WO2001010771A1

WO2001010771A1 - Fluid coupling and container

Info

Publication number: WO2001010771A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2000/000153
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Alexander Johns
Original assignee: New Zealand Pump Company Limited
Priority date: 1999-08-09
Filing date: 2000-08-09
Publication date: 2001-02-15
Also published as: AU6741900A; WO2001010771B1

Abstract

A coupling (1) for connecting a liquid source to a container (11) includes a poppet valve (40) for opening and closing a coupling passage, the valve (40) being opened by securing the container (11) to the coupling (1). A bayonnet-type connection fixes the container (11) to the coupling (1). In other embodiments a flap valve (5) replaces the poppet valve (40) in the coupling (1) and the container (11) includes a flap valve (10) in its inlet passage, providing two flap valves (5, 10) in series in the passage between the source and the container (11). Means are provided for opening the two flap valves (5, 10) when the container (11) is secured to the coupling (1).

Description

FLUID COUPLING AND CONTAINER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the "hands-free" dispensing of liquid products.

BACKGROUND ART

Users of liquids (for example fuels, oils, solvents, acids, alkalis, crop chemicals, herbicides

or pesticides) often have a requirement to measure a small quantity of liquid from a bulk

reservoir, such as a drum, into a container before use. This is often accomplished by using

a small pump, the suction side of which is submerged in the liquid. The user then regulates

the pump output to deliver the required volume into a container that is typically calibrated.

The disadvantages of this method are associated with the fact that the user has difficulty

simultaneously controlling the pump and holding the container below the fluid outlet.

Moreover, when a stream of liquid is directed into a container it can splash back out in a

hazardous manner. Dripping from the pump outlet, overfilling and spilling of what may be

toxic liquids involves product loss and pose problems for user safety and the environment.

For the transfer of a liquid product from a bulk storage container it is known to provide a

coupling which can be coupled to a closure on the container to attach a feed conduit for the

product. These known couplings, however, have relatively high manufacturing costs because

of their construction and number of components. Another disadvantage of some known coupling devices is that the containers are only

intended to be emptied or filled by using the associated coupling and no provision is made

for manually opening the valve on the container. Yet another disadvantage of these designs

is that the valve fitted in the container provides a restriction that greatly reduces the flow rate

when dispensing liquid from the container.

There are strict legal requirements governing the safe use of many chemicals. Chemical

manufacturers, in their handling instructions often stress the importance of proper safety

precautions. In the United States of America in particular, issues of safety and possible

liability are of concern to the chemical industry. Nevertheless when dispensing small

volumes of liquid, people do not always take all possible precautions such as donning safety

equipment, and thereby expose themselves to risks associated with unwanted liquid spillages

and mis-handling.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide to a low cost apparatus for

hands-free dispensing of liquids that mitigates the possibility of unwanted liquid splashes,

spillages and mis-handling.

Another object of this invention is the provision of an apparatus which is reliable over an

extended period of time and readily replaceable; and the provision of such an apparatus

which is economical to manufacture and easy to use.

It is a further object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to

provide the public with a useful choice. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the

ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupling removably

engageable with a container for supporting and conducting a product to said container,

said container including a container opening,

said coupling providing a fluid passage between a liquid source and a liquid outlet; and a

coupling valve for opening and closing said fluid passage, said coupling being removably

engageable with said container opening, wherein said coupling valve is opened by

engagement of the container with the coupling and remains open until the container and

coupling are disengaged, said coupling valve being otherwise closed.

Preferably, the said liquid outlet is an outlet nozzle. When the coupling and container are

connected, the outlet nozzle projects into the opening, positively directing the liquid flow into

the container.

Desirably the said liquid source is a drum pump outlet. It is preferred that the invention be

employed when using a drum pump to dispense liquid from a bulk reservoir. Particularly in

this application, the present invention mitigates the possibility of unwanted liquid splashes,

spillages and mis-handling Advantageously, the container may be firmly fastened to the coupling and the coupling valve

is closed when not connected to a container, and thereby provides a closed delivery system.

