Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FIE~D OF INVENTION
This invention relates to an anti-replenishing and discharge
device comprising a housing with a one way flow valve, and ln
another arrangement also includes the use of an air intake plug,
and a tamper evident strap and more particularly relates to an
anti-replenishing and discharge device which permits container
stored liquids tG be discharged uniformly from a container in a
unidirectional flow and prevents undetected replenishing of the
container with liquids or other substances.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Various apparatus for preventing the re~illing of containers
while permitting the pouring of the contents of the container
have heretofore been devised.
For example, United States Patent No. 4,067,472 (Cruickshank)
discloses a combined anti-refilling and pouring device for
fitment to a bottle, a combined anti-refilling and pouring device
for use in association with a bottle incorporates a tubular
casing having at one end a tubular extension formed with inwardly
directed radial fins and an annular flange presenting a centre
hole projecting inwardly beyond the fins at the outer end of the
extension. A ring member having radially disposed fins extending
axially from one end face of the ring is located within the
tubular casing with the fins on the ring member terminating close
to the fins in the tubular extension. A moveable valve memb~r
is trapped within the axial passagP defined by the tips of the
radial fins in the tubular extension between the fins on the ring
member and the annular flange, a valve member being free to
engage the centre hole and close it, and a ring of deformable
material having a maximum diameter greater than the internal
diameter of the neck of a bottle into which the device is to be
fitted encircles the tubular casing.
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Furthermore, United States Patent No. 3,263,849 (Hagen) discloses
a non-refillable closure for containers comprising a hollow
casing adapted to fit at least partially within the neck of a
bottle, the hollow casing having an integral ball seat formed
inwardly of the lower end of the casing, a valve member inserted
within the casing, the valve member comprising a shaft having an
upper and lower end, a disc integrally secured to the upper end
of the shaft, a plurality of projections extending radially
outwardly from the shaft intermediate the upper and lower ends
thereof and de~ining first axial openings between each
projPction, a plurality of axially extending tines turned
radially inwardly at their upper ends and integrally secured to
the lower end of the shaft, the tines and radial portions thereof
forming a cage, the radial portion of the tines defining second
axial openings between each radial portion of the tines, each
first opening being aligned with a tine so as to dive.rt the
liquid through the valve member in an irregular path and so as
to prevent a wire from being inserted straight through the ~irst
and second openings, a ball member positioned within cage and
retained at least partially therein by the ball seat of the
hollow casing and means for securing the casing within the neck
of the bottle.
Furthermore, United States Patent No. 1,967,701 (Berman et al)
discloses a nonrefillable container having an inner cap and an
outer cap screw-threaded on the container neck means covered by
the outer cap locking the inner cap against screwing off the
container means covered by the outer cap preventing screwing of
the outer cap o~ the inner cap but permitting a partial
unscrewing of the cap, a valve seat on the inner cap and moveable
away from the seat to permit the container to empty when the
outer cap is partially unscrewed, an outlet and vent openings in
the outer cap, said last named means comprising a member
projecting out from the inner cap and a raised thread portion on
the outer cap having an abrupt shoulder on one end thereo~
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,
against which ~aid member engages to limit th~ movement of the
outer cap in one direction.
Another device described in United States Patent No. 710,139
(Breunig et al) discloses an invention relating to a non-
refillable bottle comprising the combination of a diaphram near
the neck of the bottle, a disc seated thereon, a portion of said
neck overhanging the disc, an arm projecting through the said
diaphram and a weight on the end of said arm, an annular groove
in said neck and a ball within said grove, the diameter of which
is greater than the distance from the disc to the overhanging
portion of the neck.
Another device described in United States Patent No. 660,150
(Dice) discloses an invention titled "Bottle-Stopper" comprising
a non-refillable bottle provided with a neck having a seat at its
base, an annular groove above the same and longitudinal grooves
leading downwardly and upwardly therefrom but out of line with
each other, in combination with a stopper moveable into and out
of said seat, a non-removable stopper of unyielding material, and
a compressible sheath covering the sides and top of said
unyielding stopper and adapted to expand into the annual groove
sufficiently to lock the stopper in position.
Another device described in United States Patent No. 1,010,868
(Davidson) discloses an invention relating to a non-refillable
bottle and more particularly to a bottle comprising a body and
a neck, a weighted valve in said neck for normally preventing
liquid passing through said neck to said body, breakable holding
means carried by said body, a funnel adapted to be seated in said
neck, and a clamp carried by said funnel for engaging said
holding means to retain the valve in an inoperative position.
