Patent Application
20160304253
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a spout or nozzle for use with a portable fuel container to control fluid flow as well as reduce spills and fuel emissions.
2. Related Art
Portable fuel containers (PFCs) are generally small containers used to transport fuel, such as gasoline, from a retail or industrial site where the fuel is stored, such as a filling station, to another location for remote use. PFCs are typically about 1-6 gallons in volume and are often used for residential or commercial purposes to refuel lawnmowers, vehicles or other equipment.
A challenge with the design and use of PFCs is avoiding or minimizing spilling of fuel and release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment. To help reduce these VOC emissions from PFCs, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued rules to reduce these emissions resulting from spills, evaporation and/or permeation through these containers. The EPA has also implemented regulations to control emissions from use of these containers nationwide. All known PFCs on the market today that comply with these standards are ventless containers (with a single opening) and have a spout with an automatic closing/sealing mechanism to help ensure that the spout closes when pouring is ceased.
Despite these efforts, PFCs on the market today are difficult to operate and remain susceptible to fuel spills. The design of PFCs sold today often relies on an “automatic” opening/closing mechanism whereby a valve or plug at the tip of the spout is pushed outward from the nozzle of the spout when the spout is forced against the machine, equipment etc., to be filled, thus creating an opening near the tip between the forcibly separated nozzle and valve. However, because fuel pours out of the opening at a nearly perpendicular angle or straight out the tip of the nozzle with these designs, flow of the fuel out of the spout becomes disordered, which interferes with the vacuum flow of air back into the container. This irregular fuel flow can further result in gurgling or splashing of the fuel, which is difficult to control smoothly and increases the risk of fuel spills and evaporative emissions. Moreover, once the nozzle is removed from the machine, equipment etc., being filled, the automatic closing mechanism does not always snap-back to a closed position quickly enough, which can result in further fuel spilling as the nozzle is removed due to the delayed closure. Current designs also generally lack the ability to control the flow rate of fuel pouring out of the spout in a continuous manner. Due to these shortcomings, some consumers are inclined to modify the existing nozzles after sale to circumvent these controls and improve their performance, which can lead to increased emissions into the environment.
What is needed in the art is an improved spout or nozzle for portable fuel containers, and methods for using the same, which allows for the continuous control of fuel flow rate smoothly out of a portable fuel container and spout. What is also needed in the art is a novel spout or nozzle for portable fuel containers that creates an orderly and smooth outflow of fuel that does not excessively interfere with the flow of air back into the container and/or appropriately positions the distal end of the spout or nozzle to determine a desired or acceptable fill level for a given container being filled with the fuel.
According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, a spout is provided comprising: an elongated body surrounding a continuous passageway within the body, the passageway extending from a first opening at the proximal end of the body to an exit opening at or near the distal end of the body, wherein the spout has a top and a bottom; a slide assembly comprising a slide and a plunger, the plunger comprising a base portion, wherein the slide is physically coupled to the plunger such that movement of the slide causes tandem movement of the plunger, wherein the slide is positioned distally to the plunger; and at least one holder extending out from a side of the elongated body, wherein distal movement of the slide causes movement of the base portion of the plunger out of or away from the first opening, and wherein proximal movement of the slide causes movement of the base portion of the plunger into or toward the first opening, and wherein the cross-sectional size and shape of the base portion of the plunger is about the same as the cross-sectional size and shape of the first opening such that the plunger closes the first opening when at least part of the base portion is inserted into the first opening.
According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, a spout is provided comprising: an elongated body surrounding a continuous passageway within the body, the passageway extending from a first opening at the proximal end of the body to an exit opening at or near the distal end of the body, wherein the spout has a top and a bottom; a slide assembly comprising a slide and a plunger, the slide being disposed in a cavity, the cavity being recessed within the body of the spout, wherein the slide is physically coupled to the plunger such that movement of the slide causes tandem movement of the plunger, wherein the slide is positioned distally to the plunger, wherein distal movement of the slide causes movement of the plunger out of or away from the first opening, and wherein proximal movement of the slide causes movement of the plunger into or toward the first opening, wherein the body of the spout comprises a main body portion and a nozzle portion, wherein the nozzle portion is positioned distally to the main body portion and is angled downward relative to the main body portion, and wherein the exit opening spans from a top side to a bottom side of the nozzle portion of the body of the spout.
According to a third broad aspect of the present invention, methods of assembling and/or operating the spout of the present invention are further provided. Operation of the spout may comprise moving the plunger between closed and open positions by manually actuating a slide assembly and/or engaging a structure on a container, tank, etc., being filled with a holder on the side of the spout to support, stabilize and/or position the spout.
The present invention relates to a spout or nozzle for use with a portable fuel container (PFC) that is designed to control the flow rate of fuel exiting the spout or nozzle, improve usability and/or to promote smooth and orderly fuel flow. Typically, portable fuel containers have a raised neck portion surrounding an opening in the container with threading on the outside of the neck. A cap with a corresponding interior threading may be further provided that screws down onto the neck to secure a spout to the opening of the container, the cap having a hole in its center to receive the spout through it. In this way, the cap holds the spout in place due to a circumferential lip on the cap that couples with a flange of the spout to press the spout against the neck of the container. The spout of the present invention may be secured in this way to existing PFCs. Even though the spout of the present invention is intended primarily for use with PFCs, the spout could also be used with other liquid containers, which may resemble PFCs. In addition, the spout of the present invention may conceivably be used with larger liquid containers or tanks, which may be stationary, and/or at the end of a hose connected to a liquid container or tank.
