US2266827A - Dispensing container for filling grease guns and the like - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 23, 1941. E. P. SUNDHOLM 2,266,827

DISPENSING CONTAINER FOR FILLING GREASE GUNS AND THE LIKE I Original Filed Oct. 21, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

Dec. 23, 1941. E, P 'UNDHQLM 2,266,827

DISPENSING CONTAINER FOR FILLING GREASE GUNS AND THE LIKE Original Filed 001;. 21, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

.E'cZwn Ps'wumozm PatentedDec. 23, 1941 UNITEIS STATES PATENT "OFFICE aze'sszz msrmvsmc oon'raman non FILLING amass cons AND 'rnr; 1.11m

Edwin P. Snndholm, Albert City, Iowa Original application October 21, 1938, Serial No.

Divided and this application February 17, 1940, Serial No. 319,386

. 9 Claims.

an original vendable-package unit for more or less viscous fluids such as the various grades for the ultimate distribution and dispensing-oi greases or other viscous fluids, without the necessity of ladling out or otherwise first removing the grease from the vendable dispensing-com tainer by extraneous means; the tubular 'reservoir or so-called barrel of the conventionalgrease-gun or like applicator or ultimate dispenser being used directly for withdrawing the rease or other viscous-fluid content of the dispensing-container of the present invention pref- I erably by means of suction created within such conventional barrel, which suction servesto eflect or to stimulate or accentuatehzhe flow of the viscous-fluid content of the dispensing-container of the present invention.

One of the difllculties long experienced in filling grease-guns with grease from original containers, such as drums or buckets, is that the lid of such grease-drum or grease-bucket must first be removed in order to gain access to the grease,

and the'lid is frequently not replaced on the drum or bucket and often cannot be replaced so as to exclude dirt, because in-prying the lid off the drum the rim of the lid is often ed and distorted. These grease-drums or grease buckets are used in garages, farms and places where all kinds of foreign matter, such as leaves, dirt, grit and dirty water frequently get into the drum or bucket and on top of the grease. One

customary way of fllling grease-guns has beento ladle or scoop out the grease with a paddle of wood or the like and then ladle it into the greasegun barrel .with a similar manual operation; while another customary way of filling grease- 811118 has been to submerge the end of the cylindrical grease-reservoir or so-called barrel of the grease-gun into the drum or bucket of grease and then to pull the rod or handle of the grease- 2 (01. 22147.5) The present invention relates to a gun-filling dispensing-container which may also be used asgun follower-piston back so as to suck the grease intothe grease-gun barrel as, for instance, the barrels of the grease-guns of Patents ,Nos.

1,377,023; 2,024,097; 2,124,077; 1,587,597; 1,692, 5 423; 1,696,606; 1,619,126; 1,894,274; 1,926,398 and 1,981,495. This type of operation may have the dual eflject of carrying dirt into the grease-drum or grease-bucket and also of getting the greasegun reservoir or barrel" smeared with grease on the outside.

- One of the objects of the present invention is to eliminate the above noted objections by providing an original vendable grease-dispensing container on which the lid may be left substantially intact,

without ever disturbing the same, so that no foreign matter can get into the grease and so that only fresh and clean grease can be furnished to the grease-gun; and so that the grease-gun itseli may not become fouled or rendered inoperative by dirty and grit-contaminated grease.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a grease or fluid dispensing container which may be used as the original container or package in which the grease or the like is shipped and sold, and which may also serve as an intermediate container into which the grease or the like is placed from the original package, and which container (of my present invention) is so arranged that the grease or the like may be covered at all times so as to keep it clean, and

that it may be withdrawn from time totime in [relatively smaller quantities directly into the l reservoir portion or barrel of the conventional grease-gun or the like without the necessity of separately handling the grease or other fluid.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing container of the character stated, having a high useful or efiective fluidbearing capacity in proportion to its size, and

40 from which substantially all the fluid-contents thereof may be completely removed without substantial waste.

A further object of the present inventionis to provide a dispensing container of the character stated having novel venting means in its lid portion for admitting solely air into the container as the fluid contents thereof are depleted, said venting means being so constructed and are j ranged that rain water, dirt and the like will not pass theret-hrough into the container.