Moreover, United States Patent No. 2,828,054 (Chiaramonte)
discloses a closure for non-refillable containers, the closure
having one end adapted to be permanently connected to the
container, compxising in combination: means defining an air
ej
inlet; means defining a passage through the end of the disclosure
connected to the container through the end of the disclosure
connected to the container; means at the opposite end of the
closure to define a liquid outlet opening; means defining a
passage larger than said first passage connecting the liquid
outlet opening and the first passage, said passage having a
pocket, means defining a valve seat at the juncture of the first
and second passage; a ball valve within the larger passage
adapted to seat on the valve seat to close the first passage when
the closure is in an upright position and to roll into the pocket
to permit the flow of liquid through the closure when the closure
is in a tipped position; and a flexible finger extending, in its
normal position into the larger passage between the liquid outlet
opening and the pocket to prevent escape of the ball valve out
the liquid outlet opening during operation, said finger being
flexible to a deflected position to permit introduction of the
ball valve into the larger passage through the liquid outlet
opening before operation.
Finally, United States Patent No. 2,626,723 ~Onorato) discloses
an apparakus for non-refillable bottles comprising a bottle, a
neck therein a hollow shell snugly fitting in the neck, said
shell comprising cylindrical neck contacting walls, a top wall
connected thereto having an inverted cone on its underside. A
ball freely moveable in the cone, pouring openings in the top
wall of the shell, a valve carrying cage snugly fitting in the
shell, said cage comprising side walls, a top member, a bottom
member and a shelf having an opening therein pouring openings
between the top member and the shelf, a valve rod moveable within
the cage between the top and bottom thereo~, the upper end of the
valve rod engaging the ball, a flexible floatable valve mounted
on the valve rod, an inner valve seat on the shelf adapted to he
closed by the v~lve in ceiiing position when under normal
pressure but permitting the valve to snap through when under
increased pressure, and an outer valve seat spaced from the first
valve seat a distance greater than the width of the valve, and
r
adapted to prevent the passage of the valve through the valve
cage.
Most of the prior devices referred to above present structures
which have applications limited to smaller bottles such as pop-
juice or liquor bottles, and most of the devices are not
reusable.
Further, each of the prior devices referred to above present
structures which may be undetectably tampered with by an
individual.
It is an object of this invention to provide an inexpensive anti-
refilling and discharge dev ce which has the ability to be
adapted to a variety of container types and convert them into
closed systems.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an anti
refilling and discharge device which has good pouring
characteristics allowing for smooth product outflow, and to
prevent surging and the splashing which results therefrom.
It is a further object of this invention to pro~ide an anti-
replenishing and discharge device which will alert the refillex
if the container has been tampered with.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an anti
replenishing and discharge device which is environmentally
attractive due to the ability to reuse the anti replenishing and
discharge devicer the container in which it is used, because it
will allow refillers, particularly in the chemical industry, to
forego the rinsing of containers and the costs associated with
repackaging and disposal of rinsate, as refillers will be aware
the container has not been tampered with and therefore
contaminants will not likely be present.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an anti-
replenishing and discharge device combining a device which
prevents the undetected tampering or refilling of a container
with good pouring characteristics.
The broadest aspect of this invention relates to an anti-
replenishing and discharge device for permitting container stored
liquids to be discharged from the container in a first direction
and inhibiting replenishing of a container in a second direction;
comprising a housing having a discharge passage therethrough for
communication with the container, tamper guard flow regulator
disposes within discharge passage, and unidirectional flow valve
disposed within discharge passage for permitting the communica-
ting of liquid from container through discharge passage in first
direction when flow valve is in an open position and to close
discharge passage when flow valve is in a closed position so as
to inhibit the replenishing of the container in second direction.
It is another aspect of this invention to provide a anti-
replenishing and discharge device for permitting container stored
liquids to be discharged from the container in a first direction
inhibiting replenishing in a second direction comprising; a
generally cylindrical housing a discharge passage with a
generally circular cross section extending coaxially through the
housing for communication with the container, tamper guard flow
regulator disposed within discharge passage, tamper guard flow
regulator presenting a multiplicity of symmetrically arranged
square apertures, a valve seat located within discharge passage,
valve seat comprising a circular frame having connecting members
extending across the plane of the valve frame so as to present
multiple passage ways communicating with discharge passage, and
an upstanding post extending axially upwardly from connecting
members in direction of tamper guard flow regulator and space
therefrom, a diaphram disposed within the passage between the
tamper guard flow regulator and valve ~rame, diaphram having a
central aperture to coaxially receive upstanding post, securing
mechanism received by the upstanding post for securing the
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diaphram to the valve frame so as to allow diaphram to permit the
communication of the liquid from the container through the
discharge passage in a first direction when diaphram i5 an open
position and to close discharge passage when diaphram is in a
closed position so as to inhibit replenishing of the container
in second direction.
