US3923203A

US3923203A - Tap for an hermetically sealed container

Info

Publication number: US3923203A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr David L Anderson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1974-06-14
Filing date: 1974-06-14
Publication date: 1975-12-02
Anticipated expiration: 1992-12-02

Abstract

A tap adapted to be seated in the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealed container and function in a first mode for hermetically sealing the orifice and in a second mode for facilitating a safe discharge of liquid contents from the container. The tap is characterized by a valve body, including a fluid passageway; a fluid delivery body, adapted to be coupled to the valve body, including a fluid passageway; and valving means disposed within the valve body and connected with the fluid delivery body responsive to coupling motion for establishing communication between the passageways of said valve body and said fluid delivery body.

Description

United States Paten Anderson, Jr. Dec. 2 1975 4] TAP FOR AN HERMETICALLY SEALED 3,720,355 3/1973 Johnston ZZZ/400.7

CONTAINER [76] Inventor: David L. Anderson, Jr., 2930 19th '7" Reeves St Bakersfield Calif 93301 Assistant ExammerDav1d A. Scherbel Attorney, Agent, or Firm Huebner & Worrel [22] Filed: June 14, 1974 211 App]. NO.Z 479,355 1571 ABSTRACT A tap adapted to be seated in the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealed container and function in a first 152] U.S. C1. 222/153, 137/588, 222222/758448, mode for hermetically Sealing the Orifice and in a sec [51] Int Cl 2 B6,") 5/02 0nd mode for facilitating a safe discharge of liquid [58] Field 222/400 7 contents from the container. The tap is characterized 222/153 481 by a valve body, including a fluid passageway; a fluid delivery body, adapted to be coupled to the valve body, including a fluid passageway; and valving means [56] References cued disposed within the valve body and connected with the UNITED STATES PATENTS fluid delivery body responsive to coupling motion for 729,145 5/1903 Eokenwiler 137/212 X establishing communication between the passageways l ip A of-said valve body and said fluid delivery body. oney et a 2,841,313 7/1958 Beall, Jr 222/484 X 1 C i 1 Drawing Figures US. Patent Dec. 2, 1975 Sheet 1 of4 3,923,203

US. Patent Dec. 2, 1975 Sheet 2 of4 3,923,203

US. Patent 2,1975 SW30 3,923,203

a m .r L

:iiii) US. Patant Dec. 2, 1975 Sheet 4 of4 x X l I I /37 /37 i TAP FOR AN HERMETICALLY SEALED CONTAINER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention generally relates to devices used to open and close the discharge orifice of sealed containers, and more particularly to a tap adapted to be seated in the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealed container and function in a first mode for hermetically sealing the orifice and in a second mode for facilitating the discharge of contents in liquid form from the container.

In the field of agriculture, large acreages must be treated with suitably diluted toxic chemicals for effectively destroying unwanted plants, insects, and the like. It is, of course, impractical to transport large quantities of diluted toxic chemicals in liquid form to or near a situs of use. Therefore, it is common practice to transport toxic chemicals in concentrated liquid form to a situs of use and thereafter dilute the chemical to suitable strength employing water there made available.

Mixing of the toxic liquids normally is achieved in a mixing tank through which water is repetitiously recirculated. In order to fill the tank, a sealed container is opened at its discharge orifice and contents thereof manually discharged into the mixing tank through a pouring operation.

As can readily be appreciated by those familiar with the use of toxic chemicals employed in agricultural endeavors, contamination due to spillage of chemicals in concentrated liquid form on the clothing and skin as well as inhalation of the chemicals in a gaseous state inflict serious damage to the body and health of the person associated with the mixing operation, herein also referred to as a handler.

As more specifically described in U.S. application Ser. No. 430,072, filed Jan. 2, 1974, it is possible to protect those engaged in mixing operations through the use of a closed, fluid measuring circuit for introducing the chemical into the mixing tank. Such a circuit includes a holding tank for receiving a body of toxic chemicals in liquid form, namely, a selectively vacuumized holding tank, and a flexible tubular conduit having one end connected in communication with the holding tank while the opposite end of the conduit is adapted to be extended through a substantially sealed opening provided in an hermetically sealed container, confining therein a body of toxic chemicals in liquid form. The low pressure of the holding tank is then applied to the container for discharging the contents. However, there currently exists a need for a substantially leak-proof tap for use in coupling such conduits with such container, and, alternatively, adapted to be employed in manually performed pouring operations.

It is the general purpose of the instant invention to provide a bi-modal tap particularly adapted to be seated in the discharge orifice of a container, such as a point of sale container, for hermetically sealing the orifice, whereby the container can be transferred from a point of a sale to a situs of use without subjecting handlers to contamination through leakage, and thereafter employed in the discharge of contents from the container, through either an application of a vacuum or, alternatively, through a pouring operation.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the instant invention to provide a tap adapted to be seated in the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealed container for liquid materials.

It is another object to provide a bi-modal tap adapted to be received in the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealed container and function in a first mode for hermetically sealing the orifice and in a second mode for facilitating the discharge of liquid contents from the container.

