Abstract:
A no-spill fluid security system for couplings for use with fluids producing environmental impact wherein the coupling permits unidirectional flow for consumer use and bidirectional flow to permit the refilling of containers with specially designed mating coupling parts. The primary coupling part includes a valve located adjacent the primary part end to prevent spillage and a normally operative check valve prevents fluid flow into the primary coupling part while a secondary coupling part of special construction opens the normally closed check valve permitting unidirectional flow through the primary part. Pressure relief means are incorporated into the primary part to permit trapped fluids within an uncoupled primary part to be bled into the associated receptacle upon a predetermined pressure existing to prevent spillage.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many fluid chemical products used in industry, agriculture, and by consumers have a negative environmental impact if not properly used, stored, applied, handled and shipped. Many of such fluid chemical products which are potentially environmentally hazardous are stored and shipped in expensive closed containers specially designed to safely enclose the fluid and such containers, such as those used with agricultural fertilizers, are leased or rented by the consumer with the intention of the container being returned to an authorized dealer for refill. However, because of the high quality of the container consumers sometimes retain the containers for use for other purposes than which they were intended, and the containers may be refilled with fluids other than that for which they were designed, or originally contained. 
     As the manufacturer of chemical fluid products shipped in such containers may ultimately be held liable for damages arising from improper refilling of such containers and receptacles concern exists that the unauthorized refilling of containers originally used with fluid having an environmental impact may result in bodily harm or severe environmental damage. Many fluid chemicals shipped in containers may become explosive, or highly pressurized, if mixed with other agents improperly introduced into the container and fluid security systems preventing such occurrences have not been available which are practical and feasible. 
     A particular instance wherein fluid security of the aforedescribed type is highly desirable is with agriculture products wherein the farmer consumer rents or leases a container of fluid chemical fertilizer or cleaner, and the consumer attaches a coupling to the container coupling to permit the desired dispensing of the fluid. Thus, the consumer will have a coupling compatible to the fluid container coupling and the consumer will have the equipment by which fluids could be introduced into the container unless the container coupling prevents such occurrence. Heretofore, security couplings which permit authorized container refill have not been practical in that fluid flow therethrough is necessary to permit the authorized dispensing of the fluid chemical from the container by the consumer and although the use of a simple check valve prevents refilling by the consumer such a check valve also prevents an authorized dealer for the fluid chemical from refilling the container. 
     It is also necessary that couplings used with fluids having adverse environmental impact not spill or release the fluids except when intended, and complicated couplings using a plurality of valves, including a check valve, will trap fluid within the coupling body itself which may become highly pressurized due to environmental heat causing such confined fluid to leak from the coupling into the atmosphere and surrounding ground. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a no-spill fluid security coupling system which is relatively economical to manufacture, concise, automatic and foolproof permitting unidirectional flow through a coupling part during dispensing and preventing unauthorized bidirectional coupling flow. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a no-spill fluid security coupling system of economical construction wherein a primary coupling selectively receives secondary couplings, such secondary couplings being either of the consumer type permitting unidirectional flow for consumers use, or permitting bidirectional flow by authorized personnel employing a secondary coupling part different than that employed by the consumer. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a no-spill fluid security coupling system employing a primary coupling part and &#34;consumer&#34; and &#34;dealer&#34; secondary coupling parts of different construction wherein attachment of the consumer part to the primary coupling part permits only unidirectional flow from the primary part, and the dealer coupling part permits bidirectional fluid flow through the primary part permitting receptacles associated with the primary part to be refilled. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a no-spill fluid security coupling system employing a primary receptacle coupling part selectively connectable to consumer and dealer secondary coupling parts, the secondary coupling parts automatically controlling the primary coupling part for unidirectional or bidirectional flow therethrough. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a no-spill fluid security coupling system wherein coupling parts may be interconnected by relative axial movement, and only axial movement is required to achieve the security operation of a plurality of valves within the primary coupling part selectively preventing bidirectional fluid flow through the primary part. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a no-spill fluid security coupling associated with a receptacle wherein a plurality of axially spaced valves are located within the coupling part and fluid trapped between the valves is automatically discharged to the receptacle upon a predetermined fluid pressure existing in the trapped fluid. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The no-spill fluid security system in accord with the invention basically consists of a primary coupling part in fluid communication with a receptacle which is not to be refilled by unauthorized personnel, secondary coupling parts selectively connectable to the primary part by either the consumer or authorized personnel are of different configurations to automatically permit either unidirectional or bidirectional fluid flow through the primary part. 
