Patent Publication Number: US-6220482-B1

Title: Controlled product dispensing system

Description:
This application claim benefit to Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/127,915 filed Apr. 6, 1999. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to product dispensing systems and, more particularly, to product dispensing systems which provide automatic opening of sealed containers as well as controlled, closed loop transfer of chemicals from the container to a receiving vessel. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     For many years, safe, trouble-free delivery or transferral of various materials, particularly toxic or hazardous materials, has long been a problem which has plagued the industry. In particular, in situations where small quantities of such materials are to be transferred from a storage container to an active, usable reservoir, such as a holding tank wherein the materials are diluted for use, the difficulties typically encountered with transferring these products become most acute. 
     In an attempt to reduce or eliminate these difficulties, various systems or adaptors have been developed. However, these prior art systems have failed to eliminate or overcome the inherent problems or dangers. 
     Some of the most acute problems occur with the transferral or dispensing of concentrated chemicals to be added into a diluting solution, typically water, for intermixture therewith and subsequent applications to a particular item or surface. One area in which products of this nature are frequently employed is the agricultural field, which includes commercial and large-scale turf and ornamental applications where grass, plants, and the like are grown for sale or for maintenance. This area also encompasses golf courses, wherein large grass areas must be carefully maintained. However, numerous other areas and industries also require similar systems for the transferral of concentrated chemicals. 
     In employing these chemical products, extreme care must be exercised due to the concentrated, toxic nature of the fluid materials. In addition, care must be exercised in dispensing these products from a storage vessel to a delivery container or dilution vessel, in order to assure that proper delivery of the concentrated material is achieved, as well as proper dilution and mixing. In many instances, the introduction of excess fluid material into the dilution container can cause an overly concentrated spray to be applied, which can either damage the plants, grass, etc. to which it is applied. In addition, harm to the environment may also result due to the run off of concentrated solutions into ground water supplies. 
     In an attempt to control the dispensing of these chemicals, product bearing containers have been sealed, requiring the user to physically break the seal prior to use. However, instead of improving difficult distribution problems, sealed containers have caused added problems and increased potential spillages. 
     In order to open these sealed containers, users typically employ readily accessible instruments, such as knives, screw drivers, and the like, to break the seal and open the container. Then, the chemicals are dispensed into the dilution vessel. Unfortunately, this process exposes the chemical product directly to the individuals, as well as enabling the chemicals to be spilled from the container onto the surrounding area. As a result, unwanted contact of toxic chemicals with the environment and personnel can and often does occur. 
     Although the need for carefully measuring and/or dispensing such chemical products from sealed storage containers to the dilution vessel or tank has been well known in the prior art, no system has been developed for successfully, efficiently, and repeatedly delivering any desired quantities of the concentrated chemical material on a repeatable basis in an easily used system. As a result, the quantities being delivered are not accurate and spillage of the products onto the surrounding area often occurs. These inherent problems have consistently caused difficulties and potential harm to the environment as well as to individuals and has caused less effective concentrations to be applied or used. 
     In addition, another problem that has plagued this industry is the complexity of prior art constructions. Many prior art chemical product transfer systems are formed from numerous components, requiring expensive manufacturing and assembly costs. Consequently, these systems have not been successful. 
     Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a dispensing system for chemical products retained in sealed containers which operates in a completely closed manner using only authorized equipment. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system for chemical products retained in sealed containers and having the characteristic features described above which is capable of dispensing the entire contents of a container or measured quantities of the concentrated chemical, assuring the transfer of reasonably precise amounts. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system for chemical products retained in sealed containers and having the characteristic features described above which quickly and easily is mounted to the sealed container and automatically opens the seal in a completely closed, spill-free environment. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system for chemical products retained in sealed containers having the characteristic features described above which completely eliminates spillage, excessive dosing, and underdosing. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system for chemical products retained in sealed containers and having the characteristic features described above which is completely safe and operates in an easily employed, error-free manner. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system for chemical products retained in sealed containers and having the characteristic features described above which provides positive, flow control means to assure that the chemical product is delivered only when safe to do so. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system for chemical products retained in sealed containers and having the characteristic features described above which employs a minimum of components and is reasonably easy to assemble. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system for chemical products retained in sealed containers and having the characteristic features described above which employs cooperating, interlocking components, thereby preventing access to chemicals which are not authorized. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system for chemical products retained in sealed containers and having the characteristic features described above which enables empty containers to be rinsed clean as part of the dispensing operation, thereby further enhancing system efficiency and environmental safety. 
