Abstract:
A device for that places a fluid container in fluid communication with a sprayer is disclosed. The device includes a container adapter that allows a dip tube to be attached to the fluid container rather than the sprayer. When the sprayer is removed from the fluid container, the dip tube stays in the fluid container. Refill fluid containers may come with the container adapter and dip tube installed. When the sprayer is attached to the fluid container, the adapter seals against the sprayer allowing fluid to be pumped from the fluid container by the sprayer. A sprayer connector with geometry that matches an inner or outer shape of the adapter is attached to and/or built into the sprayer. The sprayer connector is constructed to allow easy alignment of the sprayer to the fluid container. The sprayer connector and the container adapter also provide a unique attachment geometry to insure only containers with formulae compatible to the sprayer are pumped through the sprayer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/556,274 filed Nov. 3, 2006. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH  
       [0002]     Not Applicable.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0004]     This invention relates to a device including a container adapter that allows a dip tube to be attached to a fluid container rather than the fluid sprayer. When the sprayer is removed from the fluid container, the dip tube stays in the fluid container. When the sprayer is attached to the fluid container, the container adapter seals against a sprayer connector allowing fluid to be pumped from the fluid container by the sprayer.  
         [0005]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0006]     A variety of devices are known for delivering liquid from a container. Some devices rely on a manual trigger pump sprayer. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,523. Still other devices use a motorized pumping system such as that shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0133626. The disclosure of this patent and publication, and all other patents and publications referred to herein, are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.  
         [0007]     Often these devices use a dip tube (also referred to as a down tube) that extends from the sprayer unit down into the container holding the liquid to be dispensed. The upper end of the dip tube is typically connected to a sprayer inlet port, and the lower end of the dip tube is positioned near the bottom of the interior space of the container. In such devices, the pump will suck liquid from the container through the dip tube and then pump the liquid out of a sprayer nozzle.  
         [0008]     It can be important to prevent the use of a liquid not intended for use with a particular sprayer. For example, one may not want to mistakenly use an outdoor insecticide in a sprayer intended to dispense a cleaner for an indoor food contact surface. Therefore, under these circumstances, it is preferred that the sprayer and/or refill container include keying structures that prevent use of a refill containing an inappropriate liquid with the sprayer. These keying structures ensure that only refill containers containing a liquid appropriate for a particular purpose are used with the sprayer. These keying structures may also provide for easy alignment of the sprayer and the fluid container, both during high speed automated assembly of the sprayer to a container at a manufacturing site and when a consumer assembles a refill container to a sprayer.  
         [0009]     Thus, there is a need for a device that places a fluid container in fluid communication with a sprayer and that provides a keying structure such that only refill containers having a liquid appropriate for a particular purpose are used with the sprayer.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The foregoing needs can be met with a device according to the invention which includes a container adapter that allows the dip tube to be attached to the fluid container rather than the sprayer. When the sprayer is removed from the fluid container, the dip tube stays in the fluid container. Refill fluid containers may come with the adapter and dip tube installed. When the sprayer is attached to the fluid container, the adapter seals against a sprayer connector allowing fluid to be pumped from the fluid container by the sprayer.  
         [0011]     In one form, a feature with geometry that matches the inner or outer shape of the container adapter is attached to and/or built into the sprayer. The feature is constructed to allow easy alignment of the sprayer to the fluid container. The container adapter also provides a unique attachment geometry to insure only containers with formulae compatible to the sprayer are pumped through the sprayer. Thus, the invention may include two parts, the first is being the container adapter which is fit into or onto the neck of a fluid container. The container adapter includes structure for attaching the dip tube to the adapter. The second part of the invention may be a mating sprayer connector which is attached to the sprayer inlet port such as by a friction fit. Alternatively, the sprayer connector can be integral with the sprayer to incorporate the necessary geometry. When the sprayer is placed onto the fluid container, the mating sprayer connector is pressed into or over the container adapter thereby sealing the mating sprayer connector against a surface of the container adapter.  
         [0012]     In one aspect, the invention provides a device for placing an inlet port of a sprayer in fluid communication with an interior space of a container. The device includes a container adapter with (i) an outer wall that terminates at an open end of the adapter wherein the outer wall is dimensioned to engage an inner surface of the neck of the container, (ii) a hollow inlet port that terminates at an upstream open end and that terminates at a downstream open end, and (iii) a hollow inner wall connecting the outer wall and the upstream open end of the inlet port wherein at least part of the inner wall slopes inward from the outer wall toward the upstream open end of the inlet port. Together the inner wall and the inlet port of the adapter may be funnel shaped. The device also includes a sprayer connector having a flow conduit suitable for being placed in fluid communication with the inlet port of the sprayer and the adapter wherein the sprayer connector is dimensioned to matingly engage the inner wall of the adapter to create a flow path from the container to the sprayer. The sprayer connector may be integral with the inlet port of the sprayer.  
         [0013]     The device may further include a dip tube, and the downstream open end of the inlet port of the adapter may be dimensioned to sealingly engage the dip tube. The inner wall of the adapter may include venting holes for transferring air into the container. The outer surface of the sprayer connector or inner surface of the adapter may include at least one sealing rib for an air-tight fit. Optionally, the open end of the adapter includes an outwardly projecting lateral flange for engaging a top surface of the neck of the container or a gasket on the top surface of the neck of the container. The adapter may further include a skirt that extends longitudinally from the lateral flange, and an inner surface of the skirt may include a sealing protrusion for engaging an outer surface of the neck of the container. The outer surface of the skirt may also include threads for engaging inner threads on a sprayer attachment cap. The sprayer connector may include an outwardly extending exit port in fluid communication with the flow conduit, and the exit port may be dimensioned to sealingly engage the inlet port of the sprayer.  
         [0014]     In another aspect, the invention provides a fluid container for attaching to a sprayer having an inlet port. The container may be sold as a separate refill container with a dip tube and without the sprayer. The container includes a bottom wall, side wall structure, and a neck having an opening. The bottom wall, the side wall structure, and the neck define an interior space of the container for holding liquid. The container also includes a container adapter having (i) an outer wall that terminates at an open end of the adapter wherein the outer wall is dimensioned to engage an inner surface of the neck of the container, (ii) a hollow inlet port that terminates at an upstream open end and that terminates at a downstream open end, and (iii) a hollow inner wall connecting the outer wall and the upstream open end of the inlet port wherein at least part of the inner wall slopes inward from the outer wall toward the upstream open end of the inlet port.  
         [0015]     The refill container may have other features. The inlet port of the adapter may further comprise a dip tube that is separable from the inlet port of the adapter, and the downstream open end of the inlet port of the adapter may be dimensioned to sealingly engage the dip tube. The inner wall of the adapter may include venting holes for transferring air into the container. The open end of the adapter may include an outwardly projecting lateral flange for engaging a top surface of the neck of the container or a gasket on the top surface of the neck of the container. The adapter may further include a skirt that extends longitudinally from the lateral flange, and an inner surface of the skirt may include a sealing protrusion for engaging a groove in an outer surface of the neck of the container. The outer surface of the skirt may also include threads for engaging threads on a sprayer attachment cap.  
         [0016]     In still another aspect, the invention provides a sprayer including a nozzle, an inlet port, and pumping means for delivering fluid from the inlet port to the nozzle. The sprayer further includes a sprayer connector having a fluid exit port, a fluid entry port, a tubular flow conduit connecting the fluid exit port and the fluid entry port such that the fluid exit port is in fluid communication with the fluid entry port, and a tubular outer wall defining an interior space of the sprayer connector. At least a portion of the tubular flow conduit is located within the interior space of the sprayer connector, and the sprayer connector is connected to the inlet port such that the fluid exit port is in fluid communication with the inlet port. The portion of the tubular flow conduit can be offset from a central axis of the outer wall of the sprayer connector, and an outer surface of the sprayer connector can include at least one sealing rib. In one form, the tubular outer wall of the sprayer connector terminates in a transverse bottom wall, and the fluid entry port is located in the bottom wall. The outer wall can include a cutaway section near the fluid exit port.  
         [0017]     In yet another aspect, the invention provides a device for placing an inlet port of a sprayer in fluid communication with an interior space of a container. The device has a container adapter including (i) a hollow inlet port that terminates at an downstream open end and that terminates at an upstream end, and (ii) an outer wall that terminates at an open end of the adapter opposite the upstream end of the inlet port of the adapter wherein the outer wall is connected to the inlet port and an inner surface of the outer wall is dimensioned to engage an outer surface of the neck of the container. The device also includes a sprayer connector having a flow conduit suitable for being placed in fluid communication with the inlet port of the sprayer wherein an inner surface of the sprayer connector is dimensioned to matingly engage an outer surface of the outer wall of the adapter to create a flow path from the container to the sprayer. The inlet port of the adapter may further comprise a dip tube that is separable from the inlet port of the adapter, and the downstream open end of the inlet port of the adapter may be dimensioned to sealingly engage the dip tube. The outer surface of the outer wall of the adapter may include a sealing protrusion, and the inner surface of the sprayer connector may include a recess for matingly engaging the sealing protrusion. The upstream end of the inlet port may be a projection having flow holes. Optionally, the sprayer connector is integral with the inlet port of the sprayer.  