     The primary part includes a pair of valves. One valve is located adjacent the discharge end of the primary part preventing fluid from inadvertently flowing therefrom and preventing spillage from the primary part. The second valve constitutes a check valve limiting fluid flow through the primary part in a direction permitting fluid to be dispensed therethrough. The secondary coupling parts of both the consumer and authorized dealer versions include valve operating means for opening the primary part valve adjacent its outlet end, but only the authorized secondary coupling part includes an operator for rendering the primary part check valve inoperative to permit bidirectional flow therethrough. 
     Authorized bidirectional flow through the primary part is achieved by employing a ball type check valve which seats by gravity to prevent inwardly flow into the primary part. Upon connecting the authorized secondary part to the primary part the ball check valve seat structure is axially displaced to permit an abutment to unseat the ball rendering the check valve inoperative and bidirectional. Springs are associated with both of the primary part valves to restore the valves to their operative conditions upon uncoupling the secondary coupling part. 
     Fluid may become trapped between the primary part valves, and environmental heating of this fluid, such as by the sun, may produce high pressures therein which may cause the fluid to leak past the primary part sealing valve and permit the fluid to escape to the atmosphere or area surrounding the coupling part. This occurrence is prevented in accord with the inventive concepts as an increase in trapped pressure fluid displaces the primary part check valve to its inoperative condition permitting the pressurized fluid to bleed back into the receptacle prior to pressures reaching such a value as to cause hazardous leakage. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The aforementioned objects and advantages of the invention will be appreciated from the following description and accompanying drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of the components constituting the primary coupling part in accord with the invention, 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the components of a secondary coupling part in accord with the concept of the invention, 
     FIG. 3 is an elevational diametrical sectional view of the primary coupling part and the consumer coupling part, as aligned, and prior to interconnection, 
     FIG. 4 is an elevational sectional diametrical view illustrating the components of FIG. 3 as fully interconnected, the valves being opened and in the position during unidirectional fluid flow upwardly, 
     FIG. 5 is an elevational diametrical sectional view of the primary coupling part and the authorized secondary coupling part which permits bidirectional fluid flow through the primary coupling part, and prior to the parts being interconnected, 
     FIG. 6 is an elevational diametrical sectional view of the coupling parts of FIG. 5 as shown in the fully interconnected condition, the check valve being rendered inoperative, and the fluid flow being bidirectional, and 
     FIG. 7 is a diametrical elevational sectional view of the primary coupling part, per se, the valve components being shown in the position for relieving pressure within fluid located within the coupling part. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A no-spill fluid security coupling in accord with the invention basically consists of a primary part 10 and a secondary part 12, FIG. 3. As will be later explained, two versions of secondary parts are employed in the practice of the invention, and as the secondary part 12 disclosed in FIGS. 3 and 4 is of the &#34;consumer&#34; type the initial explanation of the secondary part will be with respect to the consumer version. 
     The form of the primary part 10 illustrated in the figures is that used with a closed receptacle or drum in which fluid chemicals may be stored and shipped. It is also to be understood that the primary part 10 may be incorporated into the end of a hose or other conduit into which unauthorized entry is not desired, and the inventive concepts will be applicable to this type of installation as will be readily understood. However, in most instances, the part 10 will be mounted in a vertical orientation on the upper wall of a receptacle, drum or the like, generally indicated at 14, and the receptacle includes a threaded port or bung hole 16 into which the part may be threaded as described below. 
