Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PUMP AND NOZZLE LIQUID FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a pump apparatus for use either with or as
part of a
liquid container so to permit the pumping of the liquid from the container and
its
delivery into a receptacle which has a limited or small opening to receive the
liquid.
[0002] This invention also relates to pump apparatus wherein pump apparatus is
compatible with the vast majority of current portable gas containers on the
market
wherein said punip apparatus provides an improved method of transferring
liquid gas
from a portable gas container into a receptacle.
[0003] This invention also relates to an iiitegrated container that has a pump
apparatus integrally molded into the container itself, which provides an
improved
container for transporting and conveying fluid.
[0004] The present invention also relates to a system for transferring liquids
from a
container to a destination, and more particularly to a system for transferring
fuel from a
container to a destination.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Conventional containers for storing fuel and the like have been known
for
many years. Typically, these fuel containers have a closeable mouth for
permitting the
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ingress of fuel, or whatever liquid, into the container, and for permitting
subsequent
egress of the fuel, or other liquid, from the container. The mouth is
closeable by means
of a cap that might be either a one piece cap or a two piece cap. Commonly,
two piece
caps comprise a collar that is also used to retain the removable and
replaceable spout in
place on the fuel can for dispensing fuel. In order to pour out the liquid
from the
container, the cap is merely removed from the mouth, and the container is
tilted until
the mouth is lower than the level of the liquid. Commonly, an air relief
opening having
its own selectively removable and replaceable cap pennits ready airflow into
the
interior of the container. New environmental regulations are restricting these
containers
to only one opening.
[0006] Containers for storing liquids for transfer are used in many different
applications such as for gasoline or other liquid fuels. The containers are
filled up with
liquid, such as gas, until they are required for use, at which time the liquid
must be
transferred. When the transfer for use is required, often a pouring nozzle is
attached to
the opening and the liquid is poured into a receiving receptacle using a
funnel seated at
the receptacle opening. Sometimes, due to the urgency or simply the lack of
materials
on hand, no funnel is available to the user, and the liquid is prone to
spillage outside of
the receiving receptacle. Even with a funnel, the pouring process can be
difficult if the
funnel is not properly seated. As well, the container, while filled with
fluid, has to be
lifted by the person pouring. Pouring liquids from these transfer/storage
containers can
be both awkward and strenuous.
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[0007] Several attempts have been made in the past to overcome this
awkwardness
and strenuousness by introducing devices for or with transfer cans to
facilitate the
transfer from the container to receptacle using conduit delivery means.
[0008] Portable fuel containers have been around for a long time and are
necessary
for transporting and transferring fuel to numerous vehicles and devices such
as
lawnmowers, snowmobiles, boats, chainsaws, weed trimmers etc. and transferring
the
fuel between the portable fuel container and the gas tank of these items is
typically
done by lifting the container and pouring the fuel into the gas tank.
[0009] There have been many attempts at providing an alternate means of
transferring fuel from one container to another and it has typically involved
a pumping
apparatus. Previous solutions and current products on the market have
predominantly
incorporated a manual puinp onto a container so as to be usable in remote
areas and
these pumps have typically been hand pumps where these pumps move small
volumes
of liquid, which can be easily managed by the hand or arm. These systems are
slow
tedious processes because these pumps only move small amounts of fluid with
every
pump stroke by squeezing or turning of the handle, which in turn requires
upper body
muscular strength and for the operator to be reasonably physical fit to pump
large
quantities of liquids. An additional, shortcoming in these type of pumps are
that hand
pumps are inherently awkward and promote an uncomfortable posture and position
when pumping from low-lying containers.
[00010] One pumping device is disclosed in United States Patent 6,412, 528
issued
on July 2, 2002 to Alex et al for an invention entitled Siphoning Pump
Apparatus. The
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patent teaches the use of a bellows pump, which is operatively, connected to
the
portable container with a siphon hose. Upon pumping the liquid can be siphoned
from
the portable container to the receptacle. This device uses standard siphoning
principles
for transfer, meaning that the portable container must be elevated above the
receptacle
for liquid transfer to occur and this relative positioning of the portable
container to the
receptacle is awkward and not always easily achievable.
[00011] Another such device is disclosed in United States Patent 4,834,269
issued
on May 30, 1989 to Cone for an invention entitled Liquid Container. This
invention
teaches the forming of a dispensing outlet uniquely located near the base of
the
container with a dispensing hose mountable to the container at the opening.
Liquid is
dispensed from the container through the hose by tilting the container. The
location of
the dispensing outlet permits the achievement of dispensation by only a slight
tilting,
but this is an extra physical act which also can be awkward for the user.
[00012] United States Patent 5,598,955, issued February 4, 1997, to Reilley,
discloses a Gasoline Dispensing Container with Safety Feature. This container
has a
main body and a flexible portion having accordion like folds, angled at one
side of the
main body. When pressure is applied to that portion of the side of the body
adjacent
the accordion like folds, pressure within the container increases, and liquid
is pumped
from the container through a flexible hose. This patent teaches a Gasoline
Dispensing
Container which is laid over on its side and is designed to be stepped or
pressed on. The
main disadvantage of this dispensing container is the limited amount of
pumping
pressure that can be generated. Pressure equals force divided by area where in
the force
in this container is provided by a persons body weight and the area is the
cross sectional
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area of the container. The larger the container the lower the pressure and the
lower the
pressure the slower the pumping system will become. A Gasoline Dispensing
Container such as this produced in the sizes of a typical fuel container would
not
provide the adequate flow rate to make transferring fuel convenient or useful
in this
application.
[00013] There is a pumping apparatus product currently available on the
market,
which utilizes a bellows style air foot pump that is sold to be installed on
the majority
of existing portable fuel container and works by pumping air into the gas
coiitainer,
pressurizing the gas container in order to move the fuel out. The main
disadvantage to
this design is that portable fuel containers were not designed for this type
of
pressurization and this product presents the possibility of over pressurizing
the fuel
container, which may create a potentially explosive situation.
[00014] The disadvantages of the prior art discussed above is that they
require a
particular placement, promote an awkward disposition or are ineffective and
difficult to
use.
[00015] It is an object of at least some embodiments of the present invention
provide
a pump means for transferring liquid between containers that can be used with
or
incorporated into a transfer/storage container which is simple and effective
to use.
[00016] It is another object of at least some of the embodiments of the
present
invention provide a pump means for transferring liquid between containers that
can be
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used in conjunction with many of the standard liquid storage/transfer
containers
presently available on the market.
[00017] It is another object of at least some embodiments of the present
invention to
provide a pump means for transferring liquid between containers that can be
used
without having to dispose the transfer/storage container above the receptacle
to achieve
transfer.
[00018] It is yet another object of the present invention at least some
embodiments
of the present invention to provide a liquid transfer/storage container with a
pump
means providing for the easy and effective transfer of liquid therefrom
without the user
experiencing any awkwardness nor having to dispose the container at a height
above
the receptacle into which the liquid is being transferred.
