US3643691A

US3643691A - Valved head assembly for pressurized receptacles

Info

Publication number: US3643691A
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles K Huthsing Jr
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-02-03
Filing date: 1969-02-03
Publication date: 1972-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 1989-02-22

Abstract

A fire extinguisher head assembly includes a core, a syphon tube seated in said core, a spring biasing a valve construction upwardly into engagement with a valve seat on a retaining bushing that is screwed into the core to clamp the syphon tube in place. An independent handle and valve-operating assembly may be attached to said retaining bushing with a quick-release coupling. Said operating assembly includes a body portion having a collar that fits about a retaining bushing, a handle means, an actuator pin connected therewith, a discharge rod extending through a vertical passage from the valve construction to a pivoted operating lever means whereby upon depression of the rod by the operating lever the valve is unseated and allows discharge of the receptacle contents through the vertical passageway and intersecting generally horizontal passageway. An alternate operating means includes a cam pivotable by a sliding trigger to depress the actuator pin.

Description

United States Patent Huthsing, Jr.

[54] VALVED HEAD ASSEMBLY FOR PRESSURIZED RECEPTACLES [72] Inventor: Charles K. Huthsing, In, Old School Road, Libertyville, Ill. 60048 [22] Filed: Feb. 3, 1969 [21] Appl. No.: 796,091

[ 1 Feb. 22, 1972 Fleming et al. ..l69/3l Blackman .L 169/31 [57] ABSTRACT A fire extinguisher head assembly includes a core, a syphon tube seated in said core, a spring biasing a valve construction upwardly into engagement with a valve seat on a retaining bushing that is screwed into the core to clamp the syphon tube in place. An independent handle and valve-operating assembly may be attached to said retaining bushing with a quickrelease coupling. Said operating assembly includes a body portion having a collar that fits about a retaining bushing, a handle means, an actuator pin connected therewith, a discharge rod extending through a vertical passage from the valve construction to a pivoted operating lever means whereby upon depression of the rod by the operating lever the valve is unseated and allows discharge of the receptacle contents through the vertical passageway and intersecting generally horizontal passageway. An alternate operating means includes a cam pivotable by a sliding trigger to depress the actuator pin.

12 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures VALVED HEAD ASSEMBLY FOR PRESSURIZED RECEPTACLES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention generally relates to pressure receptacle closures which permit controlled dispensing and more particularly it concerns a fire extinguisher head assembly adapted to refillable fluid or powder fire extinguishers.

2. Prior Art There are present in the prior art many receptacle closures and receptacle dispensing devices designed to operate with fluids or free-flowing powders. None of these have been found to adequately provide economical, trouble-free construction that allows convenient manufacture, handling, maintenance and recharging. v

Thus, for example, the problem of powder collecting between the valve seat and seal to cause leakers is considered in US. Pat. 2,904,305. The solution given there however, requires an expensive close tolerance seal and no apparent recognition is given of the other construction and handling factors.

The filling and recharging of containers constructed in accordance with the prior art also involves many problems such as restricted access to the receptacle caused by complicated head assemblies that usually require a great deal of manipulation to assemble and disassemble. Although detachable head assemblies are known as set out in US. Pat. 2,694,456, they are complex, expensive and not suitable to a receptacle containing its own valve construction. Moreover, none contemplate simple production or maintenance pressure verification.

The design of prior art receptacles and head assemblies has required, for example, expensive aluminum forgings, machining operations performed on crude and imperfectly formed receptacle necks, the use of many various size drilling operations and countless other relatively expensive manufacturing steps. Furthermore, the resulting tall high-neck containers such as set out in US. Pat. 3,204,698 may create handling problems whereby special constructions are required to dispense the contents at a level near the bottom of the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To overcome the problems of the prior art, the present invention sets forth an inexpensive structure of readily detachable components which may be made by screw machine or of thin-walled plastic.

There is thus set out in the present invention a new and improved head assembly which includes a screw-machined core or collar permanently attached to a suitable receptacle. An opening through the core provides a passageway to the interior of the receptacle. The opening has a liplike bearing surface at its inner end and is provided with suitable attachment means such as threads above this lip or bearing surface. The opening or mouth is relatively wide, facilitating access to the receptacle interior.

A tubular syphon tube having a generally radially projecting flange about its upper end drops in through the core opening to rest with its flange on the core lip or bearing surface. The syphon tube extends into the container to a point just above the bottom. A crimp in the syphon tube below its upper end provides a seat for the resilient coil spring which has an outer dimension generally conforming to the inner dimension of the syphon tube. In position the spring abuts the syphon tube crimp with its lower end while its upper end supports a valve construction.