         [0018]     In still another aspect, the invention provides a fluid container for attaching to a sprayer having an inlet port. The container may be sold as a separate refill container with a dip tube and without the sprayer. The container includes a bottom wall, side wall structure, and a neck having an opening. The bottom wall, the side wall structure, and the neck define an interior space of the container for holding liquid. The container also includes a container adapter having (i) a hollow inlet port that terminates at an downstream open end and that terminates at an upstream end, and (ii) an outer wall that terminates at an open end of the adapter opposite the upstream end of the inlet port of the adapter wherein the outer wall is connected to the inlet port, and an inner surface of the outer wall sealingly engages an outer surface of the neck of the container. The inlet port of the adapter may further comprise a dip tube that is separable from the inlet port of the adapter, and the downstream open end of the inlet port of the adapter may be dimensioned to sealingly engage the dip tube. The outer surface of the outer wall of the adapter may include a sealing protrusion, and the inner surface of the sprayer connector may include a recess for matingly engaging the sealing protrusion. The upstream end of the inlet port may be a projection having flow holes. Optionally, the sprayer connector is integral with the inlet port of the sprayer.  
         [0019]     In yet another aspect, the invention provides a sprayer including a nozzle, an inlet port, and pumping means for delivering fluid from the inlet port to the nozzle. The sprayer further includes a sprayer connector having a fluid exit port, a fluid entry port, and a circular wall defining a flow conduit connecting the fluid exit port and the fluid entry port such that the fluid exit port is in fluid communication with the fluid entry port. An inner surface of the circular wall can have means for engaging sealing means on a container adapter. The sprayer connector is connected to the inlet port such that the fluid exit port is in fluid communication with the inlet port. The means for engaging can be an annular recess in an inner surface of the circular wall, or the means for engaging can be sealing ribs on an inner surface of the circular wall. In one form, the circular wall includes an inner sloping wall section, and the means for engaging includes an annular recess in the inner sloping wall section of the circular wall. In another form, the means for engaging comprises sealing ribs on the inner sloping wall section of the circular wall.  
         [0020]     In still another aspect, the invention provides a device for placing an inlet port of a sprayer in fluid communication with an interior space of a container including a neck having an opening. The device includes a container adapter and a sprayer connector. The container adapter includes an outer wall that terminates at an open end of the adapter wherein the outer wall is dimensioned to engage the neck of the container, a hollow inlet port that terminates at an upstream open end and that terminates at a downstream open end, and a hollow inner wall connected to the outer wall and connected to the upstream open end of the inlet port. The inner wall of the container adapter includes a first alignment structure. The inner wall of the adapter can include a generally funnel shaped section. The sprayer connector has a flow conduit suitable for being placed in fluid communication with the inlet port of the sprayer and the adapter. The sprayer connector is dimensioned to matingly engage the inner wall of the adapter, and the sprayer connector includes a second alignment structure that mates with the first alignment structure of the inner wall of the adapter when the sprayer connector engages the adapter. The sprayer connector can be integral with the inlet port of the sprayer. The sprayer connector can include an outwardly extending exit port in fluid communication with the flow conduit wherein the exit port is dimensioned to sealingly engage the inlet port of the sprayer.  
         [0021]     In one form of this device, the first alignment structure includes a depression in the inner wall of the adapter, and the second alignment structure includes an outward projection on an end wall of the sprayer connector. The projection enters the depression when the sprayer connector engages the adapter to thereby align the sprayer connector and the adapter is a specific angular relationship. The depression in the inner wall of the adapter can be offset from a central longitudinal axis of the adapter. The device can further include a dip tube, and the downstream open end of the inlet port of the adapter can be dimensioned to sealingly engage the dip tube. In one form, the inner wall of the adapter includes venting holes that form part of a vent path into the container. An outer surface of the sprayer connector can include at least one sealing rib for engaging the inner wall of the adapter, or an inner surface of the adapter can include at least one sealing rib for engaging the outer surface of the sprayer connector.  
         [0022]     In yet another aspect, the invention provides a fluid container for attaching to a sprayer having an inlet port. The container includes a bottom wall, side wall structure, and a neck having an opening, wherein the bottom wall, the side wall structure, and the neck define an interior space of the container. The fluid container also has a container adapter including an outer wall that terminates at an open end of the adapter wherein the outer wall is dimensioned to engage the neck of the container, a hollow inlet port that terminates at an upstream open end and that terminates at a downstream open end, and a hollow inner wall connected to the outer wall and connected to the upstream open end of the inlet port wherein the inner wall includes an alignment structure. The inner wall of the adapter can include a generally funnel shaped section.  
         [0023]     In one form, the alignment structure includes a depression in the inner wall of the adapter, and the depression in the inner wall of the adapter can be offset from a central longitudinal axis of the adapter. The inlet port of the adapter may further include a dip tube that is separable from the inlet port of the adapter, and the downstream open end of the inlet port of the adapter is dimensioned to sealingly engage the dip tube. The inner wall of the adapter can include venting holes that form part of a vent path into the container.  
         [0024]     In still another aspect, the invention provides a sprayer including a nozzle, an inlet port, and a pump for delivering fluid from the inlet port to the nozzle. The sprayer further includes a sprayer connector having a sprayer connector including a fluid exit port, a fluid entry port, a flow conduit connecting the fluid exit port and the fluid entry port such that the fluid exit port is in fluid communication with the fluid entry port, and an outer wall and an end wall defining an interior space of the sprayer connector. The end wall includes an alignment structure, and the sprayer connector can be connected to the inlet port such that the fluid exit port is in fluid communication with the inlet port. The flow conduit can be offset from a central longitudinal axis of the sprayer connector. An outer surface of the sprayer connector can include at least one sealing rib. In one form, the alignment structure includes an outward projection on the end wall, and the outward projection on the end wall can be offset from a central longitudinal axis of the adapter.  
         [0025]     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention with a trigger sprayer head removed.  
         [0027]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 3  with a sprayer head shown on the device.  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a sprayer connector of the device of the first embodiment of the invention taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a container adapter of the device of the first embodiment of the invention taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 3  of the device of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 8  is a top view of a sprayer connector of the device of the second embodiment of the invention taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 9  is a top view of a container adapter of the device of the second embodiment of the invention taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of a device according to a third embodiment of the invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 3  of the device of  FIG. 10 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 12  is an exploded cross-sectional view of a device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of a device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.  
         [0040]      FIG. 14  is a partial cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 3  of the device of  FIG. 13 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 15  shows a bottom view of the sprayer connector and a top view of the mating adapter of the device of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
       [0042]     Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts from Figure to Figure in the following description of the drawings.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0043]     Turning first to FIGS.  1  to  5 , there is shown an embodiment of a device  10  according to the invention. The device  10  may be used with a container  12  having a bottom wall  13  that is integral with a side wall  14 . The bottom wall  13  and the side wall  14  define an interior space  15  of the container  12 . The side wall  14  of the container  12  terminates at its upper end in a neck  17  having an inner surface  18  and a top surface  19  that define a container opening  20 . The outer surface  21  of the container  12  has threads  22  for engaging a sprayer attachment cap as described below. A dip tube  25  with a downstream end  26  is provided for suctioning fluid from the interior space  15  of the container  12 . An annular flat container gasket  28  is provided for sealing the top surface  19  of the neck  17  as described below. The container  12 , the dip tube  25  and the container gasket  28  may be formed from plastic materials.  