According to embodiments of the present invention, a spout is provided having an elongated body with an interior chamber, passageway or lumen disposed or formed therein, such chamber, passageway or lumen being continuous from a first opening at the proximal end of the spout to a second opening or exit opening at the distal end of the spout. Where possible the internal surfaces of the spout are designed to encourage smooth laminar fluid flow in both directions, which together produce a faster and more controllable flow rate. For purposes of the present invention, the term “proximal” refers to a direction toward the portable fuel container, or to an end of the spout nearest the portable fuel container, when the spout is properly connected to the container for use, and the term “distal” refers to a direction away from the portable fuel container, or to an end of the spout furthest away from the portable fuel container, when the spout is properly connected to the container for use. When in use during pouring, fuel exits the container and enters the spout (connected and secured to the container) through the first opening at the proximal end of the spout. The fuel then travels the length of the spout through its interior chamber, etc., and finally pours out through the exit opening at or near the distal end of the spout.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the spout further has a plug or plunger operating to open or close the first opening at the proximal end of the spout. Movement of the plunger from an open to a closed position, or vice versa, may be actuated by a slide assembly comprising a manually operated slide feature physically coupled and linked to the plunger, such that the slide feature and the plunger move in tandem. For example, the slide feature may be linked and coupled to the plunger via an elongated stem such that force applied to the slide feature may be imparted to the plunger. The manually operated slide feature may be designed for operation by hand, finger or thumb to move the slide feature (and thus the plunger) either in a distal direction (to open flow) or in a proximal direction (to close flow). The manually operated slide feature may be disposed in a cavity to constrain movement of the slide to either a proximal or distal direction. Because the slide feature may be operated by hand in both directions, a biasing or spring may not be necessary for its operation. However, a spring could be optionally added to the space between the slide 107 and distal wall 145 in cavity 109 to bias the slide mechanism to a closed position.
The body 101 may further comprise a flange 111 near proximal end 117 of spout 100 that meets and rests on top of the neck of a container surrounding the opening of the container (not shown). Flange may be circumferentially formed or comprise spaced-apart portions. The width of the flange 111 in the proximal-distal axis direction may be about 0.1 to about 0.15 inches. As described above, a cap may then be used to secure the spout 100 to the neck of the container. Body 101 of spout 100 may further include an extended portion 113 at proximal end 117 of spout 100 that extends into the neck of the container. Extended portion 113 may be in a range from about zero inches to about 0.4 inches deep in the proximal-distal direction. However, extended portion is an optional feature and may be unnecessary if no O-ring or only one O-ring is used in first opening 129 (see below).
According to some embodiments, the body 101 may comprise a main body portion 103 and a nozzle portion 105 oriented or turned at an angle relative to each other such that the nozzle portion 105 is directed downward at an angle (α) relative to main body portion 103 when the spout 100 is properly connected to a container (see
The downward angle may result in a more directed and orderly flow of liquid or fuel through the nozzle portion 105 of the spout 100 having a higher flow velocity (relative to the flow in the main body portion 103) caused by the steeper incline of the nozzle portion 105. This feature may work together with the narrowing of the nozzle portion 105 to create the more directed flow of liquid or fuel through the nozzle portion 105 and exiting the spout 100 as well as an increasing flow velocity through the nozzle portion 105 due to the narrowing of the nozzle lumen 175. By angling the nozzle portion 105 downward relative to the main body portion 103, the nozzle portion 105 may be inserted into the machine, equipment, etc., to be filled without having to lift the portable liquid or fuel container as high. Thus, the main body portion 103 may be kept at a lower angle relative to the ground during pouring resulting in a greater force of gravity acting to keep the flow to the lower portions of the main body portion 103. If the spout were instead more linear along its total length (i.e., without an angled nozzle portion), then the portable container might have to be more inverted during pouring with less gravitational force acting to encourage fluid flow to the lower interior chamber, passageway, etc., in the proximal portion of the spout.
The liquid or fuel being poured and flowing through the spout 100 may also be encouraged to flow along or “hug” the lower portions of the chamber, passageway, etc., within the spout 100 due to gravity and/or surface tension of the liquid or fuel, which favors a more orderly flow of liquid through the spout. Furthermore, confinement of the flow of liquid to the lower portions within the spout 100 also creates room for air to flow back into the container through the upper portions of the chamber, passageway, etc., within the spout 100. The air flowing back into the container will have a natural tendency to flow through the upper portions of the spout interior because it is less dense than the liquid or fuel being poured out. The air pressure of the air flowing through the upper portions of the spout interior will also help to reinforce the flow of the liquid or fuel in the lower portions of the spout interior by exerting a downward force on the liquid or fuel.
According to the embodiment in
One of the main advantages and features of the present invention is the ability to variably control the flow rate of liquid or fuel through the spout between a fully closed and a fully open state by operation of a slide assembly that includes a physically coupled plunger. Indeed, movement of plunger 115 in
For purposes of the present invention, the terms “top” or “upper” refer to a direction upward, or to a side, wall, face, etc., that is oriented relatively upward or positioned at or toward the top of the spout, when the spout is properly connected to the container, and the terms “bottom” or “lower” refer to a direction downward, or to a side, wall, face, etc., that is oriented relatively downward or positioned at or toward the bottom of the spout, when the spout is properly connected to the container. However, “downward” does not necessarily mean a perfectly downward direction (i.e., a top-to-bottom direction that is perpendicular to the proximal-distal axis of movement of the slide assembly of the spout) and may include any direction that is downwardly angled. Likewise, “upward” does not necessarily mean a perfectly upward direction (i.e., a bottom-to-top direction that is perpendicular to the proximal-distal axis of movement of the slide assembly of the spout) and may include any direction that is upwardly angled. For instance, if the spout has a main body portion and a nozzle portion, then the downward angle of nozzle portion may define a downward direction and bottom of the spout (with the upward direction and top of the spout being directly opposite) even though the downward angle is not perpendicular to the proximal-distal axis of the main body portion.