The upper end of the spring abuts a seal assembly comprising a central cylindrical portion with axially projecting flanges. The lower end of the cylindrical portion is received within the upper end of the spring. A resilient sealing means on the upper end of the cylindrical portion of the valve assembly abuts a valve seat on the retainer bushing that threadedly engages the core. ln position. the retaining bushing clamps the syphon tube flange against the bearing surface to secure the syphon tube firmly in place. The retaining bushing has a central opening therethrough which opening has a lower restricted portion that is beveled on its inwardly facing end. This bevel is designed to provide a seat for the seal of the valve construction.

An outwardly projecting flange means at the upper end of the retaining bushing provides a means for attachment of an integral handle and valve-operating assembly. vThis handle and valve-operating assembly comprises a tubular portion extending into the opening of the retaining bushing and a collar overlying and extending below the flange of the retaining bushing. Two pairs of spaced holes through the collar at a position just outside the diameter of the retaining bushing and below the outwardly projecting flange means allow a U-shaped pin to extend through the holes thereby retaining the handle and discharge assembly in sealing engagement with the retaining bushing. A vertical passageway extends through said handle and valve-opening assembly and there is received therein a valve actuator rod which is of a length to extend from the top of the valve construction to a point where it may be engaged by a pivotal portion of the handle assembly. A seal means on the actuator rod closes the upper portion of the vertical passageway and an intersecting generally horizontal passageway provides the final discharge opening through the handle and valve-operating assembly. A pressure gauge may be connected through the core to the interior of the receptacle by a second core passageway so that the pressure in the container may be readily observable.

From the foregoing it may be seen that the advantages to this construction are that a relatively large opening is provided for the rapid and convenient charging and recharging of the receptacle. Assembly and disassembly is facilitated by the head assembly which is detachable upon removal of the U- shaped pin. The fact that the head is not important to the structural integrity of the charged container is significant in that the handle and discharge outlet may be made of lighter and less expensive construction such as a molded or thinwalled plastic for example.

Ready rechargeability is made possible by the fact that the handle and discharge assembly are easily removed by simply pulling out the U-pin and thereby leaving a clean, readily accessible opening. The gas-recharging apparatus may be attached to the retaining bushing in the same manner that the handle and valve operating assembly were held on. Thus, a workman may quickly attach the gas-charging source to the container and the gas may be charged very conveniently. After recharging, the container still has its clean outward appearance which again lends itself to rapid testing for leaks inasmuch as the testing apparatus may also be readily attached to the retaining bushing in perhaps the same manner as the handle and valve-actuating assembly. Upon completion of the recharging process a cylinder is provided which is easily shipped free of any breakable or bendable handle and valveoperating assembly. The handle and valve-operating assembly may be put on at the factory or at the point of destination and it is significant that the receptacle construction allows a choice. Thus, when the extinguisher is of a disposable type, one advantage of the present construction is that the handle assembly may be used on another cylinder or container which could be furnished by the factory.

With initial charging or upon recharging the components may be quickly assembled or disassembled. After powder is added to the receptacle through the large mouth opening in the core, the syphon tube can be easily dropped into the opening to extend downwardly into the powder. Exact alignment of the syphon tube is no problem. The spring is next dropped into the syphon tube, being caught on the erimps therein. The lower cylindrical portion of the valve construction allows its positioning on the spring at a point adjacent the opening in the core. At this point the valve construction is at a stable position above the area of possible contact with the powder. lt is at this point that the retaining bushing with its beveled valve seat is brought into contact with the seal on the upper end of the valve construction and screwed downwardly into the core. It has been found that it is important in the recharging of the receptacle that the valve seat and seal be kept completely free of any of the powder used in the container since the least little bit of powder will allow leakage of the charging gas. Considering that fire extinguishers many times may go for years without use, it is important to absolutely minimize and prevent all possible leaks, This area is critical and therefore this construction of the invention is significant if for no other reason than the fact that it will prevent the charged material from entering the seat and seal area. The feature which allows this result lines in the fact that when the retaining bushing is first started into the threads of the core it will have its seat bearing against the seal and thus will be kept in bearing and powder free engagement with the seat of the retaining collar until seal is actually in operative positive.

A further significant advantage of the present invention is that with the retaining bushing firmly in position it clamps the syphon tube in place and corrects any orientation thereof. An O-ring around the edge of the retaining bushing obviates any possible leakage through the threaded area.