         [0044]     The device  10  is suitable for use with a sprayer. In FIGS.  1  to  5 , there is shown a generally circular sprayer base  30  for a sprayer such as that described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0133626. The specific sprayer selected for use with the invention is not critical and therefore, some sprayer parts other than the sprayer base  30  have been omitted for ease of illustration. The sprayer base  30  has an inlet port  31  including a downstream tubular end  32  and an upstream tubular end  33 . The inlet port  31  provides an inlet fluid path that provides fluid to the pump of the sprayer such that the pump can spray the fluid out of the sprayer nozzle as is well known in the art. The sprayer base  30  also includes an outer wall  36  with an annular recess  37  for mounting a sprayer cap as described below, and a lower surface  38 . The sprayer base  30  also has a venting valve assembly  41  that provides a vent path such that air may pass downward through the sprayer base  30 . The venting valve assembly  41  is constructed by placing a duckbill valve  42  in vent passageway  43  of the sprayer base  30 . A valve cover  44  secures the duckbill valve  42  in the vent passageway  43  as shown in  FIG. 3 . A disc-like sprayer gasket  46  is also included for sealing the lower surface  38  of the sprayer base  30 . The sprayer gasket  46  has a vent hole  47  for surrounding the valve cover  44  and a sprayer port hole  48  for surrounding the inlet port  31  of the sprayer base  30 . The sprayer base  30 , duckbill valve  42 , valve cover  44  and sprayer gasket  46  may be formed from plastic materials.  
         [0045]     Referring still to FIGS.  1  to  5 , the device  10  according to the invention includes a sprayer connector  50  that connects to the upstream tubular end  33  of the inlet port  31  of the sprayer base  30 . The sprayer connector  50  has a tubular outer wall  51  that terminates at one end in a bottom wall  52  and that terminates at an opposite end in an open top end  53 . The outer wall  51  and the bottom wall  52  define an interior  54  of the sprayer connector  50 . The outer wall  51  of the sprayer connector  50  has an outwardly projecting circumferential rib  56  near the bottom wall  52  of the sprayer connector  50 . The sprayer connector  50  includes an upper inner tubular section  59  that terminates in a fluid exit port  60  of the sprayer connector  50 . The outer wall  51  of the sprayer connector  50  has an outer wall cutaway section  61  that provides a fluid path out of the interior  54  of the sprayer connector  50  around the outside of the upper inner tubular section  59 . The sprayer connector  50  includes a lower inner tubular section  63  that terminates in a fluid entry port  64  of the sprayer connector  50 . The upper inner tubular section  59 , the fluid exit port  60 , the lower inner tubular section  63  and the fluid entry port  64  define an end to end flow conduit  66  in the sprayer connector  50 . The sprayer connector  50  may be formed from a plastic material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or like material.  
         [0046]     Still looking at FIGS.  1  to  5 , the device  10  according to the invention includes a container adapter  70  that connects to the neck  17  of the container  12 . The container adapter  70  has a cylindrical outer wall  71  that terminates in a downstream open end  72 . The outer wall  71  of the container adapter  70  has an outer surface  73  that engages the inner surface  18  of the neck  17  of the container  12  when the container adapter  70  is assembled to the container  12  as shown in  FIG. 3 . An annular flange  76  extends outwardly from the outer wall  71  of the container adapter  70  at the downstream open end  72  of the container adapter  70 . The flange  76  engages the flat container gasket  28  on the top surface  19  of the neck  17  of the container  12  when the container adapter  70  is assembled to the container  12  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The container adapter  70  also includes a sloping inner wall  81  that is connected to the outer wall  71  and that defines an annular space  82  between the inner wall  81  and the outer wall  71 . Venting holes  83  are provided in the inner wall  81 . The venting holes  83  provide an air path between the downstream open end  72  of the container adapter  70  and the annular space  82  between the inner wall  81  and the outer wall  71 . The container adapter  70  also includes an inlet port  85  that is connected to the inner wall  81 . The inlet port  85  has an upper tubular section  86  that terminates in an upstream open end  87  and that terminates at an opposite end at a bottom wall  88 . A central hole  89  is provided in the bottom wall  88  and leads to a lower tubular section  90  of the inlet port  85 . The lower tubular section  90  terminates in a downstream open end  91  of the inlet port  85  which receives the dip tube  25  in a friction fit. The container adapter  70  can be made of a plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene.  
         [0047]     A sprayer attachment cap  95  is provided for securing the sprayer base  30  of the sprayer to the neck  17  of the container  12  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The cap  95  has an annular top wall  96  and a cylindrical skirt  97  that depends downward from the top wall  96 . The inner surface of the skirt  97  has threads  98  that engage the threads  22  on the outer surface  21  of the container  12  when the sprayer is assembled to the container  12 . The inner edge of the annular top wall  96  of the cap  95  is secured for rotating movement in the annular recess  37  of the outer wall  36  of the sprayer base  30 .  FIG. 3A  shows a sprayer  99  with the sprayer attachment cap  95 . The sprayer  99  has the usual nozzle  99   n  and trigger  99   t . Pumping means for delivering fluid from the inlet port  31  of the sprayer  99  to the nozzle  99   n  of the sprayer  99  by way of actuation of the trigger  99   t  are known in the art and therefore will not be explained further.  
         [0048]     Assembly of a sprayer to the container  12  proceeds as follows. A sprayer is selected with a sprayer base such as the sprayer base  30  and a cap such as cap  95  mounted on the sprayer base  30 . The venting valve assembly  41  is constructed by placing a duckbill valve  42  in vent passageway  43  of the sprayer base  30  and then securing the valve cover  44  over the duckbill valve  42  in the vent passageway  43  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The disc-like sprayer gasket  46  is then placed on the lower surface  38  of the sprayer base  30 . The exit port  60  of the sprayer connector  50  is then inserted into the downstream tubular end  32  of the sprayer base  30  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The sprayer connector  50  and the sprayer base  30  may be separate parts as shown in FIGS.  1  to  5  or alternatively, the sprayer connector  50  and the sprayer base  30  may be integrally formed as a single piece. In this manner, a sprayer with the sprayer connector  50  is provided for connection to the container  12 .  
         [0049]     The container adapter  70  is assembled to the container  12 . The dip tube  25  is inserted into the downstream open end  91  of the inlet port  85  of the container adapter  70  in a friction fit. Alternatively, the container adapter  70  and the dip tube  25  may be integrally formed as a single piece, or may be secured together such as by adhesive or friction welding. The container adapter  70  and the dip tube  25  are then inserted into the opening  20  of the container  12  so that the outer surface  73  of the outer wall  71  of the container adapter  70  engages the inner surface  18  of the neck  17  of the container  12  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The annular flange  76  engages the flat container gasket  28  on the top surface  19  of the neck  17  of the container  12  as shown in  FIG. 3 . In this manner, a container  12  with a container adapter  70  and attached dip tube  25  is provided for connection to a sprayer with the sprayer connector  50 .  
         [0050]     In an example automated assembly of the sprayer with the sprayer connector  50  to the container  12  with the container adapter  70  and attached dip tube  25 , a plurality of the containers  12  with the container adapter  70  and attached dip tube  25  travel on a conveyor. A sprayer  99  with the sprayer connector  50  is then lowered over each container  12  with the container adapter  70  and attached dip tube  25 . The outer wall  51  of the sprayer connector  50  is aligned with the upper tubular section  86  of the inlet port  85  of the container adapter  70 . The sprayer connector  50  is then lowered into the container adapter  70  such that the rib  56  on the outer wall  51  of the sprayer connector  50  seals with the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86  of the inlet port  85  of the container adapter  70 . The cap  95  is then automatically threaded on the threads  22  on the outer surface  21  of the container  12  to secure the sprayer  99  to the container  12 . While the invention has been illustrated herein with a threaded cap  95 , alternative means are suitable for attaching the sprayer to the container. For example, bayonet-type couplings have been used to couple a sprayer and a container. U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,873 shows an example bayonet-type coupling.  
         [0051]     The container adapter  70  is dimensioned to provide for easier automated assembly. For example, the sloping inner wall  81  of the container adapter  70  guides the outer wall  51  of the sprayer connector  50  into the upper tubular section  86  of the inlet port  85  of the container adapter  70 . Also, the inside diameter of the upper tubular section  86  of the inlet port  85  of the container adapter  70  may decrease from top to bottom to further guide the outer wall  51  of the sprayer connector  50  into the bottom region of the upper tubular section  86  of the inlet port  85  of the container adapter  70  wherein the rib  56  engages the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86  of the inlet port  85  of the container adapter  70 .  
         [0052]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , fluid flow in the device  10  is as follows during use of the assembled device. When the sprayer  99  is actuated (for example, by repeatedly pulling a manual trigger that operates a pump or by pulling a trigger switch that activates an electric pump), liquid in the interior space  15  of the container  12  is suctioned up through dip tube  25 . The liquid then enters the lower tubular section  90  of the inlet port  85 , passes through the central hole  89 , and enters the bottom of the upper tubular section  86  of the inlet port  85 . The liquid then enters the fluid entry port  64  of the sprayer connector  50  and flows into the lower inner tubular section  63  of the sprayer connector  50 . Because the rib  56  seals against the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86  of the inlet port  85  of the container adapter  70 , liquid is prevented from flowing above the rib  56  between the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86  of the inlet port  85  of the container adapter  70  and the outer wall  51  of the sprayer connector  50 . From the lower inner tubular section  63  of the sprayer connector  50 , the liquid flows into the upper inner tubular section  59  of the sprayer connector  50  and exits the fluid exit port  60 . The liquid flows into the upstream tubular end  33  of the inlet port  31  of the sprayer base  30  and then into downstream tubular end  32  of the sprayer base  30 . The liquid then enters the pumping system (not shown) of the sprayer  99  for spraying out of the nozzle  99   n  of the sprayer  99 .  