     Other and more specific objects will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     By employing the present invention, all of the difficulties and drawbacks found in the prior art are completely overcome and a dispensing system for chemical products retained in sealed containers is achieved which is capable of opening the sealed container and producing the transfer of concentrated chemical products from the storage container to a dilution vessel or tank in a completely closed, spill-free manner. Furthermore, by employing the present invention, the entire contents of the container can be transferred or, if desired, repeated transfer of measured dosage can be made in order to assure the dispensing of a precise quantity of product from the storage container to the dilution vessel. 
     In order to attain this controlled container opening and spill-free, dispensing and delivery of any desired chemical product, the present invention employs a product dispensing valve assembly, constructed for being opened by only mating authorized equipment, and is securely affixed to an adapter which is mounted to the sealed container within which the desired chemical product is retained. As discussed above, since such chemical products are often highly concentrated and toxic, the product dispensing valve assembly of the present invention is preferably securely affixed to the adapter in a manner which prevents the removal of the valve assembly from the adapter. In addition, the adapter is preferably constructed for being mounted to the sealed container and locked in place before the cutting means incorporated therein is activated. In this way, controlled distribution of the product from the storage vessel is attained and implemented only by authorized personnel using authorized equipment. 
     In order to assure the chemical product retained in the sealed storage container is distributed only at the desired times, and is otherwise inaccessible, the container mountable adapter of the present invention incorporates seal cutting means which are easily activated once the mating valve assembly is mounted in place, allowing the sealed container to be opened and the product able to be dispensed through the desired valve assembly. In this way, a controlled product dispensing system is attained as well as limiting the use of the system to only those individuals having authorizing equipment. 
     In addition, the adapter of the present invention incorporates a rinsing system which enables the product container to be rinsed after the product is dispensed therefrom. In this way, clean containers are assured and the unwanted transfer of concentrations of toxic chemicals is eliminated. 
     In this embodiment, a water receiving conduit is integrally formed in the adapter for being easily interconnected to a water source for delivering rinse water to the container when desired. In addition, the water receiving conduit is mounted to the adapter in a way which prevents any interference with the flow of the chemical product from the container through the adapter to the dilution vessel. Furthermore, the water delivery conduit incorporates a check valve to prevent passage of the chemical product into the conduit. 
     In order to assure a closed loop distribution system is achieved which is employed only by authorized individuals, a specialized valve assembly is mounted to the adapter of the present invention. In this regard, the valve assembly comprises closure and locking means which are automatically engaged whenever the product dispensing valve assembly is disengaged from a cooperating coupling member. In addition, the mating, specially constructed coupling member is mounted to the dilution vessel or tank and employed to cooperate with the valve assembly by effectively disengaging the locking means when activated. 
     In this way, assurance is provided that no individual can obtain unauthorized access to the chemical product stored within the closed and sealed container. Only by employing the proper coupling is one able to disengage the locking means of the product dispensing valve assembly of the present invention, activate the adapter mounted to the sealed container to open the container, and then enable the distribution of the chemical product from the storage container to the dilution vessel. 
     By achieving a product dispensing valve assembly which is normally securely locked and a cooperating, sealed product container mounted to an adapter employed for rupturing the seal to gain access to the container, a controlled dispensing system is realized which provides complete controlled distribution of the desired chemical product by only authorized personnel and only into suitable vessels incorporating the required coupling member for unlocking the locking means of the valve assembly. As a result, complete control over the distribution of the chemical product is attained, and all of the difficulties and drawbacks found in the prior art are completely overcome and a controlled distribution system capable of satisfying all of the industry needs and expectations is attained. 
     In the preferred construction of the present invention, the goals and objectives of the present invention are achieved by constructing the adapter of the present invention for being easily mounted to a product container and easily activated to break the seal to gain access to the desired product in a completely closed environment. In achieving this result in one embodiment of the present invention, the adapter comprises an enlarged housing, a container engaging collar movably mounted in the housing, and an elongated, cylindrically shaped tube cooperatively mounted to both the housing and collar and axially movable relative thereto. 
