WO2009121192A1

WO2009121192A1 - Dispensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2009121192A1
Application number: PCT/CA2009/000596
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenneth L. Macdougall
Original assignee: Macdougall Kenneth L
Priority date: 2008-04-02
Filing date: 2009-04-01
Publication date: 2009-10-08
Also published as: CA2624060A1

Abstract

A dispensing device is provided which comprises an elongated spout for dispensing material disposed in a container without handling immersed components. A first cap has a first engaging mechanism for engaging a respective opening portion of the container. The first cap has an opening for movably accommodating the spout therein between a retracted position with a first end portion of the spout being accommodated in the opening and an extended position with a second opposite end portion of the spout being accommodated therein while the first cap is engaged with the opening portion of the container. A first holding mechanism temporarily engages the second end portion of the spout in the extended position. A second cap has an engaging mechanism for temporarily engaging a respective second engaging mechanism of the first cap for covering the opening of the first cap and the first end portion of the spout. An alternate manifestation is provided wherein said first holding mechanism is integrated into the body of a first cap to provide for manipulating the device to also perform its essential functions without handling immersed components.

Description

DISPENSING DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispensing device for attachment to a portable container, and more particularly to a dispensing device enabling simple conversion from a storage mode to a dispensing mode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dispensing devices of conventional portable fuel containers are usually converted from a storage mode to a dispensing mode by: unscrewing a cap of the dispensing device from the container; withdrawing the spout which has been immersed in fuel and turning the same end to end; removing a plate covering an opening in the cap; inserting the turned spout through the opening; and again screwing the cap with the inserted spout onto the container. The handling of the fuel covered spout requires wearing of gloves or washing of hands each time after handling the spout, which is particularly awkward when the portable fuel container is used for recreational purposes such as, for example, boating or gardening. Furthermore, turning of the fuel immersed spout likely causes spillage of fuel which is environmentally harmful even in the small quantities spilled when turning the spout.

Some dispensing devices of conventional portable fuel containers provide a stopper for closing the container with the spout protruding to enable easy access while the fuel container is not transported. However, the stopper is easily misplaced and fuel containers left in this configuration pose a safety hazard.

Some conventional portable fuel containers have provisions for attaching the spout to the outside of the fuel container when in storage mode. While attachment of the spout to the outside of the fuel container prevents handling of a spout that has been immersed in fuel, it causes fuel spillage during reattachment of the spout to the outside of the container after the dispensing process. It is desirable to provide a dispensing device that is easily converted from a storage mode to a dispensing mode without directly handling a fuel covered spout.

It is also desirable to provide a dispensing device that closes the fuel container with the spout protruding in a substantially safe fashion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device that is easily converted from a storage mode to a dispensing mode without directly handling a fuel covered spout.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device that closes the fuel container with the spout protruding in a substantially safe fashion.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dispensing device. The dispensing device comprises an elongated spout for dispensing material disposed in a container. A first cap has a first engaging mechanism for engaging a respective opening portion of the container. The first cap has an opening for movably accommodating the spout therein between a retracted position with a first end portion of the spout being accommodated in the opening and an extended position with a second opposite end portion of the spout being accommodated therein while the first cap is engaged with the opening portion of the container. A first holding mechanism temporarily engages the second end portion of the spout in the extended position. A second cap has an engaging mechanism for temporarily engaging a respective second engaging mechanism of the first cap for covering the opening of the first cap and the first end portion of the spout

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a dispensing device. The dispensing device comprises an elongated spout for dispensing material disposed in a container. A first cap has a first engaging mechanism for engaging a respective opening portion of the container. The first cap has an opening for movably accommodating the spout therein between a retracted position with a first end portion and the spout being accommodated in the opening and an extended position with a second opposite end portion of the spout being accommodated therein while the first cap is engaged with the opening portion of the container. A first holding mechanism temporarily engages the second end portion of the spout in the extended position and abuts the second end portion of the spout to a respective surface of the first cap in a sealed fashion.

A second cap has an engaging mechanism for temporarily engaging a respective second engaging mechanism of the first cap for covering the opening of the first cap and the first end portion of the spout. A second holding mechanism temporarily engages the first end portion of the spout with the second cap in a sealed fashion.

The present invention also provides an alternate manifestation wherein the first holding mechanism is integrated into the body of the first cap to perform its essential functions.

Advantages of the present invention are to provide a dispensing device that is easily converted from a storage mode to a dispensing mode without directly handling a fuel covered spout, and store it with the spout protruding, in a substantially safe fashion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1 and 2 are simplified block diagrams illustrating cross sectional views of a fuel dispensing device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 3 and 4 are simplified block diagrams illustrating side views of a fuel dispensing device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 5 and 6 are simplified block diagrams illustrating bottom views of a fuel dispensing device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and, Figures 7 - 10 are simplified block diagrams illustrating cross sectional views of other embodiments of a fuel dispensing device according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.