' A further object of the present invention is to provide dispensing containers of the aforesaid character adapted to be securely stacked in vertical rows, and without denting or injuring any of their component portions.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing container of the character stated having a new and improved follower-plate therein, said plate being-releasably secured by novel means to the lid of said container during transportation and storage, and being adapted, when released, to rest on the top surface of the fluid in said container and to. ride downwardly therewith through the body of said container as the fluid contents are withdrawn.

capacity a diameter of ten inches and a height Other objects will appear more fully from the following detailed description, accompanying drawings and appended claims.

' The present invention contemplates certain novel features and details of constructionand arrangement of parts affording the foregoing and other advantages, said features and details and arrangements being illustratively set forth hereinafter. 1

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the accompanying drawings forms thereof which are at present preferred, since the same have been found in practice to give satisfactory and reliable results, although it is to be understood that the various instrumentalities of'which the invention consists can be variously arranged and organized and that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and organization of the instrumentalities as herein shown and described.

Referring to the drawings in which like referaaeaear h barrel by a suitable piston-rod or pull rod or chain as to suck said gun barrel full of grease.

The fluid-dispensing container of the present invention includes a generally cylindrical body 5 of suitable diameter and height to provide'th'e desired volumetric capacity, and a bottom 6 having an opening I preferably centrally thereof. For instance, for an effective twenty-five pound of twelve inches is suitable, and so on.

The entire container may be formed of sheet metal, preferably suitable sheet-steel similar to that used for steel drums, and of a suitable gauge according to the size of the container. The thickne'sses shown in the drawings are exag'gertecl for purposes of more ready illustration. Other thin form-retaining sheet materials may be used.

The bottom 6 is preferably formed with a flange 8 of suitable depth to clear the lateral conduit 9 and gun receiving socket l8 which will be described more fully hereinafter, thus forming a downwardly cupped member or inverted cupshaped member. The flange 8 of the inverted cup-like bottom is of an external diameter such as to telescope into the lower end of the cylindrical body 5 and is preferably drawn from the same sheet of metal asthat of which the bottom 6 is formed, as for instance, by being drawn in .a die on a suitable press, or by any other suitable drawing or forming operation. The flange 8 may then be turned and folded and crimped or double-seamed along with the lower peripheral Figure 4 represents another modified form of grease-dispensing device embodying the present invention, including an outwardly flared upper zone on the cylindrical body of the grease-dispensing container and showing a modified form of follower plate.

Figure 5 represents a top plan view of a follower plate of a modified form f construction.

Figure 6 represents a side elevational view of the same.

Figure 7 represents a top plan view of a follower plate of still another modified form ofconstruction. A

Figure 8 represents a 'side velevational view of l the same. The fluid-dispensing container of the present invention is suitable for use in filling the small portable type grease-guns exemplified in United,

States Patents Nos. 1,377,023; 2,024,097; 2,124,077; 1,587,597; 1,692,423; 1,696,606; 1,619,126; 1,894,-

- 274; 1,926,398 and 1,981,495, in whlchthe generally cylindrical fluid-reservoir br so-called bar rel has within it a follower-piston and in which said cylindrical fluid-reservoir or barrel may be refilled from time to. time by unscrewing or otherwise detaching from-it the pump portion of the grease-gun (which is sometimes referred to as the head or'high-pressure head of the grease-gun) and then submerging the thus opened end or free end of the barrel of the "grease-gun into a supply of grease and then manually withdrawing the follower-piston in said gun edge of the cylindrical body 5, to form a crimped and interlapping bead-like seam or doubleseam II with the lower peripheral edge of the cylindrical body 5, which seam thus unites the" flange 8-with the corresponding lower portion of the cylindrical body 5, and which, at the same time, secures the bottom 8 permanently in place in fluid-sealed relation to the body 5. The bottom 6 may also be held in place-,in a raised position by other means, as for instance, by welding it in place to the side-wall of the body 5 or by forming an outwardly pressed slight annular or peripheral groove in the body 5 at a suitable height above the lower extremity thereof into which the outer' marginal portion of the bottom 8 may extend, to be held in place thereby. Likewise, the bottom 6 may have but'a short downwardly extending flange which may be spotwelded to the side of the body 5.