Another object is to provide an improved tap including a valve body adapted to be hermetically sealed within the discharge orifice of a container for toxic liquids, and a fluid discharge body adapted to be inserted into the valve body.

Another object is to provide a tap having a valve body, including valving means, adapted to be suspended within the discharge orifice of a container and a fluid delivery body adapted to be inserted into the valve body and coupled with the valving means for opening the valving means.

Another object is to provide a bi-modal tap for the discharge opening of a container, including a valve body and a fluid delivery body, said valve body being provided with valve means, including a specifically configured key well, adapted to be actuated for opening the tap in response to manipulation of a specifically configured key projected from said fluid delivery body and inserted into said key well for locking together said bodies, whereby extraction of contents from the container by persons other than those in possession of said fluid delivery body is prevented.

It is another object to provide a tap including a valve body adapted to be received within the discharge orifice of a container for chemicals in fluid states including a passageway, a valve gate associated with the passageway and a pouring spout adapted to be received by the valve body and connected with the valve gate for opening the valve gate relative to the passageway as a coupling between the pouring spout and the valve body is effected for accommodating a manual pouring operation, and a fluid delivery body connected with a conduit extended from a measuring circuit for siphoning the liquid contents from the container and adapted to be received by the valve body interchangeably with the pouring spout.

These and other objects and advantages are achieved through a tap having a valve body including means defining therein a fluid passageway extended through the valve body, a valve gate displaceable between a valveopen and a valve-close position relative to said first passageway, adapted to be suspended within the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealed container and affixed thereto. A fluid delivery body having means defined therein a second passageway extended through the fluid delivery body into communication with said first fluid passageway when said valve gate is in its open position and coupling means for connecting the fluid delivery body with the valve gate for selectively opening the valve gate as the fluid delivery body is connected with the valve body. The valve body is adapted to receive, alternatively, the fluid delivery body, through which the valve body is connected with a remote source of a vacuum, or a valve body having a pouring spout provided for facilitating manual pouring operations, as will become more readily apparent by reference to the following description and claims in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmented, partially sectioned view depicting a tap having a valve body and a fluid delivery body and a ported block suspended in a discharge orifice of an hermetically sealed container adapted to confine chemical materials in a liquid state.

FIG. 2 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a valve body provided for the tap shown in FIG. 1, including a receiver and a ported block adapted to serve as a valve gate.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the receiver shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a ported block shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a closure disk adapted to be inserted into the receiver shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the closure disk shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the tap shown in FIG. 1, depicting the valve in an operational but valveclose position wherein a spring-loaded closure plate is positioned for interrupting a flow of fluid through the fluid delivery body, and a key is projected from the fluid delivery body into the ported block preparatory to coupling the valve body and fluid delivery body.

FIG. 8 is an exploded, perspective view of the key shown in FIG. 7, having a closure plate affixed to one end thereof for precluding a back-flow of fluid therethrough.

FIG. 9 is a partially sectioned view of the fluid delivery body shown in FIG. 7, with the key and closure plate of FIG. 8 removed therefrom.

FIG. 10 is a partially sectioned view of a fluid delivery body adapted to be connected with the valve body and employed in manually performed pouring operations.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation of the fluid delivery body shown in FIG. 10, rotated through 90 with respect thereto.

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the fluid delivery body shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 13 is a modified embodiment of the valve body.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now with more specificity to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIG. 1 a tap, generally designated 10, which embodies the principles of the instant invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tap 10 includes a valve body 12 seated within a discharge orifice 14 of an hermetically sealed container 16. While the container 16 fonns no specific part of the instant invention, it is to be understood that the container is suitably configured for receiving and confining toxic chemicals in fluid states. Within the valve body 12, as shown, there is seated a fluid delivery body 18. A siphon tube 20 is affixed to the valve body 12 and extends downwardly into a well, not designated, provided in the bottom of the container 16.

It is to be understood that the tap 10 can readily be employed with containers which differ in shape and/or in size from the container 16. Moreover, while the tap 10 is particularly useful in handling toxic chemicals, it should readily be appreciated that the tap 10 can be employed in the handling of non-toxic chemicals equally as well. As also shown, the valve body 12 is provided with an annular collar 22 received beneath an annular lip 24 whereby the valve body is secured in place 5 within the discharge orifice 14. Additionally, it is to be understood that the container 16 includes a protective chime 26 projected above the uppermost surfaces of the valve body 12 a distance sufficient to protect the valve body 12 from impact during handling operations.

Additionally, it is to be understood that the tap 10 is fabricated from suitable materials particularly adapted to withstand the undesired effects of the chemicals to be handled. Such materials include synthetic resins such as polyvinyl chloride, and metallic materials including stainless steel, and the like. Of course, the materials employed are in practice varied, as desired, pro vided the material employed is compatible with the chemicals to be handled.

The valve body 12 includes an internally threaded base 28 of a cylindrical configuration coaxially related to the annular collar 22. The base includes a helical thread, not designated, and an uppermost annular surface 29, the purpose of which will hereinafter become apparent. From the base 28, in coaxial alignment therewith, there is extended a sleeve 30, FIG. 2, having predetermined internal and external diameters. A closure plate 32, integrally related with the sleeve 30, extends transversely across the depending end portion of the sleeve 30, in spaced relation with the base 28. Thus, the sleeve 30 and closure plate 32 define within the valve body 12, a chamber 34 which, in practice, serves as a receiver, in a manner hereinafter more fully described.