Advantageously, the coupling and container are inter-engageable by means of a bayonet-type

connection. The coupling has a central axis and a cylindrical interior surface with two

opposing lugs projecting radially inwardly from the interior surface. The container has an

opening with a central axis and a cylindrical neck extending around the opening, a collar

extends radially outwardly from the container neck. The collar includes two opposed

openings positioned where the lugs will pass in the axial direction through the said openings

and engage against a bottom of the collar when the coupling is attached to the neck. The

container neck further including stops extending radially outwardly from the container neck,

each opening having two stops displaced clockwise and counter-clockwise respectively, from

the opening to prevent rotation of said container past the said stops.

Advantageously, instead of employing a screw thread in the coupling interior that requires

the container to be rotated several times to attach the container to the coupling, a bayonet

connector allows the container neck be moved upwardly onto the coupling and then turned

less than one complete turn to securely fit the bayonet connector on the container neck.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupling as described

above, including a passageway for venting vapour displaced from the container to an external

point on the coupling.

The said venting passageway may be adapted to also vent fluid in the case of the container being overfilled. Optionally the venting passage may be connected by a return line to the

reservoir from which the fluid is being drawn.

Desirably, the container includes means for measuring liquid which may be a graduated scale

on said container.

Preferably, the coupling is used to dispense small volumes of liquid. The container may have

a volume of up to twenty litres, but most preferably not more than five litres.

Resilient seals may also be provided for sealing between the coupling to the container.

Desirably, the coupling valve is a poppet valve. When the coupling and container are

connected, an annular part of the container bears against the valve, which is thereby opened.

The liquid flow into the container passes through a valve guide and advantageously the

guide includes splash preventing means closing the gap between the container opening and

the nozzle, thereby preventing any liquid splashed up toward the opening from leaking out.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupling

substantially as described above wherein the container further includes:

a container closure having a container passage and a normally closed container valve

for opening and closing said container passage, and

an opening means associated with the container for firstly opening said coupling

valve when the container is engaged with the said coupling, and secondly for opening said

container valve to provide a flow path to allow filling of the container. Advantageously, the container valve and coupling valve are flap valves, both biased toward

their respective closed positions. A rod-like actuating member, slidably fixed to the

container, includes an end section which, when the coupling and container are connected,

bears against and opens the coupling flap valve.

The container flap valve is opened by the agency of the coupling nozzle acting upon the rod¬

like actuating member, moving same to the open position.

Advantageously, the container also includes a switch fixed to the rod-like actuating member

allows the container flap valve to be manually opened, for example by the user, to pour from

the container. Biasing means ensure the actuating member returns to the closed position

when the switch is released or the coupling and container are disconnected.

Desirably the container flap valve is hinged on the handle side of the spout of the container

opening toward the inside of the container thereby improving the flow characteristics for the

fluid through the spout, particularly when pouring from the container.

Advantageously, when the container is upright the container flap valve acts as a vapour seal,

if the container is tipped or inverted the pressure differential across the flap valve combined

with the spring bias provides sufficient seal to prevent spillage.

Optionally, the flap valves may include resilient seals. Some of the important advantages of the coupling of the present disclosure are its simplicity

and economy of construction and ease of assembly. It is inexpensive to manufacture and has

a low part count, to enhance reliability it has a minimum number of moving parts. The

design also allows for quick and easy fitting and removal.

The coupling and container are preferably moulded from plastic, or another suitable material.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a container engageable

with a coupling substantially as described above.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a manually controlled

liquid distribution process for reducing unwanted liquid spillages and mis-handling in the

dispensing of such liquids, said process comprising the steps of

a. securely affixing a coupling as described herein to a liquid source, said liquid

source including means for controlling the supply of the liquid to the said coupling;

b. securely affixing a liquid container as described herein to the said coupling;

c. operating said means for controlling the supply of the liquid to dispense a measure

of liquid into the said container; and

d. disengaging the container from the coupling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description

which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings

in which: Figure 1 is a sectional view of a first preferred embodiment of the present

invention, showing the container and coupling connected together;

Figure 2 is a pictorial view of a coupling of a first preferred embodiment of the

present invention with the valve omitted for clarity;

Figure 3 is a pictorial view of a container of a first preferred embodiment of the

present invention;

Figure 4 is a pictorial view of a coupling of a first preferred embodiment of the

present invention with a sleeve removed;

Figure 5 is a pictorial view of a sleeve for the coupling of Fig.4; and

Figure 6 is a partial sectional view of the second preferred embodiment of the

invention illustrating the two valves in series and the means of actuation.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to Fig.l, a first preferred embodiment of the apparatus (100) comprises a container

(11) and a coupling (1) adapted for attachment to a drum pump outlet (not shown). The

coupling (1) provides a closable fluid path between the drum pump outlet and the container

(11). The coupling (1) includes a poppet valve (40) that is opened by entering the neck of

the container (11) into the coupling (1).

