Patent ID: 7051902
Filing Date: 2006-05-30
Classification: B67D

Abstract:
1. An automatic valve assembly for a water cooler having a reservoir of the type that has its upper end generally sealed to the atmosphere by a water bottle adapter that receives and supports an inverted water bottle, the valve assembly comprising: (i) a ventilation passageway providing a means for air to enter said reservoir; and, (ii) an actuator arm hingedly mounted within the interior of said water cooler and operable to move between an open and a closed position in response to changing water levels within said reservoir, when in said open position said actuator arm allowing the unrestricted passage of air into said reservoir through said ventilation passageway and when in said closed position said actuator arm restricting the flow of air and fluids through said ventilation passageway, said actuator arm including a sealing element disposed in said reservoir and moveable in response to movement of said actuator arm, when said actuator arm is in said open position said sealing element permitting air to flow through said ventilation passageway into said reservoir and when said actuator arm is in said closed position said sealing element preventing the passage of air and fluids through said ventilation passageway, said sealing element comprised of a resilient compressible material that is driven into contact with said ventilation passageway upon the movement of said actuator arm with a rise in the water level within said reservoir beyond a predetermined level such that a further rise in the water level within said reservoir causes said sealing element to be compressed about said ventilation passageway to restrict the passage of air or fluids therethrough.