     In the preferred construction of this embodiment, the housing of the adapter comprises a desired size and shape for cooperating with the sealed product container to which the adapter is to be mounted. In particular, container engaging means are formed in the housing to assure secure engagement of the housing with the container is easily achieved, when desired, to prevent rotation of the adapter relative to the container once the adapter is mounted and locked in place. 
     In addition to the housing, the adapter of the present invention incorporates a collar which has thread means formed thereon for threaded engagement with the threads of the container. In addition, the collar is preferably axially movable within the housing for enabling the adapter to be mounted to the container and then locked in place by moving the housing relative to the collar. In addition, vertical ridges or locking keys are employed to prevent unwanted rotational movement of the housing relative to the collar once the housing is engaged with the container. 
     The final principal element forming the adapter is the elongated cylindrically shaped tube which is coaxially mounted with the collar and the housing. In the preferred embodiment, one end of the tube is constructed for mating secure engagement with the valve assembly. In addition, the opposed end of the tube comprises a beveled, terminating end, or similar construction, which establishes seal cutting means thereon. In this way, when the tube is axially moved towards the container seal and brought into contact with the seal, the cutting mens engage and break the seal, opening the container for access to the chemical product contained therein. 
     In a typical operation, the adapter is either constructed with a valve assembly securely mounted to the cylindrical tube, or has a valve assembly mounted thereto prior to use. Then, the adapter and valve assembly are mounted to a sealed container by threadedly engaging the collar with the threaded portal zone of the container. 
     In the next step, the housing is axially moved relative to the collar in order to lockingly engage the housing with the container. When in the container locked and engaged position, removal of the collar from the container is prevented. 
     In the final step, the elongated, cylindrically shaped tube, with the valve assembly mounted thereto, is axially moved into contact with the sealed zone of the container, causing the cutting means to contact and cut the seal. Once axially advanced to its stop position, the cutting means of the tube completely breaks the seal, effectively opening the container. Thereafter, the valve assembly is mounted to the cooperating coupling member on the dilution tank, enabling the product, whether concentrated, toxic, or otherwise, to be dispensed from the container in a completely controlled, closed loop, spill-free manner. 
     In a second embodiment of the present invention, the adapter is constructed using only the container engaging collar and the elongated, cylindrically shaped tube which is cooperatively mounted to the collar and axially movable relative thereto. In this embodiment, the housing is eliminated. In order to assure that closed, spilled-free dispensing is provided, a valve member is preferably securely affixed to one end of the cylindrically shaped tube member, thereby preventing any product from being dispensed from the container except by authorized personnel using authorized receiving vessels or dilution tanks. 
     In this embodiment of the present invention, the housing which peripherally surrounds the collar is eliminated, thereby enabling the collar to be directly secured to the product retaining container. In addition, the cylindrically shaped tube member is constructed with a cutting edge for breaking the seal of the product container. In using this embodiment of the present invention, the collar is securely affixed to the desired product retaining container by threadedly engaging the collar with the threaded zone of the container&#39;s portal. Then, when desired, the tube member is telescopically co-axially advanced relative to the collar, causing the cutting edge of the tube member to contact and cut in the seal of the container for gaining access to the product retained therein. 
     In a further aspect of the present invention, the adapter is constructed with a rinsing system for enabling the user to rinse the container once the container is emptied. In accordance with this invention, the container can be rinsed independently of the dilution vessel or, if desired, rinsed while still interconnected with both the container and the dilution vessel, enabling the contents of the container to be emptied into the dilution vessel and rinsed immediately thereafter, without requiring disconnection of the container from the dilution vessel. 
     Regardless of which method is employed, the adapter incorporates a water engageable conduit which provides the desired water flow through the conduit into the container. Once completely rinsed, the container is disposed of in the normal manner. 
     In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, a spray control member is securely mountable to the cylindrically shaped tube member for controlling the flow of the water from a water source directly into the tube member and the container to be cleaned. In addition, in this embodiment, a flow path is provided in the tube member which provides the optimum positioning and optimum delivery of the water flow to obtain complete cleaning of the container once the product retained therein has been dispensed. 
     In this preferred construction, the spray control member comprises a trigger assembly which enables water flow to be quickly and easily activated and de-activated when desired. In addition, the control member is preferably constructed for being quickly and easily mounted to the tube member for assuring ease of use and actuation. 
