GB2501712A - Fluid line connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid line connector 1 comprising a first part 2 and a second part 3 which are releasably connectable together. The first part comprises an outlet 4 controlled by a first stop valve 5 moveable between a closed position (fig.2) and an open position (fig.1), in which a first spring means (6, Fig.1) biases the first stop valve into said closed position. The first stop valve comprises a first operative surface 7 proud of said outlet, depression of which moves said first stop valve into said open position. The second part comprises an inlet 8 controlled by a second stop valve 9 moveable between a closed position (fig.2) and an open position (fig.1), in which a second spring means 10 biases the second stop valve into said closed position. The second stop valve comprises a second operative surface 11 proud of said inlet, depression of which moves said second stop valve into said open position. The first part and the second part comprise first 14 and second 13 portions respectively of a releasable connection means, the engagement of which forces both operative surfaces to act against each other such that they move to said open positions.

Description

Fluid Line Connector The present invention relates to a fluid line connector, for use particularly, but not exclusively, as part of a closed loop system for supplying concentrated chemical cleaning liquids.

Chemical cleaning products are now commonly provided in concentrated form to save on transport and storage costs. Such cleaning products have many industrial scale applications, for example they are used with commercial washing machines and the like, and they are also used to formulate cleaning liquids for manual use in commercial or large scale environments like hospitals or hotels. It is sometimes necessary to mix the concentrated product with the correct quantity of water to achieve a desired dilution ratio. This is difficult to do manually. In addition, the concentrated products can be harmful, so direct contact should be avoided. Further, it is desirable to avoid spillages because product is wasted and it causes a mess.

Therefore, it is known to provide so-called "closed loop" systems in which the concentrated product is supplied to an automatic proportioning or pumping system in a sealed manner. Such automatic systems either provide the correct quantity of chemical product to a washing machine to use as appropriate, or they mix the chemical product with water according to a set ratio to formulate a cleaning liquid, and then dispense it.

In the most basic closed loop systems a container of concentrated product has a cap with a dip tube extending down into the container, which is connected to a supply tube extending to a proportioning system. Suction is generated by the proportioning system which draws the concentrated product from the container.

However, there are numerous problems which need to be addressed, for example how to control back-flow into the container, how to vent the container to prevent a build up of negative pressure in use, and how to prevent spillages associated with the fitting and removal of the cap. Therefore, more sophisticated closed loop connectors for containers of concentrated product have been developed. These comprise in particular plug members mounted in the openings of the containers which feature stop valves which can only be opened by attaching a corresponding cap member to the container. The cap member is provided at the end of the supply line to the proportioning system, and is attached to the container when the concentrated product is to be used. A seal member is provided between the cap member and the bottle to prevent leaks, and some kind of venting mechanism is provided to relieve negative pressure in the container when the concentrated product is removed.

An example is shown in US 6142345, in the name of Laible, in which the outlet opening of a container is closed by a throat plug having a valve positioned therein, which is open when a cap is mounted on the container, but which automatically closes when the cap is removed. The valve comprises a body with a lateral orifice at the top, and a sliding member which is moveable between an advanced position in which it closes the orifice, and a retracted position in which it exposes the orifice. The sliding member is biased by a coil spring into the advanced position. One of the advantages of the device shown in Laible is that the spring is mounted around the valve body, and therefore does not come into contact with the concentrated product. The cap comprises a downwardly depending operative surface which engages with the sliding member, and forces it into the retracted position as the cap is screwed onto the container. As such, concentrated product can only be drawn from the container when the cap is attached. The cap also comprises a check valve for preventing backflow into the container, which opens in response to suction applied to the dispensing tube.

There are a number of other known examples which are similar to the device shown in Laible. All of this prior art suffers from the drawback that the check valve arrangement has a number of weaknesses. Firstly, a check valve which is operable by pressure alone must be relatively weak. As such, it does not provide a good quality seal, and does not have a long life. In addition, as the valve requires suction to open it is always necessary to apply sufficient minimum suction before any product can be drawn from the container. Further, if any suction is applied while the cap is not attached to the container it will open and draw in air and dust.

Furthermore, the valve arrangement in the plug is relatively complex because an additional spring chamber is required to house the spring in an isolated manner from the flow of concentrated product. Often the plug components are intended to be disposable, and as such simplicity and low manufacturing costs are desirable.

The present invention is intended to overcome some of the above problems.

Therefore, according to the present invention a fluid line connector comprises a first part and a second part which are releasably connectable together, in which the first part comprises an outlet controlled by a first stop valve moveable between a closed position and an open position of the outlet, in which a first spring means biases the first stop valve into said closed position, in which the first stop valve comprises a first operative surface proud of said outlet, depression of which moves said first stop valve into said open position, in which the second part comprises an inlet controlled by a second stop valve moveable between a closed position and an open position of the inlet, in which a second spring means biases the second stop valve into said closed position, in which the second stop valve comprises a second operative surface proud of said inlet, depression of which moves said second stop valve into said open position, in which the first part and the second part comprise first and second portions respectively of a releasable connection means, the engagement of which forces the first operative surface and the second operative surface to act against each other such that they move to said open positions of the outlet and the inlet.

Thus, the invention provides a new kind of closed loop connection mechanism, in which two opposed spring loaded stop valves act on each other to open a fluid path. As such, both the plug and cap of a closed loop connection can have the same kind of robust spring loaded closure, which avoids the problems with the known suction operated check valves described above. Further, as a fluid path is opened when the first and second parts are connected, it is not necessary to apply any suction to draw fluid therethrough.