It is another object of the present invention of at least some of the
embodiments of the
present invention to provide a foot pump to take advantage of the operators
potential
energy (body weight) and malce use of the body's strongest mussels (the leg
mussels) in
order to operated the system.
[00019] It is another object of at least some embodiments of the present
invention at
least some of the embodiments provide a nozzle that allows for a spout to be
removed
and exchanged with different types of spouts.
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[00020] It is another object of at least some of the embodiments of the
present
invention at least some of the embodiments to provide a comfortable safe
upright
ergonomic pumping position while pumping and operating the system.
[00021] It is another object of at least some embodiments of the present
invention of
at least some of the embodiments to provide a large pump that pumps large
volumes of
liquid and increases liquid transfer rate with minimal effort.
[00022] It is another object of at least some of the embodiments of the
present
invention at least some of the embodiments to provide a comfortable safe
upright
ergonomic pumping position while pumping and operating the system.
[00023] It is another object of the present invention at least some of the
embodiments conform to environmental regulation on portable fuel containers
which
require the reduction of vapour emissions and spilling during storage and
dispensing.
By providing a nozzle with an interchangeable spout the present invention can
be easily
customized and upgraded with various safety spouts in order to meet these
present and
new standards.
[00024] It is another object of at least some of the embodiments of the
present
invention to provide to provide a liquid dispensing system that does not rely
on
siphoning.
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[00025] It is a further object of at least some embodiments of the present
invention at
least some of the embodiments provide a liquid dispensing system that does not
rely on
maintaining an increased internal air pressure in order to dispense liquid.
[00026] It is an another object of at least some of the embodiments of the
present
invention provide a liquid dispensing system that can be used to dispense
various types
of liquids.
SUMMARY
[00027] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
pump
apparatus for use with a liquid container for transferring liquid from the
liquid
container, comprising: a pump means comprising a manually-operable pump for
pumping liquid and formed with a pump chamber through which liquid is pumped
by
the pump, there being an inlet opening for receiving liquid into the pump
chamber and
an outlet opening for dispensing liquid out of the puinp chamber when liquid
is pumped
through the chamber using the pump; a coupling means for mounting the pump
means
to the opening of a liquid container to permit the gravitational flow of
liquid into the
pump chamber through the inlet opening when the mounted pump means is placed
on a
surface and the pump pumped.
[00028] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a
pump apparatus comprising a pump means and a container for storing and
transferring
liquid, the pump means comprising a manually-operable pump for pumping liquid
and
formed with a pump chamber through which liquid is pumped by the pump, there
being
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an inlet opening for receiving liquid into the chamber and an outlet opening
for
dispensing liquid out of the chamber when liquid is pumped through the chamber
using
the pump; the container having a dispenser opening for dispensing liquid and a
liquid
chamber for housing liquid; there being a coupling means for mounting the pump
means to the liquid container at the dispenser opening to fluidly connect the
pump
chamber of the pump means to the liquid chamber of the liquid container to
permit the
gravitational flow of liquid from the container into the pump through the
inlet opening
of the pump when the pump means is mounted to the container, placed on a
surface
and the pump pumped.
[00029] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a
pump apparatus comprising a pump means and a container formed with the pump
means for storing and transferring liquid, the pump means comprising a
manually-
operable pump for pumping liquid and formed with a pump chamber through which
liquid is pumped by the pump, there being an inlet opening for receiving
liquid into the
pump chamber and an outlet opening for dispensing liquid out of the chamber
when
liquid is pumped through the pump chamber using the pump; the container having
a
dispenser opening for dispensing liquid and a liquid chamber for housing
liquid; the
pump means being integrally mounted to the liquid container at the dispenser
opening
to fluidly connect the pump chamber of the pump means to the liquid chamber of
the
liquid container to permit the gravitational flow of liquid from the container
into the
pump through the inlet opening of the pump when the pump means is mounted to
the
container, placed on ground level and the pump pumped. Preferably, the pump
apparatus is fiuther provided with a liquid flow control nozzle operatively
connectible
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to the pump with a conduit hose mounted to the pump at the outlet opening to
receive
liquid pumped through the pump chamber by the pump.
[00030] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is
disclosed a
liquid dispensing system comprising a liquid container having a top end and a
bottom
end, and having a first opening for liquids to pass therethrough. The first
opening is
disposed adjacent the top end of the liquid container. A manually operable
pump
means is operatively connectable in removable and replaceable relation to the
liquid
container, so as to be in liquid receiving relation to the first opening of
the liquid
container. The manually operable pump means is positioned to contact a
substantially
horizontal supporting surface wlien the liquid container is rotated about a
horizontal
axis such that the first opening is adjacent the substantially horizontal
supporting
surface, to thereby permit the substantially horizontal supporting surface to
support the
manually operable pump means during pumping. A flexible hose is operatively
connected in liquid receiving relation to the pump means.
[00031] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
disclosed
a liquid dispensing system comprising a liquid container having a top end and
a bottom
end, and having a first opening for liquids to pass therethrough. The first
opening is
disposed adjacent the bottom end of the container. A manually operable pump
means
is operatively connectable in removable and replaceable relation to the liquid
container,
so as to be in liquid receiving relation to the first opening of the liquid
container. A
flexible hose is operatively connected in liquid receiving relation to the
pump means.
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[00032] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there
is
disclosed a liquid dispensing system comprising a liquid container having a
primary
reservoir and a secondary reservoir. A throughpassage interconnects the
primary
reservoir and the secondary reservoir in fluid communication one with the
other. A
first opening in the secondary reservoir is for the ingress of liquid into and
the egress of
liquid from the liquid container. The secondary reservoir includes a manually
manipulable flexible portion that acts as a manually operable pump means for
causing
the egress of liquid from the container through the first opening.
[00033] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there
is
disclosed a dispensing nozzle for use in a liquid dispensing system. The
dispensing
nozzle comprises a main body having a coupling means for receiving a spout in
removable and replaceable relation thereon. A spout is removably mounted on
the
main body via the coupling means. The spout is operatively connectable in
fluid
communication to a flexible hose for receiving liquid therefrom.
[00034] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there
is
disclosed a liquid dispensing system comprising a liquid container having a
top end and
a bottom end, and a first opening for liquids to pass therethrough. A foot
operable
pump means is operatively connected in liquid receiving relation to the first
opening of
the liquid container. A flexible hose is operatively connected in liquid
receiving
relation to the foot operable pump means.
[00035] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there
is
disclosed a pump system for use in dispensing liquid from a liquid container
having
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first opening for liquids to pass therethrough. The pump system comprises a
manually
operable pump means, and a coupling means for operatively connecting the
manually
operable pump means in removable and replaceable relation to the liquid
container, so
as to be in liquid receiving relation to the first opening of the liquid
container. There is
also an outlet for dispensing liquid pumped by the manually operable pump
means
[00036] 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.