With the receptacle charged with powder and sealed, there remains only the gas recharging as was set out above. The positioning of the handle and valve-operating assembly on the fully charged receptacle makes the device ready for use. The flexibility of the attachment of the handle and valve-operating assembly makes it possible to attach many different types of discharge and handle assemblies to a standard container. This of course has many production and inventory advantages. Moreover, it allows insertion of the receptacle into a system whereby for example the receptacles are connected in series or in parallel. The fact that the detachable handle and valveoperating assembly is not subject to the pressure of the container except at timesv of discharge allows a simpler and more economical construction thereof since its functions will be merely as a handle and discharge guide. The small number and simplicity of the components of the present invention also allow considerable manufacturing savings. Thus for example, the collar and retaining bushing may be screw machined instead of being aluminum forgings as were required in the past.

An alternate handle and valve-operating assembly provides a trigger-release-type discharge control that is simple and dependable. A slidable trigger assembly has a portion connected to the upper end of a forwardly pivoted cam that provides a mechanical advantage in depressing a valve-actuating rod to open the valve.

From the above summary of the invention it may be clearly seen that I have developed an economical, trouble-free head assembly construction that allows convenient manufacture, handling, maintenance and recharging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a completed head assembly and receptacle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an alternate handle and valve operating construction.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a completed alternate valve operating construction of FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The relatively few component elements of the invention and their interrelationships are apparent in the exploded view of FIG. 1. Thus it may be seen that a receptacle which may be a fire extinguisher shell or tank has a core or collar attached thereto. A pressure gauge 27 on the collar communicates with the receptacle.

A syphon tube is seated in the collar 20 and in turn sup: ports a resilient spring 40. One end of the spring is supported by crimps 35 in the tube and the outer end biases upwardly a valve structure 50 which seals one end of a vertical passageway through a retainer bushing 60. The bushing may be screwed into the threaded core 20 along with a seal 61 to form a pressure-type receptacle. In such sealed condition the receptacle may be conveniently handled and stored.

A handle and valve operating assembly is attached to the upper end of the retaining bushing 60 by quick-release means such as a U-shaped pin 98.

A detailed description of the various components is set out hereinafter with respect to the description of FIG. 2 where the components are shown in operative position in cross section.

The receptacle 10 may be of cylindrical configuration having one end closed by a bottom structure 11 and the other end formed into a semispherical shape with an opening I2 which will generally be circular. A core 20 has a lower end portion 20a projecting into the receptacle 10 in a short distance. The core 20 may have an abutment 21 of a slightly larger diameter than the lower portion resting on the receptacle 10 about the opening 12. The core may be attached to the receptacle by means such as threading, welding, swaging, abrading, etc, so long as a pressuretight and leak-free joint results.

A first passageway or opening 22 extends generally axially through the core 20 to provide a communication from the receptacle interior to the outside. A liplike structure 23 sur rounds the lower end of the opening 22 to provide a bearin g or seating surface 23a for the syphon tube 30. The upper end 20b of the core may have threads 24 or similar securing means for the retaining bushing 60. 1

A pressure gauge 27 shown rotated for purposes of illustration, is attached to the upper portion of the core 20b by threaded hole 29 and communicates to the interior of the receptacle through a second passageway 28. The hole 29 and passageway 28 may be right angularly related. It should be noted that the pressure gauge is attached to the upper portion of the core 20b and is very close to the top of the receptacle 10 so that a very low profile head assembly is provided. It is contemplated that other types of pressure gauges and pressure gauge connections may be provided to reduce even further the projection of the core above the receptacle.

An end portion which may be a peripheral flange 31 at the upper end of the syphon tube 30 is supported by the lip 23 and has its lower surface resting on the bearing surface 231:. The syphon tube 30 is of a length to extend axially through the container or receptacle to a point just above the bottom structure 11. At a position a short distance from the upper end of the syphon tube 30 two pairs of oppositely directed crimps 33 are provided in the syphon tube.

A coil spring 40 has an outside diameter generally conforming to the inside diameter of the syphon tube 30 but of a diameter greater than the tube diameter at the crimp portion 33. Although a coil spring provides a convenient resilient means through which the powder and gas from the interior of the receptacle 10 may pass during discharge, it is contemplated of course, that other equivalent resilient means such as for example, vertical leaf spring structures may be provided. In practice I have found it advantageous to have the spring diameter decrease adjacent the upper end 32 so that a convenient connection to the valve structure 50 may be effected. With the lower end 41 of the spring 40 bearing against the crimp 33 it is contemplated that the unrestrained length of the spring 40 will extend upwardly so that the upper end of the valve structure 50 is adjacent the upper end of the opening 22 and in fact may extend slightly above it.