(In this description the first part is described as comprising an outlet, and the second part is described as comprising an inlet. These terms have been used for the sake of convenience, but it will be appreciated that such terms apply to a fluid flow out of the first part and into the second part. In the embodiment described below this is the case because the first part comprises the container of concentrated product to be dispensed. However, it will be appreciated that it would also be possible for fluid to flow from the second part to the first part in other embodiments of the invention if that were required. As such, terms like outlet and inlet are not to be considered determinative of a single possible configuration.) In a preferred embodiment the first part can comprise a first fluid passageway with a source inlet at a first end thereof and said outlet at a second end thereof. Said first stop valve can comprise a first body portion housed in said first fluid passageway, and a first spring can be mounted between said first body portion and said first end of the first fluid passageway which biases said first body portion into a fully advanced position in which it abuts against said second end of the first fluid passageway. Likewise, the second part can comprise a second fluid passageway with said inlet at a first end thereof and a supply outlet at a second end thereof. Said second stop valve can comprise a second body portion housed in said second fluid passageway, and a second spring can be mounted between said second body portion and said second end of the second fluid passageway which biases said second body portion into a fully advanced position in which it abuts against said first end of the second fluid passageway.

This arrangement of stop valve in the first and second parts is beneficial because it is simplex, and therefore cheap and easy to manufacture. There is no valve body or lateral orifice as in Laible, rather there is just the first body portion mounted on the spring. In this arrangement the spring and the valve body are in the path of fluid passing through the first fluid passageway, but this is not a problem. In particular, in a preferred method of use the first part is disposable so any damage caused to the spring by concentrated product is not a relevant consideration.

Preferably the first fluid passageway can comprise a first ledge, said first body portion can comprise one or more first legs, and said one or more first legs can abut against said first ledge in a fully retracted position of the first stop valve. Likewise the second fluid passageway can comprise a second ledge, said second body portion can comprise one or more second legs, and said one or more second legs can abut against said second ledge in a fully retracted position of the second stop valve.

Further, the first and second portions of the releasable connection means can be positioned on the first part and the second part respectively such that in a fully engaged position of the releasable connection means the first part and the second part are disposed in a connected relationship in which the first stop valve and the second stop valve are placed in their fully retracted positions.

This arrangement provides a stable configuration of parts and allows for a smooth flow of fluid through the first and second fluid passageways. When the first body portion and the second body portion are being moved from their fully advanced positions to their fully retracted positions there can be a degree of lateral instability.

However, by arranging the fluid line connector as described above so the first and second body portions are applied to the first and second ledges respectively in their fully retracted positions, these parts are therefore held in a stable position for use.

It will be appreciated that this configuration also ensures that both the first stop valve and the second stop valve will open in use if there is a discrepancy between the strength of the first and second springs. If this is so, which may be deliberate, for example if the second part were intended to be multi-use while the first part were intended to only be single use, then the stop valve mounted on the stronger spring will force open the stop valve mounted on the weaker spring, without opening itself. However, the stop valve mounted on the weaker spring will then abut against the corresponding ledge and act against the stop valve mounted on the strong spring, to force it to also open.

In a preferred construction the first stop valve can comprise a first neck portion which can carry said first operative surface, and said first neck portion can also comprise a plurality of first vanes which can extend radially to a rim of said outlet. Likewise, the second stop valve can comprise a second neck portion which can carry said second operative surface, and said second neck portion can also comprise a plurality of second vanes which can extend radially to a rim of said inlet.

These vanes define fluid paths between them, allowing fluid to flow from the first fluid passageway into the second fluid passageway. The vanes also ensure that the first and second neck portions are maintained in a stable central position in the outlet and the inlet in all positions of the first and second stop valves.

In one embodiment the first part can comprise a first annular wall surrounding said outlet, and the second part can comprise a second annular wall surrounding said inlet. The second annular wall can have a smaller radius than said first annular wall, and said first annular wall and said second annular wall can be positioned on the first part and the second part respectively such that in said fully engaged position of the releasable connection means the second annular wall is disposed radially inside said first annular wall. A first seal means can be disposed between said first annular wall and said second annular wall.

With this configuration a central fluid passageway is formed between the outlet and the inlet when the first part and the second part are connected together, through which fluid can flow from the first part to the second part. The first seal means ensures that no fluid can escape from the central fluid passageway in use.

The first neck portion and the second neck portion can be sized such that the first stop valve and the second stop valve are only moved to said open positions of the outlet and the inlet at a partially engaged position of the releasable connection means at which a fluid seal is made by said first seal member, or is about to be made. This feature ensures that no fluid can escape from the outlet, or the inlet, before the central fluid passageway has been created, or is very close to being created. As the releasable connection means can be of a type which brings the first part and the second part together in a short time, any brief period between the opening of the first stop valve or the second stop valve and the making of a fluid seal by said first seal member can be too short for any leaks to occur. The sizing of the neck portions here can relate to their length, and hence the point at which the first and second operative surfaces come into contact with one another when the first and second parts are brought together to be connected.

In a preferred construction the first part can also comprise an inner annular wall surrounding the outlet, which can have a smaller radius than said first annular wall. Further, said second annular wall can comprise an annular socket with substantially the same radius as the inner annular wall. Said inner annular wall and said annular socket can be positioned on the first part and the second part respectively such that in said fully engaged position of the releasable connection means the inner annular wall is disposed inside said annular socket. These extra features provide a further sealing function which enhances the fluid isolation of the central fluid passageway.

The releasable connection means which connects the first part and the second part together can be any known mechanism, for example a snap-fit, a friction fit, a latch, or a spring loaded lever. However, preferably the conventional screw threaded cap arrangement is used.

Therefore, the first portion of the releasable connection means can comprise a first outer annular wall comprising a first screw thread on an outer surface thereof, and the second portion of the releasable connection means can comprise a second outer annular wall comprising a second screw thread on an inner surface thereof adapted to co-operate with said first screw thread.

It is possible for the first part and the second part to be stand-alone units which simply connect two fluid lines together. In such an arrangement the first outer annular wall referred to above can be integrally formed with the other features of the first part. However, the preferred manner of use of the present invention is with a closed loop concentrated chemical product dispensing system, in which the first part is associated with a container of such product to be dispensed, as in the prior art.

Therefore, the first part can comprise a plug member and a fluid container comprising a neck portion defining an opening. Said plug member can comprise retention means adapted to secure it in said opening, and said neck portion of the fluid container can comprise said first outer annular wall. As such, the plug member can be inserted into the opening of a container, either during manufacture or on site, and can be retained there by the retention means. The second part can then be fitted to the neck portion of the fluid container to connect the first part and the second part together.