         [0053]     As the sprayer  99  is actuated and liquid is removed from the interior space  15  of the container  12 , negative pressure may result in the container  12 . The pressure differential is eliminated by way of the venting valve assembly  41  and the venting holes  83  in the container adapter  70 . Because of the negative pressure, the duckbill valve  42  opens and air passes downward through the duckbill valve  42  into the vent passageway  43  of the sprayer base  30 . The air then travels into the downstream open end  72  of the container adapter  70  and then into the annular space  82  between the inner wall  81  and the outer wall  71  of the container adapter  70  by way of the venting holes  83 . The air then enters the interior space  15  of the container  12  equalizing the pressure inside and outside the container  12 .  
         [0054]     Because the rib  56  seals against the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86  of the inlet port  85  of the container adapter  70 , air is prevented from flowing below the rib  56  between the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86  of the inlet port  85  of the container adapter  70  and the outer wall  51  of the sprayer connector  50 . Thus, the rib  56  serves to establish and maintain independent liquid and air flow paths when the container adapter  70  and the sprayer connector  50  are assembled together. Alternatively, an inner surface of the adapter  70  may include a sealing rib for engaging the outer surface of the sprayer connector  50 . Also, the rib may take the form of an O-ring.  
         [0055]     The mating dimensions of the sprayer connector  50  and the container adapter  70  also provide keying structures that ensure that only refills containing a liquid appropriate for a particular purpose are used with the sprayer. Specifically, a tight fit is required between the sprayer connector  50  and the container adapter  70  so that the sprayer may be primed with liquid by way of the dip tube  25 . If air leakage were to occur between the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86  of the inlet port  85  of the container adapter  70  and the outer wall  51  of the sprayer connector  50 , the sprayer would suck air into the sprayer rather than liquid. Therefore, only refills comprising a container  12  with an attached container adapter  70  that mates with the sprayer connector  50  of the sprayer  99  would be suitable for use with the container.  
         [0056]     Turning now to FIGS.  6  to  9 , there is shown a second embodiment of a device  10   a  according to the invention. The device  10   a  may be used with a container  12   a  having a bottom wall that is integral with a side wall as in container  12  of  FIG. 1 . The bottom wall and the side wall  14   a  define an interior space  15   a  of the container  12   a . The side wall  14   a  of the container  12   a  terminates at its upper end in a neck  17   a  having an inner surface  18   a  and a top surface  19   a  that define a container opening  20   a . The outer surface  21   a  of the neck  17   a  of the container  12   a  has threads  22   a  for engaging a sprayer cap as described below. The outer surface  21   a  of the neck  17   a  of the container  12   a  also has an annular groove  23   a  for engaging a container adapter  70   a  as described below. A dip tube  25  as in  FIGS. 1-5  is provided for suctioning fluid from the interior space  15   a  of the container  12   a . The container  12   a  may be formed from plastic materials.  
         [0057]     The device  10   a  is suitable for use with a sprayer. In FIGS.  6  to  9 , there is shown a generally circular sprayer base  30  for a sprayer such as that described above with reference to FIGS.  1  to  5 . Therefore, a description of the sprayer base  30  in  FIGS. 6-9  is the same as that provided above for  FIGS. 1-5 .  
         [0058]     Referring still to FIGS.  6  to  9 , the device  10   a  according to the invention includes a sprayer connector  50   a  that connects to the upstream tubular end  33  of the inlet port  31  of the sprayer base  30  as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5 . The sprayer connector  50   a  has a tubular outer wall  51   a  that terminates at one end in a bottom wall  52   a  and that terminates at an opposite end in an open top end  53   a . The outer wall  51   a  and the bottom wall  52   a  define an interior  54   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a . The outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  has an outwardly projecting rib  56   a  near the bottom wall  52   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a . The sprayer connector  50   a  includes an upper inner tubular section  59   a  that terminates in a fluid exit port  60   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a . The outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  has an outer wall cutaway section  61   a  that provides a fluid path out of the interior  54   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a . The sprayer connector  50   a  includes a lower inner tubular section  63   a  that terminates in a fluid entry port  64   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a . The upper inner tubular section  59   a , the fluid exit port  60   a , the lower inner tubular section  63   a  and the fluid entry port  64   a  define a flow conduit  66   a  in the sprayer connector  50   a . The sprayer connector  50   a  may be formed from a plastic material such as ABS or like material.  
         [0059]     Still looking at FIGS.  6  to  9 , the device  10   a  according to the invention includes a container adapter  70   a  that connects to the neck  17   a  of the container  12   a . The container adapter  70   a  has a cylindrical outer wall  71   a  that terminates in a downstream open end  72   a . The outer wall  71   a  of the container adapter  70  has an outer surface  73   a  that engages the inner surface  18   a  of the neck  17   a  of the container  12   a  as shown in  FIG. 7 . An annular flange  76   a  extends outwardly from the outer wall  71   a  at the downstream open end  72   a  of the container adapter  70   a . The flange  76   a  engages the top surface  19   a  of the neck  17   a  of the container  12   a  as shown in  FIG. 7 . A skirt  77   a  extends longitudinally downward from the outer edge of the flange  76   a . The skirt  77   a  terminates at its lower end in an inwardly directed circumferential rib  78   a  that engages groove  23   a  of the container  12   a  as described below.  
         [0060]     The container adapter  70   a  also includes a sloping inner wall  81   a  that is connected to the outer wall  71   a  and that defines an annular space  82   a  between the inner wall  81   a  and the outer wall  71   a . Venting holes  83   a  are provided in the inner wall  81   a . The venting holes  83   a  provide an air path between the downstream open end  72   a  of the container adapter  70   a  and the annular space  82   a  between the inner wall  81   a  and the outer wall  71   a . The container adapter  70   a  also includes an inlet port  85   a  that is connected to the inner wall  81   a . The inlet port  85   a  has an upper tubular section  86   a  that terminates in an upstream open end  87   a  and that terminates at an opposite end at a bottom wall  88   a . A central hole  89   a  is provided in the bottom wall  88   a  and leads to a lower tubular section  90   a  of the inlet port  85   a . The lower tubular section  90   a  terminates in a downstream open end  91   a  of the inlet port  85   a  which receives the dip tube  25  in a friction fit. The container adapter  70   a  can be made of a plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene.  
         [0061]     A cap  95   a  is provided for securing the sprayer base  30  of the sprayer to the neck  17   a  of the container  12   a  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The cap  95   a  has an annular top wall  96   a  and a cylindrical skirt  97   a  that depends downward from the top wall  96   a . The inner surface of the skirt  97   a  has threads  98   a  that engage the threads  22   a  on the outer surface  21   a  of the container  12   a  when the sprayer is assembled to the container  12   a . The inner edge of the annular top wall  96   a  of the cap  95   a  is secured for rotating movement in the annular recess  37  of the outer wall  36  of the sprayer base  30 .  
         [0062]     Assembly of a sprayer to the container  12   a  proceeds as follows. A sprayer is selected with a sprayer base such as the sprayer base  30  and a cap such as cap  95   a  mounted on the sprayer base  30 . The venting valve assembly  41  is constructed as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5 . The disc-like sprayer gasket  46  is then placed on the lower surface  38  of the sprayer base  30 . The exit port  60   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  is then inserted into the downstream tubular end  32  of the sprayer base  30  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The sprayer connector  50   a  and the sprayer base  30  may be separate parts as shown in FIGS.  6  to  9  or alternatively, the sprayer connector  50   a  and the sprayer base  30  may be integrally formed as a single piece. In this manner, a sprayer with the sprayer connector  50   a  is provided for connection to the container  12   a.    