     The primary part 10 includes a two piece body 18 having an annular lower section 20 and an annular upper section 22. The sections are permanently joined at joint 24 after the internal components are assembled therein. It is to be appreciated that the basic components of both the primary and the secondary coupling parts may be formed of a synthetic plastic material, as illustrated, and such material has the advantage of being economical, non-corrosive, and a material composition is employed which is relatively inert as to not react with corrosive fluids. Metal components such as springs, are preferably formed of stainless steel, or plated, so as not to deteriorate, from exposure to strong chemicals. Of course, the coupling components may also be formed of metal or other materials compatible with the fluids being handled. 
     The body 18 includes a passage 26 having a vertically oriented axis and the lower end of the passage as indicated at 28, FIG. 4, is preferably formed with a thread 30 whereby a standpipe may be threaded therein for extending to the bottom of the container to insure that the container is substantially emptied during use. At its other end, the body 18 is provided with an interconnectable outlet end 32, constituting the uppermost portion of the primary coupling part. 
     Intermediate its upper and lower ends the body 18 is provided with the threads 34 which mate with the threads 16 defined in the receptacle permitting the primary part to be firmly and seatingly threaded into the port 16, and radially extending shoulder 36 includes an annular groove for receiving elastomeric seal 38 to bear against the upper wall 14 and further seal the body 18 to the receptacle. Spanner holes 40 may be defined in the shoulder 36 for receiving a spanner wrench to permit the body 18 to be tightly threaded into port 16. 
     Adjacent the outlet end 32 an annular cam shoulder 42 is defined on the body 18, and inwardly thereof the release sleeve generally indicated at 44 is axially displaceably supported upon the body cylindrical surface. The release sleeve 44 includes an annular plunger portion 46 disposed adjacent the body cylindrical surface and a handle and rib portion 48 permits the release sleeve to be readily manually shifted along the body. 
     Adjacent the outlet end 32 the body is formed with a coaxial cylindrical socket 50 radially defined by the shoulder 52, and the shoulder forms an oblique inner valve seat 54 for cooperation with the valve head, as later described. 
     Internally a cage 56 is axially displaceably supported within the passage 26. The configuration of the cage 56 is best appreciated from FIG. 1 and includes three spiders 58 supporting a coaxial stem 60 having an axial bore 62 intersecting the upper stem end 64. The cage includes a homogeneous ring 66 located at the lower ends of the spiders 58. 
     The &#34;no-spill&#34; valve generally indicated at 68 includes a circular valve head 70 having an annular elastomeric seal ring 72 which engages the valve seat 54 under normal conditions. The valve 68 also includes an axially extending cylindrical tang 74 which is slidably received within the cage stem bore 62, and a compression spring 76 interposed between the valve head 70 and the cage 56 axially biases the valve head 70 away from spider 58. 
     An annular piston 78 is sealingly received within the passage 26 for axial displacement therein and is sealed thereto by the elastomeric seal 80. The piston 78 includes the conical valve seat 82 adapted to cooperate with the spherical ball 84 wherein the valve seat 82 and ball 84 constitute a typical gravity operated check valve which permits upward fluid flow as viewed in FIG. 3, but prevents fluid flow through the part 10 in a downward direction. 
     The piston 78 is biased upwardly by a compression spring 86 which bears against the abutment structure generally indicated at 88. A radial shoulder 90 defined in the passage 26 supports the abutment 88 engaging the abutment base 92, and the abutment includes a spider 94 and an upwardly extending coaxial rest 96. The configuration of the abutment is best appreciated from FIG. 1. 
     A plurality of vent passages 98 are defined in the shoulder 36 having a lower end 100 which communicates with the interior of the receptacle, and check valves 102 are located at the upper portions of the vent passages in communication with the atmosphere wherein elastomeric check valves 102 will permit atmospheric air to enter the vent passages 98 as the drum contents are depleted. The check valves 102 include slits which will prevent fluid within the drum escaping through the check valves in the event the drum is not vertically oriented and the vent passages 98 are filled with the drum fluid. 
     An annular retainer 104 mounted upon the shoulder 36 maintains the check valves 102 within their associated vent passages and retainer openings 106 align with the check valves to permit the desired venting. The retainer 104 also extends over the radial portion of the body shoulder 36 including the spanner holes 40 and openings are defined in the retainer permitting the spanner wrench studs to be received within the holes 40. 