[00037] 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:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a standard liquid container in an
upright
position ready to be transported or convey a liquid, such as a fuel;
[00039] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an upright standard liquid container
with a
pump apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted
thereon,
including the pump, a flexible hose and a liquid flow control nozzle;
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[00040] Figure 3 is a exploded perspective view of the pump apparatus shown in
Figure 2 showing the components used to connect the pump apparatus to a
standard gas
container;
[00041] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the pump apparatus shown in Figure 2
including an illustration of the coupling ring which is used to enable the
puinp to be
compatible and connect to a standard fuel container;
[00042] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the pump apparatus mounted to a
container
of Figure 2 with the pump apparatus being disposed in the pumping position;
[00043] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the pump apparatus and container of
Figure 2 in the pumping position showing a liquid flow control nozzle
connected to the
pump via a flexible conduit hose;
[00044] Figure 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the pump
apparatus
having a rectangular shaped pump with hinged bellows connected to a standard
liquid
container;
[00045] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 7 mounted
to a
standard liquid container and disposed in the pumping position;
[00046] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 7 mounted
to a
standard liquid container and disposed in the pumping position;
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[00047] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 7 mounted
to a
standard liquid container and showing a liquid flow control nozzle connected
to the
pump by a flexible conduit hose;
[00048] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an assembled liquid flow control
nozzle
to be used in association with this invention;
[00049] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the liquid flow control nozzle of
Figure
11 with the detachable spout detached;
[00050] Figure 12A is a perspective view of the liquid flow control nozzle
modified
to include an auto closure spout, shown therein in the closed position;
[00051] Figure 12B is a perspective view of the liquid flow control nozzle
with the
auto closure spout as in 12A sectioned to show components and structure in the
closed
position;
[00052] Figure 12C is a perspective view of the liquid flow control nozzle
with the
auto closure spout of Figure 12A and 12B sectioned to show components and
structure
in the open position;
[00053] Figure 12D is a perspective view of the liquid flow control nozzle
with the
auto closure spout in the closed position before insertion into the opening of
the liquid
container for dispensing;
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[00054] Figure 12E is a perspective sectioned view of the liquid flow control
nozzle,
auto closure spout and container, showing the spout, while still in the closed
position,
being inserted and mounted for opening on the container opening rim;
[00055] Figure 12F is a perspective sectioned view similar to Figure 12E
except that
the auto closure spout is shown pressed into the open position to permit
dispensing of
liquid;
[00056] Figure 13 is a sectioned view of the liquid flow control nozzle of
Figure 11
showing the internal components;
[00057] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the internal components of the
liquid flow
control nozzle of Figure 11 in the on position;
[00058] Figure 15 .is a perspective view of the internal components of the
liquid flow
control nozzle of Figure 11 in the off position, pinching the flexible conduit
hose;
[00059] Figure 15A is a side elevational view of a dispensing nozzle used in
the
liquid dispensing system of the present invention, specifically showing a
check valve in
the spout;
[00060] Figure 15B is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the
dispensing
nozzle used in the liquid dispensing system of the present invention,
specifically
showing the dispensing nozzle being removable and replaceable onto the
flexible hose;
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[00061] Figure 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the liquid
dispensing system according to the present invention, with a conventional
container
spout in place thereon, ready to pour liquid therefrom;
[00062] Figure 17 is a side elevational view of the liquid dispensing system
of
Figure 16, with the dispensing spout having been removed and a flexible hose
and
dispensing nozzle connected in its place;
[00063] Figure 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the liquid dispensing
system of
Figure 17, additionally showing the pump core outside the pump, for ease of
reference;
[00064] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the liquid
dispensing
system of Figure 16;
[00065] Figure 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the pump core shown in
Figure
18;
[00066] Figure 21 is a perspective view from the opposite end of the pump core
of
Figure 20;
[00067] Figure 21A is a side elevational view of an alternative preferred
embodiment of the dispensing nozzle, specifically showing an auto-closure
nozzle;
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[00068] Figure 21B is a perspective view of another embodiment of the liquid
dispensing system according to the present invention; and,
[00069] Figure 21 C is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
pump
used in liquid dispensing system of the present invention.
[00070] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a liquid dispensing system of a
perspective view of the Integrated Container in the pumping position showing
the
round bellows style pump, a liquid flow control nozzle connected to the pump
via a
flexible hose;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE
EMBODIMENTS
[00071] Referring to the drawings, the separate pump apparatus shown in
Figures 1
to 15 is designed to be compatible with the vast majority of gas containers
presently on
the market. After the container screw cap 3 and container spout 4 are removed
from
the container 1, the pump apparatus including the pump 15 is mounted onto to
the
container 1, utilizing the container's screw cap 3. The fuel conduit hose 14,
which
conlmunicates with the liquid flow control nozzle 13 is connected to the pump
15 by
utilizing a barbed hose end connector 18 at the outlet opening of the pump 15.
If
required, the container spout 4, previously removed from the container 1, is
screwed on
to the spout coupler 30 of the liquid flow control nozzle 13. This is shown in
Figures 1,
2, 3 and 12.
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[00072] A coupling means attaches the pump apparatus to the container. In the
embodiment illustrated, the coupling means includes a universal coupling ring
22 for
connecting the pump 15 to the container 1. The universal coupling ring 22
allows the
user to connect the pump 15 to a variety of different sized container openings
23, as
shown in Figure 3. The barbed inlet end 19 of the pump 15 is comlected to the
fuel
feed hose 21, which passes through the container screw cap 3, through the
universal
coupling ring 22 and into the container opening 23, as shown in Figures 3 and
4. The
universal coupling ring 22 has internal threads 42 which compliment the pump
threads
25 for threaded securement, sandwiching the gasket 20 between the coupling
ring 22
and the pump 15 to create an airtight seal. The container screw cap 3 is then
screwed
onto the container threaded outlet 23 tightly securing the coupling ring 22 to
in turn
secure the pump 15 to the container 1, as shown in figures 1, 3 and 4. The
fuel feed
hose 21 has two ends. The first end is connected to the barbed inlet member 19
of the
pump 15 and the second end is designed to extend downwardly into the container
1 to
rest preferably at the lowest position of elevation, at 10, of the container 1
when the
container is in the pumping or fuel transferring disposition as shown in
Figures 5, 6, 8,
9 and 10.
[00073] Further to having the pump apparatus formed separately from the
container,
it can also be incorporated integrally into the structure of a container. As
shown in the
Figures 16, 17, 18 and 19 , there is an integrated container-pump consisting
of a
container li and pump 15i molded as a unit. The integrated container-pump has
a
container li that is designed, in this preferred embodiment, to function as a
traditional
gas container with a container spout 4 attached by a container screw cap 3i,
or,
alternatively the container spout 4 can be removed and replaced by pump core
54,
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which allows the liquid flow control nozzle 13 to be connected to the pump 15i
using
the fuel conduit hose 14. The original container spout 4, when already removed
from
the container li, optionally is screwed on to the spout coupler 30 of the
liquid flow
control nozzle.