The generally upright body 5 need not necessarily be cylindrical in shape or circular in horizontal cross-section, but may'also be polygonal in horizontal cross-section, although the generally i cylindrical form is preferable.

The portion of the body 5 which is below the bottom 6 need not be continuous in its circumference, but may be cut out in parts to form a discontinuous lower extremity. Thus, for instance, three, four or more portions of the body 5 may be left projecting below the bottom 8 for the purpose of spacing the bottom 6 at a suitable distance above the lower, extremity of the body. 1

The transverse conduit 9 may be formed by welding,spot-welding or otherwise securing itto the under-surface of the bottom 6, in communication with the opening Ttherein, so as to form a continuous but enclosed passageway communieating with the interior of the container through the opening 1 and extending to the flange 8 of the bottom. Openings I 2 and I3 may be extended through the flange 8 and through the cylindrical body 5 of the container in registration or general alignment with the cross-section of the conduit .9, so as to form a passageway in continuation thereof. To the outside surface of the cylindrical body 5 of the container, the gun-receiving socket I is secured also having a simigenerally cylindrical flange it which is adapted telescopically to receive (-either internally or externally) the suctional end of a suction-filling barrel of an ultimate fluid-dispenser, and may be internally screw-threaded as indicated at I6, to receive the externally screw-threaded ends ll of the cylindrical reservoirs or barrels I8 of conventional grease-guns or the like, or may be externally threaded or may be provided with bayonet catch.

Within the cylindrical body of the dispensingcontainer of the present invention, a. freely float ing piston-like follower plate I9 is provided in operative relation to the interior diameter of said cylindrical body 5. The follower may be provided with an upturned flange 2d of suitable axial depth to afford some (more or less) guidance to the follower l9 so as to tend to prevent angularity or cocking.

By making the upturned flange 20 comparatively slight, or by fitting the follower IS in the cylindrical body 5 with a substantial clearance, or by both, the free-floating follower-plate l9 can be given full freedom for tilting or cocking. By so arranging thefollowerplate in relation to the cylindrical body or reservoir 5, as to permit free cocking or tilting, the follower-plate may tilt to a suitable extent as it rests and floats on top of the body of grease, so that if the container or reservoirwall 5 should become dented in shipping or handling, or in storage or in actual use, any slight dent will not jam the follower-plate and will not prevent the follower-plate from traveling down to the bottom of the container. Thus, when onepart of the periphery of the follower-plate is obstructed or engaged by an inward dent in the reservoir wall, the part of the follower-plate which is' so engaged is held in place temporarily by the dent in the wall, while the diametrically opposite part of the plate follows down with the grease body; which grease body thereby temporarily acquires a slanting upper surface. This tilting of the follower-plate, and the corresponding inclination-of the upper surface of the grease continuesas the body of grease is gradually exhausted or withdrawn, until the minor axis, of

lower out of the container if it is desired to reilll the container after it hasbeen completely exhausted. A lid 22 either fitting loosely over, or more or less 'frictionally telescoped into the top or over the top of the body 5 is also preferably provided for generally excluding dirt and water from with- I in the container. The lid 22 may also be crimped or otherwise affixed to the upper end of the cylin- -drical body 5. The lid 22 is preferably provided with-a screw-threaded vent hole into which a screw 24 may be threaded. The lid 22-may also be provided with a central raised portion 23 which is pressed out of the sheet-metal of the lid and in which the vent hole is placed for receiving the screw 24. By'removing or partly raising the screw 24, a vent is provided at the top through which air may enter at the top of the container as grease is withdrawn" from the bottom of the container, so as always to maintain normal atmospheric pressure within the container. The upper periphery of the body 5 may also be suitably beaded or flared as indicated at 25, thereby to reinforce or stiffen the upper periphery of the container.,

By raising the central portion of the lid 23, any

rain or water which may tend to collect on the top of the lid 22 is diverted from the vent opening in the top of the container so as to be excluded from the interior of the container.