         [0063]     The container adapter  70   a  is assembled to the container  12   a . The dip tube  25  is inserted into the downstream open end  91   a  of the inlet port  85   a  of the container adapter  70   a  in a friction fit. Alternatively, the container adapter  70   a  and the dip tube  25  may be integrally formed as a single piece, or may be secured together such as by adhesive or friction welding. The container adapter  70   a  and the dip tube  25  are then inserted into the opening  20   a  of the container  12   a  so that the outer surface  73   a  of the outer wall  71   a  of the container adapter  70   a  engages the inner surface  18   a  of the neck  17   a  of the container  12   a  and so that the circumferential rib  78   a  of the skirt  77   a  of the container adapter  70   a  enters the groove  23   a  at the top of the container  12   a  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The annular flange  76   a  engages the top surface  19   a  of the neck  17   a  of the container  12   a  as shown in  FIG. 7 . In this manner, a container  12   a  with a container adapter  70   a  and attached dip tube  25  is provided for connection to a sprayer with the sprayer connector  50   a.    
         [0064]     In an example automated assembly of the sprayer with the sprayer connector  50   a  to the container  12   a  with the container adapter  70   a  and attached dip tube  25 , a plurality of the containers  12   a  with the container adapter  70   a  and attached dip tube  25  travel on a conveyor. A sprayer with the sprayer connector  50   a  is then lowered over each container  12   a  with the container adapter  70   a  and attached dip tube  25 . The outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  is aligned with the upper tubular section  86   a  of the inlet port  85   a  of the container adapter  70   a . The sprayer connector  50   a  is then lowered into the container adapter  70   a  such that the rib  56   a  on the outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  seals with the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86   a  of the inlet port  85   a  of the container adapter  70   a . The cap  95   a  is then automatically threaded on the threads  22   a  on the outer surface  21   a  of the container  12   a  to secure the sprayer to the container  12   a.    
         [0065]     As with container adapter  70 , the container adapter  70   a  is dimensioned to provide for easier automated assembly. The sloping inner wall  81   a  of the container adapter  70   a  guides the outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  into the upper tubular section  86   a  of the inlet port  85   a  of the container adapter  70   a . Also, the inside diameter of the upper tubular section  86   a  of the inlet port  85   a  of the container adapter  70   a  may decrease from top to bottom to further guide the outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  into the bottom region of the upper tubular section  86   a  of the inlet port  85   a  of the container adapter  70   a  wherein the rib  56   a  engages the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86   a  of the inlet port  85   a  of the container adapter  70   a.    
         [0066]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , fluid flow in the device  10   a  is as follows during use of the assembled device. Liquid in the interior space  15   a  of the container  12   a  is suctioned up through dip tube  25 . The liquid then enters the lower tubular section  90   a  of the inlet port  85   a , passes through the central hole  89   a , and enters the bottom of the upper tubular section  86   a  of the inlet port  85   a . The liquid then enters the fluid entry port  64   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  and flows into the lower inner tubular section  63   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a . Because the rib  56   a  seals against the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86   a  of the inlet port  85   a  of the container adapter  70   a , liquid is prevented from flowing above the rib  56   a  between the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86   a  of the inlet port  85   a  of the container adapter  70   a  and the outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a . From the lower inner tubular section  63   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a , the liquid flows into the upper inner tubular section  59   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  and exits the fluid exit port  60   a . The liquid flows into the upstream tubular end  33  of the inlet port  31  of the sprayer base  30  and then into downstream tubular end  32  of the sprayer base  30 . The liquid then enters the pumping system (not shown) of the sprayer for spraying out of the nozzle of the sprayer.  
         [0067]     As the sprayer is actuated and liquid is removed from the interior space  15   a  of the container  12   a , negative pressure may result in the container  12   a . The pressure differential is eliminated by way of the venting valve assembly  41  and the venting holes  83   a  in the container adapter  70   a . Because of the negative pressure, the duckbill valve  42  opens and air passes downward through the duckbill valve  42  into the vent passageway  43  of the sprayer base  30 . The air then travels into the downstream open end  72   a  of the container adapter  70   a  and then into the annular space  82   a  between the inner wall  81   a  and the outer wall  71   a  of the container adapter  70   a  by way of the venting holes  83   a . The air then enters the interior space  15   a  of the container  12   a  equalizing the pressure inside and outside the container  12   a.    
         [0068]     Because the rib  56   a  seals against the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86   a  of the inlet port  85   a  of the container adapter  70   a , air is prevented from flowing below the rib  56   a  between the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86   a  of the inlet port  85   a  of the container adapter  70   a  and the outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a . Thus, the rib  56   a  serves to establish and maintain independent liquid and air flow paths when the container adapter  70   a  and the sprayer connector  50   a  are assembled together.  
         [0069]     The mating dimensions of the sprayer connector  50   a  and the container adapter  70   a  also provide keying structures that ensure that only refills containing a liquid appropriate for a particular purpose are used with the sprayer. Specifically, a tight fit is required between the sprayer connector  50   a  and the container adapter  70   a  so that the sprayer may be primed with liquid by way of the dip tube  25 . If air leakage were to occur between the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86   a  of the inlet port  85   a  of the container adapter  70   a  and the outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a , the sprayer would suck air into the sprayer rather than liquid. Therefore, only refills comprising a container  12   a  with an attached container adapter  70   a  that mates with the sprayer connector  50   a  of the sprayer would be suitable for use with the container  12   a.    
         [0070]     Turning now to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , there is shown a third embodiment of a device  10   b  according to the invention. The device  10   b  may be used with a container  12   b  having a bottom wall that is integral with a side wall as in container  12  of  FIG. 1 . The bottom wall and the side wall  14   b  define an interior space  15   b  of the container  12   b . The side wall  14   b  of the container  12   b  terminates at its upper end in a neck  17   b  having an inner surface  18   b  and a top surface  19   b  that define a container opening  20   b . The outer surface  21   b  of the neck  17   b  of the container  12   b  also has an annular groove  23   b  for engaging a container adapter  70   b  as described below. A dip tube  25  as in  FIGS. 1-5  is provided for suctioning fluid from the interior space  15   b  of the container  12   b . The container  12   b  may be formed from plastic materials.  
         [0071]     The device  10   b  is suitable for use with a sprayer. In  FIGS. 10 and 11 , there is shown a generally circular sprayer base  30  for a sprayer such as that described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-5 . Therefore, a description of the sprayer base  30  in  FIGS. 10 and 11  is identical to that provided above for FIGS.  1  to  5 .  
         [0072]     Referring still to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the device  10   b  according to the invention includes a sprayer connector  50   a  that connects to the upstream tubular end  33  of the inlet port  31  of the sprayer base  30  as in the embodiment of FIGS.  6  to  9 . Therefore, a description of the sprayer connector  50   a  in  FIGS. 10-11  is identical to that provided above for  FIGS. 6-9 .  
         [0073]     Still looking at  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the device  10   b  according to the invention includes a container adapter  70   b  that connects to the neck  17   b  of the container  12   b . The container adapter  70   b  has a cylindrical outer wall  71   b  that terminates in a downstream open end  72   b . The outer wall  71   b  of the container adapter  70  has an outer surface  73   b  that engages the inner surface  18   b  of the neck  17   b  of the container  12   b  as shown in  FIG. 7 . An annular flange  76   b  extends outwardly from the outer wall  71   b  at the downstream open end  72   b  of the container adapter  70   b . The flange  76   b  engages the neck  17   b  of the container  12   b  as shown in  FIG. 7 . A skirt  77   b  extends longitudinally downward from the outer edge of the flange  76   b . The skirt  77   b  has at its upper inner end in an inwardly directed circumferential rib  78   b  that engages groove  23   b  of the container  12   b . The outer surface of the skirt  77   b  has threads  79   b  for engaging a sprayer cap as described below.  
         [0074]     The container adapter  70   b  also includes a sloping inner wall  81   b  that is connected to the outer wall  71   b  and that defines an annular space  82   b  between the inner wall  81   b  and the outer wall  71   b . Venting holes  83   b  are provided in the inner wall  81   b . The venting holes  83   b  provide an air path between the downstream open end  72   b  of the container adapter  70   b  and the annular space  82   b  between the inner wall  81   b  and the outer wall  71   b . The container adapter  70   b  also includes an inlet port  85   b  that is connected to the inner wall  81   b . The inlet port  85   b  has an upper tubular section  86   b  that terminates in an upstream open end  87   b  and that terminates at an opposite end at a bottom wall  88   b . A central hole  89   b  is provided in the bottom wall  88   b  and leads to a lower tubular section  90   b  of the inlet port  85   b . The lower tubular section  90   b  terminates in a downstream open end  91   b  of the inlet port  85   b  which receives the dip tube  25  in a friction fit. The container adapter  70   b  can be made of a plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene.  