The retention means can be any known mechanism, for example a screw thread. However, as the neck portions of most fluid containers comprise a smooth tubular structure, said retention means can comprise a plurality of resilient radial fins provided on an outer surface of said plug member. These fins can be adapted to allow for the plug member to be inserted relatively easily into said neck portion, but to prevent the plug member from then being removed therefrom. This can be achieved by arranging the fins, or one surface thereof, at an angle. It is intended that the first part will be disposable, so it is not necessary for the plug member to be removable from the fluid container.

In a preferred construction a second seal member can be carried on said first outer annular wall, and in said fully engaged position of the releasable connection means a fluid seal can be made by said second seal member between said first outer annular wall and said second outer annular wall. This extra seal provides even greater protection from possible leaks.

The suppliers of concentrated chemical products often also provide the proportioning or pumping systems with which they are used. In such circumstances it is important to ensure that customers only use authorised concentrated chemical products with the proportioning systems. The suppliers do not want their customers to purchase concentrated chemical products from their rivals, and then use them with the proportioning or pumping systems they provided. Therefore, it is beneficial if the customers can instead be locked into purchasing the concentrated chemical product from the supplier.

Therefore, the first part can comprise a first shaped profile, and the second part can comprise a corresponding second shaped profile adapted to interface with the first shaped profile in the fully engaged position of the releasable connection means. As such, the supplier can provide a second part with a pre-determined second shaped profile, and then supply the concentrated chemical product with a plug member which carries the corresponding first shaped profile. As such, generic copies of the plug member without the pre-determined first shaped profile will not The shaped profiles can be provided on any areas of the first and second parts which come into contact with one another when they are connected together.

However, in a preferred construction the first part can comprise an annular boss, and said first shaped profile can comprise one or more radial extensions formed on an outer surface of said annular boss. The second part can then comprise an annular cover, and said second shaped profile can comprises one or more corresponding radial indents in an inner surface of said annular cover. Said annular cover can be fitted to said annular boss in the fully engaged position of the releasable connection means.

When fluid is drawn from the container in use it is important to allow air to enter the container to prevent a build up of negative pressure. Therefore, the plug member can comprise a inner venting aperture formed in an underside thereof, which inner venting aperture can be in fluid communication with an interior of said container. The plug member can further comprise a resilient seal which overlies said underside and which can be movable between a closed position and an open position of the inner venting aperture. The second part can then comprise a pin which can be positioned thereon such that in a fully engaged position of the releasable connection means the pin can intersect said inner venting aperture and move said resilient seal into said open position of said inner venting aperture.

Furthermore, said second part can comprise an outer venting aperture formed in a surface thereof, which outer venting aperture can be in fluid communication with said inner venting aperture.

Therefore, the resilient seal keeps the inner venting aperture closed when the first and second parts are disconnected, and then when the first and second parts are connected the inner venting aperture is automatically opened, and a fluid pathway is created from atmosphere, through the outer venting aperture, between the first part and the second part, and then into the interior of said container. As such, when fluid is drawn from the container in use a build up of negative pressure is prevented.

A first spout fitting can extend outwardly from said source inlet, and a second spout fitting can extend outwardly from said supply outlet. A source tube can be fitted to the first spout fitting which can extend down to the bottom of the container, and a supply tube can be fitted to the second spout fitting to convey fluid to an associated proportioning or pumping system.

The invention can be performed in various ways, but one embodiment will now be described by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross sectional side view of a fluid line connector according to the present invention in a fully engaged position; Figure 2 is a cross sectional side view of the fluid line connector as shown in Figure 1 in a disengaged position; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the fluid line connector as shown in Figure 1 in a disengaged position; and Figure 4 is an exploded side view of the fluid line connector as shown in Figure 1.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a fluid line connector 1 comprises a first pad 2 and a second part 3 which are releasably connectable together. In Figure 1 the first and second pads 2 and 3 are connected together, and in Figure 2 the first and second parts 2 and 3 are released from one another. The first pad 2 comprises an outlet 4 controlled by a first stop valve 5, which as explained below is moveable between a closed position and an open position of the outlet 4. A first spring means, in the form of first coil spring 6 biases the first stop valve 5 into said closed position.

The first stop valve 5 comprises a first operative surface 7 proud of said outlet 4, depression of which moves said first stop valve 5 into said open position. The second part 3 comprises an inlet 8 controlled by a second stop valve 9, which as is also explained below is moveable between a closed position and an open position of the inlet 8. A second spring means, in the form of second coil spring 10 biases the second stop valve 9 into said closed position. The second stop valve 9 comprises a second operative surface 11 proud of said inlet 8, depression of which moves said second stop valve 9 into said open position. The first pad 2 and the second pad 3 comprise first and second podions respectively of a releasable connection means, in the form of neck portion 12 and cap 13, as shown in Figure 2, the engagement of which forces the first operative surface 7 and the second operative surface 11 to act against each other such that they move to said open positions of the outlet 4 and the inlet 8.

The figures show the fluid line connector 1 from different directions. In particular, the cross-sections shown in Figures 2 and 3 are at right angles to the cross-section in Figure 1 and the side view of Figures 4. Some of the features of the fluid line connector 1 are annular so they can be seen in every figure. However, others are positioned at padicular positions so are only visible in some of the figures.

Where this occurs it is explained below.

The fluid line connector 1 in this case is part of a closed loop concentrated chemical product dispensing system. The concentrated product is provided in a bottle 14, which is connected up to a fluid supply line in use (not shown), which is directed to a proportioning or pumping system (also not shown) in the known way.

The proportioning or pumping system generates suction in use which draws the concentrated product from the bottle 14 and along the fluid supply line. It is then pumped to a washing machine or the like, or mixed with water according to a pre-determined dilution ratio, and then dispensed as required.

As such, the first part 2 is associated with the bottle 14, while the second part 3 is associated with the end of the fluid supply line (not shown). The first and second parts 2 and 3 are connected together in use to introduce the concentrated product to the closed loop system.