While the description of the preferred embodiments herein below is with reference to a dispensing device for a portable fuel container for sake of simplicity, it will become evident to those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto, but are also applicable for dispensing various other liquid materials as well as solid materials in, for example, granular or powder form.

Referring to Figures 1 to 6, a fuel dispensing device 100 according to a preferred embodiment of die invention is provided. The fuel dispensing device 100 comprises an elongated spout 110 for dispensing the fuel disposed in container 102. A first cap 104 has a first engaging mechanism 126, for example a screw thread, for engaging a respective opening portion 130 of the container 102. The first cap 104 has an opening 105 for movably accommodating the spout therein between a retracted position with a first end portion 116 of the spout 110 being accommodated in the opening 105 - illustrated in Figure 1 - and an extended position with a second opposite end portion 112 of the spout 110 being accommodated in the opening 105 - illustrated in Figure 2 - while the first cap 104 is engaged with the opening portion 130 of the container 102. A first holding mechanism - sleeve 108 - temporarily engages the second end portion 112 of the spout 110 in the extended position - using, for example, respective screw threads - as illustrated in Figure 2. A second cap 118 has an engaging mechanism - for example, a screw thread - for temporarily engaging a respective second engaging mechanism - for example, a screw thread - disposed on an upper extension 106 of the first cap 104. When engaged with the first cap 104, the second cap 118 covers the opening 105 of the first cap 104 and the first end portion 116 of the spout 110. The second cap 118 comprises a second holding mechanism 120 for temporarily engaging the first end portion 116 of the spout 110 with the second cap 118 - using, for example, S respective screw threads.

As is evident, other than screw thread engaging mechanisms are employable such as, for - example, bayonet type engaging mechanisms. o The spout 110 is formed, for example, as a forward tapered spout of circular cross-section with the second end portion 112 ending in outer end flange 114, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, but is not limited thereto. Spouts of different shapes and cross sections are employable. Optionally, the spout 110 comprises a bellows shaped section for enabling bending of the same in order to facilitate dispensing of the fuel into, for example, an opening of a fuel tank.

The fuel dispensing device 100 comprises seal 124 disposed in the first cap 104 for engaging the same with the opening 130 of the container 102 in a sealed fashion; and seal 122 disposed in the second cap 118 for engaging the same with the first cap 104 in a sealed fashion. Furthermore, seal 128 is disposed in the second cap 118 for engaging the first end portion 116 of the spout 110 with the second cap 118 in a sealed fashion. The seals are, for example, washers or G-rings made of an elastic material such as, for example, rubber or plastic, and are, for example, dimensioned to fit snugly into respective locations of me first cap 104 and me second cap 118.

The fuel dispensing device 100 is easily converted from a storage mode - illustrated in Figures 1 and 4 - to a dispensing mode — illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 — by performing, for example, the foUowmg steps: the second (^ 118 is discormected from the first cap 104 by, for example, counter-clockwise rotation; the spout 110 while engaged with the second cap 118 is men pulled out of the container 102 until the threads of the second end portion 112 may engage with the corresponding threads of the sleeve 108; the sleeve 108 is then rotated, for example, clockwise onto the second end portion 112 of the spout 110 further engaging the respective threads of the second end portion 112 and the threads of the sleeve 108 until me end flange 114 is pressed against the seal 124 for engaging the end flange 114 with the seal 124 in a sealed fashion. The second cap 118 is then removed by, for example, counter-clockwise rotation, to enable dispensing of the fuel.

Provision of the seal 128 in the second cap 118 enables storage of the container with the spout 110 in the extended position and in a sealed fashion, i.e. egress of fuel when the container is in another than an upright position is prevented, substantially increasing safety.

The fist cap 104, the second cap 118, the sleeve 108, and the spout 110 are made, for example, of a suitable plastic material, for example, PVC, depending on the contents and intended use of the container. Alternatively, other materials such as, for example, metal or metal alloys are used for some or all of the components 104, 118, 108, and 110.

Figure 5 illustrates a bottom view of the second cap 118, showing the second holding mechanism 120, the seal 122 for contact with the upper extension 106 of the first cap 104, and the seal 128 for contact with the first end portion 116 of the spout 110.

Figure 6 illustrates a bottom view of the fuel dispensing device 100, showing the first cap 104, the interior and the end flange 114 of the tapered spout 110, and the seal 124 for providing sealed contact between the first cap 104 and the opening portion 130 of the container 102 as well as for providing sealed contact between the first cap 104 and the end flange 114 of the spout 110 when in the extended position.