         [0075]     A cap  95   b  is provided for securing the sprayer base  30  of the sprayer to the container adapter  70   b  as shown in  FIG. 11 . The cap  95   b  has an annular top wall  96   b  and a cylindrical skirt  97   b  that depends downward from the top wall  96   b . The inner surface of the skirt  97   b  has threads  98   b  that engage the threads  79   b  on the outer surface of the skirt  77   b  of the container adapter  70   b  when the sprayer is assembled to the container  12   b . The inner edge of the annular top wall  96   b  of the cap  95   b  is secured for rotating movement in the annular recess  37  of the outer wall  36  of the sprayer base  30 .  
         [0076]     Assembly of a sprayer to the container  12   b  proceeds as follows. A sprayer is selected with a sprayer base such as the sprayer base  30  and a cap such as cap  95   b  mounted on the sprayer base  30 . The venting valve assembly  41  is constructed as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5 . The disc-like sprayer gasket  46  is then placed on the lower surface  38  of the sprayer base  30 . The exit port  60   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  is then inserted into the downstream tubular end  32  of the sprayer base  30  as shown in  FIG. 11 . The sprayer connector  50   a  and the sprayer base  30  may be separate parts as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  or alternatively, the sprayer connector  50   a  and the sprayer base  30  may be integrally formed as a single piece. In this manner, a sprayer with the sprayer connector  50   a  is provided for connection to the container  12   b.    
         [0077]     The container adapter  70   b  is assembled to the container  12   b . The dip tube  25  is inserted into the downstream open end  91   b  of the inlet port  85   b  of the container adapter  70   b  in a friction fit. Alternatively, the container adapter  70   b  and the dip tube  25  may be integrally formed as a single piece, or may be secured together such as by adhesive or friction welding. The container adapter  70   b  and the dip tube  25  are then inserted into the opening  20   b  of the container  12   b  so that the outer surface  73   b  of the outer wall  71   b  of the container adapter  70   b  engages the inner surface  18   b  of the neck  17   b  of the container  12   b  and so that the circumferential rib  78   b  of the skirt  77   b  of the container adapter  70   b  enters the groove  23   b  at the top of the container  12   b  as shown in  FIG. 11 . The annular flange  76   b  engages the top surface  19   b  of the neck  17   b  of the container  12   b  as shown in  FIG. 11 . The annular flange  76   b  could also be attached to the neck  17   b  of the container  12   b  by alternative means such as welding or adhesives. In this manner, a container  12   b  with a container adapter  70   b  and attached dip tube  25  is provided for connection to a sprayer with the sprayer connector  50   a.    
         [0078]     In an example automated assembly of the sprayer with the sprayer connector  50   a  to the container  12   b  with the container adapter  70   b  and attached dip tube  25 , a plurality of the containers  12   b  with the container adapter  70   b  and attached dip tube  25  travel on a conveyor. A sprayer with the sprayer connector  50   a  is then lowered over each container  12   b  with the container adapter  70   b  and attached dip tube  25 . The outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  is aligned with the upper tubular section  86   b  of the inlet port  85   b  of the container adapter  70   b . The sprayer connector  50   a  is then lowered into the container adapter  70   b  such that the rib  56   a  on the outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  seals with the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86   b  of the inlet port  85   b  of the container adapter  70   b . The cap  95   b  is then automatically threaded on the threads  79   b  on the outer surface of the skirt  77   b  of the container adapter  70   b  to secure the sprayer to the container  12   b.    
         [0079]     The container adapter  70   b  is dimensioned to provide for easier automated assembly. For example. the sloping inner wall  81   b  of the container adapter  70   b  guides the outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  into the upper tubular section  86   b  of the inlet port  85   b  of the container adapter  70   b . Also, the inside diameter of the upper tubular section  86   b  of the inlet port  85   b  of the container adapter  70   b  may decrease from top to bottom to further guide the outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  into the bottom region of the upper tubular section  86   b  of the inlet port  85   b  of the container adapter  70   b  wherein the rib  56   a  engages the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86   b  of the inlet port  85   b  of the container adapter  70   b.    
         [0080]     Referring to  FIG. 11 , fluid flow in the device  10   b  is as follows. Liquid in the interior space  15   b  of the container  12   b  is suctioned up through dip tube  25 . The liquid then enters the lower tubular section  90   b  of the inlet port  85   b , passes through the central hole  89   b , and enters the bottom of the upper tubular section  86   b  of the inlet port  85   b . The liquid then enters the fluid entry port  64   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  and flows into the lower inner tubular section  63   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a . Because the rib  56   a  seals against the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86   b  of the inlet port  85   b  of the container adapter  70   b , liquid is prevented from flowing above the rib  56   a  between the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86   b  of the inlet port  85   b  of the container adapter  70   b  and the outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a . From the lower inner tubular section  63   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a , the liquid flows into the upper inner tubular section  59   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a  and exits the fluid exit port  60   a . The liquid flows into the upstream tubular end  33  of the inlet port  31  of the sprayer base  30  and then into downstream tubular end  32  of the sprayer base  30 . The liquid then enters the pumping system of the sprayer (not shown) for spraying out of the nozzle of the sprayer.  
         [0081]     As the sprayer is actuated and liquid is removed from the interior space  15   b  of the container  12   b , negative pressure may result in the container  12   b . The pressure differential is eliminated by way of the venting valve assembly  41  and the venting holes  83   b  in the container adapter  70   b . Because of the negative pressure, the duckbill valve  42  opens and air passes downward through the duckbill valve  42  into the vent passageway  43  of the sprayer base  30 . The air then travels into the downstream open end  72   b  of the container adapter  70   b  and then into the annular space  82   b  between the inner wall  81   b  and the outer wall  71   b  of the container adapter  70   b  by way of the venting holes  83   b . The air then enters the interior space  15   b  of the container  12   b  equalizing the pressure inside and outside the container  12   b.    
         [0082]     Because the rib  56   a  seals against the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86   b  of the inlet port  85   b  of the container adapter  70   b , air is prevented from flowing below the rib  56   a  between the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86   b  of the inlet port  85   b  of the container adapter  70   b  and the outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a . Thus, the rib  56   a  serves to establish and maintain independent liquid and air flow paths when the container adapter  70   b  and the sprayer connector  50   a  are assembled together.  
         [0083]     The mating dimensions of the sprayer connector  50   a  and the container adapter  70   b  also provide keying structures that ensure that only refills containing a liquid appropriate for a particular purpose are used with the sprayer. Specifically, a tight fit is required between the sprayer connector  50   a  and the container adapter  70   b  so that the sprayer may be primed with liquid by way of the dip tube  25 . If air leakage were to occur between the inner surface of the upper tubular section  86   b  of the inlet port  85   b  of the container adapter  70   b  and the outer wall  51   a  of the sprayer connector  50   a , the sprayer would suck air into the sprayer rather than liquid. Therefore, only refills comprising a container  12   b  with an attached container adapter  70   b  that mates with the sprayer connector  50   a  of the sprayer would be suitable for use with the container.  
         [0084]     Turning now to  FIG. 12 , there is shown a fourth embodiment of a device  110  according to the invention. The device  110  is suitable for use with a sprayer with a sprayer base having an inlet port similar to that described above with reference to FIGS.  1  to  5 . The device  110  may be used with a container  112  having a bottom wall that is integral with a side wall as in container  12  of  FIG. 1 . The bottom wall and the side wall  114  define an interior space  115  of the container  112 . The side wall  114  of the container  112  terminates at its upper end in a circular neck  117  having a wall  118  and a top surface  119  that define a container opening  120 . The outer surface  121  of the neck  117  of the container  112  has threads  122  for engaging a container adapter  170  as described below. A dip tube  125  is provided for suctioning fluid from the interior space  115  of the container  112 . The container  112  and dip tube  125  may be formed from plastic materials.  
         [0085]     Referring still to  FIG. 12 , the device  110  according to the invention includes a sprayer connector  150  that connects to the inlet port of the sprayer base. The sprayer connector  150  has a circular outer wall  152  with a downstream tubular section  153  that defines an outer wall of an exit port  154 , a shoulder  155  and an upstream tubular section  156 . The sprayer connector  150  also has a circular inner wall  158  including a downstream tubular section  159  that forms an inner wall of the exit port  154 , a central sloping wall  160  having inner surface sealing ribs  161  and an inner surface annular recess  162 , and an upstream tubular section  164  that forms an inner wall of an entry port  165 . The hollow inner wall  158  defines a flow conduit  166  in the sprayer connector  150 . The sprayer connector  150  may be formed from a plastic material such as ABS or like material.  