The valve structure 50 includes a cylindrical body portion 51 having a resilient seal 52 at its upper end secured in place by a screw or similar attaching means 53. Two pairs of opposed radial, axially extending fins 54 position the valve structure in the syphon tube and yet allow passage of the discharge powder and gases. A protruding portion 55 of the valve body 51 is received within the small diameter of the upper end 42 of the spring 40 to provide a stable structure even when the spring 40 is fully extended. This construction is important to assure proper seating of the seal on the seat when the retaining bushing 60 is forcing the valve construction down to its final position. The material of the seal 52 may be a suitable material such as neoprene.

The retaining bushing 60 is made to conform in size to the diameter and depth of the passageway 22 in the collar so that when it is in final position its lower surface 61 will clamp the upper portion 31 of the syphon tube against the collar or core bearing surface 23a and its upper portion will project above the core. Threads 62 or other securing means coact with the threads or securing means 24, of the collar to provide a structurally sound construction.

A neck 64 having a flange means 65 at its upper end forms the upper portion of the retaining bushing 60. A central, axially extending bore 68 connects with another passageway 69 having an inwardly facing bevel 70 to provide a passageway to the receptacle interior. The inwardly facing bevel 70 provides a seat for the seal 52 and thereby controls the flow into and out of the receptacle 10. A notch 71 about the periphery of the lower end of the retaining bushing 60 accommodates an O-ring 72 whose function is to seal the retaining bushing against leakage through the threads. Likewise a notch 73 about the periphery of the passageway 68 accommodates an O-ring 74 whose function is to seal the discharge passageway at the connection of the handle and valve-operating assembly with the upper end of the retaining bushing.

Tool accommodating means 75 may be provided in the neck portion 64 of the retaining bushing and, as illustrated, may comprise spanner wrench holes. It is contemplated moreover that any convenient means for facilitating the attachment and detachment of the retaining bushing 60 may be provided. In the spanner wrench holes there is an advantage that protection against tampering will be provided because of the overlapping of the handle and valve-operating assembly.

To provide a low profile the diameter of the core 20 may have a greater width or diameter than its overall height and it may project into the container a portion of this height. Likewise the retaining bushing 60 may be of a diameter at least equal to one-half the diameter of the core. Placing the bearing surface 23a in the lowermost portion of the core passageway 22 and putting the crimp 33 in the syphon tube 30 below the core allows the valve seat surface 70, the valve structure 50, and the spring 40 to be within the tank, that is, not in the portion which projects above the semispherical outline of the tank.

It may be seen that the construction so far detailed is a very efficient design in terms of both cost and operation. The s'emispherical end construction of the receptacle 10 allows the use of uniform thickness metal in the construction of the receptacle while providing great strength advantages. Using a simple core that may be readily machined from inexpensive material before its convenient attachment to the receptacle allows many manufacturing economies. Secure attachment between the retaining bushing 60 and the relatively wide mouth opening 22 of the core 20 provides a structural integrity in a low profile that adequately resists any pressures to which the container is subjected.

The syphon tube 30 is held in place by at least two forces, both of which depend on the secure attachment of the retaining bushing 60 to the core 20. Thus the spring 40 will exert-an increasing force on the tube as the retainer bushing 60 is screwed into the opening 22 so that if there is any initial misalignment of the syphon tube 30 the increase in pressure exerted by the spring will tend to correct this by the time the lower end 61 clamps the flange 31 against the bearing surface 23a. Moreover, if alignment has not been corrected by the force of the spring the force of the retaining bushing 60 will make any final corrections to assure alignment.

As previously set out, charging of the gas into the receptacle 10 with the handle and valve-operating assembly removed is very simple and may be facilitated by the attachment of the gas-charging means in a manner similar to that which will be described for the handle and valve-operating assembly.

Likewise, capping of the receptacle for shipment may be effected with a simple cap that has a retaining means similar to that used for the handle and valve-operating assembly.

There is illustrated in FIG. 2 one embodiment of a handle and valve-operating assembly which may be used with the aforesaid receptacle and receptacle closure. In this embodiment the handle and valve-operating assembly includes a body portion 81 having a collar 82 which overlies, surrounds and extends below the retaining bushing flange 65. A pair of coaxial holes 83 through the collar82 (only one of which is shown in this cross-sectional view) cooperates with a similar pair of holes 84 on an opposite side of the collar to receive a retaining means 98 which may be a U-shaped pin such as shown in FIG. 1. With the retaining means 98 in position it may be seen that upward movement of the handle and valveoperating assembly 80 is prevented. If the neck 64 is round it may be possible to turn the handle assembly while if the neck is square or has flat portions all movement may be prevented. While it is shown and preferred to use a U-shaped pin-retaining means it is contemplated that other quick-release means may be used. Also, depending upon the design conditions, the handle and valve-operating assembly may be retained by threading, snapring, swaging, adhesive, etc.