The coupling body (50) includes an integrally formed liquid supply passage (51), liquid

discharge nozzle (2) and cap section (53). The supply passage (51) is conical with a curved

end cap 55 and in use is connected to a drum pump outlet (not shown) by a pipe, hose or

other means, making a liquid-tight connection at end (54) by known means. Poppet valve (40) is biased to the closed position (not shown) by conical biasing spring (56).

In the closed position (not shown) the poppet valve sealing surface (57) is pushed against

valve seat (58) thereby separating the supply passage (51) from the nozzle (2). Valve seat

(58) is formed integrally with the body (50). The sealing surface (57) of poppet valve (40)

is connected by stem (59) to guide (60). Guide (60) is a truncated conical member with a

flange (61) at the base and an end cap including a centrally located means of attachment of

the stem (59). The guide (60) includes openings (62) connecting the nozzle (2) to the

container (11). One end of the spring (56) seats against the inner surface of the cap (53) and

the other bears against flange (61).

When the neck of the container (11) is entered into the coupling (1) the annular surface (63)

of the container (11) bears against the flange (61), raising the valve (40). Fig. 1 shows the

poppet valve (40) in the fully open position, with spring (56) fully compressed. In this

position an inner surface of the guide (60) closes against the outer surface of the nozzle (2)

thereby closing the gap between the container opening and the nozzle (2) and preventing

liquid from splashing straight out. Fixed to the container (11) is a collar (65), an upper

surface of which abuts an abutment part (64) of the cap (53).

Note that the valve (40) and spring (56) have been omitted from Figures 2 to 5, for clarity.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus (100) includes

the cap (53) which has a central axis (59) and includes a sleeve (69) more fully described

with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Fixed to the sleeve (69) are two opposed lugs (67)

projecting radially inwardly from an interior surface (66), both lugs (67) being at the same axial position.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the neck of the container (11) and the collar (65) have a

corresponding central axis. A cylindrical exterior surface of the collar (65) is shdably

engageable with surface (66) of the sleeve (69). With the two lugs (67) aligned with the two

corresponding opposed openings (68) in the collar (65), the neck of the container (11) may

be moved axially into the cap (53), the collar (65) abutting surface (64). The container (11)

is then rotated, either clockwise or counter-clockwise approximately one quarter of a turn

until the lugs (67) reach stops (70, 71). In this position an upper surface (72) (see Fig. 5) of

the lugs (67) engages against a lower surface (73) of the collar (65) securing the container

(11) axially in the cap (53). In this manner the weight of the container (11) may be supported

by a fixed coupling (1).

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the sleeve (69) is pressed into the cap (53). The sleeve (69) is

secured axially with respect to the cap (53) by radial ridges and grooves (73) and is prevented

from rotating by generally axial ridges and grooves (74).

With reference to Figures 1 and 3, in use the container (11) is secured in the aforementioned

manner before operating the drum-pump to dispense a measure of liquid. On actuating the

drum pump the liquid passes from the liquid supply passage (51) through the nozzle (2) and

the openings (62) into the container (11). Vapour displaced by the liquid may pass through

the spring (56) or between the annular surface (63) and flange (61), then through the space

(4) and the openings (68) to the outside. Alternatively displaced vapour may pass through

the liquid itself. The container (11) may include means for sealing the opening, preferably the neck of the

container (11) includes an external screw thread (not shown) for fixing a closure (not shown).

It will be appreciated that the connection between the drum pump and the coupling (1) may

be a rigid pipe or a flexible hose. Preferably, the container includes a handle (not shown) as

described more fully with reference to Fig. 6. Also, although preferably used with a drum

pump, the invention may be used with liquid fed to the inlet passage (51) by gravity, by

mechanical means, or by other means. When the container (11) is removed from the

coupling (1) the valve (40) closes and prevents liquid flowing from the passage (51) through

the nozzle (2). The coupling (1) and container (11) are moulded from plastic or

manufactured using another suitable material. The material of the container (11) is either

translucent or provides a translucent window allowing the internal fluid level to be compared

against the marked volume calibrations (not shown).