The cavity 109 formed in top of spout 100 may be recessed within the spout 100, and the top of the cavity 109 may be open to the outside environment. The cavity 109 may be generally separated from the interior chamber, passageway, etc., within the spout 100 by a plurality of cavity walls. However, a single bore 135 may be present through a proximal wall 137 of the cavity 109 to allow stem 127 to pass through it and reach plunger 115. The cross-sectional size and shape of bore 135 will generally be about the same as that for at least the portion of the stem 127 that slides through bore 135 by translational movement of slide 107, such that the stem 127 has a close-fit or seal with the interior surface of bore 135 over its range of motion, perhaps via one or more interposed O-rings 139. Although two O-rings 139 are shown, one O-ring may be sufficient. Such O-ring(s) may be any of a variety of O-rings available, including Quattro O-rings or seals, and may generally be made of a petroleum-resistant material for use with PFCs. Quattro seals have a clover-leaf cross section that creates multiple contacts with the opposing surfaces to improve the seal and resist rolling. These superior features may allow only one, as opposed to two, O-ring(s) to be used. The close-fit or seal between bore 135 and stem 127 ensures that liquid or fuel passing or flowing through the interior of spout 100 does not leak or seep into cavity 109 and into the outside environment. In addition to proximal wall 137, the cavity 109 is further separated from the interior of spout 100 by bottom wall 143, distal wall 145, first side wall 147 and second side wall 149 (see also
As mentioned above, a slide 107 comprising an upper portion 123 and a lower portion 125 may further comprise a middle portion 124. According to the embodiment in
As also mentioned above, the slide assembly and slide 107 will generally be positioned at the top of the body 101 and/or the main body portion 103 of spout 100. This position has the advantages of being accessible, more easily operated by hand, and further helping to properly align and orient the placement of the spout into the opening of the container. Placement of the slide assembly at the top of the spout may also orient the cavity 109 and a U-shaped central passage 159 (see below) to help dispose the liquid or fuel flow to the lower portion of the central passage 159 with the air having less density passing through the more obstructed upper portion of the central passage 159. However, it is conceivable that the slide assembly could be located at other positions around the periphery of the sides of the spout body without departing from the same or similar manner of operation of the slide assembly as described herein. Moreover, the exact type, construction, shape, etc., of the slide may vary while preserving the same basic principles and manner of operation. For example, even with the cavity shown in
As shown in
Plunger 115 will generally have a size and shape that tapers from its widest dimensions at its base portion 131 (corresponding in size and shape to the cross-section of first opening 129) along narrowing portion 133 to a plunger tip 134 with the tapering of the narrowing portion 133 being strongly favored and oriented to one side of plunger 115 such that narrowing portion 133 and plunger tip 134 will be closer to one side of spout 100 when assembled with spout 100. In general, plunger 115 will be oriented in spout 100 when attached to stem 127 of slide assembly and inserted into first opening 129 such that narrowing portion 133 and plunger tip 134 of plunger 115 is closest to the top of spout 100.
The following is a general description of the flow of liquid or fuel through the spout embodiment of
As more clearly seen in
After the liquid or fuel pours or flows through the central passage 159, it then enters a nozzle lumen 175 in the nozzle portion 105 of spout 100 from a proximal portion 177 to a distal portion 179 of nozzle lumen 175 and finally flows out of spout 100 through an exit opening 181 at or near distal end 119 of spout 100.
Several factors contribute to the liquid or fuel flowing through spout 100 to remain in, and be confined to, mostly the lower portions of the proximal chamber 157, central passage 161 and nozzle lumen 175. As explained above, when plunger 115 is moved distally from a closed position, liquid or fuel entering spout 100 from container passes through a gap at the bottom-most portion of first opening 129 due to plunger 115 being tapered to one side with narrowing portion 133 and plunger tip 134 oriented and positioned closer to the top of the spout 100. In addition, the taper of the plunger 115 helps to direct or divert the liquid or fuel flow downward to the lower portion of first opening 129 as it approaches first opening 129 of spout 100 from inside the container. Therefore, the liquid or fuel first enters proximal chamber 157 of spout 100 in the lower portion of the proximal chamber 157. Furthermore, as long as each portion of the spout 100 is not fully inverted, gravity will operate to cause, or at least dispose, the liquid or fuel to flow along the lower portions of proximal chamber 157, central passage 159 and nozzle lumen 175. Due to surface tension, fluids may also have a tendency to cling to surfaces, such as the bottom surfaces of the proximal chamber 157, central passage 159 and nozzle lumen 175. As mentioned above, the downward angle of the nozzle portion 105 of spout 100 will allow the user to pour the liquid or fuel with less inversion of the main body portion 103 of spout 100. Moreover, the walls 137, 143, 145, 147, 149 surrounding the cavity 109 and slide assembly and hanging down from the top of the spout 100 may also promote, dispose and/or divert the fuel or liquid to flow along the less impeded lower channel 161 of central passage 159. The side exit opening 181 may also assist the smooth outflow of liquid or fuel from the lower portion of the nozzle lumen 175 (see below).
With the liquid or fuel preferentially flowing in, or at least mostly confined to, the lower portions of proximal chamber 157, central passage 159 and nozzle lumen 175, air flowing back into the container may be better able to flow through the upper portions of spout 100. The air flowing back into the container will naturally want to flow through the upper portions of the spout because it is less dense than the liquid or fuel. This flow of air through the upper portions may also help to reinforce the flow of liquid or fuel to the lower portions of proximal chamber 157, central passage 159 and nozzle lumen 175 due to force exerted by air pressure. The upper surface of the liquid or fuel in the lower portions of the spout interior may also act as a barrier or “skin” that dynamically resists being broken or disturbed by the air flowing in the upper portions due to any surface tension of the liquid or fuel.
According to embodiments of the present invention, an exit opening may be further located at the distal end of the spout to allow the liquid or fuel to exit the spout (and also for air to enter the spout). As can be seen in
The proportions of the exit opening 181 may be about 1 inch×1 inch or less, and the proximal-distal dimension may be a little greater than the width dimension. Furthermore, the width of the exit opening 181 near its proximal end may be less than the width of the exit opening 181 near its distal end, such that the exit opening has a trapezoidal-like shape. Due to the narrower width at the proximal end of the exit opening 181, a greater proportion of the total proximal-distal length of the exit opening 181 is needed for the same cross-sectional area near the proximal side of the exit opening 181 than near the distal side of the exit opening 181. Accordingly, the air flowing into the nozzle portion 105 may be more confined to a smaller length of the exit opening 181 near its distal end, thus reserving more of the length of the exit opening 181 near its proximal end for the exiting of the liquid or fuel. This feature can promote the smooth flow of liquid or fuel out of the spout since the cross-sectional shape of the liquid or fuel flow in nozzle lumen 175 may be less altered at the exit opening 181 by the inflowing air.