Referring to Figure 2, the first part 2 comprises a plug member 15 and the bottle 14, which comprises the neck portion 12, which defines an opening 16. The plug member 15 comprises resilient radial retention fins 17 on an outer surface 18 thereof. These are not visible in Figure 2, as they do not extend around the entire circumference of the plug member 15, as is best shown in Figure 4, however they are visible in Figure 1. As illustrated in Figure 1, the fins 17 comprise a flat upper surface 19, and a tapered lower surface 20. When the plug member 15 is inserted into the neck portion 12 the tapered lower surfaces 20 of the fins 17 are applied to an inner surface 21 of the neck portion 12, and the relative angle between these surfaces 20 and 21 forces the fins 17 to compress slightly, which allows the plug member 15 to be pushed into position. However, if any reverse force is applied in use the relative angle between the flat upper surfaces 19 of the fins 17 and the inner surface 21 of the neck portion 12 forces the fins 17 to expand slightly rather than compress. This prevents the plug member 15 from being removed from the neck portion 12. It is intended that the first part 2 will be disposable, so it is not necessary for the plug member 15 to be removable from the bottle 14.

Therefore, the first and second parts of the releasable connection means comprise the neck portion 12, and the cap 13 which screws onto it in use. As such, the neck portion 12 is provided with a first screw thread 22 on an outer surface 23 thereof, while the cap 13 is provided with a second screw thread 24 on an inner surface 25 thereof, which is adapted to co-operate with said first screw thread 22.

The cap 13 is mounted in a floating axial manner on the second part 3, such that it can rotate in relation to the other components. This allows those other components to be brought into contact with the first part 2 in a non-rotating manner, and for the cap 13 to then rotate in relation to the neck portion 12 to releasably connect the first part 2 and the second part 3 together. To achieve this a frame member 26 of the second part 3 comprises an annular "L" shaped shoulder section 27 on which the cap 13 is mounted. The cap 13 comprises a tubular mounting section 28 which surrounds the upright portion 29 of the shoulder section 27, and which is secured thereon by means of a plurality of snap-fit tabs 30, which are best seen in Figure 3. The cap 13 is freely axially rotatable in this position.

Referring back to Figure 1 the first part 2 comprises a first fluid passageway 31 with a source inlet 32 at a first end 33 thereof and said outlet 4 at a second end 34 thereof. The first stop valve 5 comprises a first body portion 35 housed in said first fluid passageway 31, and the first coil spring 6 is mounted between the first body portion 35 and the first end 33 of the first fluid passageway 31. A spring ledge 36 is provided at the first end 33 of the first fluid passageway 31, on which the first coil spring 6 is positioned. The first coil spring 6 biases the first body portion 35 into a fully advanced position in which it abuts against the second end 34 of the first fluid passageway 31. This fully advanced position is not shown in the figures, and instead the first stop valve 5 is only shown in a fully retracted position, however it will be appreciated how the first stop valve 5 can be positioned in its fully advanced position, in particular because the second stop valve 9 is shown in this position in Figures 2 and 3.

The second part 3 has a very similar construction. Referring to Figure 2, the second part 3 comprises a second fluid passageway 37 with said inlet 8 at a first end 38 thereof and a supply outlet 39 at a second end 40 thereof. The second stop valve 9 comprises a second body portion 41 housed in said second fluid passageway 37, and the second coil spring 10 is mounted between the second body portion 41 and the second end 40 of the second fluid passageway 37. A spring ledge 42 is provided at the second end 40 of the second fluid passageway 37, on which the second coil spring 10 is positioned. The second coil spring 10 biases the second body portion 41 into a fully advanced position in which it abuts against the first end 38 of the second fluid passageway 37. This position is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.

The first fluid passageway 31 and the second fluid passageway 37 comprise a first ledge 43 and a second ledge 44 respectively, and the first body portion 35 and the second body portion 41 each comprise three legs 45 and 46 respectively (which are best seen in Figure 4). In fully retracted positions of the first stop valve 5 and the second stop valve 9 the legs 45 and 46 respectively abut against the first ledge 43 and the second ledge 44 respectively. This position is shown in Figure 1. It will be appreciated that in this position the legs 45 and 46 define fluid paths between them, allowing fluid to flow around the first stop valve 5 as it passes through the first fluid passageway 32, and around the second stop valve 9 as it passes through the second fluid passageway 37.

The first stop valve 5 and the second stop valve 9 comprise a first neck portion 50 and a second neck portion 51 respectively, which carry said first operative surface 7 and said second operative surface 11 respectively. The first neck portion and the second neck portion 51 each comprise six vanes 52 and 53 respectively, which extend radially to a rim of the outlet 4 and the inlet 8 respectively, as is best seen in Figure 3. It will be appreciated that the vanes 52 and 53 define fluid paths between them, allowing fluid to flow from the first fluid passageway 31 into the outlet 4, and from the inlet 8 into the second fluid passageway 37. The vanes 52 and 53 also ensure that the first and second neck portions 50 and 51 are maintained in a stable central position in the outlet 4 and the inlet 8 in all positions of the first and second stop valves 5 and 9.

Referring to Figure 2, it can be seen that the first body portion 35 and the second body portion 41 each have a tapering shape, and that arranged between the first body portion 35 and the first neck portion 50, and between the second body portion 41 and the second neck portion 51, are short tubular sections 54 and 55 respectively. In the fully advanced position of the first stop valve 5 and the second stop valve 9 the tubular sections 54 and 55 are disposed in the outlet 4 and the inlet 8 respectively, which closes them.

The first part 2 and the second part 3 comprise a first annular wall 56 surrounding said outlet 4, and a second annular wall 57 surrounding said inlet 8 respectively. The second annular wall 57 has a smaller radius than the first annular wall 56, and as is clear from Figure 1, these annular walls 56 and 57 are positioned on the first part 2 and the second part 3 respectively such that in the fully engaged position of the releasable connection means 12 and 13 the second annular wall 57 is disposed radially inside the first annular wall 56. The second annular wall 57 carries an 0-ring seal 58, such that when these walls 56 and 57 are engaged a fluid seal is created.