It is another aspect of this invention to provide an anti-
replenishing and discharge device for permitting container stored
liquids to be discharged from container in a first direction, and
inhibiting replenishing of container in a second direction
comprising; a housing generally circular in cross section having
discharge passage therethrough for communication with container;
tamper guard flow regulator having multiple square apertures
symmetrically arranged and disposed within discharge passage;
at one end of the housing a first attachment comprising exterior
thread presented at one end of housing for threaded engagement
of housing to the container presenting cooperating thread, and
at another end of housing second attachment interior thread
presented internally of the discharge passage in the vicinity of
the tamper guard flow regulator for threaded securement to nozzle
or adapter presenting cooperating thread; housing having a flange
presenting octagonal sides projecting outwardly from housing for
engagement with tightening apparatus; flange having a
multiplicity of oblong apertures; flow valve disposed within
discharge passage comprising, a valve seat having a generally
circular valve frame having connecting members extending across
the plane of the valve frame so as to present multiple passage
ways and an upstanding post extending axially upwardly from valve
frame, a diaphram having a central aperture to receive upstanding
post of valve seat with a securing mechanism received by the
upstanding post for securing the diaphram valve to tha upstanding
post, permitting the communion of liquid from container through
discharge passage in first direction when said flow valve is in
open position, and to close discharge passing when flow valve is
in closed position so as to inhibit replenishing of container in
second direction, container having storage reservoir, at least
~3~$~
one air inle~ aperture, and at least one liquid outlet aperture
and air intake plug.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
These and other objects and features shall now be described in
relation to the following drawings:
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the said anti replenishing
and discharge device in association with a container.
Figure 2 is an exploded top perspective view of the anti-
replenishing and discharge device of figure 1.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the anti replenishing and
discharge device.
Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the air intake plug in
association with a container.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the air intake plug along
line 5-5 of figure 4, in a closed position.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the air intake plug along
the line 5-5 of figure 4, in an open position.
Figura 7 is an exploded perspective view of the adapter and anti-
replenishing and discharge device.
Figure 8 is an exploded top perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the container in association with the anti-
replenishing and disch~rge device, nozzle, adapter and air intake
plu~.
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DE8CRIPTION OF T~E INV~N'rION
Like parts shall be given identical numbers throughout
the figures.
The anti-replenishing and discharge device is generally
depicted by the numeral 1 and comprises a housing 20, a Plow
valve 53, and a tamper evident strap 75 which are arranged and
attached to container 3.
An air intake plug which is generally depicted by the
numeral 80 is placed into the air inle. aperture 10.
The anti-replenishing and discharge device 1 allows
liquid 97 stored in the container 3 to be discharged from the
container 3 in a unidirectional flow when the container 3 i5
placed in a position wherein the liquid outlet aperture 10 is
located below liquid 97, and inhibits undetected replenishing
of container 3 in a manner to be described hexein. It is
understood that the form of the invention herein described is to
be taken as a preferred embodiment and that certain changes in
shape, size and arrangement may be made without departing ~rom
the spirit of the invention. The material chosen to construct
parts for the anti-replenishing and discharge device 1, air
intake plug 80 and adapter 90 shall be chosen so as not to react
with the contents to be stored in the container 3. In
particular, the diaphram 65 shown in the preferred embodiment is
constructed of neoprene while the remaining parts are constructed
of polyethylene.
Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a container
3 having a storage reservoir 15, handle 4, liquid outlet aperture
10, air inlet aperture 5, anti-replenishiny and discharge device
1, tamper evident strap 75, and a nozzle means 99. The container
3 is designed in order to hold liquids 97, including, bu~ not
limited to, chemicals. The air inlet aperture 5 has an air
intake plug 80 insert~d into the air inlet aperture 5, which has
an exterior thread means 87 that is threadably engageable with
a cooparating air inlet interior thread 12.