The outer defining edges of the exit opening 181 in a bottom-distal location of the nozzle portion 105 may be present in a plane. Such plane of the exit opening 181 may be slanted from a location on the bottom side 183 of nozzle portion 105 to the distal end 119 of spout 100 at a non-perpendicular angle relative to both the distal end 119 of the spout 100 and the bottom side 183 of the nozzle portion 105. For example, the angle between such plane of the exit opening 181 and the top side 185 of nozzle portion 105 may be greater than 0° but less than 90°, or more preferably from about 10° to about 40°, or from about 15° to about 25°, or about 20°. Distal end 119 of the nozzle portion 105 may further have a flat outer face 188 in a plane nearly or perfectly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle portion 105. In such a case, the plane of the exit opening 181 may be slanted at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the outer face 188.
Even if the edges of exit opening 181 are not perfectly planar, exit opening 181 may still be defined as having the same general orientation such that a line from a location or position on the bottom side 183 of nozzle portion 105 along an edge of exit opening 181 to another location or position on the outer face 188 along an edge of exit opening 181 is similarly slanted at a non-perpendicular angle relative to bottom side 183 and outer face 188.
It is also worth noting that at least a segment of the distal portion 179 of nozzle portion 175 may be angled upward very slightly relative to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion 177 of nozzle portion 175. In such a case, the plane of distal outer face 188 may be described as nearly or perfectly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of either the proximal portion 177 or the slightly angled distal segment of nozzle portion 105.
To improve flow of the liquid or fuel out of the nozzle portion 105 of the spout 100, an interior surface 187 at the distal end 119 of the nozzle lumen 175 may also be contoured or rounded in one or more dimensions to more gently direct or divert the direction of liquid or fuel flow in the lower portion of nozzle lumen 175 out the slanted side exit opening 181. Such a slanted side exit opening 181 has an increased outflow area compared to a hypothetical straight opening at the distal end of the nozzle portion (i.e., an opening spanning from the top side 185 to the bottom side 183 of the nozzle portion 105). The increased outflow area of the slanted side exit opening 181 of the present nozzle design further increases flow rate of the liquid or fuel exiting the nozzle portion 105, which may produce a smoother and more controlled flow of liquid or fuel out of the spout 100. The side exit opening 181 also avoids the liquid or fuel from “shooting” out the distal end. However, while a side exit opening may be preferred, it is envisioned that a straight exit opening at the distal end of the spout (i.e., an opening spanning from the top side to the bottom side of the nozzle portion) may conceivably be used in combination with other inventive features (see, e.g.,
Due to vacuum pressure created inside the container and spout as a result of the liquid or fuel being poured out of the container and spout, air is pulled or sucked back into the spout and container to replace the volume of liquid or fuel being poured. This design of the slanted side exit opening 181 in combination with other features improves the flow of air through the exit opening 181 into the nozzle lumen 175 by encouraging the air entering the spout 100 to quickly flow straight up to the top of the nozzle lumen 175. By driving the inward flowing air immediately upward, the air may become more quickly segregated from the outflowing liquid or fuel. The contoured or rounded interior surface 187 at the distal end of nozzle lumen 175 may also help to smoothly guide the air into the upper portion of the nozzle lumen 175 without sharp transitions. The exact shape and dimensions of the contoured or rounded interior surface 187 may vary. Once the air flow arrives in the upper portion of the nozzle lumen 175 and continues to flow proximally along the upper portions of the spout interior, interference or interruption of the outflow of liquid or fuel in the lower portions of the spout interior by the air may be minimized, which may translate into a faster flow rate of the liquid or fuel out of the spout.
Once the air entering the exit opening 181 reaches the upper portion of the nozzle lumen 175, the air continues to flow in a proximal or rearward direction along the upper portion of the nozzle lumen 175. In its path toward the container, the air flow encounters the slide assembly, which forces a bifurcation of most or all of the air flow around each side of the slide assembly. As shown in
To further improve the fluid flows in both directions, the nozzle portion 105 and/or nozzle lumen 175 may be tapered in a cone shape such that the diameter or width of the proximal portion 177 of nozzle lumen 175 is greater than that of the distal portion 179 of nozzle lumen 175. To form a cone shape, the top side 185 and bottom side 183 of nozzle portion 105 as well as the two sides of nozzle portion 105 are angled toward each other in the distal direction. As such, the diameter or width of the nozzle lumen 175 near its proximal end is greater than the diameter or width of the nozzle lumen 175 near its distal end. This may be defined by the following equation, Dbig≧Dsmall≧0.1*Dbig, in which Dbig is the diameter of proximal-most portion of the nozzle lumen 175 (which may be about the same as the diameter of the proximal chamber 157 and/or central passage 159) and Dsmall is the diameter of the nozzle lumen 175 at or near the proximal side of the exit opening 181. This widening toward the proximal portion 177 facilitates or encourages a continuous and smooth division or bifurcation of the air flow around the tapered structure 189 and slide assembly by minimizing constriction and giving room for the air flow to spread, such that the air flow does not impinge or create a higher pressure zone where the liquid or fuel 193 is flowing out into the nozzle lumen 175. By maintaining a continuous and smooth air flow, a faster flow rate of the liquid or fuel 193 may be achieved.
Eventually, vacuum pressure created by the liquid or fuel flowing out of the container and nozzle may also operate to provide an automatic shut-off mechanism. Shortly after the level of liquid or fuel in the machine, equipment, container, etc., being filled rises to a level where the exit opening 181 becomes immersed within the liquid or fuel, flow of the liquid or fuel out of the container and spout 100 ceases due to the vacuum pressure and the inability of air to flow into the exit opening 181 and spout 100. When this happens, the user may simply move the slide 107 and plunger 115 to the closed position and remove the spout 100 without spilling. If a spring is present in the slide assembly to bias the slide and plunger to a closed position, then the user may simply release the slide to allow the slide 107 and plunger 115 to move to the closed position.
While a round or circular cross sectional shape may generally be preferred as shown in
As stated above, the exit opening may span from a top side to a bottom side of the nozzle portion of the spout at or near the distal end of the spout. According to embodiments of the present invention, the distal exit opening may also have one or more edges defining the boundaries of the exit opening that may be present or generally oriented within or along one or more planes. Indeed, the outer defining edges of an exit opening of a spout or nozzle that spans from the top side to the bottom side of the nozzle portion of the spout may be present within a single plane or multiple planes, such as one or more planes, two or more planes, three or more planes, etc. However, the exit opening may instead have any variety of curved and/or irregular edge(s) in two or more dimensions.