     The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture possessing the features, properties, and the relation of elements which will be exemplified in the article hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
    
    
     THE DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter and dispensing system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 1 depicted fully assembled; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the adapter of FIG. 2 depicted in position for being mounted to a container; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the adapter of FIG. 3 depicted in position for being securely locked to the container; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the adapter of FIG. 3 depicted in position for breaking the seal of the container; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the adapter mounted to a container in its first position; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the adapter mounted to a container in locked engagement therewith; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the adapter mounted to the container after breaking the container seal for enabling the product stored therein to be dispensed; 
     FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter and dispensing system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the fully assembled adapter of FIG. 9; and 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the adapter, taken along line  11 — 11  of FIG.  10 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     By referring to FIGS. 1-11, along with the following detailed disclosure, the construction and operation of two alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention can best be understood. Although the preferred constructions are fully detailed herein, the present invention may be implemented further using alternate embodiments. Consequently, it is to be understood that the embodiments shown in the Figures and discussed herein are provided for exemplary purposes only and are not intended as a limitation of the present invention. 
     In FIGS. 1-8, the overall construction of one preferred embodiment of adapter  20  of the present invention is clearly seen. In this embodiment, adapter  20  comprises housing  21 , collar  22 , and elongated cylindrically shaped tube  23 . In addition, adapter  20  also comprises water delivery conduit  24  securely mounted to tube  23  for delivering water to the interior of tube  23  and the container mounted therewith for rinsing the container when desired. 
     In addition, as shown in FIGS.  1  and  6 - 8 , valve member  60  is preferably securely mounted to one end of cylindrically shaped tube  23  in order to control the flow of the product from the container, once opened. By employing valve member  60  with adapter  20 , a unique, closed, spill-free dispensing system is realized. 
     Furthermore, although tube  23  is shown and described as comprising a cylindrical shape, tube  23  may comprise any desired alternate cross-sectional shape or configuration. As detailed herein, the only requirement is that tube member  23  be telescopically movable relative to collar  22 . 
     In this embodiment, housing  21  comprises an overall size and shape for cooperative, mounted, secure engagement with product bearing container  27 , shown in FIGS. 6-8. As depicted, housing  21  comprises a generally bell-shape which incorporates a generally circular-shaped upper portal  29  formed by wall  30  and a generally circular shaped lower portal  31  formed by wall  32 . 
     In addition, housing  21  comprises notches or recessed zones  33  formed in the base thereof for cooperating with handle  28  forming a part of container  27 . As detailed below, notches  33  are preferably formed on housing  21  diametrically opposed from each other and dimensioned for being lockingly engaged with handle  28  of container  27  when desired by the user. Housing  21  also comprises a generally U-shaped cut-out zone  34  formed in wall  30  and dimensioned for cooperating receipt of water delivery conduit  24 . 
     As is more fully detailed below, upper portal defining wall  30  is dimensioned for cooperative sliding engagement with tube  23 . In addition, a plurality of channels  35  are formed in wall  30  for cooperating with elongated raised ledges  36  formed on tube  23 . As shown in the drawings, channels  35  and ledges  36  extend axially along the surface on which they are formed and are substantially equidistant from each other. 
     As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, collar  22  comprises a substantially cylindrical shape defined by outer wall  40  and inner wall  41 . Inner wall  41  is dimensioned for receiving and being slidingly engaged with tube  23 , while outer wall  40  is constructed for cooperative engagement with lower portal  31  of housing  21 . In this regard, a major portion of outer wall  40  comprises a plurality of axially extending, elongated, raised ribs  42  radially extending outwardly and formed for cooperative sliding engagement with recesses  43  formed in wall  32  of housing  21 . 
     In addition, inner wall  41  of collar  22  comprises thread means  44  formed in the lower end thereof. Thread means  44  are constructed for mating, threaded engagement with the threaded portal of container  27 . 
     If desired, ribs  42  of collar  22  could extend the entire length of wall  40 . However, in the preferred embodiment, the lower portion of wall  40  comprises a generally smooth surface. As is more fully detailed below, the engagement of ribs  42  of collar  22  with recesses  43  of housing  21  assures that arcuate rotational movement of housing  21  causes collar  22  to arcuately rotate simultaneously therewith. As a result, adapter  20  is quickly and easily mountable to container  27  by aligning thread means  44  of collar  22  with the threads of container  27 , and then rotating housing  21 , causing collar  22  to rotate therewith into threaded engagement with container  27 . 