         [0086]     Still looking at  FIG. 12 , the device  110  according to the invention includes a container adapter  170  that connects to the neck  117  of the container  112 . The container adapter  170  includes a circular upstream tubular section  171  having inner surface threads  172 , a circular upstream sloping wall  174 , a circular central tubular section  175 , a circular downstream sloping wall  177  having an outer sealing protrusion  178  and an outer sealing strip  179  and an inner recess  180  dimensioned to receive the dip tube  125  in a friction fit, and a fluid exit port  182 . The fluid exit port  182  is a hollow circular projection  183  having a domed outer surface  184  and having circumferentially arranged flow holes  185 . The container adapter  170  can be made of a plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Preferably, the outer sealing strip  179  is a softer material than the remainder of the container adapter  170 . The outer sealing strip  179  may be produced in an overmolding or two shot forming process.  
         [0087]     Assembly of a sprayer to the container  112  proceeds as follows. A sprayer is selected with a sprayer base having a tubular inlet port. The exit port  154  of the sprayer connector  150  is then inserted into the inlet port of the sprayer base. The sprayer connector  150  and the sprayer base may be separate parts or alternatively, the sprayer connector  150  and the sprayer base may be integrally formed as a single piece. In this manner, a sprayer with the sprayer connector  150  is provided for connection to the container  112 .  
         [0088]     The container adapter  170  is assembled to the container  112 . The dip tube  125  is inserted into the recess  180  of the container adapter  170  in a friction fit as shown in  FIG. 12 . Alternatively, the container adapter  170  and the dip tube  125  may be integrally formed as a single piece, or may be secured together such as by adhesive or friction welding. The dip tube  125  are then inserted into the opening  120  of the container  112 . The container adapter  170  is then lowered onto the neck  117  of the container  112  such that the inner surface threads  172  of the container adapter  170  engage the threads  122  on the outer surface  121  of the neck  117  of the container  112 . Rotation of the container adapter  170  in direction A of  FIG. 12  will attach the container adapter  170  to the neck  117  of the container  112 . In this manner, a container  112  with a container adapter  170  and attached dip tube  125  is provided for connection to a sprayer with the sprayer connector  150 .  
         [0089]     In an example automated assembly of the sprayer with the sprayer connector  150  to the container  112  with the container adapter  170  and attached dip tube  125 , a plurality of the containers  112  with the container adapter  170  and attached dip tube  125  travel on a conveyor. A sprayer with the sprayer connector  150  is then lowered over each container  112  with the container adapter  170  and attached dip tube  125 . The inner wall  158  of the sprayer connector  150  is aligned with the outer surface of the container adapter  170 . The sprayer connector  150  is then lowered over the container adapter  170  such that the sealing protrusion  178  on the inner surface of container adapter  170  enters the recess  162  of the sprayer connector  150 . Also, the inner surface sealing ribs  161  of the sprayer connector  150  engage the outer sealing strip  179  of the container adapter  170  to provide an air-tight fit. The container adapter  170  is dimensioned to provide for easier automated assembly. For example. the sloping wall  177  of the container adapter  170  guides the sprayer connector  150  over the outer surface of the container adapter  170 .  
         [0090]     Referring still to  FIG. 12 , fluid flow F in the device  110  is as follows during use of the assembled device. When the sprayer is actuated (for example, by repeatedly pulling a manual trigger that operates a pump or by pulling a trigger switch that activates an electric pump), liquid in the interior space  115  of the container  112  is suctioned up through dip tube  125 . The liquid then enters the hollow circular projection  183  of the fluid exit port  182  of the container adapter  170  and the liquid then exits the flow holes  185  of the fluid exit port  182 . The liquid continues through the flow conduit  166  of the sprayer connector  150  and then enters the sprayer.  
         [0091]     The mating dimensions of the sprayer connector  150  and the container adapter  170  also provide keying structures that ensure that only refills containing a liquid appropriate for a particular purpose are used with the sprayer. Specifically, a tight fit is required between the sprayer connector  150  and the container adapter  170  so that the sprayer may be primed with liquid by way of the dip tube  125 . If air leakage were to occur, the sprayer would suck air into the sprayer rather than liquid. Therefore, only refills comprising a container  112  with an attached container adapter  170  that mates with the sprayer connector  150  of the sprayer would be suitable for use with the container  112 .  
         [0092]     Turning now to  FIGS. 13-15 , there is shown a fifth embodiment of a device  10   d  according to the invention. The device  10   d  may be used with a container  12   d  having a bottom wall that is integral with a side wall  14   d . The bottom wall and the side wall  14   d  define an interior space  15   d  of the container  12   d . The side wall  14   d  of the container  12   d  terminates at its upper end in a neck  17   d  having an inner surface  18   d  and a top surface  19   d  that define a container opening  20   d . The outer surface  21   d  of the neck  17   d  of the container  12   d  has threads  22   d  and also has recesses  24   d  for engaging a container adapter  70   d  as described below. A dip tube  25  as in  FIGS. 1-5  is provided for suctioning fluid from the interior space  15   d  of the container  12   d . The container  12   d  may be formed from plastic materials.  
         [0093]     Referring still to  FIGS. 13-15 , the device  10   d  according to the invention includes a sprayer connector  50   d  that connects to the inlet port  32   d  of a sprayer. The sprayer connector  50   d  may be formed from a plastic material such as ABS or polyethylene or polypropylene or like material. The sprayer connector  50   d  has a tubular outer wall  51   d  that terminates at one end in a generally funnel shaped bottom end wall  52   d  and that terminates at an opposite end in an open top end  53   d . The outer wall  51   d  and the bottom wall  52   d  define an interior  54   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d . The bottom wall  52   d  ends in an outwardly projecting tip  52   e  which is offset from a central longitudinal axis C of the sprayer connector  50   d . The outer wall  51   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d  has an outer annular groove  55   d  that accepts a sealing ring which defines a sealing rib  56   d  for the sprayer connector  50   d . An annular sealing flange  57   d  extends outward from the tubular outer wall  51   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d . The sealing flange  57   d  has downwardly depending tabs with transverse projections  58   d  (see  FIG. 15 ). A seal washer  48   d  abuts the bottom surface of the sealing flange  57   d , and the seal washer  48   d  (not shown in  FIG. 15 ) is held in place by the transverse projections of the tabs  58   d.    
         [0094]     The sprayer connector  50   d  includes a fluid exit port  60   d  which is offset from the central longitudinal axis C of the sprayer connector  50   d . The bottom wall  52   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d  has a fluid entry port  64   d  that provides a fluid path to the fluid exit port  60   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d . The fluid exit port  60   d  and the fluid entry port  64   d  define a flow conduit  66   d  in the sprayer connector  50   d . The flow conduit  66   d  is one section of the fluid path that delivers fluid from the interior space  15   d  of the container  12   d  to the inlet port  32   d  of a sprayer.  
         [0095]     The sprayer connector  50   d  also includes a vent entry port  67   d . The bottom wall of the sealing flange  57   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d  has a vent hole  68   d  (see  FIG. 15 ) that provides a vent path to the vent entry port  67   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d . The vent entry port  67   d  and the vent hole  68   d  define an air vent conduit  69   d  in the sprayer connector  50   d.    
         [0096]     Still looking at  FIGS. 13-15 , the device  10   d  according to the invention includes a container adapter  70   d  that connects to the neck  17   d  of the container  12   d . The container adapter  70   d  can be made of a plastic material such as ABS or polyethylene or polypropylene or the like. The container adapter  70   d  includes an outer wall that terminates at a downstream open end  72   d  of the container adapter  70   d . The outer wall includes an annular flange  76   d  extends laterally at the downstream open end  72   d  of the container adapter  70   d . The flange  76   d  engages the neck  17   d  of the container  12   d  as shown in  FIG. 14 . The outer wall also includes a skirt  77   d  that extends longitudinally downward from the outer edge of the flange  76   d . The skirt  77   d  has at its lower end downwardly directed tabs  78   d  that engage recesses  24   d  of the container  12   d.    
         [0097]     The container adapter  70   d  also includes an inner wall  81   d  that is connected to the annular flange  76   d  of the outer wall. The inner wall  81   d  defines an annular space  82   d  between the inner wall  81   d  and the skirt  77   d . Venting holes  83   d  are provided near an upper section  84   d  of the inner wall  81   d . The container adapter  70   d  also includes an inlet port  85   d  that is connected to the inner wall  81   d . The inlet port  85   d  has an upstream open end  87   d  that terminates in a central hole  88   d  in the bottom of a generally funnel shaped lower section  90   d  of the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d . A lower tubular section of the inlet port  85   d  terminates in a downstream open end  91   d  of the inlet port  85   d  which receives the dip tube  25  in a friction fit. The bottom of the lower section  90   d  of the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d  includes a depression  93   d  adjacent the central hole  88   d  (see  FIG. 15 ). The depression  93   d  is offset from a central longitudinal axis A of the container adapter  70   d , while the central hole  88   d  is on the central longitudinal axis A.  