As is also clear from Figure 1, in this configuration a central fluid passageway 59 is formed between the outlet 4 and the inlet 8, through which fluid can flow from the first part 2 to the second part 3. The 0-ring seal 58 ensures that no fluid can escape from the central fluid passageway 59 in use.

In addition, the first part 2 also comprises an inner annular wall 60 surrounding the outlet 4, which has a smaller radius than the first annular wall 56.

Further, the second annular wall 57 comprises an annular socket 61 with substantially the same radius as the inner annular wall 60. As is clear from Figure 1, the wall 60 and socket 61 are positioned on the first part 2 and the second part 3 respectively such that in the fully engaged position of the releasable connection means 12 and 13 the inner annular wall 60 is disposed inside the annular socket 60.

These extra features provide a further sealing function which enhances the fluid isolation of the central fluid passageway 59.

A second 0-ring seal 62 is carried on the outer surface 18 of the plug member 15, between two flanges 63 and 64. As is clear from Figure 2, the second 0-ring seal 62 sits proud of the neck portion 12 of the bottle 14, and as is clearfrom Figure 1, in the fully engaged position of the releasable connection means 12 and 13 the second 0-ring seal 62 is held between the first part 2 and the second part 3 to provide an extra seal between the bottle 14 and the cap 13 to prevent any leaks in use.

Referring to Figure 3, the first part 2 comprises an annular boss 70 (the top part of which comprises the first annular wall 56), which has a first shaped profile on an outer surface 71 thereof, in the form of radial extensions 72. The second part 3 comprises an annular cover 73, which has a second shaped profile on an inner surface 74 thereof, in the form of radial indents 75. The radial indents 75 correspond in shape and configuration to the radial extensions 72, such that the annular cover 73 fits onto the annular boss 70 in the fully engaged position of the releasable connection means 12 and 13, as shown in Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 1, the plug member 15 comprises a inner venting aperture 76 formed in an underside 77 thereof, which is in fluid communication with an interior 78 of the bottle 14. The plug member 15 further comprises an annular resilient seal 79 which overlies said underside 77, and which is movable between a closed position and an open position of the inner venting aperture 76. The second part 3 comprises a pin 80, provided on a radial extension 81 provided on the annular cover 73, which is shown in cross-section in Figure 1. Furthermore, the first part 2 comprises a radial inward extension 82, and the annular cover 73 comprises a radial slot 83, both of which are again shown in cross-section in Figure 1. As is clear from Figure 1 these parts are diametrically opposite to the pin 80 and inner venting aperture 76. Therefore, in the fully engaged position of the releasable connection means 12 and 13 the radial slot 83 overlies the extension 82, and the pin 80 intersects the inner venting aperture 76 and moves the resilient seal 79 into the open position of the inner venting aperture 76.

The cap 13 comprises an outer venting aperture 84, which is in fluid communication with the inner venting aperture 76, through the interior gap between the first part 2 and the second part 3.

A first spout fitting 85 extends outwardly from said source inlet 32, and a second spout fitting 86 extends outwardly from said supply outlet 39. A fluid source line (not shown) can be fitted to the first spout fitting 85 which can extend down to the bottom of the bottle 14, and a fluid supply line (not shown) can be fitted to the second spout fitting 86 to convey fluid to an associated proportioning or pumping system (not shown).

Therefore, in use the fluid line connector operates as follows. Firstly the plug member 15 is secured in the neck portion 12 of the bottle 14. This can be done during manufacture of the product to be dispensed, in which case a removable cover (not shown) can be applied over the plug member 15 for storage and transportation.

Alternatively, the bottle 14 can be supplied without the plug member 15, and it can be fitted prior to use. Insertion of the plug member 15 into the neck portion 12 is possible due to the tapered shape of the lower surface 20 of the resilient radial retention fins 17. Once in place as shown in Figure 2, the plug member 15 cannot be removed from the neck portion due to the flat shape of the upper surfaces 19 of the fins 17, which bind with the neck portion 12 if any removal force is applied.

When placed in the neck portion 12 the plug member closes the bottle 14.

This is because the first spring 6 biases the first stop valve 5 into a fully advanced position, in which the first body portion 35 abuts against the second end 34 of the first fluid passageway 31, and the tubular section 54 fills the outlet 4 in a closed position thereof. Furthermore, the resilient seal 79 overlies the venting aperture 76 and closes it. Therefore, no product can escape from the bottle 14.

The first part 2 and the second part 3 are then axially aligned for connection, as shown in Figure 2. In particular, annular cover 73 is rotationally aligned with the annular boss 70 in a position in which the radial extensions 72 are aligned with the radial indents 75, and in which the radial extension 82 is aligned with the radial slot 83. If these components are not aligned as such then the annular cover 73 will be prevented from riding over the annular boss 70. The first part 2 and the second part 3 are then brought together until the first screw thread 22 and the second screw thread 24 first come into contact with one another. At this point the operative surfaces 7 and 11 are not yet in engagement. The cap 13 is then rotated to engage the screw threads 22 and 24, and as this happens the first part 2 and the second part 3 are drawn together. The rotation of the cap 13 is independent from the annular cover 73, so it does not move out of alignment with the annular boss 70 as the cap 13 is rotated.

The operative surfaces 7 and 11 come into contact with one another and either one or both of the first stop valve 5 and the second stop valve 9 begin to move into open positions of the outlet 4 and the inlet 8 respectively. The order in which this happens depends on the relative strengths of the first and second springs 6 and 10.

If one spring is stronger than the other then the opposite stop valve 5 or 9 will be forced open first. There may come a point where the return force of the weaker spring 6 or 10 under compression equals that of the stronger spring not yet under compression and the two stop valves 5 and 9 are moved simultaneously. Further, in the event that one of the stop valves 5 or 9 is forced into its fully retracted position before the other (which may or may not have started to move), then the valve in the fully retracted position will abut against the corresponding ledge 43 or 44, and act against the other valve to force it into its fully retracted position.

The springs 6 and 10 are intended to be of equal strength so the first stop valve 5 and the second stop valve 9 open in a substantially comparable way.