The closure plate 32 includes a pair of axially projected ports 36 between which there is extended a diametrically oriented keyway 38, FIG. 3. These ports serve to accommodate a flow of fluid through the closure plate, as will hereinafter become more fully appreciated.

Mounted on the sleeve 30, in a telescopic relation therewith, there is a ported block 40. The ported block 40 includes a cylindrical sleeve 42 extended coaxially from an integrally related base 44 and configured to receive in telescopic relation the sleeve 30. Thus, the sleeve 42 and the base 44 collectively define a chamber 46 for receiving the sleeve 30. As a practical matter, the valve body 12 also includes an annular retainer lip 48 circumscribing the end of the sleeve 42 remote from the base 44. An inwardly directed rib 50, integrally related with the retainer lip 48, FIG. 2, is provided to be seated in an annular groove 52 which circumscribes the outer surface of the sleeve 42. Thus, the block 40 is supported by the lip 48 for angular displacement relative to the sleeve 30.

Within the base 44 there is provided a pair of diametrically spaced, similarly oriented bores 54 which terminate in an integrally related conduit 56 extended axially into the base 44 to thus form a bifurcated passage. Interposed between the bores 54 there is a key well 58 machined or otherwise formed in the base 44. It is particularly important to note. that the bores 54 are so oriented so as to be brought into and displaced from registry with the ports 36 as angular displacement is imparted to the block 40. Moreover, the key well 58 is so configured and oriented as to be aligned with the keyway 38 when the bores 54 are angularly displaced 90 from registry with the ports 36 of the closure plate 32. Similarly, when the bores 54 are aligned in registry with the ports 36 the key well 58 is reoriented to a position 90 out of registry with the keyway 38. Hence, it will be appreciated that the base 44 functions as a valve gate for establishing and interrupting communication between the ports 36 and the conduit 56.

In order to achieve proper registry of the sleeve 42 relative to the sleeve 30, a partial crown 60 is projected upwardly from the sleeve 42 and received within an arcuate relief 62 formed in coaxial alignment with the retainer lip 48. As a practical matter, the relief 62 terminates in a pair of shoulders 64, only one of which is shown, spaced 270 apart, while the partial crown 60 terminates in a pair of shoulders 66, only one of which is shown, spaced 90 apart for alternately engaging the shoulders 64 when the sleeve 42 is oscillated.

In order to assure that an effective seal from exterior contamination of the valve body 12 when the tap is not in use for discharging contents from the container 16 there is provided a closure disk 68, having a peripherally oriented helical thread adapted to mate with the helical thread provided for the base 28. A pair of blind reliefs 70 is provided in one surface of the closure disk 68 in order to facilitate an insertion and removal of the closure disk 68 with respect to the base 28. As a practical matter, where it is found desirable to impede a tampering with the tap 10, the reliefs 70 can be so configured as to require that a specifically configured tool be utilized for either removing or inserting the disk 68.

In view of the foregoing, it should be apparent that when the valve body 12 is seated within the discharge orifice 14, and the ported block 40 is rotated to a position such that the bores 54 are out of registry with the ports 36, the ported block 40 functions as a valve gate for intermpting communication between ambient atmosphere and the contents of the container 16. Additionally, once the closure disk 68 is seated within the base 28 of the valve body 12, preferably against an annular gasket 72 seated on a suitably formed shoulder coaxially aligned with the chamber 34, hermetic sealing of the discharge orifice 14 is assured.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7, the valve body 12 receives therein the fluid delivery body 18 in a coaxially aligned relationship. As a practical matter, the fluid delivery body 18 is of a substantially cylindrical configuration and includes a base segment 74 and an adjacently disposed distal segment 76.

The outside diameter of the segment 74 is substantially equal to, but slightly less, than the internal diameter of the chamber 34, while the outside diameter of the segment 76 is slightly greater. Thus the base segment 74 of the fluid delivery body 18 is configured to be inserted in telescopic relation into the chamber 34. As a practical matter, the

adjacent segments

74 and 76 of the fluid delivery body 18 are separated by an annular shoulder 78 adapted to seat against the uppermost surface of the gasket 72. Thus the gasket 72 and the surface of the shoulder cooperate to form a seal therebetween, once the base segment 74 of the fluid delivery body is inserted axially into the chamber 34 of the valve body 12.

It is important here to note that the axial dimension of the segment 74 is substantially equal to the distance between the uppermost annular surface of the gasket and the closure plate 32 so that a substantially fluidtight seal is effected between a disk-shaped base surface, designated 80, provided for the base end of the base segment 74 and the adjacent surface of the closure plate 32 when the fluid delivery body 18 is received within the chamber 34 of the valve body 12.