     The consumer secondary coupling part 12 includes a body 108 having a conduit attachment end 110 whereby a conduit, such as a hose or the like, not shown, may be affixed thereto in communication with the part 12. The body 108 includes an interconnectable end 112 adapted to be placed over the interconnectable end 32 of part 10, and the body 18 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced resilient fingers 114 having cantilevered free ends which normally extend inwardly as shown in FIG. 3. The fingers 114 include ends 116 which will cooperate with the cam shoulder 42 as later described. 
     The passage 118 of the body 108 is primarily defined by the annular neck 120 integrally and fixedly mounted within the body 108. The neck 120, at its outer portion, includes a plurality of radial ports 122, and the end of the neck 120 is closed by the head 124 having an annular seal 126 defined thereon. 
     A valve sleeve 128 is axially displaceably supported within the body 108 and includes an outer seal 130 sealingly engaging the body inner cylindrical surface 132. A smaller elastomeric seal 134 is mounted upon the valve sleeve 128 for sealingly cooperating with the primary part socket 50 when the coupling parts are interconnected in order to achieve a fluid tight seal between the parts. Valve sleeve 128 also includes a coaxial valve seat 134 and compression spring 138 interposed between the valve sleeve shoulder 140 and the body 108 biases the valve sleeve downwardly engaging the valve seat 136 and seal 126 to seal the passage 118. 
     When the primary part 10 is located within the receptacle port 16 as shown in FIG. 3 the ball 84 will be engaging the valve seat 82, and as the spring 86 is considerably stronger than the spring 76 the valve head 70 will be engaging the valve seat 54 and upward fluid flow through the coupling part 10 is prevented. 
     Assuming the receptacle 14 to have fluid therein to be dispensed, the consumer aligns the secondary part 12 with the part 10 as shown in FIG. 3 and merely pushes the part 12 downwardly over the end 32. As such action occurs the nose of the valve sleeve 128 will enter the socket 50 establishing a fluid tight relationship between the parts 10 and 12. Engagement of the valve sleeve 128 with the shoulder 152 prevents further relative displacement between the valve sleeve and primary part 10 and continued axial displacement of the part 12 causes the neck 120 to move into the part 10 until the outer surface of the head 124 engages the complementary outer surface of the valve head 70. This action displaces the valve head 70 downwardly away from the valve seat 54 and fluid within the drum 14 may now flow upwardly through part 10 into part 12 as fluid may now flow around the valve head 70 and into the passage 118 through the ports 122. FIG. 4 illustrates the fully interconnected relationship of the parts 10 and 12 wherein the fingers 114 have passed over the cam shoulder 142 and the finger end 116 have snapped over the cam shoulder and engage the radial portion thereof preventing axial removal of the part 12 from the part 10. 
     As apparent from FIG. 4, the upward movement of fluid through the parts 10 and 12 will lift the ball 84 from the valve seat 82 and dispensing of the fluid within the drum 14 into the consumer&#39;s secondary coupling part 12 continues unrestricted. When the consumer desires to remove the coupling part 12 from part 10 the release sleeve 14 is grasped and moved upwardly. This action causes the annular plunger 46, which is located &#34;under&#34; the fingers 114, to lift the fingers disengaging finger ends 116 from the cam shoulder 42 and the coupling part 12 may be lifted from the part 10. 
     As the coupling parts are separated valve head 70 will engage valve seat 54 as head 124 is withdrawn, and valve sleeve 128 will engage the head 124 to seal part 12. As fluid flow through the part 10 has ceased the ball 84 will drop into engagement with the valve seat 82 as shown in FIG. 3. 
     If, for any reason, the consumer attempted to reverse the flow of fluid from part 12 into part 10 so that the fluid would flow from coupling part 12 to part 10, downwardly, entrance of fluid into the coupling part 10, and into the receptacle 14, is prevented by the check valve 82-84. Thus, reverse flow of fluid through the part 10 is prevented by the valve seat 82 and ball 84, and to overcome this safety feature it would be necessary for the consumer to use a sufficiently high pressurized fluid to displace the piston 78 downwardly to cause the abutment 88 to unseat the ball 84 as described below with respect to FIG. 6. Such pressurization of fluid by the consumer is unlikely, and the aforedescribed coupling structure provides a security against bidirectional flow through the part 10 as described. 