Even if one or more of the edge(s) of the exit opening are not perfectly linear and/or planar, the edge(s) of the exit opening may still be grouped into edge portions having a same or similar general orientation. For example, a first edge may span between the top side of the nozzle portion of a spout and a second edge, and the second edge may be in a generally slanted orientation and span between the first edge and either a third edge or a bottom side of the nozzle portion of the spout. While the presence of a third edge of the exit opening may be preferred, the third edge may be optional, and the second edge may span from the first edge to the bottom side of the nozzle portion of the spout. If a third edge is present (e.g., as in
A first edge of an exit opening closer to the top side of the nozzle portion may generally be located more distally than a second and/or third edge of the exit opening located closer to the bottom side of the nozzle portion. For example, the first curved edge 486 of the exit opening 481 in
By having a wider exit opening 481 spanning between the top and bottom sides 485, 483 and enlarged on the bottom side of the nozzle portion 405 near the distal end 419 of the spout 400, the liquid or fuel flowing out of the exit opening 481 is allowed to spread out and/or remain more laminar. The increased outflow area of the slanted side exit opening 481 of the present invention increases flow rate of the liquid or fuel exiting the nozzle portion 405, which allows for the container, etc., to be filled in less time while maintaining a controlled flow of liquid or fuel out of the spout 400. The enlargement of the exit opening 481 on the bottom side 483 of the spout 400 may further cause the liquid or fuel flow through the exit opening 481 to be biased in a more downward direction. Such downward liquid/fuel flow out of the nozzle portion 405 of the spout 400 may help to reinforce the confinement of the liquid/fuel flow in the lower portion(s) of the nozzle interior, especially near the exit opening 481 and distal end 419 of the spout 400.
As shown in
In addition to increasing the rate of liquid/fuel flow exiting the spout 400, the downwardly directed flow of the liquid/fuel flow exiting the spout 400 (due to the exit opening 481 having an enlarged outflow area in the bottom-distal corner of the nozzle portion of the spout) may also facilitate the inward flow of air into the nozzle interior near the top of the exit opening 481 by widening the space between the liquid/fuel flow and the top of the exit opening 481. In other words, the downward biasing of the liquid/fuel flow though the exit opening 481 may further help to reinforce the inward flow of air preferentially into the upper portion of the nozzle interior by creating a larger cross-sectional area for air flow into the top portion of the exit opening 481. To help guide the inward flow of air into the upper portion of the nozzle interior without creating resistive and/or disorderly air currents, a rounded projection or mound(s) 487 may optionally extend downward from the top side 485 of the nozzle portion 405 of the spout 400 (e.g., downward from near a top portion 488 of the first curved edge 486 of the exit opening 481) at or near the distal end 419 of the spout 400. Such a rounded projection 487 may also function to help direct or divert the liquid/fuel flow exiting the spout 400 through the exit opening 481 in a more downwardly direction. Once the air enters the interior of the distal portion 479 of the nozzle portion 405 of the spout 400, the air may continue to flow through the interior of the spout 400 in a proximal direction in much the same manner as described above in reference to
Another advantage of the spout of the present invention according to those embodiments having a nozzle portion with outer sides that taper toward the distal end of the spout is that the nozzle portion may be inserted into an opening of the machine, equipment, etc., to be filled until the nozzle portion forms a close-fit with such opening to help reduce evaporative emissions from such opening of the machine, equipment, etc., being filled. Such close-fit of the spout may also help to partially stabilize or support the inverted container connected to the spout during pouring.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, a holder may also be present on one or more sides of the spout or nozzle for engaging a structure on a container, tank, piece of equipment, machine, etc., being filled (e.g., a neck surrounding an opening of the container, etc., being filled into which the nozzle portion of the spout is inserted). For example, as shown in
To help secure the positioning of the nozzle in relation to the neck of the container opening, the distal face 515 of the holder 510 may be slanted in a proximal direction from near the outermost side 513 of the holder 510 toward the bottom side 483 of the nozzle portion 405 of the spout 400, which will help to direct or cause the spout 400 to slide toward the neck or other mating structure of the container, etc., being filled (i.e., for the side of the nozzle portion 405 to slide closer to the neck/structure of the container, etc., being filled). The proximal face 517 of the holder 510 may also be similarly slanted (i.e., proximally toward the side of the nozzle/spout) for the holder 510 to have a more consistent thickness. An elongated groove or indentation 519 may also be present in the distal face 515 of the holder 510 near or next to the side (e.g., the bottom side 483) of the nozzle portion 405 of the spout 400 to receive an outer edge of the neck/structure of the container, etc., and help hold it in place. The proximally slanted distal face 515 toward the side of the nozzle portion 405 and/or the elongated groove 519 may assist in holding the spout and associated liquid/fuel container more securely in place without sliding or movement during use.
To accommodate the holder 510 as an integral part of the bottom side 483 of the nozzle portion 405 of the spout 400, at least a portion 484 of the bottom side 483 of the nozzle portion 405 may protrude into the interior of the conical nozzle portion 405. A recessed area 521 may also be present in the bottom side 483 of the spout 400 near where the holder 510 meets the bottom side 483 of the nozzle portion 405 of the spout 400, thus forming a pocket that may further assist in securely holding the neck/structure of the container, etc., being filled in place during use. To keep the edge of the neck or other mating structure of the container, etc., from sliding off the outermost side or edge 513 of the holder 510, an elongated structure or lip 514 may be present that extends distally from the holder 510 at or near the outermost side 513 of the holder 510. The holder 510 may extend out far enough to easily catch and engage the neck when the spout 400 is inserted into the opening of the container to be filled. However, the holder may preferably be shorter and not extend out from the side of the nozzle portion 405 of the spout 400 too far such that it becomes an obstruction or unnecessarily large. For example, it may be preferable for a nozzle/spout of the present invention to be inserted into a fuel container in an inverted orientation (i.e., to make the container plus nozzle/spout more compact) for shipping purposes prior to sale, and a spout having a larger holder (i.e., extending out farther from its side) may not be able to fit inside the opening of the container.