The body portion 81 may include a tubular portion 85 which depends into the opening 68. A vertical passageway comprising an enlarged portion 86 and a coaxial restricted portion 87 receive a valve-actuating rod or pin 90 therethrough.

The valve actuating pin 90 is of a length to extend from the uppermost portion of the valve construction 50 to a height above the passageway opening 87 at least equal to the desired valve opening. For purposes of flow design the pin 90 may have a reduced portion 91 at its lower end. A cap 92 may be provided at the upper end of the pin 90 to facilitate actuation by an operating lever. A peripheral groove 93 in the restricted passageway 87 accommodates an O-ring seal 94 to prevent discharge through the passageway 87. A passageway 88 inter sects the enlarged passageway 86 to provide a discharge outlet to the atmosphere. As shown, the threads 89 may be provided for coupling auxiliary discharge directing means.

A handle 95 may be integrally formed with the body 81. An operating lever 96 is pivoted at 97 to a forward portion of the body 81 and may be locked against movement by a safety pin means 99 that extends through the body 81 and through the operating lever 96. The spring 40 provides the force returning the lever 96 to its closed position.

From the above description of the handle and valve operating assembly it is apparent that it may be made of an integral lightweight construction the head of which head is designed merely to guide the discharge and is not required to withstand the pressures in the container at any other time. Also it may be seen that it is quickly and easily attached or detached so that handling, maintenance and checking are facilitated. Lightweight plastics may be used in its construction without any sacrifice of strength or performance over constructions of the prior art. The drawings are for purposes of illustration only and may not be relied upon as being representative of fit or sealing tolerances.

There is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 an alternate handle and valve actuating assembly having a similar attachment and actuating pin portion but a different handle and operating means. Referring to FIG. 3 the various components of the assembly may be seen. A numeral 1" has been prefixed on the components of the handle and valve-actuating assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4 which correspond to those shown in FIGS. 2. Other portions have a 200 series number.

In FIG. 3 a body portion 200 has a cam member 220 attached thereto by means of a pivot member 221. A sliding trigger means 230 in turn is attached to the cam 220 by means of a fastener 232. A separate handle construction 240 fits over the top of the body portion 200 and is attached thereto by fasteners 241 to thereby provide a passageway 210 through which the trigger assembly 230 slides. A lock means 219 prevents movement of the cam 220.

In the detailed cross-sectional view of the completed assembly of FIG. 3 it maybe seen that the body portion 200 has a depending collar 182 similar in construction to that set out in FIG. 2. Likewise two pairs of retaining

holes

183 and 184, only one of which may be seen in this cross section receive a retaining means 198 to attach the handle and valve-actuating assembly to a receptacle which may be similar to that shown in H0. 2. A seal means 7 185 to seal the handle assembly on a retaining bushing such as shown at 60 in FIG. 2. A similar valve-actuating pin [90 extends through an enlarged passageway or opening 186 and a smaller passageway 187 and has an enlarged means 192 at the upper portion thereof against which the cam 1 may operate. Again the actuating pin may have a reduced portion 191 at its lower end. A groove 193 in the upper end of the pin 190 accommodates a sealing O-ring 194 which closes off the passageway 187 thereby forcing upwardly escaping discharge gases to flow outwardly through an intersecting passageway 188.

A recess 201 in the body 200 houses a cam 220 pivoted by a pin 221. The pin may be positioned in the forward end of the cam on a level with the upper pin portion 192. The shape of the cam 200 may be roughly triangular with the pivot means at one comer, the trigger attachment means 232 in an adjacent comer and the valve pin bearing point on surface 222 in the other adjacent corner so that upon rearward movement of the trigger assembly 230 the cam 220 will force the valve-actuating rod 190 downwardly. A recess may be provided in the handle structure 240 to assure clearance of the fastener means 232 as the'cam 220 pivots. The upward bias of the valve construction such as 50 in FIG. 2 will provide the force returning the pin, cam and trigger to their original positions upon release.

The mechanical advantage of the operating means may be set by controlling the ratio of the distances from pin 221 to the trigger attachment 232 and to the bearing point 222.

Where a trigger type release is preferred the alternate construction of FIGS. 3 and 4 will provide an economical and reliable solution. The body and cam portions may be inexpensively molded and/or machined of a suitable material such as synthetic plastic. As set forth the trigger and handle are of easily formed thin-walled material and may be readily attached or detached.

The advantages of the quick-release attachment to the receptacle are of course the same as set out for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 and will not be repeated here.