Within the fluid delivery body 18 there is provided a pair of diametrically spaced bores 82 extended in parallelism from the base surface of the base segment 74 to a chamber 84 provided internally of the distal segment 76 of the fluid delivery body 18. As a practical matter, the bores 82 terminate in a common planar surface 86 provided in coaxially spaced relation with the surface 80. The surface 86 defines a bottom surface for the chamber 84 and functions as a valve seat for a valve plate 88. The plate 88 is of a circular configuration and is provided for sealing the bores 82 in a manner and for a purpose which will hereinafter be more readily understood.

Between the bores 82 there is provided in concentric relation with the fluid delivery body 18 a bore 90 provided for receiving an axially displaceable pin 92 having a base end and a distal end, not designated. The distal end portion of the pin 92 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed flats 94 each of which terminates in a shoulder 96, and an external screw thread 98 for receiving thereon a nut-and-washer combination 100. The valve plate 88, in turn, includes a disk 102 backed by a suitable gasket, not designated, provided for sealing the bores 82. It is to be understood that once the valve plate 88 is connected with the pin 92 the gasket serves to seal the bores 82 as it is seated on the surface 86.

In order to accommodate a flow of fluid from the bores 82 to the chamber 84, when the valve plate 88 is in a displaced relationship with the surface 86, the disk 102 and the gasket of the plate 88 are further provided with coaxially aligned pairs of diametrically spaced ports 104 disposed 90 out of registry with the bores 82. Consequently, fluid exiting the bores 82 is afforded passage through the valve plate 88, via the ports 104, into the chamber 84.

In order to assure that the valve plate 88 is continuously urged into a valve sealing relationship with the bores 82, a compression spring 106, of a helical configuration, is seated in the chamber 84 in contiguous, coaxial alignment with the plate 88 and is in an abutted relation with an internally threaded cap 108. This cap is threadedly received by the distal end of the fluid delivery body 18 and serves as a closure member for the chamber 84. Consequently, the plate 88 is continuously urged by the spring 106 into a seated and sealing relationship with the surface 86 for thus sealing the bores 82 against a reverse passage of fluid from the chamber 84 to the bores 82. As a practical matter, the cap 108 includes a coupling 109 through which the chamber 84 is connected in communication with a flexible conduit, not designated.

The base end portion of the fluid delivery body 18 is provided with a relief 110 so configured as to receive therein a boss 112 rigidly affixed to the base end portion of the pin 92. The boss 112 is of an elongated configuration, and when seated in the relief 110 serves to assure that the pin 92 is fixed against angular motion relative to the fluid delivery body. Hence, the pin is angularly displaced about its longitudinal axis in response to angular displacement imparted to the fluid delivery body 18.

Integrally related with the pin 92, at the base end thereof, there is atransversely oriented, elongated key 114. As best illustrated in FIG. 7, the key 114 projects beyond the base surface 80. Moreover, the key 114 is so configured as to accommodate a reception thereof by the keyway 38 and the key well 58 as the fluid delivery body 18 is inserted axially into the chamber 34.

It is important here to note that the key 114 is provided with a planar surface 1 16 disposed in spaced relation with the adjacent surface of the boss 112. Conse quently, between the boss 112 and the key 114 there is defined a space 118. The dimension of the key 114, in a direction paralleling the longitudinal axis of the pin 92, is substantially equal to the depth of the key well 58 while the corresponding dimension of the space 118 is substantially equal to the thickness of the closure plate 32. It will therefore be appreciated that rotation of the pin 92, about its longitudinal axis, is accommodated by the space 118 for thus rotating the key 1 14 relative to the closure plate 32.

Hence, it should be apparent that by imparting angular displacement to the fluid delivery body 18, once the key 114 is extended through the keyway 38 and received within the key well 58, angular displacement is imparted to the ported block 40. This displacement of the block 40 serves to position the bores 54 into registry with the port 36. Moreover, this displacement causes the key 114 to be rotated out of registry with the keyway 38 so that the surface 116 of the key 114 is caused to engage the lowermost surface of the closure plate 32. Thus a connection of the fluid delivery body 18 with the valve body 12 is achieved as the key 114 becomes transversely oriented with respect to the keyway 38.

Moreover, it is important to note that the length of the pin 92 is such that the pin 92 must be displaced against the compression spring 106'in order for the base surface 80 of the fluid delivery body to seat against the upper surface of the closure plate 32. Hence, the valve plate 88 is lifted out of sealing relationship with the bores 82 as the fluid delivery body 18 is seated within the chamber 34. It is, therefore, to be understood that as the fluid delivery body 18 is inserted into the chamber 34 the key 114 is received by the keyway 38 and the key well 58 and thereafter the valve plate 88 is lifted for opening the bores 82. By imparting 90 of angular displacement to the fluid delivery body 18, for affecting a connection between the

bodies

12 and 18, a communicating fluid passageway is completed through the valve body 12 and the fluid delivery body 18.

The fluid delivery body 18 can readily be disconnected from the valve body 12 by reversely displacing the fluiddelivery body to a position such that the key 114 is again aligned with the keyway 38 in the closure plate 32. The fluid delivery body 18 now may be axially extracted from the chamber 34. Of course, as an extraction of the fluid delivery body 18 from the chamber 34 occurs, the spring 106 reseats the valve plate 88 for thus trapping any fluid which may be found within the chamber 84. Thus, a reverse flow of fluid from the fluid delivery body 18 is precluded.