The holder may have different structural features that make it more resilient and less susceptible to cracking, breaking, etc., over the useful life of the spout. For example, a holder having a greater thickness between its proximal and distal sides or faces and/or a larger area in common with the side of the spout may have greater durability and strength to withstand the forces involved during its use in supporting the weight of the spout and its attached container. The portion of a side of the spout at or near where a holder is located on (and/or in common with) the side of the nozzle, including perhaps proximally thereto, may also be thicker to add to the structural resiliency of the nozzle/spout holder. For example, a portion of the bottom side 483 of the nozzle portion 405 of the spout 400 is shown in
It is important to note, however, that although the alternative shape of the exit opening 481 and the presence of a holder 510 are both shown in the embodiment of
It is also important to note that the concept of a holder may be structurally embodied in other ways (i.e., have a variety of different shapes, sizes, features, etc.) while still functioning to support the weight of the liquid/fuel container attached to the spout and/or stop further advancement of the nozzle into a separate container, tank, etc., being filled (i.e., to position the distal end and exit opening of the spout). For example, a holder may be a simply shaped projection from a side of the spout/nozzle. The “holder” may also comprise a plurality of spaced-apart holders, which may each be projections or structures having a variety of different sizes, shapes, etc., that extend out from the side of the nozzle or spout. The multiple holders may be arranged concentrically around the spout or nozzle and/or located at different distances from the distal end of the spout/nozzle (e.g., for different types of uses). The holder may instead comprise a continuous annular projection or structure that circumferentially surrounds the sides of the spout or nozzle. Thus, the structure and configuration of the “holder” may vary while performing the same function(s) of positioning the distal end of the spout/nozzle, stabilizing the position spout/nozzle against movement, and/or supporting the weight of the liquid/fuel container during use.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the positioning of the one or more holder(s) on the side of a spout or nozzle (i.e., the distance between the holder(s) and the distal end of the spout or nozzle) is important for properly positioning the distal end of the spout or nozzle inside the container, tank, etc., being filled with a liquid or fuel. As noted above, once the level of liquid or fuel inside the container being filled reaches a sufficient height or level that it fully covers the exit opening, further liquid or fuel flow into the container will eventually stop since air cannot flow back into the nozzle (i.e., due to vacuum pressure inside the spout and its associated liquid/fuel container). Thus, the positioning of the holder on the side of the spout/nozzle may determine the desired maximum fill level inside the container due to any further liquid/fuel flow into the container becoming stopped once (or shortly after) the exit opening is covered by the liquid/fuel inside the container, etc., being filled. In general, the holder(s) may be positioned at a range of distances from the exit opening and/or the distal end of the spout or nozzle. Although the distance between the holder(s) and the distal end of the spout/nozzle will generally be greater than zero, the holder may conceivably be placed at any location along the length of the spout, or more particularly at any position along the length of the nozzle portion of the spout including the junction between the main body portion and the nozzle portion of the spout. Although less preferred, the holder(s) may even be located on the main body portion of the spout. According to many embodiments of the present invention, the holder(s) may be placed at a distance from a proximal edge of the exit opening or the distal end of the spout that is at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, of the total length of the nozzle portion of the spout.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the positioning of a holder on the side of a spout or nozzle may be ideally modeled or approximated as being at a minimal distance from the exit opening and/or the distal end of the spout/nozzle. The following example calculation may be used to approximate a minimum distance between the holder and the proximal edge of the exit opening of a spout or nozzle assuming that the spout or nozzle is inserted into the top of a container, tank, etc., being filled. The following example calculation also assumes that there is a neck surrounding the opening of the container, tank, etc., being filled. However, as stated below, the following calculations and formula may also be applied to a mating structure other than the neck of an opening. The volume of the portion of the spout/nozzle of the present invention that is inserted into the container, tank, etc., being filled and the neck opening (of the container, etc.) may be simply approximated as a frustum of a right circular cone (see below).
The interior volume of the container or tank being filled may be simply approximated by the following formula (assuming that the container/tank is a right rectangular prism):
V
C
=l·w·h, (1)
wherein VC is the volume of the container/tank, l is the length, w is the width, and h is the height of the container/tank. This formula may be rewritten as (2) VC=A·h, wherein A=l·w (i.e., the constant cross-sectional area of the container/tank).
However, the container, tank, etc., being filled may have other shapes that would change this volume equation. For example, if the container, etc., has parallel top and bottom walls but curved, non-planar and/or non-perpendicular side walls, then the cross-sectional area (A) of the container, etc., may change over its height (h) between the top and bottom walls. Thus, the area (A) term of the equation may be defined as a function of its height.
Since the liquid or fuel will stop flowing into the container, etc., being filled when (or shortly after) the height (hL) of the liquid/fuel inside the container, etc., fully covers the exit opening of the spout (i.e., reaches the proximal edge of the exit opening) due to the exit opening becoming sealed (i.e., not allowing air to flow into the spout through its exit opening), such a sealed liquid/fuel height (hL,S) may be used to determine the desired or minimum distance (d) between the holder and the exit opening and/or distal end of the spout (taking into account other factors discussed below—i.e., the additional volume of liquid/fuel that may continue to flow into the container, etc., being filled after the exit opening is sealed). For example, a desired maximum liquid/fuel height inside a particular container, tank, etc., being filled may be used to determine or derive a minimum distance (d) between the holder and the exit opening and/or distal end of the spout (perhaps based on the liquid/fuel height (hL,S) at which the exit opening of the spout becomes sealed inside that container, etc., during the filling process).
However, even after the exit opening of the spout becomes “sealed” at the liquid/fuel level height (hL,S) (inside the container, tank, etc., being filled) that reaches the proximal edge of the exit opening, liquid or fuel may continue to flow from the spout/nozzle into the container, tank, etc., to varying extents depending on a number of factors including (for example): (i) the density of the liquid/fuel, (ii) the size of the liquid/fuel container attached to the spout, (iii) the stiffness of the walls of the liquid/fuel container attached to the spout, and (iv) the amount or volume of liquid or fuel still remaining inside the spout and the liquid/fuel container attached to the spout. Thus, any function that seeks to define a minimum or desired distance (d) for the placement of the holder(s) on the side(s) of the spout/nozzle should take into account this additional, post-sealed volume (VA) of liquid/fuel that will continue to flow into the container, tank, etc., being filled after the exit opening of the spout becomes sealed to avoid over-filling, spilling, emissions, etc., of the liquid/fuel into the environment.
