form a diagonal or spiral pattern;

• The nozzle 32 can have indicators marked thereon to give a representation of the level of flow presently provided for by the gap between the discharge port 34 and head portion 46;

• Flange 42 and filter 52 may be omitted;

• The stopper 44 may take on other configurations to that described above. However, the guiding principles behind such configurations is that the stopper

44 must engage the nozzle 32 at its tapered opening when set to the closed position and allow for a flow of the fluid when the nozzle 32 when not set to the closed position;

• The desiccant insert may be adapted to directly engage the threaded end of the air conduit 62 instead of by way of a desiccant connector ; and

• The nozzle 32 may be ribbed to provide additional grip for the user.

• The nozzle 32 may be omitted. In this configuration the spout may be provided with the flange 42 to provide the additional benefits the flange 42 provides.

It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the features described above, where not mutually exclusive, can be combined to form yet further embodiments of the invention.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A dispensing lid for a fluid container comprising:

a cap portion adapted to securely engage an opening in the fluid container;

a spout extending from the cap portion; and

an air bleed valve having an actuating shaft and a valve actuating member,

where, the actuating shaft is biased so as to prevent air from entering the dispensing lid through the air bleed valve to assist in dispensing fluid from the fluid container when the valve actuating member is set to a first position and, where, the valve actuating member is rotated until it passes an over-centre point to permanently overcome the bias applied to the actuating shaft to allow air to enter the dispensing lid through the air bleed valve until the valve actuating member is counter-rotated past the over-centre point.

2. A dispensing lid according to claim 1 , where the dispensing lid further comprises a grip handle and the air bleed valve is provided in the grip handle.

3. A dispensing lid according to claim 1 or claim 2, where the valve actuating member is replaceable with a desiccant insert or a desiccant connector, the secure connection of the desiccant insert or desiccant connector overcoming the bias applied to the actuating shaft.

4. A dispensing lid according to any preceding claim, where the spout is sleeved by a nozzle, the nozzle having guiding pins provided thereon to be received within at least one guiding channel provided on the spout.

5. A dispensing lid according to claim 4, where each guiding channel is one of the following shapes: sinusoidal, diamond, spiral.

6. A dispensing lid according to claim 4 or claim 5, where indicator markings are placed adjacent portions of each guiding channel to indicate the flow rate of the nozzle when the guiding pin is located in the guiding channel adjacent said portions.

7. A dispensing lid according to any one of claims 4 to 7, where the nozzle is tapered at its distal end and the spout has a stopper provided therein, the stopper adapted to engage the nozzle at its tapered distal end when set to a first position such that fluid can not be dispensed via the nozzle and adapted to allow a flow of fluid from the nozzle when the nozzle is not set to the first position,

8. A dispensing lid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, where the spout has a flange provided thereon adjacent its pouring end.

9. A dispensing lid according to any one of claims 1 to 8, where the spout is adapted to receive a replaceable filter for filtering out contaminants of the fluid prior to dispensation.

10. A dispensing lid according to any one of claims 4 to 7, where the nozzle has a flange provided thereon adjacent its pouring end.

11.A dispending lid according to any one of claims 4 to 7 or claim 10, where the nozzle has a replaceable filter for filtering out contaminants of the fluid prior to dispensation.

12. A dispensing lid according to any preceding claim, where the cap portion has at least one aperture provided therein to assist in refilling the fluid container, each of the at least one apertures having a projection surrounding same adapted to receive a hose having a different connector type.

13. A dispensing lid according to claim 12 where each of the projections has a cap securely attached thereto connected to a lanyard to prevent loss of the cap on disengagement of the cap from the projection.

14. A dispensing lid according to any preceding claim having at least one panel receiving means located in a prominent position to receive an insert providing details the fluid contained in the fluid container.

15. A dispensing lid according to claim 14, as dependent on claim 2, where the at least one panel receiving means is integral to the grip handle.

16. A dispensing lid according to any preceding claim where the spout is ribbed to provide additional grip.

17. A dispensing lid according to any preceding claim where the spout is detachably engageable to the cap portion.

18.A dispensing lid according to any one of claims 4 to 7 or claims 9 to 17, as dependent on claim 4, where the nozzle is ribbed to provide additional grip.

19.A dispensing lid according to any one of claims 2 to 18, as dependent on claim 2, where the handle is detachably engageable to the cap portion.

20. A dispensing lid substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.