     The final major component of adapter  20  is elongated, cylindrically shaped tube  23 . In its preferred construction, tube  23  comprises and upper terminating end  50 , a lower terminating end  51 , an outer wall  52 , and an inner wall  53 . Upper terminating end  50  comprises a threaded zone  54  formed in outer wall  52  directly adjacent end  50 . As detailed below, threaded zone  54  is constructed for mating interengagement with a valve assembly which is securely affixed to tube  23 . Furthermore, the outer diameter of threaded zone  54  is preferably greater than the diameter of outer wall  52 . 
     In addition, lower end  51  of tube  23  is constructed in a manner which causes end  51  to comprise seal cutting means as an integral part thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the cutting means of end  51  is created by forming end  51  with a steep, sloping angle, so that the lowermost portion of end  51  is brought into contact with the seal of the container and cuts the seal for opening the container. Although this construction is preferred, numerous alternate constructions or configurations can be employed without departing from the scope of this invention. 
     Outer wall  52  of tube  23  is dimensioned for telescopic, sliding engagement with upper wall  30  of housing  21  as well as inner wall  41  of collar  22 . In order to assure that no chemical product is able to flow along outer wall  52  of tube  23 , sealing rings  55 , typically in the form of O-rings, are mounted about outer wall  52 . In addition to providing rings  50 , close tolerances are employed to assure sliding engagement, without any unwanted leakage. 
     Furthermore, a stop ring/sealing ring  56  is also employed which is mounted in groove  57  of tube  23 . Groove  57  is formed in outer wall  53  adjacent end  51  for sealing engagement with the container portal. In addition, as detailed below, stop/seal ring  56  limits the axial travel of tube  23  within collar  22 . 
     By referring to FIGS. 3-8, along with the following detailed discussion, the overall operation and the ease of opening sealed container  27  using adapter  20  of the present invention can best be understood. In FIG. 3, a cross-sectional side elevation view of adapter  20  is depicted with adapter  20  in position for being mounted to container  27 . In FIG. 6, a similar, corresponding associated view is provided wherein adapter  20  is shown mounted to the threaded portal of container  27 . 
     In addition, in FIG. 6, as well as in FIGS. 7 and 8, adapter  20  is depicted with valve assembly  60  mounted to threaded zone  54  of cylindrical tube  23 . As detailed herein, in order to provide the desired controlled, closed-loop, spill-free transfer of chemical products from container  27  to a dilution vessel, a valve assembly, such as valve assembly  60 , is employed which requires cooperative interengagement with a receiving coupling mounted to the dilution vessel. 
     In addition, in the preferred embodiment, valve assembly  60  is normally maintained in a closed position, requiring interengagement with the cooperating coupling to open valve assembly  60  for enabling the chemical product in container  27  to be dispensed therefrom. By employing valve assembly  60  in combination with adapter  20 , a delivery system for sealed containers is realized while still assuring a completely closed-loop system for preventing unwanted spillage of the chemical product. 
     Although any desired valve assembly  60  may be employed using the teaching of the present invention, the preferred construction for valve assembly  60  is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,840. By employing the valve assembly defined therein, all of the attributes for attaining a completely closed loop, spill-free delivery or distribution system are realized and all of the goals inherent in both assemblies are attained. 
     As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, in this initial position, collar  22  extends outwardly from the base of housing  21  enabling threads  44  of collar  22  to be easily mounted to the threaded portal of container  27  in secure interengagement therewith. In order to easily effectuate the threaded interengagement of collar  22  with container  27 , collar  22  preferably extends outwardly from housing  21  a sufficient distance to assure that raised ribs  42  of collar  22  are mounted in recesses  43  of housing  21 . In this way, adapter  20  is easily mounted to container  27  by merely rotating housing  21  after threaded zone  44  is aligned with the threaded portal of container  27 . Since housing  21  is controllably engaged with collar  22 , the rotation of housing  21  simultaneously causes collar  22  to rotate therewith. 
     Once adapter  20  is securely threadedly engaged with container  27 , the next step is to securely interlock adapter  20  with container  27 . This step, as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 7, is easily achieved by merely moving housing  21  downwardly relative to collar  22  until collar  22  is completely retained within the interior cavity of housing  21 . When in this position, locking notch  33  is moved into juxtaposed, cooperating, engaged relationship with handle  28  of container  27 , preventing housing  21  from being arcuately rotated relative to container  27 . As a result, adapter  20  is securely lockingly engaged with container  27 . 