Although minor modifications might be suggested by those versed in the art, it should be understood that 1 wish to empatent warranted hereon all such within the body within the scope of the modifications as reasonably and properly come scope of my contribution to the art.

Whatl claimed is:

1. A head assembly for pressurized receptacles comprising a core means and a valve-operating means; said core means having a passageway therethrough and a resiliently biased valve means normally closing said passageway, said core means being adapted to be attached to a pressuriable container over an opening therein with said normally closed passageway in communication therewith whereby said core means will retain the container contents under pressure; said valve-operating means being readily detachably connected to said core means by pin means whereby with said valve-operating means attached thereto said valve means may be operated, said core means has an upper portion having a flange thereon and wherein said detachable connection is provided by said quickrelease pin means that passes through the valve-operating assembly and under a portion of said flange.

2. A head assembly according to claim 1 wherein said valveoperating assembly comprises a body portion having a vertical passageway therethrough communicating with said passageway in said core means, a valve actuator pin extending through said vertical passageway from a lower end resting on said valve structure to an upper end projecting beyond said 174 cooperates with a tubular portion body, a final discharge passageway intersecting said vertical passageway, a seal means in said vertical passageway above said intersection, an operating lever pivotally attached to said body portion and having a portion thereof intermediate its ends bearing on said valve actuator pin.

3. A head assembly according to claim 1 wherein said valve operating assembly include a body portion, a vertical passageway through said body portion, a recess in an upper portion of said body. a valve actuator pin extending through said vertical passageway with a lowermost r-m'l rentin i said valve structure and a uppermost end projecting into said recess, a cam means in said recess pivotally attached to said body having a bearing surface engaging the upper portion of said valve actuating pin, a slidable trigger means engaging a portion of said cam means opposite said pivot and attachment points, a handle attached to said body portion and overlying said trigger means, whereby sliding movement of said trigger means rotates said cam to depress said valve-actuating pin and thereby control the valve structure.

4. A fire extinguisher head assembly comprising a wide mouth cylindrical core inserted into a circular hole in a semispherical portion of the receptacle shell, an axial passageway through said core, a portion of said core passageway which is on the upper surface of an inwardly projecting lip, a syphon tube having a flange about its upper end portion, said flange resting about its periphery on said bearing surface, a crimp in said syphon tube below said core, a coil-spring-biasing means having an'upper end and a lower end, said spring being of a diameter substantially conforming to the inner diameter of the syphon tube, said lower end of said biasing means bearing against said crimp, a valve structure having a cylindrical body portion of a diameter substantially less then the diameter of the syphon tube, at least three axially projecting fins on said valve structure body centering said body in said passageway, a resilient seal means attached to the upper end of said body, a lower depending portion from said valve structure body, said spring having its upper end surrounding said depending portion of said valve structure body and bearing against said body to urge said valve structure upward, said spring in its unrestrained condition projecting into said core passageway so that said seal is adjacent the upper end of said core passageway, a retaining bushing in said core passageway, a central opening in said retaining bushing having a cylindrical upper portion and a restricted lower portion, a seating surface on said lower end surrounding a lower opening of said restricted portion, said seating surface being beveled to cooperate with said valve seal, said retaining bushing having upward end projecting above said core, said upper end comprising a neck portion having an outwardly projecting flange about its upper periphery, said retaining bushing lower end portion clamping said syphon tube flange against said bearing surface when said retaining bushing is fully screwed into said core, a tool-accommodating means for manipulating said retaining bushing including a pair of spanner wrench holes in said neck portion, a handle and valve-operating assembly comprising a body portion having a tubular portion extending into the upper portion of the retaining bushing passageway, a collar overlying, surrounding and extending below the flange on the retaining bushing, a first pair of coaxial holes through said collar below said retaining bushing upper end flange, a second pair of coaxial holes through said collar on an opposite side of said retaining bushing at a level below said outwardly extending flange, a U-shaped pin means having a first leg extending through said first pair of coaxial holes and the second leg extending through said second pair of coaxial holes to retain said handle and valve-operating assembly on said retaining bushing, a tubular portion extending from said body into said upper passageway in said retainer bushing, a vertical passageway through said body and said tubular portion, a valve actuator pin extending through said vertical passageway from the upper portion of said valve structure to a point above the body, a generally horizontally discharge passageway intersecting said vertical passageway, a seal means between said pin and said vertical passageway above said intersection and operating lever pivotally attached to a forward portion of said body, said operating lever having a portion bearing against said pin whereby upon depression of said operating lever said valve is opened for discharge of the Contents from the interior of the receptacle.