In an embodiment 200 of the fuel dispensing device according to the invention - illustrated in Figure 7 - seals 132 and 134 are disposed between the sleeve 108 and the second cap 118 and the first cap 104, respectively. Provision of the seals 132 and 134 prevents immersion of the outside of the sleeve in fuel when the container is in another than an upright position, i.e. prevents contact of a user's hands with the fuel when rotating the sleeve. The seals 132 and 134 are, for example, washers or 0-rings made of an elastic material such as, for example, rubber or plastic, and are, for example, dimensioned to fit snugly into respective locations of the sleeve 108. In the embodiment 300 of the fuel dispensing device according to the invention — illustrated in Figures 8 and 10 - the first holding mechanism, sleeve 108 is integrated into the body of the first cap 104, for example, into upper extension 136. The first end portion 116 is threaded opposite to second end portion 112 and designated ISO. Rotating the second cap 118, counter-clockwise removes it from the upper extension 106 of the first cap 104 and as the spout 110 is withdrawn to the second end portion 112 is threaded through upper extension 136. Further counter-clockwise rotation tightens end flange 114 against seal 124. At this point, a pivoted fastener 148 is turned into an aligned groove provided in the second end portion 112, preventing rotation of the spout 110. The second cap 118 is rotated clockwise removing it from the first end portion 150 opening the fuel tank, which is accomplished without manually contacting the spout 110.

In the embodiment 400 of the fuel dispensing device according to the invention - illustrated in Figure 9 - the second holding mechanism comprises two or more arms 138 with tapered ends which interact, for example, in a tongue and groove fashion, with a groove 140 disposed on the outside of the spout 110 at a predetermined location for engaging the spout 110 with the second cap 118 and, optionally, pressing the first end portion 116 of the spout 110 against the seal 128.

The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION EV WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A dispensing device comprising: an elongated spout for dispensing material disposed in a container; a first cap having a first engaging mechanism for engaging a respective opening portion of the container, the first cap having an opening for movably accommodating the spout therein between a retracted position with a first end portion of the spout being accommodated in the opening and an extended position with a second opposite end portion of the spout being accommodated therein while the first cap is engaged with the opening portion of the container; a first holding mechanism for temporarily engaging the second end portion of the spout in the extended position; a second cap having an engaging mechanism for temporarily engaging a respective second engaging mechanism of the first cap for covering the opening of the first cap and the first end portion of the spout; and, a manifestation wherein the first holding mechanism is integrated into the body of the first cap providing alternate means of manipulating the device to perform its essential functions.

2. A dispensing device as defined in claim 1 comprising a second holding mechanism for holding the spout in the retracted position.

3. A dispensing device as defined in claim 2 wherein the second holding mechanism comprises an engaging mechanism for temporarily engaging the first end portion of the spout with the second cap.

4. A dispensing device as defined in claim 3 wherein the second holding mechanism comprises a seal for engaging the first end portion of the spout with the second cap in a sealed fashion.

5. A dispensing device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein a portion of the opening of the first cap is adapted to temporarily engage the second end portion of the spout.

6. A dispensing device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the first holding mechanism comprises a sleeve for temporarily engaging the second end portion of the spout.

7. A dispensing device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the first holding mechanism comprises respective screw threads.

8. A dispensing device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the engaging mechanism of the second cap and the second engaging mechanism of the first cap comprise respective screw threads.

9. A dispensing device as defined in claim 3 wherein the second holding mechanism comprises respective screw threads.

10. A dispensing device comprising: an elongated spout for dispensing material disposed in a container; a first cap having a first engaging mechanism for engaging a respective opening portion of the container, the first cap having an opening for movably accommodating the spout therein between a retracted position with a first end portion of the spout being accommodated in the opening and an extended position with a second opposite end portion of the spout being accommodated therein while the first cap is engaged with the opening portion of the container; a first holding mechanism for temporarily engaging the second end portion of the spout in the extended position and for abutting the second end portion of the spout to a respective surface of the first cap in a sealed fashion; a second cap having an engaging mechanism for temporarily engaging a respective second engaging mechanism of the first cap for covering the opening of the first cap and the first end portion of the spout; and, a second holding mechanism for temporarily engaging the first end portion of the spout with the second cap in a sealed fashion.

IL A dispensing device as defined in claim 10 wherein the first holding mechanism and the second holding mechanism each comprises respective screw threads.

12. A dispensing device as defined in claim 1 wherein the first holding mechanism is iinntteeggrraatteedd iinnttoo tthhee bbooddyy ooff tthhee fifirrsst cap providing alternate means of manipulating the device to perform its essential functions.