     If it is desired to refill the receptacle 14 by authorized personnel, such as the dealer for the liquid chemical being sold, the dealer uses a refill secondary coupling part of the type shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In FIGS. 5 and 6 all of the components identical to those previously described are indicated by primed reference numerals with respect to the secondary part 12&#39;. Of course, the part 10 remains the same under all conditions of operation. 
     The authorized or dealer version of the secondary part 12&#39; is identical to the consumer part 12 previously described except that the neck 142 is of a longer axial length than the neck 120. 
     The result of the longer axial length of the neck 142 is that as the parts 10 and 12&#39; are being interconnected the axial displacement of the valve head 70 against the cage stem end 64 displaces the cage 56 downwardly causing the cage ring 66 to engage the piston 78 displacing the piston 78 downwardly therewith. This downward movement of the check valve structure continues under the axial force being imposed on the cage by the greater length of the neck 142 and the end of the abutment rest 96 will engage the ball and unseat the ball from the valve seat 82 as shown in FIG. 6. Under these conditions the check valve formed by the valve seat 82 and the ball 84 is rendered inoperative and fluid flow downwardly through the primary part 10 may now occur as all of the valves of the coupling are open. In this manner the dealer may refill the receptacle 14. 
     Uncoupling of the part 12&#39; from the part 10 is identical to that described above with respect to secondary part 12. As the part 12&#39; is lifted from the part 10 the spring 86 will raise the piston 78 into engagement with the ball 84 rendering the check valve structure operative and the accompanying parts 10 and 12&#39; will be separated as described above. 
     Due to the sealing of the valve 68 and the check valve 82-84 within the primary coupling part 10 it is possible for fluid to be trapped within the chamber 144 between the ball 84 and the valve head 70. Under normal conditions this entrapped fluid creates no problems. However, if the coupling part 10 is in the sun, or moved to a relatively warm environment, the fluid within chamber 144 will become heated and endeavor to expand. Unless the pressure of this entrapped fluid is relieved, the pressure may cause leakage pass the valve head 70 into the atmosphere and the area surrounding the body 18. However, the construction of the check valve within coupling part 10 prevents such leakage. As the pressure within chamber 144 increases the fluid pressure imposed upon the ball 84 and the piston 78 in a downwardly direction will cause the piston 78 to move downwardly until the abutment rest 96 engages the ball 84 lifting the ball from the valve seat 82 and permitting the entrapped fluid to flow downwardly into the receptacle 14. 
     As will be appreciated from FIG. 7, under these conditions the spring 76 extends disengaging cage end 64 from valve head 70 maintaining the sealing of the valve 68 preventing spillage, and upon the pressure being relieved the piston 78 and valve seat 82 will rise into engagement with the ball 84 restoring the normal arrangement as shown in FIG. 3. 
     As the valve 68 is located adjacent the coupling part outlet end 32, and in view of the close complementary engagement of the valve and nose components of the coupling parts, spillage into the atmosphere or adjacent the coupling part 10 from the receptacle 14 is eliminated, and this &#34;no-spill&#34; aspect of the invention is significant from the environmental aspect. 
     The selective use of the consumer secondary coupling part 12 or the authorized dealer coupling part 12&#39; provides an inexpensive foolproof security operation of the coupling to substantially eliminate the possibility of injecting improper fluids into the receptacle 14, and the automatic operation of the coupling parts 12 and 12&#39; eliminates the need for the operator to pay special attention to the type of secondary coupling part being used. Unauthorized persons will not have access to the secondary coupling part 12&#39; having the elongated neck 142, and if authorized personnel endeavor to refill the receptacle 14 with a consumer&#39;s coupling part 12 the operator will immediately be aware that refilling is not occurring and will employ the proper coupling part 12&#39;. 
     It is appreciated that various modifications to the inventive concepts may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.