While, not shown, it is to be understood that where desired a suitable indicator, such as a key and keyway coupling, may be provided for aiding in the aligning of the fluid delivery body 18 relative to the valve body 12 as the base segment 74 of the fluid delivery body is inserted into the chamber 34. Moreover, a pair of radially extended ears 120 integrally related with the distal segment 76 of the fluid delivery body 18 is provided for assisting in the application of torque to the fluid delivery body for angularly displacing the key 114 relative to the keyway 38.

As shown in FIG. 9, the fluid delivery body 18 is further provided with a vent 122 which serves to introduce atmospheric pressure into the container 16 as toxic liquids are withdrawn from the container via the tap 10. The vent 122 includes a segmented bore having a first segment 124 extended in parallelism with the longitudinal axis of the fluid delivery body 18 and terminating at its opposite ends in first and second radially extended segments, designated 126 and 128. As best illustrated in FIG. 1, the radial segment 126 terminates in communication with the thread which circumscribes the internal surface of the base 28 so that atmospheric pressure is introduced into the segmented bore via a helical path when the fluid discharge body 18 is connected with the valve body 12.

In order for the atmospheric pressure introduced into the bore segment 124 to be delivered to the interior of the container 16, the sleeve 30 is provided with a pair of orifices 130, one of which is extended radially therethrough in coaxial relation with the bore segment 128, while the sleeve 42 is provided with a pair of orifices 132 which extends radially therethrough at a position such that the orifices 132 are in registry'with the orifices when the fluid delivery body 18 is connected with the valve body 12. Thus the atmospheric pressure introduced into the bore segment 126 is delivered into the interior of a container 16 via the vent 122.

It is important to note that, where desired, the pin 92 may be secured within the bore 90 and vacuum introduced through the conduit 109 relied upon for lifting the valve plate 88 out of sealing relationship with the bores 82, in sliding relation with the surface of the pin.

While the fluid delivery body 18, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7 through 9, serves quite satisfactorily for purposes of connecting the valve body 12 with a source of vacuum for extracting toxic liquids from the container 16, without subjecting a handler to contamination, it often, in practice, is found desirable to manually pour the contents from the container 16. In order to accommodate a manual pouring of the liquids from the container, either of a toxic or non-toxic nature, through the valve body 12, there is provided a modified fluid delivery body, generally designated 134, FIGS. 10 through 12.

The fluid delivery body 134, as shown, includes a base segment 136, through which this body is coupled to the valve body 12, and a distal segment 137 which serves as a pouring spout. A closure plate 138 is provided at the base end of the body 134 and includes a pair of spaced ports 139. Like the base segment 74 of the fluid delivery body 18, the outside diameter of the base segment 136 is approximately equal to, but slightly less, than the internal diameter of the chamber 34, and the outside diameter of the distal segment 137 is approximately equal to, but slightly less, than the internal diameter of the base 28 of the valve body 12 for accommodating an insertion of the base segment 136 into a concentric relationship with the chamber 34.

Anannular shoulder is provided at the juncture of the base segment 136 with the distal segment 137. It should therefore be apparent that the axial length of the base segment 136, from the shoulder 140 to the outermost surface of the closure plate 138 is such that the shoulder 140 is caused to seat on the gasket 72 when the fluid delivery body 134 is fully seated and mated with the valve body 12.

In order to effect a mating of the fluid delivery body 134 with the valve body 12, the fluid delivery body 134 also is provided with a key, designated 142, and affixed to the closure plate 138 by a suitable pin 144 rigidly secured to and projected from the closure plate 138.

As a practical matter, the key 142 also includes a planar surface, designated 146, spaced from the adjacent surface of the closure plate 138 a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the closure plate 32. The ports 139 of the closure plate 32 also are spaced apart a distance equal to the distance between the ports 36 and are so oriented relative to the position of the key 142 that the ports 139 are caused to become aligned with the ports 36 once the fluid delivery body 134 is rotated through an angular distance of 90 for effecting a coupling between the fluid delivery body 134 and the valve body 12, in the manner more fully described in connection with the description of the fluid delivery body 18.

Additionally, the base segment 136 is provided with a pair of radially directed, diametrically opposed orifices 148, each of which aligns itself with an orifice 130 of the sleeve 30 once the fluid delivery body 134 is inserted into the chamber 34 and advanced through an angular distance of 90 for connecting the fluid delivery body 134 with the valve body 12. It should be appreciated that once the base segment 136 is inserted into the chamber 34, with the key 142 being received within the key well 58, the fluid delivery body 134 is prepared to be rotated through an angular distance of 90 for repositioning the key 142 in a transverse relationship with the keyway 38 for effecting a coupling of the fluid delivery body 134 with the valve body 12. With the fluid delivery body 134 thus coupled to the valve body 12, each of the orifices 148 is disposed in coaxial alignment with the now aligned

ports

130 and 132.