If desired, the transverse bottom conduit may be formed by pressing a suitable channel-shaped depression out of the bottom 8 of the device, but integrally therewith, and then superimposing a flat plate over said depression and spot-welding, fusing, soldering or otherwise securing it to the bottom 6 along the marginal zone around the depression, as for example in the manner shown in Figures 4, 5, 'I and 8 of parent application Serial No. 236,281. r

the (then elliptical) verticalprojection of the thus inclined follower-plate becomes less than the horizontal diametral distance across the con- Radial reinforcing ribs 2| may be pressed into thefollower [9 so as to stiffen the follower plate IS. The ribs 2| are preferably decreased in height from the center towards the peripheryv as indicated in Figure 1. Three, four or more such radial ribs-may be provided; four being indicated in the drawing of Figure 1. Any suitable (conventional) handle may also be provid;

The transverse cross-sectional or effective area of the conduit 9 is substantially less than the cross-sectional area of the gunreceiving portions of the socket Ill and is preferably of a relatively shallow cross-sectional contour. The reduced cross-sectional area and the length of the conduit t, aiiord suitable resistance to the flow of fluid, so as to prevent freeflow, or to slow down or retard the flow of grease or other fluid when the barrel i8 is removed from the gun-receiving socket It. This resistance to flow will either eliminate all free flow or will minimize it to such an extent as to permit the leisurely in- =sertion of a closure plug into the gun-receiving socket it after the gun barrel It has been removed, without any undue drippage or loss ofgrease. Thus, by reducing the cross-sectional area of the conduit 8 substantially below the cross-sectional area of the gun-receiving portion of the socket, and indeed substantially below one-half of the cross-sectional area of thesocket, resistance is. interposed to the free flow of the normally viscous grease. This reduction in cross-sectional area may then further be aug-. mentedand accentuated by'the length of the,

conduit. By also making the passageways or conduits 9 generally flat or of generally noncircular cross-section, and preferably asymmetric with respect to the gun-receiving socket, as indicated in Figure 3, the surface friction exerted upon the grease in the passageway! is further increased above that afforded by a passageway ofcircularcross-sectional area because the surface presented to the grease (per unit of length ed on the follower It for readily raising the fol- I traversed by a given volume of grease) is thereby increased above that presented by a passageway of circular cross-section.

By the foregoing means, resisting the free flow of grease, some of the types and kinds of greases generally and widely used can be effectively controlled in the manner hereinabove indicated, under normal climatic conditions, without resorting to more positive shut-off means as, for.

example, those illustrated and described in Figures 8, 9 and 10 of parent applicationSerial No.

The socket l may either be of cast metal or it may .be pressed sheet-metal, formed by customary and suitable stamping or die-forming operations. Any of the sockets in may be turned upwardly at any suitable angle so that the cylindrical grease reservoir or barrel l8 of the conventional grease-gun may be applied thereto more conveniently by the operator, particularly in the case where the dispensing device of the present invention may be of a large size which would normally stand on the floor, although this upturned socket may also be used on smaller devices embodying the present invention.

In Figure 4, a modified form of construction is shown wherein a small top portion of the cylindrical body is flared outwardly slightly as at 48, in the form of a truncated cone, but preferably only at a very slight angle as generally indicated. a

The follower plate I9 may be secured to the lid 22 by means of the screw 24 in the manner 4 indicated in Figure 4. Thus, in this phase of the present invention, the raised portion 23 of the lid 22 may be offset in respect to the center of the lid. The follower l9 may be provided with a similar raised portion 49 either centrally, or offset as in Figure 4; which may be provided with a screw-threaded opening into which the end of the screw 24 may be threaded for holding the follower tightly against the lid 22 while in transit or storage. may be frictionally pressed into the raised portion 49 of the follower piston I9, so as to close the space and to prevent venting through the screw-threaded opening therein and so as also to produce a generally continuous flat bottom for the follower piston i9.