[00074] The two embodiments as shown in Figures 23 and 24 allow a user to pump
gas from container 1 or 1 i into a receiving container in a controlled,
convenient, safe
and spill-free manner. To dispense the liquid from the chamber of the
container 1 or li
respectively, pumps 15 and 15i are angled forwardly as shown in Figures 5, 6
and 22
until the pump leg 24 and 24i seats on the ground or other surface. To
commence
pumping liquid through the pump chamber of the pump 15 from the chamber of the
container 1 through to the nozzle via the fuel conduit hose 14, the operator
presses
down on pump top, 26 or 26i as the case may be, with his foot while
simultaneously
squeezing the nozzle control arm 33 upwardly toward the upper nozzle body 43.
The
nozzle control arm 33 in turns allows liquid to flow through the fuel hose
pinch portion
35, through the nozzle spout 4 and into a receiving container, an arrangement
as shown
in Figures 6 and 22.
[00075] The embodiments shown in Figures 23 and 24 advantageously include
three
check valves. The first check valve is an air check valve, 57 in figure 4 and
53 in
Figure 21, the second check valve in the pumping check valve 56 in Figure 3
and 52 in
Figure 20; and the third check valve is, in the one arrangement, incorporated
in the
spout coupler 30 of the liquid flow control nozzle 13 as shown in Figure 12.
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[00076] The universal coupling ring 22 of the pump 15 has incorporated within
its
structure an air check valve 57, thereby, in use, only allowing air to flow
into the
container 1. This, during operation of the pump, permits the pressure within
the
container 1 to equalize.
[00077] The pumping check valve 56, if formed on the pump 15, can
advantageously
be positioned at either end of the fuel hose 21 or in the opening of the
barbed inlet
member 19. The pumping check valve 56 regulates the fluid flow so that liquid
only
flows in one direction, namely from the chamber of the container 1 into the
pump
chamber of the pump 15. When the pump top 26 is foot pumped by the user, the
pumping check valve 56 closes to prevent liquid in pump 15 from 'back-flowing
to the
chamber of the container 1. The force of stepping on the pump top 26, during
use,
forces the liquid into the nozzle hose 14 and through the liquid flow control
nozzle 13.
When pumping pressure on the pump top 26 is stopped (i.e. the operator's foot
is
removed) the pump bellows 16 in the embodiment illustrated resultingly expands
to
draw in more liquid. As the pump bellows 16 expand to draw in more liquid, the
third
check valve within the spout coupler 30 closes to prevent the liquid from
being sucked
out of the liquid flow control nozzle 13. The closure of the check valve in
the spout
coupler 30 assures that the pumping check valve 56 opens to permit liquid to
flow
from the chamber of the container 1 into the chamber of the pump 15.
[00078] The pump core 54 of the container 1 i of the integrated container-pump
is
formed with an air intake 50, an air way tube 46, an air check valve 53 and a
pumping
check valve 52 where the function of these features are equivalent to the
valves
incorporated into the embodiment where the pump assembly is formed separately
from
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the container. The pump core 54 is located inside the integrated pump 15i. As
the
operator applies pumping pressure downwardly on the integrated pump top 26i,
pumping check valve 52 closes and the liquid in the pump 15i is forced into
the nozzle
hose 14 through to the liquid flow control nozzle 13. Contemporaneously, air
is drawn
into the integrated container li via the air intake 50, through air tube 46,
past air check
valve 53 and into the container li. The air way tube 46 allows air to bypass
the pump
15i and the check valve 53 prevents liquid residing in the chamber of the
container li
from flowing out through the air way tube 46. As the operator releases
pressure on the
integrated pump top 26i, by releasing his foot, the check valve of the spout
coupler 30
resultingly closes and the pumping check valve 52 resulting opens to permit
liquid to
flow from the chamber of the container li into the chamber of the integrated
pump 15i.
This is better understood by reference to figures 17, 18, 19 and 20.
[00079] Seal 47 of the pump core 54 seals the pump chamber of the pump 15i
from
the chamber of the container l i.
[00080] The embodiments of the pump apparatus, whether it be a separate from
the
container or integrally formed with the container, are advantageously used
with a
nozzle hose, preferably comprised of a flexible plastic material resistant to
corrosive
liquids or chemicals, for receiving liquid from the pump and delivering the
liquid to the
nozzle. Reference in respect of the nozzle hose to Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 10, 13, 14,
15, 16, 17 and 18.
[00081] As well, both the separately formed and the integrally formed
container-
pump configurations have a container fuel liose 21, also preferably made from
a
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corrosive-resistant flexible or a hard plastic material) which, during
operation of the
pump apparatus, draws liquid from the lowest elevation 10 and 10i of the
chamber of
the container 1, li. In this regard, reference is made to Figures 3, 4 and 6.
[00082] The liquid flow control nozzle assembly permits the operator to
connect
different container spouts 4 to the liquid flow control nozzle 13 using the
nozzle screw
cap 12. It will be apparent that there are many different liquid container
manufacturers
and each manufacturer often provides their own uniquely designed spout with
the liquid
container. The liquid flow control nozzle taught herein is designed to be
compatible to
the vast majority of container spouts and each respective spout can be
connected to the
liquid flow control nozzle 13 using the nozzle screw cap 12 and threaded
nozzle outlet
end 30 design. In this regard, reference is made to Figures 11 and 12.
[00083] Figures 12A to 12F are of special importance from an environmental
viewpoint because they show the incorporation of an auto closure spout 58, a
safety
feature that prevents spilling by automatically sealing the end of the spout
when the
auto closure spout 58 is drawn from the tanlc.
[00084] As shown in Figures 12D, 12E and 12F, to dispense liquid, the auto
closure
spout 58 must be placed inside the container opening so that the sleeve hook
61 is
hooked on to the rim 68. Once in place, as shown in Figure 12E, the nozzle 13
is
pushed downwardly so that the sprue sealing end continues to move forwardly,
compressing the locating spring 64 while the sliding sleeve remains seated on
the rim
68. Thus, the spout is opened, allowing liquid flow. After fueling, the
withdrawal of
the nozzle 13 permits locating spring 64 to reassert itself to return the
sliding sleeve 59
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to the closed position. Spillage and unwanted dripping are prevented by
bringing the
sleeve sealing end 60 into contact with the sprue sealing end 63.
[00085] As well, both the separately-formed and integrated container-pump
embodiments of this invention provide for different design styles and shapes
of the
pump 15. Pump 27, for instance, is rectangular and has a hinged bellows
design. In
this regard, reference in Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10.