     In the final step, prior to dispensing the chemical product from container  27 , the seal member which closes container  27  is broken. In order to achieve this result, tube  23  is telescopically moved downwardly relative to housing  21  and collar  22 . As clearly depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, lower cutting edge  51  of tube  23  is in juxtaposed, spaced relationship to the top surface of the seal means of container  27  when adapter  20  is securely locked in place to container  27 . However, when tube  23  is telescopically advanced downwardly relative to housing  21  and collar  22 , cutting edge  51  is brought into severing contact with the seal of container  27 , causing the seal to be broken for enabling the chemical product contain therein to be dispensed through the portal of container  27 . 
     In FIGS. 9-11, the overall construction of a second preferred embodiment of adapter  20  of the present invention is fully depicted. In this embodiment, adapter  20  comprises collar  22 , and elongated, generally cylindrically shaped tube member  23 . In addition, adapter  20  also comprises water delivery conduit  24  which is preferably formed as an integral portion of tube member  23  and is constructed for delivering water into the interior of tube member  23  for enabling any container mounted therewith to be quickly and easily rinsed clean prior to disposal of the empty container. 
     As discussed above, valve member  60  is preferably secured to tube member  23 , as shown in FIG.  9 . In this way, complete control over the dispensing of the product retained in the container is assured. In addition, by employing the specially constructed valve member  60 , detailed above, a completely closed, spill-free dispensing system is attained. 
     In addition, as previously discussed, tube member  23  is preferably cylindrical in shape, either wholly or partly. However, any other cross-sectional shape may be employed without departing from the scope of this invention. 
     In the preferred construction of this embodiment of the present invention, collar  22  comprises a substantially cylindrical shape defined by outer wall  40  and inner wall  41 . Inner wall  41  comprises an upper portion  70  and a lower portion  71 . In this embodiment, upper portion  70  is dimensioned for receiving and being slidingly engaged with tube member  23 , while lower portion  71  comprises thread means  44  formed therein for mating, threaded engagement with the threaded portal of container  27 . 
     Outer wall  40  of collar  22  may comprise any desired surface treatment. However, in order to enable collar  22  to be easily threadedly mounted to container  27 , outer surface  40  preferably comprises a plurality of axially extending raised ribs  42  radially extending outwardly from the surface thereof. As depicted, ribs  42  are formed with different spacing on the upper and lower portions of outer wall  40 . However, this configuration is optional and any desired spacing or configuration may be employed. 
     In this embodiment of adapter  20 , the second and final component is tube member  23 . In its preferred construction, tube member  23  comprises an upper portion  74  and a lower portion  75 , with upper portion  74  comprising an outer wall  42 , an inner wall  53 , a threaded zone  54  formed in wall  52  and terminating with upper end  50 . As previously discussed, threaded zone  54  is constructed for mating, secure, interengagement with valve assembly  60  to provide secure affixation of valve member  60  to tube member  23 . 
     Lower portion  75  of tube member  23  comprises a cylindrical shape which is dimensioned for mating, telescopic, longitudinal sliding engagement relative to upper portion  70  of collar  22 . In the preferred construction, lower portion  75  comprises an outer surface  76  which terminates with seal cutting end  51  which is formed as an integral portion thereof. 
     Preferably cutting end  51  is constructed by forming end  51  with a steep, sloping angle which enables the lowermost portion of end  51  to be brought into contact with the seal of the container and cut the seal for opening the container. Although this construction is preferred, numerous alternate constructions or configurations can be employed without departing from the scope of this invention. 
     In this embodiment of the present invention, tube member  23  comprises a radially extending ledge  78  formed at the juncture between upper portion  74  and lower portion  75 . In the preferred construction, ledge  78  comprises a diameter greater than lower portion  75 , thereby providing a positive abutment stop for the telescopic, axial movement of tube member  23  relative to collar  22 . 
     As clearly shown in FIG. 11, ledge  78  contacts the top surface of collar  22  to prevent any further telescopic movement of tube member  23 . In this way, the precisely desired travel distance of tube member  23  is controlled, assuring complete cutting of the seal by cutting end  51 . 