5. A head assembly for pressurized receptacles comprising a core means and a valve-operating means; said core means having a passageway therethrough and a resiliently biased valve means normally closing said passageway, said core means being adapted to be attached to a pressurizable container over an opening therein with said normally closed passageway in communication therewith whereby said core means will retain the container contents under pressure; said valve-operating means being readily detachably connected to said core means by pin means whereby with said valve-operating means attached thereto said valve means may be operated, said core means further includes a bearing surface in said first passageway, a siphon tube having an end portion resting about its periphery on sad bearing surface and a retainer bushing having at least one end in said core first passageway, said retainer bushing clamping said siphon tube against movement, said retainer bushing having a passageway therethrough, said valve means being adjacent said retainer bushing passageway, a resilient means in said siphon tube biasing said valve means into engagement with said passageway of said retainer bushing to close said retainer bushing passageway to allow control of flow through said bushing passageway.

6. A head assembly according to claim wherein said retainer bushing has an outwardly projecting flange means at its upper end and wherein said valve-operating assembly comprises a collar overlying, surrounding, and extending below said flange means and a quick release means extending through said collar and below said flange means to provide said detachable securement between said retainer bushing and said valve-operating assembly.

7. A head assembly according to claim 5 wherein said core fits in a hole in a semispherical end portion of a receptacle and is attached thereto, said core being of a diameter greater than its height, said retaining bushing being of a diameter at least equal to one-half the diameter of the core, said bearing surface being in a lowermost portion of said 'core passageway, a

crimp in said syphon tube a distance below the retaining bushing, a passageway through said retaining bushing having a valve seat at its lower end, a valve structure at the lower end of said passageway, a resilient means having a lower end engaging said crimp and an upper end biasing said valve structure against said valve seat, said valve seat structure syphon tube and spring being within the semispherical outline of the receptacle whereby a low profile, sealed receptacle is provided.

8. A head assembly according to claim 5 wherein said siphon tube has a crimp therein and wherein said resilient means is a coil spring having a lower end bearing against the crimp and an upper end engaging the valve means.

9. A head assembly according to claim 8 wherein said valve means has a depending portion which is surrounded by and secured to said upper end of said coil spring.

10. The method of making a charged pressurized container comprising fabricating a cylindrical receptacle of a uniform thickness material with a semispherical configuration at one end, providing a circular hole in the semispherical portion, securing a cylindrical core in said hole, said core having a threaded passageway therethrough with a bearing surface therein, filling said receptacle to a desired level, placing a syphon tube into said passageway and into said contents, said syphon tube having a flange about its upper end which is supported on said bearing surface, said syphon tube having a crimp therein, inserting a spring into said syphon tube which in its uncompressed state projects at least into said passageway, attaching a valve structure to said spring, said valve structure having a seal, engaging said seal with the seat of a retaining bushing, pressing said retaining bushing downwardly until its threads enga e the threads on said corc passageway and then screwing sai retaining bushing into said passageway against the upward bias of said spring until said retaining bushing clamps said syphon tube flange against said bearing surface.

11. The method of claim 10 including charging of thc receptacle with gas under pressure.

12. The method of claim 11 including attaching a readily detachable handle and valve-operating assembly to said retaining bushing.

Claims

1. A head assembly for pressurized receptacles comprising a core means and a valve-operating means; said core means having a passageway therethrough and a resiliently biased valve means normally closing said passageway, said core means being adapted to be attached to a pressuriable container over an opening therein with said normally closed passageway in communication therewith whereby said core means will retain the container contents under pressure; said valve-operating means being readily detachably connected to said core means by pin means whereby with said valve-operating means attached thereto said valve means may be operated, said core means has an upper portion having a flange thereon and wherein said detachable connection is provided by said quick-release pin means that passes through the valveoperating assembly and under a portion of said flange.

2. A head assembly according to claim 1 wherein said valve-operating assembly comprises a body portion having a vertical passageway therethrough communicating with said passageway in said core means, a valve actuator pin extending through said vertical passageway from a lower end resting on said valve structure to an upper end projecting beyond said body, a final discharge passageway intersecting said vertical passageway, a seal means in said vertical passageway above said intersection, an operating lever pivotally attached to said body portion and having a portion thereof intermediate its ends bearing on said valve actuator pin.

3. A head assembly according to claim 1 wherein said valve-operating assembly include a body portion, a vertical passageway through said body portion, a recess in an upper portion of said body, a valve actuator pin extending through said vertical passageway with a lowermost end resting on said valve structure and a uppermost end projecting into said recess, a cam means in said recess pivotally attached to said body having a bearing surface engaging the upper portion of said valve actuating pin, a slidable trigger means engaging a portion of said cam means opposite said pivot and attachment points, a handle attached to said body portion and overlying said trigger means, whereby sliding movement of said trigger means rotates said cam to depress said valve-actuating pin and thereby control the valve structure.