[00086] The liquid flow control nozzle 13, as taught herein, is a simple means
of
regulating the flow, incorporating a principle of operation that involves
pinching the
nozzle hose 14. In this regard, reference is made to Figures 13, 14 and 15. It
will be
apparent that other means of regulating the flow can be used, such as, for
instance,
mechanical valves. However, the pinching is thought to be, by the inventors
superior,
because resistance is minimized and flow rate maximized by its incorporation.
In the
embodiments of the nozzle delivery systems illustrated, there is an un-
pinching and a
pinching of the riozzle hose 14 to start and stop liquid flow. In this regard,
reference is
made to Figures 13 and 14. An angled pinch head 34 is used to effect the
pinching and
unpinching, by unsqueezing or squeezing the nozzle control arm 33 and upper
nozzle
body 43 in respect to each other to effect release of pressure or application
of pressure
on fuel hose pinch spot portions 36 and 37. In this regard, reference is made
to Figure
15.
[00087] The invention as described above worlcs well because it provides a
pump
mechanism that can be incorporated into a standard type container, either as
an add-on
or by integrated molding, and which utilizes gravity assisted feed. This is
unlike other
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products which have to pull liquid from the container into the pump before it
can be
pushed to the nozzle. The gravity assistance helps fill the pump, speeding up
the
process and eliminating any requirement for an internal return spring to re-
expand the
pump after it is depressed during the pumping operation. The relative
disposition of the
pump and the container, when it is laid in dispensing disposition, places the
pump at
ground level so that the liquid in the chamber of the container is above the
pump and a
head pressure permitting the liquid to flow into the pump without energy
having to be
added to the system.
[00088] The system resulting from the employment of this invention is
advantageous
because there is no increasing pressurization of the container. This overcomes
many of
the problems with systems of the prior art which require pressurization of the
chamber
of the container to force the fluid through the hose and nozzle. Positive
pressurization
is to be avoided because it creates a danger of explosion.
[00089] As well, the invention described advantageously and preferably employs
a
foot-operated pump utilizing the operator's strongest muscles employed in an
easy
manner.
[00090] The invention is also novel in respect of providing a bellow foot pump
for
the transfer of liquid from a container.
[00091] As a further benefit, the invention works well and effectively when an
auto
closure spout is used on the end of the nozzle for dispensing liquid to ensure
compliance with environmental concerns.
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[00092] The invention as described in simple, reliable, easy to produce, use
and
maintain. Several advantages over the prior art further to those explicitedly
described
will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments illustrated are
preferred
embodiments only and the specification is not meant to be read in a limiting
manner.
The scope of the invention is as claimed in the appended claims.
[00093] Referring to Figures 1 through 21 C of the drawings, it will be noted
that
Figures 1 through 6 illustrate a first prefeiTed embodiment of the liquid
dispensing
system of the present invention, Figures 7 through 10 illustrate a first
alternative
embodiment of the pump used in the first preferred embodiment liquid
dispensing
system of the present invention, Figures 11 througll 15 illustrate a
dispensing nozzle
used in the preferred embodiments of the liquid dispensing system of the
present
invention, Figures 12 through 12F illustrate a first alternative embodiment
dispensing
nozzle used in the first preferred embodiment of the liquid dispensing system
of the
present invention, Figure 12A illustrates a second alternative embodiment
dispensing
nozzle used in the first preferred embodiment of the liquid dispensing system
of the
present invention, Figure 15A illustrates a third alternative embodiment
dispensing
nozzle used in the first preferred embodiment of the liquid dispensing system
of the
present invention, Figures 16 through 21 illustrate a second preferred
embodiment of
the liquid dispensing system of the present invention, Figure 21A illustrates
an
alternative embodiment dispensing nozzle used in the second preferred
embodiment of
the liquid dispensing system of the present invention, Figure 21B illustrates
a third
preferred embodiment of the liquid dispensing system of the present invention,
and
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Figure 21 C illustrates a first alternative embodiment of the pump used in the
second
preferred embodiment liquid dispensing system of the present invention.
[00094] Reference will now be made to Figures 1 through 6, which show a first
preferred embodiment of the liquid dispensing system of the present invention,
as
indicated by general reference numeral 20. The first preferred embodiment
liquid
dispensing system 20 comprises a liquid container 1 having a top end lt and a
bottom
end lb. The liquid container 1 also has a first opening la for liquids to pass
therethrough. As can be readily seen in the figures, the first opening 1 a is
disposed
adjacent the top end lt of the liquid container 1 and is defined by a threaded
portion 23.
The liquid container 1, is preferably made from a suitable plastic material,
such as
polyethyleneTM, but can be made of any other suitable material. As can be
readily seen
in the figures, the liquid container 1 comprises a fuel container, also known
as a
gasoline container, but can also comprise any other type of liquid container
for use in a
liquid dispensing system.
[00095] A manually operable pump means 15 is operatively connectable in
removable and replaceable relation to the liquid container 1. The manually
operable
pump means 15 is connected, as shown, to the liquid container, so as to be in
liquid
receiving relation to the first opening 1 a of the liquid container 1. As can
be readily
seen in Figures 2 through 6, the manually operable pump means 15 comprises a
foot
operable bellows type pump 15. Other types of pump means could also readily be
used.
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[00096] The pump 15 includes a first opening 19a disposed at a barbed inlet
end 19,
for receiving liquid thereinto from the liquid container 1, and a second
opening 18a,
disposed at a hose end connector 18, for liquid to be dispensed from the pump
15. The
removable and replaceable pump 15 is an add-on pump designed to be compatible
with
the vast majority of current fuel containers presently on the market.
[00097] As can be seen in Figure 1, the liquid container 1 has a container
spout 4
secured in place at the first opening 1 a by means of a container screw cap 3.
In order to
configure the container 1 for use as the liquid dispensing system 20 according
to the
present invention, the container screw cap 3 and container spout 4 are removed
from
the container 1. The pump 15 is connected to the container 1 at the first
opening 1 a
using the container's screw cap 3 threadibly engaged on the co-operating
threaded
portion 23 of the liquid container 1.
[00098] As can be best seen in Figures 5 and 6, the pump 15 is positioned to
contact
a substantially horizontal supporting surface, such as the ground, when the
liquid
container 1 is rotated about a horizontal axis such that the first opening la
is adjacent
the horizontal supporting surface. In this orientation, the substantially
horizontal
supporting surface supports the manually operable pump 15 during pumping, as
will be
discussed in greater detail subsequently.
[00099] A flexible hose 14 is made from a flexible plastic material, and has
an
attached end 14a and a free end 14b. The flexible hose 14 is operatively
connected at
its attached end 14a in liquid receiving relation to the manually operable
pump 15 at its
second opening 18a, via the barbed hose end connector 18 on the pump 15. The
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container spout 4, container 1 shown mounted on the container in Figure 1 and
removed from the container in Figures 5 through 6, is threadibly -engaged onto
the
spout coupler 30 of the dispensing nozzle 13, as is best seen in Figures 2
through 6, as
will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.