However, in some situations it may be preferred to configure the second spring 10 with a greater strength so the outlet 4 opens before the inlet 8. This might be the case in an arrangement in which a fluid supply line (not shown) connected to the second spout fitting 86 is flooded. In such an arrangement the inlet 8 will not open until the first stop valve 5 is in the fully retracted position, by which point a robust fluid seal has been created between the first part 2 and the second pad 3.

The first neck portion 50 and the second neck portion 51 are of such a length that either or both of the first stop valve 5 and the second stop valve 9 are only moved to open positions of the outlet 4 and the inlet 8 at a partially engaged position of the releasable connection means 12 and 13 at which a fluid seal is about to be made by the 0-ring seal 58. The making of the seal and the opening of the inlet 4 or the outlet 8 is nearly simultaneous, and in practice no leaks occur. As the cap 13 is rotated and the second part 3 brought into closer engagement with the first part 2, any period in which either the inlet 4 or the outlet 8 is open and no seal is made is so short as to be immaterial.

Figure 1 shows the first part 2 and the second part 3 in the fully engaged position, and it is clear from this figure that both the first stop valve 5 and the second stop valve 9 are placed in their fully retracted positions in which they abut against the ledges 43 and 44 respectively. As such the first stop valve 5 and the second stop valve 9 are held in stable positions for use and will not move when fluid flows around them.

As the first part 2 and the second part 3 are drawn together as the cap 13 is rotated, various other components functionally engage with one another. Firstly, the second annular wall 57 slots inside the first annular wall 56, which creates the central fluid passageway 59. The 0-ring seal 58 between these walls 56 and 57 creates a fluid seal therefor. At the same time the inner annular wall 60 slots into the annular socket 61, to create a further sealing function. In addition, towards the end of the connection process the second 0-ring seal 62 comes into contact with the inner surface 25 of the cap 13 to provide yet another sealing function between the bottle 14 and the cap 13.

Further, the annular cover 73 rides over the annular boss 70, and the radial extensions 72 slot into the radial indents 75. It will be appreciated that if there is a discrepancy between the shape and configuration of the extensions 72 and the indents 75, then it is not possible to connect the first part 2 and the second part 3 together. This feature therefore prevents generic first parts (not shown) which do not feature the correct pre-determined array of extensions 72 from being used by a customer. This feature can also be used to prevent the wrong product from being connected to a particular fluid supply line.

Finally, the radial slot 83 on the annular cover 73 overlies the radial extension 82, and the pin 80 intersects the inner venting aperture 76. The alignment of the slot 83 and the extension 82 ensures that the pin 80, which is diametrically opposite, is correctly aligned for intersection with the inner venting aperture 76. It will be appreciated that alignment of the extensions 72 and indents 75 will necessarily also align the pin 80 with the inner venting aperture 76, however the inclusion of the slot 83 and extension 82 allows for an alignment function to occur if the shaped profile feature is not provided. The pin 80 forces the resilient seal 79 away from the underside 77 of the plug member 15, thereby opening the inner venting aperture 76.

Once the connector 1 is in the fully engaged position shown in Figure 1, product in the bottle 14 can be drawn therefrom. A suction is generated by an associated proportioning or pumping system, which draws product into the fluid source line (not shown) connected to the first spout fitting 85. It then enters the first spout fitting 85 and passes through the source inlet 32 and into the first fluid passageway 31. The product passes around the first spring 6, and then through fluid paths between the three first legs 45 of the first body portion 35. It then travels around the first stop valve 5 and up to the outlet 4, where it passes through fluid paths between the first vanes 52 of the first neck portion 50.

The product then enters the formed central fluid passageway 59, where it travels around the two opposed first and second neck portions 50 and 51 disposed therein. No product can leak from the central fluid passageway 59 because of the disposition of the inner annular wall 60 in the annular socket 61, and the 0-ring seal 58 disposed between the first and second annular walls 56 and 57. Furthermore, if any product were to escape from the central fluid passageway 59 it would then be prevented from leaking from the cap 13 by the second 0-ring seal 62.

From the central fluid passageway 59 the product passes through the inlet 8, via fluid paths between the second vanes 53 of the second neck portion 51. It then travels around the second stop valve 9 and passes through fluid paths between the three second legs 46. The product flows around the second spring 10 and is drawn out of the supply outlet 39. It then exits the connector 1 via the second spout fitting 86, and travels up a fluid supply line fitted thereto (not shown).

As the product passes through the fluid line connector 1 air from atmosphere is drawn into the bottle 14, and a build up of negative pressure therein is prevented.

The removal of product from the bottle 14 generates a suction which draws air through the outer venting aperture 84 and into the gap between the first part 2 and the second part 3. It then passes through the inner venting aperture 76, travelling around the pin 80, and enters the interior 78 of the bottle 14.

Once the product in the bottle 14 is depleted the first part 2 and the second part 3 can be disconnected. The cap 13 is rotated anti-clockwise until it is freed from the neck portion 12. As this process is performed the first stop valve 5 and the second stop valve 9 are moved by the corresponding springs 6 and 10 into their fully advanced positions. As such, both the outlet 4 and the inlet 8 are closed, and the bottle 14 and the fluid supply line (not shown) are sealed. Further, the pin 80 is removed from the inner venting aperture 76, which allows the resilient seal 79 to once again close the inner venting aperture 76. All of this prevents any leaks from occurring once the cap 13 is removed from the neck portion 12. The bottle 14 can then be disposed of.

It will be appreciated that the first part 2 and the second part 3 can also be disconnected in this manner before the bottle 14 is depleted of product, and if so the closure of the outlet 4 and inner venting aperture 76 is more important as there is product remaining in the bottle 14 which must be prevented from escaping.

The above described embodiment can be altered without departing from the scope of claim 1. For example, in one alternative embodiment (not shown) a first part and a second part are similar to those described above, except that the first part is not associated with a bottle of product, and instead the first pad and the second part are the ends of two fluid lines to be connected for any fluid throughflow purpose. In such an embodiment the equivalent of the first screw thread is integral to the equivalent of the plug member.