By the means hereinabove last described and shown in the accompanying drawing hereinabove referred. to, the follower plate I9 may be held tightly against the friction top or lid 22, during shipment or storage of the can or drum of V grease, so that if the drumis laid on its side or turned upside down, the grease will not get behind the follower-plate or piston 19. When it is desired to use the drum of grease, it is merely necessary to set up the drum of grease in vertical position with its top up, as in Figure 4-, and to unscrew the screw 24, so as to drop the follower piston or plate l9 .onto the top surface 5| of the grease. The containeris not filled entirely with -grease but an empty space is left at the top from comes vented through the opening through whizh the screw 24 passes. (that is, just as soon 24 and then repeatedly applying the suctional reservoir portion or barrel of the grease-gun or the like to the socket [0 thereof.

By reason of the outward flaring at 48, the grease-dispensing device of this embodiment of the present invention may also be stacked in vertical groups, that is, one on top of the other, because the bottom of one will fit into the top of the one beneath it. By reason of the fact that the raised portion 23 is offset from the center, it will not interfere with the 'downwardly extending conduit 9 at the bottom of the drum above it.

I may also provide a bushing as, for example, that shown in Figure 4, for adapting a socket ID of one predetermined size, to anyone of a variety of different sizes of grease-gun barrels or the like.

In Figures 5 and 6, a modified form of follower piston construction is shown, wherein the up turned flange portion 52, which corresponds to the flange 20 hereinabove described, is notched sheet metal, th portions 52 will be slightly resil- A small flanged disc ient in a radial direction.

In Figures 7 and 8, a modified form of construction is shown in which still thinner leafspring portions 54 are either spot-welded or riveted to the disc I9 for the same purpose. By spacing the members 54 more or less closely and uniformly around the circumference, and making them out of sufliciently thin spring metal, in relation to the comparatively thicker metal of the disc IS, a contact may be maintained with the cylindrical side wall 5 of the grease drum even though the grease drum may occasionally be slightly dented and at the same time the grease is wiped down the sides of the grease drum as the follower plate passes down as the rease is emptied.

The forms of construction last above described also help to prevent the follower plate or piston from sinking down into the grease when standing idly, as the portions 52 and 58 will contact the edge of the cylindrical container 5 and will tend to prevent the grease from working up around the edges.

The modified form of construction shown in Figures 5 to 8 inclusive, while especially useful in the device shown in Figures 1 and 4, may also be incorporated in follower plates or follower pistons of the type shown in United States Patents Nos. 1,981,495 and 2,083,590.

By reason of its relatively loose fit or by reason of the resiliency of the members 52 and 54, and by reason of the relatively small axial dimension of the flanges 20, 52 or 54 thereof, the follower plate or piston l9 may pass any slight dents in the side-wall 5 of the grease-dispensing device by tilting or angling until it has passed the dent. Thus, as the side-walls of drums of grease are sometimes slightly dented during shipping or while being handled in storage or while i n use, such indentations tend to interfere with the passage of the follower piston or plate [9. This in- 9,266,827 terferelice is avoided (within limitsof denting) by the aforesaid tilting of 'the plate l9.

By reason of the attachment or securement of the socket I!) to the outer surface or wall of the sheet-metal body 5, as, for instance, by spot welding thereto, a firm support is given to the gun-receiving socket on the outside of the containerbody and extending outwardly from the side wall thereof, without any obstruction on the inside of the container tending to interfere with the full travel of the follower plate 18 to the bottom 6. Thus, the follower plate l9 may pass downwardly below the level of the uppermost point of the socket without being interfered by such socket or by its supporting means.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiments be considered in all respects -as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being had to the append-- neath said lid initially held against the inner side of said lid by fastening means capable of being detached from without the apparatus.

2. Dispensing apparatus comprising a container having a top and having an outlet passageway near the bottom thereof, a socket operatively' connected with said outlet passageway, a slidable follower in said container, an elevated vent projection on the top of said container and a fasrelatively thin sheet-material and having an upturned marginal portion adapted for direct contact with the side wall of the dispensing container, and means for holding said follower plate adjacent the top of said container while the container is in storage or in transit prior to use including an upwardly-projecting portion on the upper side of said follower plate having a hole extending therethrough, said hole being adapted screw-threadedly to receive a screw-member carried by the top of said container, said follower plate being generally continuous in the zone underlying said upwardly-projecting portion whereby said screw-member may be withdrawn from said hole to-release said follower plate without leaving said hole exposed to the fluid contents of said container.