     In order to assure that no chemical product is able to flow between upper portion  70  of collar  23  and lower portion  75  of tube member  23 , a sealing ring  80 , typically in the form of an O-ring, is mounted in groove  81  formed in upper portion  70  of inner wall  41 , as shown in FIG.  11 . In addition to providing sealing ring  80 , close tolerances are employed to assure sliding engagement, without any unwanted leakage. 
     Furthermore, a stop ring/sealing ring  83  is also employed which is mounted in groove  84  of tube  23 . Groove  84  is formed in outer wall  76  adjacent end  51  for sealing engagement with the container portal. In addition, stop/seal ring  83  limits the axial travel of tube  23  within collar  22 . 
     As is apparent from the preceding detailed discussion, adapter  20  of the present invention is quickly and easily mounted to container  27 , which incorporates a sealed portal, and is quickly and easily securely locked to container  27  and activated for severing the seal covering the portal for enabling the chemical product stored therein to be dispensed. In addition, by securely affixing a valve assembly to adapter  20  which is constructed for preventing unwanted transfer of the chemical products from the container unless mounted to authorized equipment, a complete dispensing system is realized which is capable of eliminating unwanted spillage while providing completely controlled transfer of chemical products between authorized equipment by authorized individuals. 
     Another feature incorporated into this embodiment of the present invention is water control and spray delivery system  90 . By referring to FIGS. 9-11, along with the following detailed discussion, the construction and the operation of water control and spray delivery system  90  can best be understood. 
     One principal component incorporated in water control and spray delivery system  90  is trigger assembly  91 . Although trigger assembly  91  may comprise numerous alternate configurations, the preferred embodiment comprises a single assembly incorporating housing  92  and activation lever  94 . Activation lever  94  is pivotally mounted to housing  92  and is employed for starting and stopping the flow of water through housing  92 . In addition, housing  92  incorporates two opposed ends  95  and  96 , both of which are preferably constructed with a thread zone formed therein for ease of mounting to the desired cooperating components. 
     In this regard, end  96  of housing  92  is constructed for being threadedly engaged with a water delivery conduit or tube in order to assure that the desired water source is available to water control and spray delivery system  90 . In addition, threaded end  95  of housing  92  is constructed for mating, threaded interengagement with water delivery conduit  24  extending from tube member  23 . As clearly depicted in FIG. 9, water delivery conduit  94  incorporates threads formed in the outer surface thereof in order to enable end  95  of housing  92  to be quickly and easily securely affixed thereto for delivering water to tube member  23 . 
     In this embodiment of the present invention, water control and spray delivery system  90  also comprises a delivery conduit or flow path  98  formed in tube member  23 . As depicted, in the preferred construction, delivery conduit or flow path  98  is preferably formed in a substantially L-shape, extending from water delivery conduit  24  and terminating along the central axis of tube member  23 . 
     By employing this construction, water flow is delivered through the side wall of tube member  23  and controllably channeled to exit along the central axis of tube member  23 , as well as collar  22  whenever collar  22  is mounted to tube member  23 . As a result, this construction provides the precisely desired configuration for assuring complete, controlled, rinse water spray delivery to the product bearing container mounted to collar  22 . 
     In order to further enhance and provide optimum rinsing of the container mounted to collar  22 , water control and spray delivery system  90  also incorporates, in the preferred construction, a nozzle head  99  mounted to the terminating end of delivery conduit and flow path  98 . Furthermore, in the preferred construction, nozzle head  99  cooperates with a general conventionally constructed umbrella-shaped spray former  100  and cooperating disc  101 . 
     By employing this construction, water control and spray delivery system  90  provides the precisely desired rinsing water spray delivery, with the spray exiting from nozzle  99  in the optimum position, direction and pattern, directly at the entry portal of the product container. As a result, once the product retained in the container has been dispensed therefrom, a water delivery conduit is quickly mounted to housing  92  of trigger assembly  91  for providing the desired water flow. 
     By activating lever  94 , whenever desired, the flow of water is provided directly through delivery conduit and flow path  98  exiting from nozzle  99 . With the exiting spray positioned in the optimum location, complete cleaning of the container is realized with the water being easily poured through adapter  20  into a receiving vessel, or other location, as desired by the user. Once fully rinsed, the container is clean and devoid of any toxic product, thereby allowing the container to be dispensed in any manner desired. 
     It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above article without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.