Referring to Fig.6, a second preferred embodiment of the coupling (1) includes a nozzle (2)

and a cap (3) locating a cap seal (30). For grasping the container (11) by hand, the container

(11) has a handle (30) formed integrally with the container (11), and designed for a gloved

hand. The cap (3) is adapted to receive the spout (6) of the liquid container (11) and includes

a means for releasably sealing the external flange (16) of the container (11) to the cap (3).

During filling, with the spout (6) connected to the cap (3), the nozzle (2) serves to guide the

liquid flow smoothly into the spout (6) in a manner that prevents liquid coming into contact

with the cap (3). A nozzle flap valve (5) is held in a frame (12) at the inlet of nozzle (2). The frame (12)

locates a compliant valve seal (13) and is optionally formed integrally with the nozzle (2).

The nozzle flap valve (5) is of rigid material and has an area approximately equal to the area

of the nozzle (2) and is biased to the closed position by a pre-loaded spring (21). When

actuated, the nozzle flap valve (5) pivots from a closed position inward to an open position

to allow liquid to flow from the nozzle (2).

The upper end of the cap (3) may include a vent passageway (not shown). Vapour displaced

from the attached container (11) may be vented through the vent passageway directly to the

atmosphere at a point remote from the user. In the case of overfilling, liquid is ejected

through the vent passageway. The rate of spillage during overfilling is reduced to the low

flow rate through the vent passageway and if using a pump (not shown) greatly increased

back pressure on the pump would indicate the problem to the user. The vent passageway

may be connected via a return line to the liquid reservoir (not shown) from which the liquid

is being dispensed. In this case spillage from overfilling is avoided and the user is not

exposed to possibly toxic fumes displaced from the container.

The container (11) includes a spout (6) with an external flange (16) adapted to releasably

engage and seal against the cap seal (30). The means of engagement between the spout (6)

and the cap (3) (not shown) may be by screw thread, bayonet-type coupling or connection

of other known type. Preferably this means of engagement is capable of supporting the

container (11) when filled.

Mounted internally at the lower end of the spout (6), a container flap valve (7) is located in a frame (28) which locates a compliant valve seal (27). A pre-loaded spring (22) biases the

container flap valve (7) to the closed position.

The container flap valve (7) is hinged on the handle side of the spout (6) opening to the inside

of the container. This geometry improves the flow characteristics for the fluid through the

spout (6), particularly when pouring from the container (11). In the open position, the flap

valve (7) provides a minimum reduction in the throat area allowing a smooth flow at an

adequate rate before the flow becomes choked. When the container (11) is upright the flap

(7) is substantially horizontal and it acts as a vapour seal. If the container (11) is tipped or

inverted the pressure differential across the valve (7) combined with the spring bias provides

sufficient seal to prevent spillage.

Referring to Fig.6, a rod (8) slides in guides (29) fixed to the outside of the container (11) by

a ring clamp (23). Rod (8) may be operated by a switch (9) fastened to the end of the rod (8)

and positioned for ready manual actuation. The rod (8) is of resilient material, preferably

spring steel or an appropriate alternative with sufficient strength and is formed generally in

a Z-shape. From the switch (9) the rod (8) follows the external contour of the container (11)

with an acute bend at the rim (25). It is shaped to impinge at a point offset from the hinge

(24) of the flap valve (7) where a second acute bend (26) directs it through the spout (6),

terminating at a point substantially on the centreline of the spout (6). When actuated by the

switch (9), the rod (8) slides downwards making sliding contact with and opening the

container flap valve (7). A return spring (10) on the rod (8) is sufficient to overcome any

friction and return the rod (8) to the upper quiescent position when the switch (9) is released,

thereby closing the container flap valve (7) preventing it being inadvertently left open. A further function of the rod (8) is to provide an interlock whereby flow from the nozzle (2)

is stopped if the coupling (1) is disconnected. In connecting the container (11) and cap (3),

rod (8) first makes contact with the nozzle flap valve (5) and then the nozzle (2) comes into

contact with the rod (8) and container flap valve (7) thereby opening both valves. When the

container (11) is properly coupled to the nozzle (2) the connection allows free passage of

liquid during the filling operation.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should

be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from

the scope thereof.