A handler may now lift the container 16 and initiate a pouring operation, whereupon liquid confined within the container 16 is introduced into the fluid delivery body 134 and the valve body 12 via each of the orifices 148. Atmospheric pressure is introduced into the container 16 via the opening of the spout or distal segment 137, since the liquid cannot completely fill this segment as pouring occurs. This pressure is delivered thence through the aligned

ports

36 and 139 of the fluid delivery body 134 and valve body 12, the bores 54 and the siphon tube 20. Thus, a pouring of the liquid from the container 16 is facilitated, as atmospheric pressure enters the container 16 via the siphon tube 20.

Upon completion of the pouring operation, the fluid delivery body 134 is rotated through 90, in a reverse direction, for again aligning the key 142 with the keyway 38, whereupon the fluid delivery body 134 may be extracted from the chamber 34 for completing an uncoupling of the fluid delivery body 134 from the valve body 12.

Moreover, in practice, it may be found desirable to mount the valve body 12 for axial motion relative to the discharge orifice 14, such as, for example, when the fluid delivery body 134 is to be employed in manually pouring the contents from the container 16. As illustrated in FIG. 13, such a mounting of the valve body 12 can readily be effected by employing a flexible collar 150 in lieu of the rigid collar 22. The flexibility of the collar 150 is such that the valve body 12 may be lifted in order to form a well, not shown, about the valve body 12 for enhancing the pouring of the operation, while accommodating a retraction of the valve body to a position such that handling and stacking of the container 16 are facilitated.

OP ERATION It is believed that in view of the foregoing description, the operation of the device will readily be understood and it will be briefly reviewed at this point.

The valve body 12 is inserted into the discharge orifice 14 of a selected container 16, employing either the collar 22 or the collar 150, at a point at which the container 16 is filled with a toxic chemical in its fluid state. The closure disk 68 is next inserted into the threaded base 28 so that the container 16 is prepared for delivery to a point of sale or similar destination. Subsequently, at a point of use, the disk 68 is removed from the base 28, employing a tool having suitable prongs adapted to seat in the reliefs 70. Where it is desired to deliver the contents of the container 16 to a chemical mixing system such as that disclosed in application Ser. No. 430,072, the fluid delivery body 18, having a conduit connected therewith, and with such a system, is inserted into the chamber 34 of the valve body 12, and rotated through a distance dictated by the abutting

shoulders

64 and 66 whereupon the bores 54 become aligned with the ports 36 and the bores 82. Simultaneously with the seating of the key 114 in the key well 58, the valve plate 88 is lifted for thus unsealing the bores 82. As vacuum now is applied to the chamber 84, via the aforementioned conduit, a siphoning of the contents from the interior of the chamber 16 via the siphon tube 20 occurs. Fluid thus drawn from the container 16 is transmitted via the conduit connected with the coupling 109 to the mixing chamber of the mixing system. Of course, as the fluid is thus extracted from the container 16, a venting to atmosphere is achieved through the vent 122.

So long as the fluid delivery body 18 remains coupled with the valve body 12, fluid within the conduit connected with the coupling 109 is permitted to experience a reverse flow back into the container, once the vacuum established within the mixing system is terminated. However, once the fluid delivery body 18 is extracted from the valve body 12, the spring 106 becomes effective for reseating the valve plate 88 for thus entrapping fluid confined within the conduit and within the chamber 84 for thereby substantially eliminating the occurrence of a reverse flow from the fluid delivery body 18. Thus a handler is protected against spashing and the like, as the fluid delivery body 18 is uncoupled from the valve body 12.

When employing the fluid delivery body 134, the base segment 136 is inserted into the chamber 34 a distance sufficient to cause the shoulder 140 to seat against the gasket 72 and the key 142 to seat in the key well 58. The fluid delivery body 134 is now rotated through for repositioning the ports 139 and the bores 54 into coaxial alignment with the ports 36, in the manner similar to that hereinbefore described in connection with the description of the operation of the fluid delivery body 18.

An operator upon lifting the container then permits the fluid to flow through the aligned orifices and 132 into the fluid delivery body 134 while atmospheric pressure is introduced into the container 16, via the aligned

ports

36 and 139 and the bores 54 and the siphon tube 20.

Of course, where the valve body 12 is mounted employing the flexible collar 150, the valve body may be elevated sufficiently for causing a well to form about the valve body for enhancing the delivery of the contents from the container 16.

In view of the foregoing, it should readily be apparent that the tap embodying the principles of the instant invention provides a practical solution to the perplexing problem of discharging toxic chemicals in fluid form from containers at the situs of use, without subjecting handlers to contamination through inhalation and contact with the liquid.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the illustrative details disclosed.