'6. In dispensing containers having a generally upright body of generally uniform inside diameter throughout the major portion of its extent and having its upper portion flared outwardly tening element extending through said elevated vent projection and detachably connected to said follower for holding the latter adjacent to and generally parallel with said top while, the container is in storage or transit prior to use.

3. A dispensing apparatus comprising a generally upright body of generally uniform horizontal cross-section throughout the major portion of its extent, a bottom associated with the lower end portion of said body, a lid associated with the upper end of said body, a generally imperforate follower beneath said lid bearing an upwardly-extending portion extending through the main plane of said lid, and screw-means operable from without the apparatus operatively engaged with said upwardly-extending portion and releasably securing said follower to said lid.

4. A dispensing apparatus comprising a container having a top and having an outlet passageway near the bottom thereof, a socket operatively connected with said outlet passageway, a slidable follower in said container, an elevated projection on the top of said container bearing .a circular'follower inside-said containerv having upturned marginal guide means projecting beyond the diameter. of the. rest of said follower and adapted for direct contact with the inner wall of said body, and releasable means initially holding said follower within the zone. of the outwardly flared portion of said body, said marginal guide means serving to center the follower within the body portionof uniform inside diameter when said follower is permitted to descend;

7. A dispensing apparatus comprising a generally upright body having an outwardly flared upper portion, a cover over said flared upper por-l tion, and a follower adapted to slide axially through said body, said follower being initially disposed within the zone of the outwardly flared portion of said body and held against the underside of said lid by means releasable from without. 1

a. A fluid-dispensing device suitable for filling grease-guns and the like and suitable for use as an original, vendable, merchandizing package a vent opening, an upwardly-extending portion I associated with said follower extending upwardly into-the space inside said elevated projection, and fastening means extending through said vent opening and detachably connected to said upwardly-extending portion for holding said followor against movement inside the container while the latter is instorage or in transit prior to use.

5. A follower plate for fluid-dispensing con- 15 unit for containing more or less viscous greases and like fluids in transit and storage and for thereafter dispensing the same, including a generally upright body whose transverse dimension is substantially greater than one-half the body height, formed of relatively thin sheet-metal and having a relatively thin sheet-metal top and bottom portions, respectively, associated with the upper and lower end portions of said body, the bottom portion being permanently crimped to the body, a generally imperforate loose-fitting follower immediately beneath said top portion, formed of relatively thin sheet material and bearing an upwardly-extending portion extending towards the adjacent top portion, said upwardlyextending portion bearing a screw-threaded hole, a. screw extending downwardlythrough said top portion in registration with the aforesaid screw threaded hole, said screw being releasably engaged with said screw-threaded hole thereby releasably securing said follower against the movement inside said body, a gun-receiving socket carried by said body in communication with the interior thereof ;-said follower being adapted to -.be released by said screw on to the top of the body of more or less viscous fluid in'said device when the device is to be used and said follower being adapted 'to be moved downwardly on top of the body of fluid solely by the lowering of the level of the fluid as the same is withdrawn through said gun-receiving socket.

tainers comprising a circular disc formed from 9. A fluid-dispensing device suitable for filling grease-guns and the like and suitable for use as an original, vendable, merchandizing package unit for containing more or less viscous greases and like fluids in transit and storage and for thereafter dispensing the same, including a gen erally upright thin sheet-metal body having a generally flat, thin sheet-metal top and a gen-.

erally thin sheet-metal bottom, a. gun-receiving socket connected with said body and communicating with its interior, an axial protuberance of relatively limited area pressed out of said sheet-metal top, a vent opening in said top within said axial protuberance, a relatively thin loosefitting follower plate within said body and hav- 15 ing a projection thereon having a screw-threaded hole therein, a screw extending through said vent opening in said top and threadedly engaging in said screw-threaded hole to hold the follower to said top while the device is in transit and in

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