However, this additional volume (VA) may be difficult or impossible to define in simple mathematical terms since it may depend on a number of complicated and unknown variables. Thus, the volume (VA) would likely need to be determined empirically for a given spout/nozzle and associated container attached to the spout/nozzle. On the other hand, the additional volume (VA) of liquid/fuel flow into the container, tank, etc., being filled after the exit opening of the spout/nozzle becomes sealed must be less than or equal to the remaining volume (VR) of air or other less dense gas above the liquid/fuel height (hL,S) inside the container, tank, etc. at that time, to avoid overfilling, spilling, etc., (i.e., VA≦VR). Combining the equations above (for a container, etc., having a simple rectangular prism shape), the remaining unfilled volume (VR) inside the container, etc., being filled may be defined as follows:
V
R
=V
C,R
−V
N,C (3)
wherein VC,R is the remaining volume of the container, etc., being filled above the liquid/fuel height (hL,S), and VN,C is the volume of the spout/nozzle frustum inside the remaining volume (VC,R) of the container, etc., being filled. With the holder resting on the neck of the container, etc., being filled, the remaining volume (VC,R) may be defined as (4) VC,R=A(h−hL,S), and the spout/nozzle frustum volume (VN,C) inside the container being filled (and the neck of its fill opening) may be approximated as:
V
N,C
=πd(r2+rR+R2)/3 (5)
wherein VN,C is the volume of the nozzle frustum inserted into the container, etc., and the neck of its fill opening, R is the largest radius and r is the smallest radius of the nozzle frustum (the largest radius, R, being at or near a position where the holder may be located on the side of the nozzle, and the smallest radius, r, being at or near the proximal edge of the exit opening), and d is the distance or length of the frustum (i.e, from the nozzle holder to the proximal edge of the exit opening of the nozzle).
Thus, VN,C represents and approximates the volume of the spout/nozzle (above the exit opening of the spout/nozzle) that is inserted into the container, tank, etc., being filled (and into the neck surrounding the fill opening of the container, etc.), as positioned by the holder on the side of the nozzle engaging the neck of the opening of the container, etc., or other structure, which is at a distance (d) from the exit opening at the distal end of the nozzle. Thus, the formula for the additional volume (VA) of liquid/fuel that continues to flow into the container, tank, etc., being filled may be approximated as follows:
V
A
≦A(d−dNeck)−πd(r2+rR+R2)/3 (6)
wherein dNeck is the height or distance of the neck of the opening extending out from the container, tank, etc., being filled, since (h−hL,S)=(d−dNeck). However, the term, dNeck, may also be used to describe the height or distance of a structure (of the container, etc., being filled) other than a neck surrounding the opening of the container, etc., because the neck distance (dNeck) basically represents the distance between the position of the holder on the side of the spout/nozzle and the top of the interior of the container, tank, etc., being filled (i.e., at height, h), due to the holder engaging a corresponding structure on the container, etc., being filled.
Formula (6) may thus be rearranged to solve for the minimum distance (d) for a desired placement of the holder on the side of the nozzle. Thus, distance (d) may be:
d≧(VA+A·dNeck)/[A−π(r2+rR+R2)/3] (7)
As mentioned above, the area term (A) may be expressed as a function of the height of the container, tank, etc., depending on the shape of the container, tank, etc., being filled. Given that these calculations are idealized with simplified assumptions about the shapes of the spout/nozzle and container, tank, etc., being filled, a safety factor (n) may be added to the above equation (if used) to determine a minimum or desired distance (d) for the placement of the holder(s) on the side of the spout/nozzle to properly position the distal exit opening during use. The safety factor (n) may also be used even where calculations are considered more precise. To incorporate this safety factor (n), formula (7) may be rewritten as:
d≧n·(VA+A·dNeck)/[A−π(r2+rR+R2)/3] (8)
For example, a safety factor (n) of 20% would equal 1.20. If the safety factor (n) is large enough, eventually the A·dNeck term may eventually become negligible and could be eliminated from formula (8).
It is important to note that although the above idealized description and formula may be used to approximate or determine a minimum distance placement (d) for a holder(s) on the side of a spout/nozzle (e.g., to avoid overfilling or spilling of the liquid/fuel), the holder may instead be placed at a different distance from the proximal edge of the exit opening and/or the distal end of the spout/nozzle, perhaps depending on factors other than a desired fill level inside a container, tank, etc., being filled. Indeed, a holder may be positioned at a greater-than-minimal distance, such as for less-than-complete filling of the container, etc., to allow for other functions to be performed, and/or to account for variations, error, or improper use. For example, the nozzle portion of the spout may need to be long enough to push open any valves inside the neck or container, etc., being filled, and/or to allow the outer circumference of the nozzle to form a tight seal with an inner surface of a neck or opening of a container, tank, etc., being filled to help support the weight of the liquid/fuel container attached to the spout, to secure its positioning, to help block or seal off fuel emissions, etc. A spout may have a dual purpose that may require a sufficient distance between the distal end of the spout and the position of the holder to allow full insertion of the spout into the opening of the container, etc., being filled (e.g., to form a tight circumferential seal with the opening), while also having a holder for other uses.
It is also important to note that a desired position or distance (d) for the holder may be calculated more narrowly (i.e., not as a minimum distance as described in the example above that avoids overfilling, spilling, etc., of the liquid or fuel). Basically, the above example calculations and formulas solve for a maximum liquid/fuel height being equal to the height of the container, etc., being filled. However, for a desired liquid/fuel level or height (hd) that is below the top of the container, etc., being filled by a gap distance (x), the desired liquid/fuel height (hd) would be equal to the height (h) of the container, etc., minus the gap distance (x) (i.e., h=x+hd). Since (h−hL,S)=(d−dNeck), example formula (7) above may be rewritten to approximate or solve for a desired distance (d) for the placement of the holder as follows:
d≧(VA+A·dNeck+A·x)/[A−π(r2+rR+R2)/3] (9)
Much like formula (8) above, formula (9) may also include a safety factor (n).