Having described my invention, what i claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A tap particularly adapted to be seated in the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealable container and function in a first mode for hermetically sealing the orifice and in a second mode for facilitating the discharge of liquid contents from the container comprising:

A. a valve body adapted to be inserted into the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealable container and affixed thereto including an axially extended sleeve and a collar for supporting said sleeve in said discharge orifice including a closure plate affixed to the lowermost end of said sleeve in transverse relation therewith, having a pair of spaced ports defining a first fluid passageway, and valving means displaceable between a valve-open position and a valve-close position relative to said first passageway including a ported block telescopically related to said sleeve and supported thereby for oscillatory motion relative thereto between a closed position and an open position, and means defining a pair of spaced bores extended through said ported block in communication with said pair of ports when said ported block is in said open position;

B. a fluid delivery body having means defining therein a second fluid passageway extended therethrough including means for connecting said valve body with a remote source of vacuum, and means for introducing atmospheric pressure into said container as contents are discharged therefrom;

C. removable coupling means for releasably connecting said fluid delivery body with said valve body; and

D. means responsive to motion imparted to said movable coupling means for displacing said valving means to a valve-open position.

2. The tap of claim 1 wherein said means for introducing atmosphere into said container includes a bore having an axially extended segment terminating at each of itsopposite ends in a radially extended segment.

3. The tap of claim 2 further comprising means for defining in said sleeve a first radially projected port coaxially aligned with a radially extended segment of said bore, and means defining in said ported block a second radially projected port disposed in registry with said first radially projected port when said ported block is in said opened position.

4. A tap adapted to function in a first mode for hermetically sealing a container for a body of liquid and to function in a second mode for facilitating the discharge of liquid from the container comprising:

A. a valve body adapted to be inserted into the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealable container for a body of liquid and affixed thereto, including means defining therein a receiver of a cylindrical configuration;

B. means defining in said valve body a first fluid passageway therethrough;

C. means connected with said valve body for selectively opening and closing said first fluid passageway including a ported block supported by said valve body for angular displacement between an opened position and a closed position relative to said first fluid passageway;

D. a fluid delivery body of a cylindrical configuration adapted to be inserted into said receiver and supported thereby for oscillatory motion relative to said valve body, including means defining a second fluid passageway extended through said delivery body communicating with said first fluid passageway when said ported block is in said open position; and

E. coupling means for releasibly connecting said fluid delivery body with said valve body, including a key projected axially from said fluid delivery body, and means defining in said ported block a key well for receiving in mated relation the distal end of said key, whereby angular displacement imparted to said fluid delivery body is transmitted to said block through said mated key and key well, so that the ported block is caused to be displaced along an arcuate path, between said opened and closed positions, in response to oscillatory motion imparted to said fluid delivery body.

5.. The tap of claim 4 wherein said fluid delivery body includes means for connecting said valve body with a remote source of vacuum.

6. The tap of claim 4 wherein said fluid delivery body includes means defining a pouring spout.

7 The tap of claim 4 wherein said fluid delivery body further includes means for connecting said second fluid passageway with a conduit extended from a selectively operable source of vacuum, whereby a vacuum selectively is introduced into said container through said first and second fluid passageways for establishing a flow of liquid from said container to said source via said conduit.

8. The tap of claim 7 wherein said fluid delivery body further includes means defining therein a fluid passageway for venting said container to atmosphere as sald flow of liquid is established therefrom.

9. The tap of claim 8 wherein said fluid delivery body includes movable valving means displaceable from a closed position and an opened position relative to said second fluid passageway in response to an insertion of said key into said key well, and from an open position to a closed position in response to a removal of said key from said key well for thereby preventing a reverse flow of liquid from said conduit.

' it The tap of claim 9 further comprising means defining a helical thread extended along the internal surface of said receiver, and a closure disk adapted to seat in said receiver in a closing relation with said receiver having a peripheral thread adapted to mate with said helical thread.

11. The tap of claim further comprising a siphon tube extended from said valve body into engagement with the bottom surface of said container.

12. A tap particularly adapted to be seated in the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealable container and function in a closed mode for hermetically sealing the orifice and in an opened mode for facilitating the discharge of liquid contents from the container, comprismg:

A. a valve body including a first sleeve of a substantially cylindrical configuration, a collar concentrically related to the sleeve and adapted to support the sleeve in the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealable container, and a transverse closure plate disposed across one end of the sleeve having a port defined therein;

B. valving means including a ported block displaceable between angularly related opened and closed positions for alternately opening and closing said tap, having a base and a second sleeve integrally related with said base, said second sleeve being disposed in a telescopically encasing relationship with said first sleeve and supported thereby for angular displacement, whereby angular displacement of said ported block between opened and closed positions is facilitated, and means defining a bore extended through said base into communication with said port when said ported block is in said opened position;

C. means for discharging liquid contents from the container including a fluid delivery body of a substantially cylindrical configuration adapted to be received within said first sleeve of said valve body, in a coupled relationsip with the valve body, in-

cluding means defining therein a fluid passageway extended therethrough and adapted to be placed in communication with said port when the fluid delivery body is received within said valve body in a coupled relationship therewith; and

D. movable coupling means for releasably coupling said fluid delivery body within said valve body including a key projected axially from said fluid delivery body, and means defining in the base of said ported block a key well for receiving said key.

13. The tap of claim 12 wherein said fluid delivery body includes a pouring spout.

14. The tap of claim 12 wherein said fluid delivery body includes means adapted to connect the fluid delivery body to a remote source of vacuum.

15. The tap of claim 12 wherein said port comprises one of a pair of diametrically spaced ports, and said bore comprises one of a pair of diametrically spaced bores.