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The an~i-replenishing and discharge devlce 1 is ~ecured
to the container 3 by threadably engaging its ex~erior thread 45
with the cooperating interior thread of the liquid outlet
aperture lO. The nozzle 99 is threadably engaged to the
container 3 by securing its exterior thread with the cooperating
interior thread 50 of the anti-replenishing and discharge device
1. A tamper evident strap 75 is threaded through the oblong
aperture 30 of the housing 20 around the handle 4, and secured
creating a continuous loop.
An adapter 90 may be interposed between the anti-
replenishing and discharge device 1 and the nozzle 99 in order
to vary the size of the thread to become threadably engaged with
a nozzle presenting an exterior thread of different diameter.
The adapter 90 is threadably engaged to the anti-replenishing and
discharge device 1 using its exterior thread 93 with the
cooperating interior thread 50 of the anti-replenishing and
discharge device 1. The nozzle 99 is threadably engaged to the
adapter 90 by securing its exterior thread with the cooperating
interior thread 96 of the adapter 90.
When the container 1 is manoeuvred allowiny the liquid
outlet aperture 10 to be positioned at an elevation below the
liquid 97 within the container 3, the liquid 97 will force the
anti-replenishing and discharge device 1 into an open position
allowing the liquid within the container 3 to be unidirectionally
discharged to the outside in a manner to be more fully
particularized herein.
An air intake plug 80 is inserted in the air inlet
aperture 5 to regulate the air intake of the container 3.
2 ~
Figure 2 illustrates the anti-replenishing and
discharge devlce 1 comprlsing a housing 20 and a flow valve 53.
The housing 20 has an internal discharge passage 35 throughout
having a generally circular cross-section ~or communication, .1-"-~ `
liquids 97 with the container 3. Disposed in the discharge\~J~97J
passage 35 is a tamper guard flow regulator 40 having a
multiplicity of square apertures 42 symmetrically arranged. The
tamper guard flow reguiator apertures 42 are designed in a J
pattern to make it difficult to tamper with the flow valve 53 and
to encourage efficient flow of liquid thereby minimizing surging
due to pressure imbalances. one end of the discharge passage 35
presents an interior thread 50 which extends from the tamper
guard flow regulator 40 to the end. The exterior of the housing
20 presents an octagonal flange 25 having four oblong apertures
for fastening a tamper evident strap 75 to the container 3 and
an exterior thread 45 for threadably engaging with a cooperating
container interior thread 16. The flow valve 53 consists of a
. .
valve seat 54 which presents a generally circular valve frame 55
~_ ,.
having two connecting members 57 extending across the plane of
the valve frame 55, the two crossing members 57 intersecting at
right angles with an upstanding post extending axially upwards
from the intersection of the two connecting members 57. The
diaphram 65 has a central aperture to coaxially receive the
outstanding post 60 of the valve seat 54. A securing means 70
is also received by the upstanding post 60 of the valve seat 54
and is secured to the upstanding post 60 of the valve seat means
54 such that the diaphram 65 is securely fastened adjacent the
valve frame 55.
Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown the flow
valve 53 in relation to the housing 20. The discharge passage
35 has an abrupt shoulder 37 preventing the movement o~ the valve
seat 54 in one direction, which shoulder 37 has a depth similar
to the width of the valve frame 55 allowing the valve seat 54 to
abut against the shoulder 37 such that the valve frame 55 is
flush with the end of the discharge passage 35. The valve seat
54 is affixed to the discharge passage shoulder 37 by any number
12
of ways, including sonic welding. The anti-replenishing and
discharge device 1 .is threadabl~ engaged using its exterior
thread 45 with the cooperating interior thread 16 of a container
3. When the container 3 is manoeuvred on its side with the
liquid outlet aperture 10 being at a lower elevation then the
liquid 97, gravity reacting on the liquid 97 will force the
diaphram 65 open exposing the valve seat apertures 62, permitting
the liquid 97 to communicate in one direction from the container
3 through the discharge passage 35 passing through the valve seat
aperture 62 and the tamper guard flow regulator 40 to the end
of the discharge passage 35. When the container is returned to
an upright or filling position or there is no internal pressure
from the liquid exerted on the diaphram 65, the diaphram 65 seals
flush to the valve seat 54 in a closed position. Any person
attempting to refill the ~ontainer would be inhibited from doing
so as the diaphram 65 will not permit passage through the valve
seat apertures 62 into the container 3.