         [0098]     A sprayer attachment cap  95   d  is provided for securing the sprayer to the neck  17   d  of the container  12   d  as shown in  FIG. 14 . The cap  95   d  has an annular top wall  96   d  and a cylindrical skirt  97   d  that depends downwardly from the top wall  96   d . The inner surface of the skirt  97   d  has threads  98   d  that engage the threads  22   d  on the outer surface  21   d  of the container  12   d  when the sprayer is assembled to the container  12   d . The inner edge of the annular top wall  96   d  of the cap  95   d  is secured for rotating movement on the sprayer base.  FIG. 14  also shows a sprayer shroud  99   s  having the usual trigger  99   d . Pumping means located within the shroud  99   s  for delivering fluid from the inlet port  32   d  of the sprayer to a nozzle (not shown) by way of actuation of the trigger  99   d  are known in the art; therefore, the pumping means (which could be manually or electrically operated) are not shown in  FIG. 14  and will not be explained further.  
         [0099]     Assembly of a sprayer to the container  12   d  proceeds as follows. The exit port  60   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d  is inserted into or over the inlet port  32   d  of the sprayer. The sprayer connector  50   d  and the inlet port  32   d  of the sprayer may be separate parts as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14  or alternatively, the sprayer connector  50   d  and inlet port  32   d  of the sprayer may be integrally formed as a single piece. In this manner, a sprayer with the sprayer connector  50   d  is provided for connection to the container  12   d.    
         [0100]     The container adapter  70   d  is assembled to the container  12   d . The dip tube  25  is inserted into the downstream open end  91   d  of the inlet port  85   d  of the container adapter  70   d  in a friction fit (see  FIG. 14 ). Alternatively, the container adapter  70   d  and the dip tube  25  may be integrally formed as a single piece, or may be secured together such as by adhesive or friction welding. The container adapter  70   d  and the dip tube  25  are then inserted into the opening  20   d  of the container  12   d  so that the annular flange  76   d  of the outer wall of the container adapter  70   d  engages the top surface  19   d  of the neck  17   d  of the container  12   d  and so that the tabs  78   d  of the skirt  77   d  of the container adapter  70   d  enter the recesses  24   d  at the top of the container  12   d  as shown in  FIG. 14 . The annular flange  76   d  could also be attached to the neck  17   d  of the container  12   d  by alternative means such as welding or adhesives. In this manner, a container  12   d  with a container adapter  70   d  and attached dip tube  25  is provided for connection to a sprayer with the sprayer connector  50   d.    
         [0101]     In an example automated assembly of the sprayer with the sprayer connector  50   d  to the container  12   d  with the container adapter  70   d  and attached dip tube  25 , a plurality of the containers  12   d  with the container adapter  70   d  and attached dip tube  25  travel on a conveyor. A sprayer with the sprayer connector  50   d  is then lowered over each container  12   d  with the container adapter  70   d  and attached dip tube  25 . The outer wall  51   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d  is aligned with the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d . The sprayer connector  50   d  is then lowered into the container adapter  70   d  such that the rib  56   d  on the outer wall  51   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d  seals with the inner surface of the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d . As the sprayer connector  50   d  is lowered into the container adapter  70   d , the outwardly projecting tip  52   e  of the bottom wall  52   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d  mates with the depression  93   d  of the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d . (This is depicted by the curved dashed line in  FIG. 15 .) The cap  95   d  is then automatically threaded on the threads  22   d  on the outer surface  21   d  of the neck  17   d  of the container  12   d.    
         [0102]     Thus, the depression  93   d  and the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d  provide a first alignment structure, and the outwardly projecting tip  52   e  and the bottom wall  52   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d  provide a second alignment structure whereby the sprayer connector  50   d  and the container adapter  70   d  are oriented in a specific angular relationship during assembly. The shape of the mating surface of the outwardly projecting tip  52   e  and the bottom wall  52   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d  and the shape of the corresponding mating surface of the depression  93   d  and the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d  can vary as long as the corresponding mating surfaces match each other. The shape of the corresponding mating surfaces can vary among different products to prevent a user from placing the trigger sprayer from one product on the refill bottle of a different type of product. Also, the alignment structures of the sprayer connector  50   d  and the container adapter  70   d  provide for easier automated assembly. For example, the sloping lower section  90   d  of the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d  guides the outer wall  51   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d  into the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d.    
         [0103]     Referring to  FIG. 14 , fluid flow in the device  10   d  is as follows. Liquid in the interior space  15   d  of the container  12   d  is suctioned up through dip tube  25 . The liquid then enters the inlet port  85   d , passes through the central hole  88   d , and enters the bottom of the container adapter  70   d . The liquid then enters the fluid entry port  64   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d  and flows into the sprayer connector  50   d . Because the rib  56   d  seals against the inner surface of the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d , liquid is prevented from flowing above the rib  56   d  between the inner surface of the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d  and the outer wall  51   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d . From the section of the sprayer connector  50   d  below the rib  56   d , the liquid flows into the flow conduit  66   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d  and exits the fluid exit port  60   d . The liquid then flows into the inlet port  32   d  of the sprayer, and then enters the pumping system of the sprayer (not shown) for spraying out of the nozzle of the sprayer.  
         [0104]     As the sprayer is actuated and liquid is removed from the interior space  15   d  of the container  12   d , negative pressure may result in the container  12   d . The pressure differential is eliminated by way of the air vent conduit  69   d  and the venting holes  83   d  in the container adapter  70   d . Because of the negative pressure, an umbrella valve (not shown) above the sprayer connector  50   d  opens, and air passes downward through the umbrella valve into the air vent conduit  69   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d . The air then travels by way of the venting holes  83   d  of the container adapter  70   d  into the annular space  82   d  between the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d  and the neck  17   d  of the container  12   d . The air then enters the interior space  15   d  of the container  12   d  equalizing the pressure inside and outside the container  12   d.    
         [0105]     Because the rib  56   d  seals against the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d , air is prevented from flowing below the rib  56   d  between the inner surface of the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d  and the outer wall  51   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d . Thus, the rib  56   d  serves to establish and maintain independent liquid and air flow paths when the container adapter  70   d  and the sprayer connector  50   d  are assembled together.  
         [0106]     The mating dimensions of the sprayer connector  50   d  and the container adapter  70   d  also provide keying structures that ensure that only refills containing a liquid appropriate for a particular purpose are used with the sprayer. Specifically, a tight fit is required between the sprayer connector  50   d  and the container adapter  70   d  so that the sprayer may be primed with liquid by way of the dip tube  25 . If air leakage were to occur between the inner surface of the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d  and the outer wall  51   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d , the sprayer would suck air into the sprayer rather than liquid. If specific alignment structures are not present on both the sprayer connector  50   d  and the container adapter  70   d , a tight fit will not be achieved between the sprayer connector  50   d  and the container adapter  70   d , and air leakage will result. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 13-15 , the alignment structure provided by the depression  93   d  of the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d  and the outwardly projecting tip  52   e  of the bottom wall  52   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d  provides alignment structure whereby the sprayer connector  50   d  and the container adapter  70   d  are oriented in a specific angular relationship during assembly. This ensures a tight fit and no air leakage. If one were to omit or change the location of one of the alignment structures, an airtight fit would not be achieved. It should also be appreciated that by changing the location of the depression  93   d  of the inner wall  81   d  of the container adapter  70   d  around the axis A of the container adapter  70   d  and that by changing the location of the outwardly projecting tip  52   e  of the bottom wall  52   d  of the sprayer connector  50   d  around axis C of the sprayer connector  50   d , various mating pairs of the sprayer connector  50   d  and of the container adapter  70   d  can be provided. For example, a mating pair of the sprayer connector  50   d  and of the container adapter  70   d  for insecticide use, or for air care use, or for hard surface cleaning use can be provided. These mating pairs could be identified by color coding of the mating pair of the sprayer connector  50   d  and container adapter  70   d . Therefore, only refills comprising a container  12   d  with an attached container adapter  70   d  that mates with the sprayer connector  50   d  of the sprayer would be suitable for a specific use of the container  12   d.    
         [0107]     Thus, the present invention provides a device that that places an interior space of a fluid container in fluid communication with a sprayer and that provides a keying structure such that only refill containers having a liquid appropriate for a particular purpose are used with the sprayer.  
         [0108]     Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which have been presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.  
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY  
       [0109]     The present invention provides a container adapter that allows a dip tube to be attached to a fluid container rather than the fluid sprayer and that provides a keying structure such that only refill containers having a liquid appropriate for a particular purpose are used with the sprayer.