16. The tap of claim 12 further comprising means for introducing atmospheric pressure into said container as contents are discharged therefrom.

17. The tap of claim 12 wherein said means for introducing atmosphere into said container includes a segmented bore defined in said fluid delivery body having an axially extended segment terminating at each of its opposite ends in a radially extended segment.

18. The tap of claim 17 further comprising means defining in said first sleeve a first radially projected port, and means defining in said second sleeve a second radially projected port disposed in registry with said first radially projected port and a radially extended segment of said segmented bore when said fluid delivery body is received by said valve body and said ported block is in said open position.

Claims

1. A tap particularly adapted to be seated in the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealable container and function in a first mode for hermetically sealing the orifice and in a second mode for facilitating the discharge of liquid contents from the container comprising: A. a valve body adapted to be inserted into the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealable container and affixed thereto including an axially extended sleeve and a collar for supporting said sleeve in said discharge orifice including a closure plate affixed to the lowermost end of said sleeve in transverse relation therewith, having a pair of spaced ports defining a first fluid passageway, and valving means displaceable between a valve-open position and a valve-close position relative to said first passageway including a ported block telescopically related to said sleeve and supported thereby for oscillatory motion relative thereto between a closed position and an open position, and means defining a pair of spaced bores extended through said ported block in communication with said pair of ports when said ported block is in said open position; B. a fluid delivery body having means defining therein a second fluid passageway extended therethrough including means for connecting said valve body with a remote source of vacuum, and means for introducing atmospheric pressure into said container as contents are discharged therefrom; C. removable coupling means for releasably connecting said fluid delivery body with said valve body; and D. means responsive to motion imparted to said movable coupling means for displacing said valving means to a valve-open position.

2. The tap of claim 1 wherein said means for introducing atmosphere into said container includes a bore having an axially extended segment terminating at each of its opposite ends in a radially extended segment.

4. A tap adapted to function in a first mode for hermetically sealing a container for a body of liquid and to function in a second mode for facilitating the discharge of liquid from the container comprising: A. a valve body adapted to be inserted into the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealable container for a body of liquid and affixed thereto, including means defining therein a receiver of a cylindrical configuration; B. means defining in said valve body a first fluid passageway therethrough; C. means connected with said valve body for selectively opening and closing said first fluid passageway including a ported block supported by said valve body for angular displacement between an opened position and a closed position relative to said first fluid passageway; D. a fluid delivery body of a cylindrical configuration adapted to be inserted into said receiver and supported thereby for oscillatory motion relative to said valve body, includIng means defining a second fluid passageway extended through said delivery body communicating with said first fluid passageway when said ported block is in said open position; and E. coupling means for releasibly connecting said fluid delivery body with said valve body, including a key projected axially from said fluid delivery body, and means defining in said ported block a key well for receiving in mated relation the distal end of said key, whereby angular displacement imparted to said fluid delivery body is transmitted to said block through said mated key and key well, so that the ported block is caused to be displaced along an arcuate path, between said opened and closed positions, in response to oscillatory motion imparted to said fluid delivery body.

5. The tap of claim 4 wherein said fluid delivery body includes means for connecting said valve body with a remote source of vacuum.

7. The tap of claim 4 wherein said fluid delivery body further includes means for connecting said second fluid passageway with a conduit extended from a selectively operable source of vacuum, whereby a vacuum selectively is introduced into said container through said first and second fluid passageways for establishing a flow of liquid from said container to said source via said conduit.

10. The tap of claim 9 further comprising means defining a helical thread extended along the internal surface of said receiver, and a closure disk adapted to seat in said receiver in a closing relation with said receiver having a peripheral thread adapted to mate with said helical thread.

11. The tap of claim 10 further comprising a siphon tube extended from said valve body into engagement with the bottom surface of said container.

12. A tap particularly adapted to be seated in the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealable container and function in a closed mode for hermetically sealing the orifice and in an opened mode for facilitating the discharge of liquid contents from the container, comprising: A. a valve body including a first sleeve of a substantially cylindrical configuration, a collar concentrically related to the sleeve and adapted to support the sleeve in the discharge orifice of an hermetically sealable container, and a transverse closure plate disposed across one end of the sleeve having a port defined therein; B. valving means including a ported block displaceable between angularly related opened and closed positions for alternately opening and closing said tap, having a base and a second sleeve integrally related with said base, said second sleeve being disposed in a telescopically encasing relationship with said first sleeve and supported thereby for angular displacement, whereby angular displacement of said ported block between opened and closed positions is facilitated, and means defining a bore extended through said base into communication with said port when said ported block is in said opened position; C. means for discharging liquid contents from the container including a fluid delivery body of a substantially cylindrical configuration adapted to be received within said first sleeve of said valve body, in a coupled relationsip with the valve body, including means defining therein a fluid passageway extended therethrOugh and adapted to be placed in communication with said port when the fluid delivery body is received within said valve body in a coupled relationship therewith; and D. movable coupling means for releasably coupling said fluid delivery body within said valve body including a key projected axially from said fluid delivery body, and means defining in the base of said ported block a key well for receiving said key.