Now referring to Figure 4, there is shown an air intake
plug 80 for insertion into the air inlet aperture 10. The air
intake plug 80 is partially hollow ~rom a point below the wing
handle 83 and a portion of the air intake plug 80 legs 85 are cut
away resulting in the legs 85 being resilient. In order to
insert the air intake plug 80 into the air inlet aperture 5 the
legs 85 are compressed together and placed into the air inlet
aperture 5. Once in the air inlet aperture 5, the legs will
expand to their normal shape and the leg means 85 will internally
engage the air inlet aperture 5 preventing the air intake plug
from being dislodged from the air inlet aperture 5. The wing
handle 83 allows the air intake plug 80 to be more easily
manipulated within air inlet aperture 10 and allows for rotatable
manipulation o~ the air intake plug 80 in order that the air
intake plug's 80 exterior thread means ~7 can be threadably
engaged with the cooperating air inlet interior thread means 12
The wing means 83 have two apertures 84 and 85.
13
.
7 ~
Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown the alr
intake plug 80 wi~h its exterior thread means 87 threadably
engaged with the cooperating air inlet interior thread means 12
tightened such that the wing handle 83 seals against the
container 4 preventing any air from entering through the air
inlet aperture 5 or the plug apertures 89, and prevent any
liquids 97 from escaping from the container 3.
Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown the air
intake plug 80 in an open position allowing air to enter the
container 3. In particular two plug apertures 89 which are
connected to the hollow inside of the legs 85 are exposed to the
outside, allowing the environment additional access to the
container. In the open position the air intake plug 80 will
permit adequate amounts o~ air to enter the container 3 when the
nozzle means 99 is an open position so that there will be no
surging as a result of imbalances in pressure. The legs 85
prevent the air intake plug 80 from being removed from the air
inlet aperture 50
Now referring to Figure 7, there is shown an adapter
90 having an exterior thread 93 threadably engaged with the
interior thread 50 of the anti-replenishing and discharge device
1 allowing for a change in diameter of the adapter discharge
passage allowing a nozzlP having a diameter which is different
than the diameter of the discharge passage 35 to be connected to
the combination o~ the adapter 90 and anti-replenishing and
discharge device 1 by engaging the nozzle exterior thread to the
cooperating interior thread means 96 of the adapter 90.
Figure 8 illustrates another variation of the container
3 having two liquid outlet apertures, one which acts as an air
inlet aperture. Tha first liquid outlet aperture having an anti-
replenishing and discharge device 1 secured to the container 3
by threadably engaging its exterior thread with cooperating
interior thread o~ the first liquid outlet apertureO A tamper
evident strap 75 is threaded through the oblong appara$us 3U of
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2~Sa~
-
the anti-replenishing and discharge device 1 housing 20 around
the handle ~ and secured creating a continuous loop. A nozzle
can then be threadably engaged to the container 3 by securing its
exterior thread with the cooperating interior thread of the anti-
replenishing and discharge device 1. The second liquid outlet
aperture acts as an air inlet and is modified by threadably
engaging an adapter 90 to the second liquid outlet aperture by
securing its exterior thread with the cooperating interior thread
of the second liquid outlet aperture. The adapter 90 has a
lo tamper evident strap threaded around the handle and secured
creating a continuous loop. An air intake plug 80 is then
positioned in the adapter aperture and may optionally become
threadably engaged with the adapter by securing its exterior
thread with the cooperating interior thread of the adapter.
The anti-replenishing and discharge device 1 inhibits,
objectional undetected or unapproved replenishing of the
container 3. In particular, once the container 3 is empty the
container 3 may be sent back to an authorized filling station
which would remove the tamper evident strap 75, unthread the
anti-replenishing and discharge device 1 from the container 3 and
refill the container 3 with the same liquid 97. Thareafter the
anti-replenishing and discharge device 1 would be securely
rethreaded to the container 3 and a new tamper evident strap 75
secured thereto. The tamper evident strap 75 provides a means
of permitting visual verification that there has been no visual
tampering of the anti replenishing and discharge device. The
tamper evident strap 75 may be colour coded, marked or otherwise
identi~ied to ensure that the same chemical is refilled into the
container and to ensure the tamper evident strap 75 which the
container departed with is the same tamper evident strap 75 which
is returned, indicating to the refiller the container has not
likely been tampered with.
Although the preferred embodiments a~ well as the
operation and use have been specifically described in relation
to the drawings, it should be understood that variations in the
~'3
preferred embodiment can be achieved by a person skilled in the
art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is
therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be
regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it be
understood that it is the following claim including all
equivalents that are intended to define the scope of this
invention. Accordingly, the invention should not be understood
to be limited to the exact form revealed by the drawings~
16