[000100] A universal coupling ring 22, as shown in place and also additionally
separated from the container 1 and pump 15, allows the pump 15 to be connected
to
container 1. As can be best seen in Figures 3 and 4, the barbed inlet end 19
of the
pump 15 is connected to flexible hose 21 that is preferably made from a
corrosion
resistant material. The flexible hose 21 passes though the container screw cap
3,
through the universal coupling ring 22 and into the container opening l a. The
universal
coupling ring 22 has internal threads 42 that are threadibly engaged onto the
pump
threads 25 thus sandwiching the gasket 20 between the coupling ring 22 and the
pump
15 to create an liquid-tight seal. The container screw cap 3 is then
threadibly engaged
onto the container's threaded portion 23 at the opening 1 a, thereby tightly
securing the
coupling ring 22 along with the punip 15 to the container 1. ,
[000101] The first end 14a of the flexible hose 14 is connected to the barbed
inlet end
19 of the pump 15 and the second end 14b of the flexible hose 14 extends down
into the
container 1 and rests at the lowest point 10 of the container 1 when the
container is in
the pumping or fuel transferring position, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
[000102] The liquid dispensing system 20 further comprises a dispensing nozzle
13
operatively connecting in liquid receiving relation to the free end 14b of the
flexible
hose 14 to receive liquid pumped by the pump 15. The received liquid is
dispensed
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through the dispensing nozzle 13, more specifically through the spout 4
mounted on the
dispensing nozzle 13. In the various embodiments of the present invention, the
dispensing nozzle 13 includes an interchangeable spout 4 as can be best seen
in Figures
11 through 15, and as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently with
reference to
those figures.
[000103] The liquid dispensing system has have various check valves at the
pump
core 54. A first air check valve 57, as best seen in Figure 4 is incorporated
into the
universal coupling ring 22. The first air check valve 57 allows air to flow
into the
container 1, thus enabling the air pressure within the container 1 to equalize
as liquid is
being pumped out.
[000104] A second check valve 56 is a pumping check valve, and is best seen in
Figure 3. The pumping check valve 56 of the pump 15 can be positioned at
either end
of the flexible hose 21 or in the opening of the barbed inlet end 19. A third
check valve
30c is incorporated into the spout coupler 30 of the dispensing nozzle 13, as
can be
seen in Figure 13.
[000105] The pumping check valve 56 regulates the fluid flow so that the fluid
will
only flow in one direction, from the container 1 into the pump 15. When the
pump top
26 is stepped on the pumping check valve 56 will close which prevents liquid
in the
pump 15 from returning into the container 1. The force of stepping on the pump
top 26
will push the fluid into the nozzle hose 14 and through the dispensing nozzle
13. When
pressure on the pump top 26 is released the operator's foot is removed the
pump
bellows 16 will expand to draw in more liquid. As the pump bellows 16 expands
to
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draw in more fluid the third check valve within the spout coupler 30 will
close to
prevent the liquid from being suctioned out of the dispensing nozzle 13. The
closure of
the spout coupler 30 check valve will assure the pumping check valve 56 opens
to
allow fluid from the container 1 to flow into the pump 15.
[000106] Reference will now be made to Figures 7 through 10, which show a
first
alternative embodiment of the pump used in the first preferred embodiment
liquid
dispensing system according to the present invention. The first alternative
embodiment
pump 27 is similar to the pump 15 used in the first preferred embodiment
liquid
dispensing system, except that the pump 27 is of a slightly different form.
The pump
27 is rectangular in shape, and is a "hinged" bellows design. As can be best
seen in
Figures 8 through 10, this bellows pump 27 has a slightly larger foot engaging
surface
29, than does the pump 15 in the first preferred embodiment liquid dispensing
system
20. Other suitable types of pumps may also be used in the present invention.
[000107] Reference will now be made to Figures 11 through 15, which show, in
greater detail, the dispensing nozzle 13 according to the present invention.
The
dispensing nozzle 13 comprises a main body 13a having a coupling means in the
form
of a spout coupler 30. The spout coupler 30 is for receiving spout 4 thereon.
The spout
4 is removably mounted on the main body via the coupling means. More
specifically,
the nozzle screw cap 12 fits over the spout 4 in the same manner as described
with
reference to the first preferred embodiment of the liquid dispensing system
20, so as to
capture the annular flange 4f, as best seen in Figure 3, at the retained end
4a of the
spout 4. The nozzle screw cap 12 tlireadibly engages the threads 30a of the
spout
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coupler 30, so as to removably secure the spout 4 to the main body 13a of the
nozzle
13.
[000108] The dispensing nozzle 13 also comprises a check valve 13b operatively
mounted in the main body 13a, specifically within the coupling means 30, as
can be
best seen in Figures 13 through 15. The check valve 13b acts to preclude
rearward
flow of the liquid within the dispensing nozzle 13 back into the pump 15 and
the liquid
container 1. In this manner, when the pump 15 or pump 27, as the case may be,
expands, fluid will not be suctioned back into the pump 15 and liquid
container 1.
Alternatively, the check valve 13b can be operatively mounted in the spout, as
is shown
in Figure 15A.
[000109] The spout 4 is operatively connectable in fluid communication to
flexible
hose 14 for receiving liquid therefrom, and more specifically is directly
connectable in
fluid communication to the flexible hose 14, via the spout coupler 30.
[000110] As can be best seen in Figures 13 through 15, the dispensing nozzle
13
further comprises a nozzle control arm 33 pivotally mounted at a pinched pin
connector
32 of the bottom of connecting rod 39. The nozzle control arm 33 is moveable
between
a lower rest position, as can be best seen in Figures 13 and 15, and a raised
flow
position, as can be best seen in Figure 14. An angled pinch head 34 disposed
on the top
of the connecting rod 39 engages the flexible hose 14 so as to pinch it
against a first
pinched pin 36 and a second pinched pin 37. A spring 31 interposed between the
pinch
head 34 and a spring stop 40 biases the pinch head 34 against the flexible
hose 14.
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[000111] In order to start the flow with the dispensing nozzle 13 of this
invention, as
can be best seen in Figure 14, an operator squeezes the nozzle control arm 33
in an
upward direction towards the upper nozzle body 43 which in turn pulls the
angled pinch
head 34 away from the nozzle hose 14. This motion removes the pinching
pressure of
the angled pinch head 34 on the nozzle hose 14 and allows the fluid to flow.
[000112] In order to stop the flow with the dispensing nozzle 13, as. can be
best seen
in Figure 15, pressure is released from the nozzle control arm 33, which in
turn allows
the compressed spring 31 to push the angled pinch head 34 up against the
nozzle hose
14 at pinch spot 35. This in turn pinches the hose against the flexible hose
pinch spot
stops 36 and 37 stopping the fluid flow.