According to embodiments of the present invention,
Bottom surface 235 of plunger 200 may also be at least partially separated from top surface 257 by a first side face 239 and a second side face 243. First side face 239 may be defined by a first bottom edge 241 next to a bottom surface 235 and a first top edge 242 next to top surface 257, and second side face 243 may be defined by a second bottom edge 245 next to a bottom surface 235 and a second top edge 246 next to top surface 257. First side face 239 may extend from first end 249 of plunger tip 234 to a first tri-point 255 where first top edge 242 and first bottom edge 241 meet. Likewise, second side face 243 may extend from second end 251 of plunger tip 234 to a second tri-point 256 where second top edge 246 and second bottom edge 245 meet. First side edge 239 and second side edge 243 may also converge toward each other toward the tip 234, such that the width of the tapering portion 233 is less near tip 234 than nearer to base portion 231.
In addition, a first middle edge 253 of plunger 200 may be positioned from first tri-point 255 toward base portion 231, and a second middle edge 254 may be positioned from second tri-point 256 toward base portion 231. Each of these edges may vary from being sharper to being more curved or rounded, and the side faces 239 and 243 may vary from being flat to curved or rounded. As shown in
As described above, the tapering of the narrowing portion 233 may be favored to one side, such that it is closer to that side, which is preferably the top of the spout when assembled with the spout. The tapering of bottom surface 235 may be described as an angle relative to a line extending from the top side of base portion 231 of plunger 200 and/or relative to the top surface 257 of plunger 200, which in either case will be less than 90° and may be in a range from about 10° to about 50°, or alternatively from about 20° to about 40°, or about 30°. Such favored tapering of narrowing portion 233 to one side of plunger 200 may be described in terms of angles or lengths. The angle between bottom surface 235 and an imaginary line extending (proximally) from the bottom side of base portion 231 may generally be greater than the angle between top surface 257 and an imaginary line extending (proximally) from the top side of base portion 231. In terms of lengths or distances, such favored tapering to one side of plunger 200 may generally mean that bottom surface 235 is longer from base portion 231 to tip 234 than top surface 257.
As shown in
It is conceivable, however, that a plunger may be used according to some embodiments that functions more like a plug, especially in combination with other inventive features, which may have a base portion that corresponds to the first opening but an optional “tapering portion” that may be tapered at an angle anywhere from 0° to 90° (not shown). In other words, such a plunger or plug may vary between (i) a plunger or plug having a portion or segment that extends proximally from the base portion (i.e., past first opening when in a closed position) that has a constant cross-sectional area, and (ii) a plunger or plug having only a base portion with no “tapering portion” or extended portion at all. In either of these two extremes, the plunger may be a right cylinder if the first opening of the spout is circular. With such an embodiment, a bottom proximal portion or edge of the plunger may be cut-away or absent to function analogously to the narrowing portion described above.
In addition to
As introduced above, a locking mechanism may also be provided between a proximal portion of slide 107 and the proximal end of cavity 109. A locking mechanism is helpful to completely stop pouring during use and to ensure that the spout remains closed during storage. To utilize the locking mechanism, the user simply pulls the slide 107 connected to plunger 115 completely back until the slide locks into the closed position to block flow of liquid or fuel from the container. According to some embodiments, a type of snap-lock system may be used, which may involve a small tab(s) on a proximal portion of the slide 107 that is configured to interface and create an interference fit with a corresponding shape, such as a corresponding groove(s), of the cavity 109 at its proximal end. Such a snap-lock may be accompanied by an audible snap, which communicates to the user that the slide assembly is locked in the closed position. For example, a linear tab 305 may be upward facing and be disposed on the upper surface of middle portion 124 of slide 107 to engage a corresponding groove(s) formed in proximal end of cavity 109. Tab 305 may be disposed in a side-to-side line perpendicular to the proximal-distal axis of main body portion 103 of spout 100 on the proximal half of middle portion 124, such as at or near where upper portion 123 meets middle portion 124 of slide 107. One or more notches 309a, 309b may be present on either side of an intervening portion 311 on the proximal face 307 of upper portion 123 of slide 107. This may create room to allow two corresponding grooves (not shown) of cavity 109 to engage tab 305 on both sides of intervening portion 311. Such notches may be absent from distal face 308 of upper portion 123 of slide 107.
According to other aspects of the present invention, methods are provided for the assembly and operation of any embodiment of the spout device. In a first step, the proximal end of the spout may inserted into the opening of a container, and a cap may be used to secure the spout to the container. The container may be lifted, and the spout connected and secured to the container may be inserted into a machine, equipment, etc., to be filled with the liquid or fuel in the container. The container may be partially inverted to pour the liquid or fuel into the machine, equipment, etc. According to some embodiments, a holder on the side of the spout may also be used to engage or contact a surface or protruding structure of a container, tank, etc., such as the neck of a container opening, to help hold, secure and properly position the spout/nozzle in the container, tank, etc., while it is being filled with the liquid or fuel. The slide assembly may be operated to first move the slide in a distal direction to open the spout to pour the contents of the container. During pouring, the flow rate may be adjusted in a continuously controlled manner by operating the slide assembly to achieve a desired flow rate. When a desired amount of liquid or fuel is poured, the slide may be slid or moved to a proximal position to close the spout, and the spout may be lifted out of the machine, equipment, etc., being filled without spilling.
While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that all examples in the present disclosure, while illustrating embodiments of the invention, are provided as non-limiting examples and are, therefore, not to be taken as limiting the various aspects so illustrated. For instance, while several dimensions, angles, etc., are provided as examples for spouts to be used with standard PFCs, such dimensions, angles, etc., of the spout of the present invention could vary considerably for other types of applications. The present invention is intended to have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative and not as restrictive.
This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application claiming the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/134,103, of the same title and filed on Dec. 19, 2013, the entire contents and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14134103 | Dec 2013 | US |
| Child | 15196172 | US |