In other alternative embodiments (not shown) other mechanisms are provided for the releasable connection means, including a snap-fit, a friction fit, a latch, and a spring loaded lever.

Therefore, the invention provides a new kind of closed loop connection mechanism, in which two opposed spring loaded stop valves act on each other to open a fluid path. As such, both the plug and cap of a closed loop connection have the same kind of robust spring loaded closure, which avoids the problems with the known suction operated check valves described above. Further, as a fluid path is opened when the first and second parts are connected, it is not necessary to apply any suction to draw fluid therethrough.

Claims (16)

1. Claims 1. A fluid line connector comprising a first part and a second part which are releasably connectable together, in which the first part comprises an outlet controlled by a first stop valve moveable between a closed position and an open position of the outlet, in which a first spring means biases the first stop valve into said closed position, in which the first stop valve comprises a first operative surface proud of said outlet, depression of which moves said first stop valve into said open position, in which the second part comprises an inlet controlled by a second stop valve moveable between a closed position and an open position of the inlet, in which a second spring means biases the second stop valve into said closed position, in which the second stop valve comprises a second operative surface proud of said inlet, depression of which moves said second stop valve into said open position, in which the first part and the second part comprise first and second portions respectively of a releasable connection means, the engagement of which forces the first operative surface and the second operative surface to act against each other such that they move to said open positions of the outlet and the inlet.
2. 2. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 1 in which the first part comprises a first fluid passageway with a source inlet at a first end thereof and said outlet at a second end thereof, in which said first stop valve comprises a first body portion housed in said first fluid passageway, in which a first spring is mounted between said first body portion and said first end of the first fluid passageway which biases said first body portion into a fully advanced position in which it abuts against said second end of the first fluid passageway, in which the second part comprises a second fluid passageway with said inlet at a first end thereof and a supply outlet at a second end thereoL in which said second stop valve comprises a second body portion housed in said second fluid passageway, in which a second spring is mounted between said second body portion and said second end of the second fluid passageway which biases said second body portion into a fully advanced position in which it abuts against said first end of the second fluid passageway.
3. 3. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 2 in which the first fluid passageway comprises a first ledge, in which said first body portion comprises one or more first legs, in which said one or more first legs abut against said first ledge in a fully retracted position of the first stop valve, in which the second fluid passageway comprises a second ledge, in which said second body portion comprises one or more second legs, in which said one or more second legs abut against said second ledge in a fully retracted position of the second stop valve, and in which the first and second portions of the releasable connection means are positioned on the first part and the second part respectively such that in a fully engaged position of the releasable connection means the first pad and the second part are disposed in a connected relationship in which the first stop valve and the second stop valve are placed in their fully retracted positions.
4. 4. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 3 in which the first stop valve comprises a first neck portion which carries said first operative surface, in which said first neck portion comprises a plurality of first vanes which extend radially to a rim of said outlet, in which the second stop valve comprises a second neck portion which carries said second operative surface, and in which said second neck portion comprises a plurality of second vanes which extend radially to a rim of said inlet.
5. 5. A fluid line connector as claimed in any of claims ito 4 in which the first part comprises a first annular wall surrounding said outlet, in which the second part comprises a second annular wall surrounding said inlet, which second annular wall has a smaller radius than said first annular wall, in which said first annular wall and said second annular wall are positioned on the first part and the second part respectively such that in said fully engaged position of the releasable connection means the second annular wall is disposed radially inside said first annular wall, and in which a first seal means is disposed between said first annular wall and said second annular wall.
6. 6. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 5 in which the first neck portion and the second neck portion are sized such that the first stop valve and the second stop valve are only moved to said open positions of the outlet and the inlet at a partially engaged position of the releasable connection means at which a fluid seal is made by said first seal member, or is about to be made.
7. 7. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 6 in which the first part comprises an inner annular wall surrounding the outlet, which has a smaller radius than said first annular wall, in which said second annular wall comprises an annular socket with substantially the same radius as the inner annular wall, in which said inner annular wall and said annular socket are positioned on the first part and the second part respectively such that in said fully engaged position of the releasable connection means the inner annular wall is disposed inside said annular socket.
8. 8. A fluid line connector as claimed in any of claims ito 7 in which the first portion of the releasable connection means comprises a first outer annular wall comprising a first screw thread on an outer surface thereof, in which the second portion of the releasable connection means comprises a second outer annular wall comprising a second screw thread on an inner surface thereof adapted to co-operate with said first screw thread.
9. 9. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 8 in which the first part comprises a plug member and a fluid container, in which said fluid container comprises a neck portion defining an opening, in which said plug member comprises retention means adapted to secure said plug member in said opening, and in which said neck portion of the fluid container comprises said first outer annular wall.
10. 10. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 9 in which said retention means comprises a plurality of resilient radial fins provided on an outer surface of said plug member.
11. 11. A fluid line connector as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10 in which a second seal member is carried on said first outer annular wall, and in which in said fully engaged position of the releasable connection means a fluid seal is made by said second seal member between said first outer annular wall and said second outer annular wall.
12. 12. A fluid line connector as claimed in any of claims ito 11 in which the first part comprises a first shaped profile, and in which the second part comprises a corresponding second shaped profile adapted to interface with the first shaped profile in the fully engaged position of the releasable connection means.
13. 13. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 12 in which the first part comprises an annular boss, in which said first shaped profile comprises one or more radial extensions formed on an outer surface of said annular boss, in which the second part comprises an annular cover, in which said second shaped profile comprises one or more corresponding radial indents on an inner surface of said annular cover, and in which said annular cover is fitted to said annular boss in the fully engaged position of the releasable connection means.
14. 14. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 9 in which the plug member comprises a inner venting aperture formed in an underside thereof, which inner venting aperture is in fluid communication with an interior of said container, in which the plug member further comprises a resilient seal which overlies said underside and which is movable between a closed position and an open position of the inner venting aperture, in which the second part comprises a pin which is positioned thereon such that in a fully engaged position of the releasable connection means the pin intersects said inner venting aperture and moves said resilient seal into said open position of said inner venting aperture, and in which said second part comprises an outer venting aperture formed in a surface thereof, which outer venting aperture is in fluid communication with said inner venting aperture.