[000113] An alternative embodiment of the dispensing nozzle is shown in
Figures
12A through 12F. The dispensing nozzle 13 has an auto-closure type of spout
58. The
auto-closure spout 58 is a safety feature, which prevents spilling by
automatically
sealing the end of the spout when the, auto-closure spout 58 is with drawn
from a
container, such as a fuel tank 66. The auto-closure spout 58 has a movable
sliding
sleeve 59 with a pair of gas tanlc engaging sleeve hooks 61 on it. The movable
sliding
sleeve 59 of the auto-closure spout 58 has a sleeve sealing end 60. A spout
sprue 62
having a sprue sealing end 63 is secured to a spout base 65 and is disposed at
the sleeve
sealing end 60 of the movable sliding sleeve 59. A sleeve spring 64 biases the
movable
sliding sleeve 59 to a closed position, as can be best seen in Figure 12B.
[000114] In order to dispense fluid with an auto-closure spout 58, the sleeve
sealing
end 60 of the auto-closure spout 58 must be placed inside the tank opening 67
so that
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the sleeve hooks 61 are hooked on to the rim 68 of the tank opening 61. Once
in place,
the nozzle 13 is pushed downward towards the tank 66. In doing so, the sliding
sleeve
59 will be pushed back away from the sprue sealing end 63 opening up the spout
so as
to allow fluid to flow out. When dispensing of the liquid is finished, the
nozzle 13 can
be withdrawn from the tank 66. The sleeve spring 64, which was compressed as
the
sliding sleeve 59 was pushed back, will return the sliding sleeve 59 to its
closed
position, thus preventing subsequent dispensing of fluid from the auto-closure
spout 58,
by bringing the sleeve sealing end 60 into contact with the sprue sealing end
63.
[000115] As can be readily understood, the auto-closure spout 58 precludes the
dispensing of liquid from a liquid container unless the sleeve sealing end 60
of the
auto-closure spout 58 is inserted into a container having an appropriately
sized mouth.
[000116] In a third alternative embodiment, as is shown in Figure 15B, the
spout 4 is
operatively connectable in fluid communication to the flexible hose 14, by
means of a
flexible tube 70 having an inlet 72 and an outlet 74. The flexible tube 70 is
disposed
within the main body 13a. The outlet 74 of the flexible tube 70 is connected
in fluid
communication to the coupling means 30. The inlet 72 of the flexible tube 20
is
connected in fluid communication to the flexible hose 14, so as to receive
liquid
therefrom, by means of a coupler 80. The coupler 80 has a first reduced
portion 82 that
extends outwardly from the main body 13a of the nozzle 13 through a
cooperating
aperture 13c, and receives the free end 14b of the flexible hose 14 thereon, a
second
reduced portion 84 that receives the inlet 72 of the flexible tubing 70
thereon, and an
enlarged central portion 86 that retains the coupler 80 within the main body
13a of the
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dispensing nozzle 13. A fluid check valve 13C is operatively mounted in the
housing
13a, specifically in the coupler 80.
[000117] Reference will now be made to Figures 16 through 21, which show a
second
preferred embodiment of the liquid dispensing system according to the present
invention. The second preferred enlbodiment of the invention is similar to the
first
preferred embodiment of the invention, except that the second preferred
embodiment
liquid dispensing system conlprises an integrated container 1 i that consists
of a molded
container with a molded pump 15i integrated into the integrated container li,
as best
seen in Figures 16 through 19. When the container spout 4 is attached by the
container
screw cap 3i, the integrated container li can be used to dispense liquid
therefrom, by
means of pouring, through the integrally molded pump 15i. The container spout
4 can
be removed and replaced by pump core 54, which will allow the dispensing
nozzle 13
assembly to be connected to the pump 15i via the flexible hose 14. The
container spout
4 previously removed f r o m the container 1 i can be threadibly engaged onto
the spout
coupler 30 of the dispensing nozzle 13. In another aspect of the present
invention, the
liquid dispensing system as shown in Figures 16 through 21 comprises a liquid
container 1 i having a primary reservoir 1 p and a secondary reservoir 1 s.
The liquid
container 1 i, as illustrated, comprises a single integrally formed piece of
plastic, and is
a gasoline container, but may also be any other sort of suitable container, as
will be
described in greater detail subsequently.
[000118] As can be best seen in Figure 19, a throughpassage lt interconnects
the
primary reservoir lp and the secondary reservoir ls in fluid communication one
with
the other. A first opening 1 f in the secondary reservoir 1 s is for the
ingress of liquid
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into and the egress of liquid from the liquid container li. A cap 3i and an
insertable
disk (not specifically shown) is engageable in sealed relation on the
secondary reservoir
ls at the first opening lf, so as to close off the first opening lf.
[000119] The secondary reservoir ls includes a manually manipulable flexible
lm
portion that acts as a manually operable pump means for causing the egress of
liquid
from the container 1 i through the first opening 1 f. As can be readily seen
in the
Figures, the manually operable pump means comprises a foot operable bellows
type
pump 15i. Any other suitable type of pump may also be used.
[000120] A flexible hose 14i is operatively connected in liquid receiving
relation to
the first opening l f of the secondary reservoir l s, and more specifically,
is operatively
connected in liquid receiving relation to the second liquid outlet passageway
of the
pump core.
[000121] A dispensing nozzle 13i is operatively connected in liquid receiving
relation
to the flexible hose 14i to receive liquid pumped by the pump means 15i, and
wherein
the liquid is dispensed through the dispensing nozzle 13i. The dispensing
nozzle 13i
includes an interchangeable spout 4i, as can be best seen in Figures 16 and
17. In
Figure 16, the spout 4i is engaged in sealed relation on the secondary
reservoir ls at the
first opening lf, so as to perinit direct dispensing of liquid from the liquid
container li
through the first opening 1 f. In Figure 17, the spout 4i is mounted directly
on the
dispensing nozzle 13i. Further, the spout may be an auto-closure type spout
58',
mounted directly on the dispensing nozzle 13i', as shown as an alternative
embodiment
in Figure 21A. The auto-closure spout 58' is identical to the auto-closure
spout 58
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discussed above. As can be readily understood, the auto-closure spout 58'
precludes the
dispensing of liquid from a liquid container unless the sleeve sealing end 60'
of the
auto-closure spout 58' is inserted into a container having an appropriately
sized mouth.
[000122] The second preferred embodiment liquid dispensing system further
comprises a pump core 54 having an internal end 54a in fluid communication
with the
primary reservoir lp and an external end 54b in fluid communication with the
exterior
of the liquid container 1 i. An air inlet passageway 50 extends between the
internal end
54a and the external end 54b. The exterior of the liquid container 1 i is
thereby in air
flow communication with the primary reservoir lp. As can be best seen in
Figures 20
and 21, the pump core 54 further comprises a first liquid outlet passageway
52a
extending between the internal end 54a of the pump core 54 and the secondary
reservoir ls. The primary reservoir lp is thereby in fluid communication with
the
secondary reservoir 1 s. The pump core 54 further comprises a second liquid
outlet
passageway 52b extending between the secondary reservoir 1 s and the exterior
of the
liquid container 1 i. The secondary reservoir 1 s is thereby in fluid
communication with
the exterior of the liquid container 1 i.