4. A fire extinguisher head assembly comprising a wide mouth cylindrical core inserted into a circular hole in a semispherical portion of the receptacle shell, an axial passageway through said core, a portion of said core passageway which is on the upper surface of an inwardly projecting lip, a syphon tube having a flange about its upper end portion, said flange resting about its periphery on said bearing surface, a crimp in said syphon tube below said core, a coil-spring-biasing means having an upper end and a lower end, said spring being of a diameter substantially conforming to the inner diameter of the syphon tube, said lower end of said biasing means bearing against said crimp, a valve structure having a cylindrical body portion of a diameter substantially less then the diameter of the syphon tube, at least three axially projecting fins on said valve structure body centering said body in said passageway, a resilient seal means attached to the upper end of said body, a lower depending portion from said valve structure body, said spring having its upper end surrounding said depending portion of said valve structure body and bearing against said body to urge said valve structure upward, said spring in its unrestrained condition projecting into said core passageway so that said seal is adjacent the upper end of said core passageway, a retaining bushing in said core passageway, a central opening in said retaining bushing having a cylindrical upper portion and a restricted lower portion, a seating surface on said lower end surrounding a lower opening of said restricted portion, said seating surface being beveled to cooperate with said valve seal, said retaining bushing having upward end projecting above said core, said upper end comprising a neck portion having an outwardly projecting flange about its upper periphery, said retaining bushing lower end portion clamping said syphon tube flange against said bearing surface when said retaining bushing is fully screwed into said core, a tool-accommodating means for manipulating said retaining bushing including a pair of spanner wrench holes in said neck portion, a handle and valve-operating assembly comprising a body portion having a tubular portion extending into the upper portion of the retaining bushing passageway, a collar overlying, surrounding and extending below the flange on the retaining bushing, a first pair of coaxial holes through said collar below said retaining bushing upper end flange, a second pair of coaxial holes through said collar on an opposite side of said retaining bushing at a level below said outwardly extending flange, a U-shaped pin means having a first leg extending through said first pair of coaxial holes and the second leg extending through said second pair of coaxial holes to retain said handle and valve-operating assembly on said retaining bushing, a tubular portion extending from said body into said upper passageway in said retainer bushing, a vertical passageway through said body and said tubular portion, a valve actuator pin extending through said vertical passageway from the upper portion of said valve structure to a point above the body, a generally horizontally discharge passageway intersecting said vertical passageway, a seal means between said pin and said vertical passageway above said intersection and operating lever pivotally attached to a forward portion of said body, said operating lever having a portion bearing against said pin whereby upon depression of said operating lever said valve is opened for discharge of the contents from the interior of the receptacle.

6. A head assembly according to claim 5 wherein said retainer bushing has an outwardly projecting flange means at its upper end and wherein said valve-operating assembly comprises a collar overlying, surrounding, and extending below said flange means and a quick release means extending through said collar and below said flange means to provide said detachable securement between said retainer bushing and said valve-operating assembly.

7. A head assembly according to claim 5 wherein said core fits in a hole in a semispherical end portion of a receptacle and is attached thereto, said core being of a diameter greater than its height, said retaining bushing being of a diameter at least equal to one-half the diameter of the core, said bearing surface being in a lowermost portion of said core passageway, a crimp in said syphon tube a distance below the retaining bushing, a passageway through said retaining bushing having a valve seat at its lower end, a valve structure at the lower end of said passageway, a resilient means having a lower end engaging said crimp and an upper end biasing said valve structure against said valve seat, said valve seat structure syphon tube and spring being within the semispherical outline of the receptacle whereby a low profile, sealed receptacle is provided.

10. The method of making a charged pressurized container comprising fabricating a cylindrical receptacle of a uniform thickness material with a semispherical configuration at one end, providing a circular hole in the semispherical portion, securing a cylindrical core in said hole, said core having a threaded passageway therethrough with a bearing surface therein, filling said receptacle to a desired level, placing a syphon tube into said passageway and into said contents, said syphon tube having a flange about its upper end which is supported on said bearing surface, said syphon tube having a crimp therein, inserting a spring into said syphon tube which in its uncompressed state projects at least into said passageway, attaching a valve structure to said spring, said valve structure having a seal, engaging said seal with the seat of a retaining bushing, pressing said retaining bushing downwardly until its threads engage the threads on said core passageway and then screwing said retaining bushing into said passageway against the upward bias of said spring until said retaining bushing clamps said syphon tube flange against said bearing surface.

11. The method of claim 10 including charging of the receptacle with gas under pressure.