15. 15. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 2 in which a first spout fitting extends outwardly from said source inlet, and in which a second spout fitting extends outwardly from said supply outlet.
16. 16. A fluid line connector substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows: Claims 1. A fluid line connector comprising a first part and a second part which are releasably connectable together, in which the first part comprises a first fluid passageway with a source inlet at a first end thereof and an outlet at a second end thereof, which outlet is controlled by a first stop valve moveable between a closed position and an open position of the outlet, in which said first stop valve comprises a first body portion housed in said first fluid passageway, in which a first spring is mounted between said first body portion and said first end of the first fluid passageway which biases said first body portion into a fully advanced position in which it abuts against said second end of the first fluid passageway, in which the first fluid passageway comprises a first ledge, in which said first body portion comprises one or more first legs, in which said one or more first legs abut against said first ledge in a fully retracted position of the first stop valve, in which the first stop valve comprises a first operative surface proud of said outlet, depression of which moves said first stop valve into said open position, in which the second part comprises an inlet at a first end thereof and a supply outlet at a second end thereof, in which said inlet is controlled by a second stop valve moveable between a closed position and an open position of the inlet, in which said second stop valve comprises a second body portion housed in said second fluid passageway, in which a second spring is mounted between said second body portion and said second end of the second fluid passageway which biases said second body portion into a fully advanced position in which it abuts against said first end of the second fluid passageway, in which the second fluid passageway comprises a second ledge, in which said second body portion comprises one or * more second legs, in which said one or more second legs abut against said second ledge in a fully retracted position of the second stop valve, in which the second stop valve comprises a second operative surface proud of said inlet, depression of which moves said second stop valve into said open position, in which the first part and the second part comprise first and second portions respectively of a releasable connection means, the engagement of which forces the first operative surface and the second operative surface to act against each other such that they move to said open positions of the outlet and the inlet, and in which the first and second portions of the releasable connection means are positioned on the first part and the second part respectively such that in a fully engaged position of the releasable connection means the first part and the second part are disposed in a connected relationship in which the first stop valve and the second stop valve are placed in their fully retracted positions.2. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 1 in which the first stop valve comprises a first neck portion which carries said first operative surface, in which said first neck portion comprises a plurality of first vanes which extend radially to a rim of said outlet, in which the second stop valve comprises a second neck portion which carries said second operative surface, and in which said second neck portion comprises a plurality of second vanes which extend radially to a rim of said inlet.3. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim I or 2 in which the first part comprises a first annular wall surrounding said outlet, in which the second part comprises a second annular wall surrounding said inlet, which second annular wall has a smaller radius than said first annular wall, in which said first annular wall and said second annular wall are positioned on the first part and the second part respectively such that in said fully engaged position of the releasable connection means the second annular wall is disposed radially inside said first annular wall, and in which a first seal means is disposed between said first annular wall and said second annular wall.U * .S * 5 C' 55 * S S *555 * -* *S aS -SS4. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 3 when dependent on claim 2 in which the first neck portion and the second neck portion are sized such that the first stop valve and the second stop valve are only moved to said open positions of the outlet and the inlet at a partially engaged position of the releasable connection means at which a fluid seal is made by said first seal member, or is about to be made.5. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 4 in which the first part comprises an inner annular wall surrounding the outlet, which has a smaller radius than said first annular wall, in which said second annular wall comprises an annular socket with substantially the same radius as the inner annular wall, in which said inner annular wall and said annular socket are positioned on the first part and the second part respectively such that in said fully engaged position of the releasable connection means the inner annular wall is disposed inside said annular socket.6. A fluid line connector as claimed in any of claims I to 5 in which the first portion of the releasable connection means comprises a first outer annular wall comprising a first screw thread on an outer surface thereof, in which the second portion of the releasable connection means comprises a second outer annular wall comprising a second screw thread on an inner surface thereof adapted to co-operate with said first screw thread. S *::". 7. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 6 in which the first part comprises a plug member and a fluid container, in which said fluid container comprises a neck portion defining an opening, in which said plug member comprises retention means adapted to secure said plug member in said opening, and in which said neck portion * ° of the fluid container comprises said first outer annular wall.8. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 7 in which said retention means comprises a plurality of resilient radial fins provided on an outer surface of said plug member.9. A fluid line connector as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8 in which a second seal member is carried on said first outer annular wall, and in which in said fully engaged position of the releasable connection means a fluid seal is made by said second seal member between said first outer annular wall and said second outer annular wall.10. A fluid line connector as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9 in which the first part comprises a first shaped profile, and in which the second part comprises a corresponding second shaped profile adapted to interface with the first shaped profile in the fully engaged position of the releasable connection means.11. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 10 in which the first part comprises an annular boss, in which said first shaped profile comprises one or more radial extensions formed on an outer surface of said annular boss, in which the second part comprises an annular cover, in which said second shaped profile comprises one or more corresponding radial indents on an inner surface of said annular cover, and in which said annular cover is filled to said annular boss in the fully engaged position of the releasable connection means.12. A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 7 in which the plug member comprises a inner venting aperture formed in an underside thereof, which inner * venting aperture is in fluid communication with an interior of said container, in which :.:::. the plug member further comprises a resilient seal which overlies said underside and which is movable between a closed position and an open position of the inner venting aperture, in which the second part comprises a pin which is positioned thereon such that in a fully engaged position of the releasable connection means the * pin intersects said inner venting aperture and moves said resilient seal into said open position of said inner venting aperture, and in which said second part comprises an outer venting aperture formed in a surface thereof, which outer venting aperture is in fluid communication with said inner venting aperture.13-A fluid line connector as claimed in claim 1 in which a first spout fitting extends outwardly from said source inlet, and in which a second spout filling extends outwardly from said supply outlet.14. A fluid line connector substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings. * * S * S ***eeS* * S * S. * S S S...S * S * *55 *S S * . . S 55