[000123] The pump core 54 of the integrated container li contains the air
intake 50,
air way tube 46 air check valve 53 and the pumping check valve 52 where the
function
of these features are the same as that for the add-on pump 15 design described
in
paragraph 0028. The pump core 54 is located inside the integrated pump 15i. As
the
operator applies pressure in a downward direction on the integrated pump top
26i
pumping check valve 52 will close and the fluid in the pump 15i is pushed into
the
nozzle hose 14 and through the dispensing nozzle 13. As this is occurring air
is drawn
into the integrated container li via the air intake 50, through air way tube
46 past air
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check valve 53 and into the container li. The air way tube 46 allows air to by
passes
the pump and the check valve 53 prevents liquid inside the container li from
flowing
out through the air way tube 46. As the operator releases pressure on the
integrated
pump top 26i removes foot the spout coupler 30 check valve will close and the
pumping check valve 52 will open to allow the fluid from the container li to
flow into
the integrated pump 15i. The seal 47 of the pump core 54 seals the pump 15i
chamber
off from the container 1 i area.
[000124] The liquid dispensing system has have various check valves at the
pump
core 54. A first air checlc valve 53, as best seen in Figure 21 is
incorporated into the
universal coupling ring 22. The first air check valve 53 allows air to flow
into the
container li, thus enabling the air pressure within the container li to
equalize as liquid
is being pumped out.
[000125] A second check valve 52 is a pumping check valve, and is best seen in
Figure 3. A third check valve 30c is incorporated into the spout coupler 30 of
the
dispensing nozzle 13, as can be seen in Figure 13.
[000126] In a first alternative embodiment of the pump used in the second
alternative
embodiment liquid dispensing system, as can be seen in Figure 21 C, the
manually
manipulable flexible portion lm is removable and replaceable on the remaining
portion
of the secondary reservoir ls.
[000127] Reference will now be made to Figure 21B, which shows a third
preferred
embodiment of the liquid dispensing system of the present invention, as
indicated by
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general reference numeral 320. The liquid dispensing system 320 is
functionally
similar to and structurally analogous to the second preferred embodiment
liquid
dispensing system; however, it is structurally somewhat different. The third
preferred
embodiment liquid dispensing system 320 comprises a bottle suitable for
retaining and
dispensing lotion or shampoo, or the like. The liquid container 330 has a
primary
reservoir 331 and a secondary reservoir 332, and comprises a single integrally
formed
piece of plastic. A throughpassage 334 interconnects the primary reservoir 331
and a
secondary reservoir 332 in fluid communication one with the other. A first
opening
340 in the secondary reservoir 332 is for the ingress of liquid into and the
egress of
liquid from the liquid container 330. A cap member 350 is engageable in sealed
relation on the secondary reservoir 332 at the first opening 340, so as to
close off the
first opening 340.
[000128] In the various embodiments of the present invention, an operator is
able to
pump gas from either container 1 or li into a receiving container in a
controlled,
convenient, safe and spill-free manner. To dispense the liquid the assenlbly
of the
container 1 and li respectively, pump 15 and 15i are rotated forwardly (see
Figure 5,6
and 22) until the pump leg 24 and 24i rests on the ground. To conivnence
pumping
liquid, an operator presses down on the pump top 26 and 26i with their foot
while
simultaneously squeezing the nozzle control arm 33 of the nozzle 13 in an
upward
direction towards the nozzle upper body 43. The nozzle control arm 33 in turn
allows
liquid to flow through the flexible hose pinch spot 35, through the nozzle
spout 4 and
into a receiving container.
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[000129] The various embodiments of the present invention, as discussed above,
have
many advantages the prior art, as will now be discussed.
[000130] One advantage is that this system does not pressurize the container 1
in
order to move the fluid. One prior art apparatus, as discussed above, requires
the
pressurization of the fuel container in order force the fluid through the hose
and nozzle.
This is a potentially explosive situation and is therefore highly undesirable.
The
present invention does not utilize pressurization within the containers 1 and
1 i.
[000131 ] A second advantage is that any mechanical failure of the nozzle will
not
result in a spill or leak. The dispensing nozzle 13 does not utilize a
mechanical valve to
regulate the flow such as the competitive products. Mechanical failure is
mainly due to
parts that wear out. This wearing process can introduce contaminants into the
fluid as it
is being dispensed. The design of the present invention's nozzle 13 also
eliminates
potential contamination of the fluid being pumped. The nozzle design is
especially
appropriate for corrosive and even consumable liquids. Liquid will not come in
contact
with any metal or mechanism that could potentially deteriorate.
[000132] A third advantage of the present invention is that it is easy to
clean and
sterilize. The present invention can be used in situations such as pumping
liquids for
hunian consumption where it is necessary to clean and sterilize the
components. For
example, the pump 15, flexible hose 14 and the spout 4 can be used to pumping
homemade wine into bottles. The nozzle and pump can be separated, cleaned and
sterilized. The nozzle is designed to disassemble easily so the components can
be
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cleaned and the flexible hose replaced quickly with a new clean sterile piece
of tubing
if required.
[000133] A fourth advantage of the invention is the spout coupler 30, which
allows
the user to connect various kinds of spouts presently offered on the market to
the nozzle
13 of this invention. There are numerous fuel container manufacturers and each
manufacturer has its own unique spout. Typical spouts are just a formed tube
used to
direct the flow of liquid from the container. Presently, new environmental
regulations
commonly known as CARB (California Air Regulation Board) compliance require
manufacturers of portable fuel containers to provide spouts that offer an auto
shut off
and an auto closure feature which regulates the flow of liquid from their
container. The
auto shut off and auto closure feature stops the flow of liquid from the
container when
the spout is either removed from the receiving container or when the fluid
level in the
receiving container rises to cover the tip of the spout. These safety features
prevent
spills caused by over filling and these spouts can be easily connected to the
spout
coupler 30 of the nozzle 13 of this invention to provide further safety and
control of the
fluid transferring operation.
[000134] As can be understood from the above description and fiom the
accompanying drawings, the present invention provides a liquid dispensing
system a
liquid dispensing system that can be used to dispense various types of liquids
in almost
any situation, that does not rely on siphoning, that is easy to use, and that
does not rely
on maintaining an increased internal air pressure in order to dispense liquid,
all of
which features are unknown in the prior art.
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[000135] Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those
who are
knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations are
considered to be
within the scope of the present invention. Further, other modifications and
alterations
may be used in the design and manufacture of the liquid dispensing system of
the
present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the
accompanying
claims.
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