Claims

1. A coupling removably engageable with a container for supporting and conducting a

product to said container,

said container including a container opening,

said coupling providing a fluid passage between a liquid source and a liquid outlet;

and a coupling valve for opening and closing said fluid passage, said coupling being

removably engageable with said container opening, wherein said coupling valve is

opened by engagement of the container with the coupling and remains open until the

container and coupling are disengaged, said coupling valve being otherwise closed.

2. A coupling as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said liquid outlet is an outlet nozzle

which projects into the said container opening.

3. A coupling as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the said liquid source is

a pump outlet.

4. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the said liquid source is

a drum pump outlet.

5. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the coupling and container

are inter-engageable by means of a bayonet-type connection.

6. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 further including:

a central axis and a cylindrical interior surface with two opposing lugs projecting radially inwardly from the interior surface,

said container having an opening with a central axis and a cylindrical neck extending

around the opening, a collar extends radially outwardly from the container neck and

the collar includes two opposed openings positioned where the lugs will pass in the

axial direction through the said openings and engage against a bottom of the collar

when the coupling is attached to the neck, the said container neck further including

stops extending radially outwardly from the container neck, each opening having two

stops displaced clockwise and counter-clockwise respectively, from the opening to

prevent rotation of said container past the said stops.

7. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 including a passageway for venting

vapour displaced from the container to an external point on the coupling.

8. A coupling as claimed in claim 7 wherein the said venting passageway may be

adapted to also vent fluid in the case of the container being overfilled.

9. A coupling as claimed in either claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the said venting passage

is connected by a return line to the reservoir from which the fluid is drawn.

10. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the container includes

means for liquid measurement.

11. A container as claimed in claim 10 wherein the means for liquid measurement is a

graduated scale on said container.

12. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the container has a

volume of up to 20 litres.

13. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein resilient seals are

provided for sealing between the coupling and the container.

14. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the container further

includes:

for opening and closing said container passage, and

valve when the container is engaged with the said coupling, and secondly for opening

said container valve to provide a flow path to allow filling of the container.

15. A coupling as claimed in claim 14 wherein the container valve is a flap valve biased

toward its closed position.

16. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the coupling valve is a

flap valve biased toward its closed position.

17. A coupling as claimed in claim 16 wherein a rod-like actuating member slidably fixed

to the container includes an end section which, when the coupling and container are connected, bears against and opens the said coupling flap valve.

18. A coupling as claimed in claim 17 wherein the container flap valve is opened by the

agency of the coupling nozzle acting upon the rod-like actuating member, moving

same to the open position.

19. A coupling as claimed in either claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the container includes

a switch fixed to the said rod-like actuating member allows the container flap valve

to be manually opened.

20. A coupling as claimed in claim 19 wherein biasing means ensure the said rod-like

actuating member returns to the closed position when the switch is released or the

coupling and container are disconnected.

21. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 20 wherein the container flap valve

is hinged on the handle side of the spout of the container opening toward the inside

of the container thereby improving the flow characteristics for the fluid through the

spout, particularly when pouring from the container.

22. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 21 wherein when the container is

upright the container flap valve acts as a vapour seal, if the container is tipped or

inverted the pressure differential across the flap valve combined with the spring bias

provides sufficient seal to prevent spillage.

23. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 22 wherein the flap valve includes

resilient seals.

24. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the said coupling valve

is a poppet valve.

25. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein when the coupling and

container are engaged an annular part of the container bears against the valve, which

is thereby opened.

26. A coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the liquid flow into the

container passes through a valve guide and the guide includes splash preventing

means closing the gap between the container opening and the nozzle.

27. A container engageable with a coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26.

28. A coupling and container in combination, wherein the coupling is as claimed in any

one of claims 1 to 26 and the container is as claimed in claim 27.

29. A manually controlled liquid distribution process for reducing unwanted liquid

splashing, spillages and mis-handling in the dispensing of such liquids, said process

comprising the steps of

a. securely affixing a coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26 to a liquid source, said liquid source including means for controlling the supply of the liquid to the said

coupling;

b. securely affixing a liquid container as described in claim 27 to the said coupling;

of liquid into the said container; and

d. disengaging the container from the coupling.