Patent Publication Number: US-2023144721-A1

Title: High flow tap for dispensing fluids from a container and related applications

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/308,357, filed May 5, 2021 and titled “High Flow Tap For Dispensing Fluids From A Container And Related Applications,” which is related to, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/020,722, filed May 6, 2020, titled “High Flow Tap” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/020,727, filed May 6, 2020, titled “Super Flow Tap.” The complete subject matter and contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/308,357, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/020,722, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/020,727 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to tap dispensers for fluid containers, and more particularly to a tap dispenser with a flexible button connected to a movable stem of a valve to selectively allow or prevent flow of liquid out of the tap dispenser. 
     Generally, tap dispensers with flexible buttons are used with disposable fluid containers. These containers may be a rigid container, a flexible container, or a bag in box container. These containers can hold various types of liquids with different viscosities. It is generally desirable to increase the flow rate out of the tap dispenser for highly viscous fluids while still being able to stop the flow out of the tap once the dispensing is complete. 
     SUMMARY 
     Certain embodiments of the present technology include a tap dispenser for use with a fluid container. The tap dispenser includes a tap body, a spring button, and a valve. The tap body includes an attachment portion, a channel portion, and a dispensing portion. The attachment portion is configured to connect to the spout of the fluid container. The channel portion fluidly connects the attachment portion and dispensing portion and also includes a lower wall. The dispensing portion includes a valve stem guide. The valve stem guide being above the fluid channel lower wall. The spring button sealingly attached to the dispensing portion. The valve having a valve body and a valve stem. The valve stem being attached to the spring button and slidingly inserted through the valve stem guide. The tap dispenser having a closed position where the spring button is not depressed and the valve body is in contact with the valve sealing surface preventing fluid from flowing out of the dispensing portion. The tap dispenser having an open position where the spring button is depressed and the valve body is not in contact with the valve sealing surface allowing fluid to flow out of the dispensing portion. 
     The dispensing portion may include a guide support connected to the valve stem guide, and the guide support may be above the channel portion lower wall. 
     The dispensing portion may include an inner wall and the guide support may be located on the inner wall radially opposite the channel portion. 
     The dispensing portion may include a valve sealing surface and a protective shroud. The protective shroud may be spaced radially outward from the valve sealing surface. 
     The protective shroud may extend below the dispensing portion valve sealing surface. 
     The valve may include a valve stem that is received in the valve stem guide, a sealing portion that engages the valve sealing surface when the tap dispenser is in the closed position, and a flat portion that connects the sealing portion with the valve stem. 
     The attachment portion may be threadably connected to the fluid container. 
     The tap dispenser may include an anti-tamper cap that removably covers the spring button and prevents the spring button from being depressed while the anti-tamper cap is installed. 
     The dispensing portion may include finger supports that include locking holes. The anti-tamper cap may include a cover portion and locking tabs. The locking holes may retain the locking tabs before and after the cover portion is removed. 
     The anti-tamper cap cover portion may include a removal tab. 
     Certain embodiments of the present technology include a tap dispenser for use with a fluid container. The assembly includes a tap body, a spring button, and a valve. The tap body includes an attachment portion, a channel portion, and a dispensing portion. The attachment portion is configured to connect to the spout of the fluid container. The channel portion fluidly connects the attachment portion and dispensing portion and also includes an upper wall. The dispensing portion includes a valve stem guide. The valve stem guide being above the fluid channel upper wall. The spring button being sealingly attached to the dispensing portion. The valve being attached to the spring button and slidingly inserted through the valve stem guide. The tap dispenser having a closed position where the spring button is not depressed and the valve is in contact with the dispensing portion preventing fluid from flowing out of the dispensing portion. The tap dispenser having an open position where the spring button is depressed and the valve body is not in contact with the dispensing portion allowing fluid to flow out of the dispensing portion. 
     The dispensing portion may include a guide support connected to the valve stem guide, and the guide support may be above the channel portion upper wall. 
     The dispensing portion may include a button attachment wall and an upper chamber. The upper chamber may be located above the guide support and below the button attachment wall. 
     The dispensing portion may include a valve sealing surface and a protective shroud. The protective shroud may be spaced radially outward from the valve sealing surface. 
     The protective shroud may extend below the dispensing portion valve sealing surface. 
     The valve may include a valve stem with a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion may be thicker than the upper portion and being slidably received in the valve stem guide. 
     The dispensing portion may include a valve sealing surface and a tapered surface. The tapered surface may be directly above the valve sealing surface. The valve may include a flexible seal surface, wherein the flexible seal surface. The flexible seal surface may flexibly engage the valve sealing surface when the tap dispenser is in the closed position. 
     The tap dispenser may include an anti-tamper cap that removably covers the spring button and prevents the spring button from being depressed while the anti-tamper cap is installed. 
     The dispensing portion may include finger supports that include locking holes. The anti-tamper cap may include a cover portion and locking tabs. The locking holes may retain the locking tabs before and after the cover portion is removed. 
     The anti-tamper cap cover portion may include a removal tab. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a cross section view of a tap dispenser assembly having a tap body, a spring button, and a valve in a closed position, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is cross section view of the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  1    in an open position. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  1    in the closed position with an anti-tamper cap installed. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  1    in the closed position with the anti-tamper cap removed. 
         FIG.  3 C  is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  1    in the open position with the anti-tamper cap removed. 
         FIG.  4    is a cross section view of the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  1    in the closed position with the anti-tamper cap installed. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a cross section perspective view of the tap body dispensing portion of  FIG.  1    with the anti-tamper cap installed. 
         FIG.  5 B  is a top view of the tap body of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    is an enlarged view of a portion of the valve and tap body of the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  1    with the tap body sectioned. 
         FIG.  8 A  is a cross section view of a tap dispenser assembly similar to the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  1    with an alternate attachment portion, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  8 B  is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  8 A . 
         FIG.  9    is a cross section view of a second embodiment of a tap dispenser assembly with a tap body, a spring button, and a valve, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a cross section view of the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  9    in an open position. 
         FIG.  11 A  is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  9    in the closed position with an anti-tamper cap installed. 
         FIG.  11 B  is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  9    in the closed position with the anti-tamper cap removed. 
         FIG.  11 C  is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  9    in the open position with the anti-tamper cap removed. 
         FIG.  12    is a cross section view of the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  9    in the closed position with the anti-tamper cap installed. 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective cross section view of the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  14 A  is a cross section view of a tap dispenser assembly similar to the tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  9    with an alternate attachment portion, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  14 B  is a perspective view of tap dispenser assembly of  FIG.  14 A . 
         FIG.  15 A  is a cross section view of an example prior art tap dispenser assembly with a tap body in a closed position. 
         FIG.  15 B  is a top view of the tap body of  FIG.  15 A . 
         FIG.  16    is a top view of an alternate example prior art tap body similar to the tap body of  FIG.  15 B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed are example tap dispenser assemblies with a tap body, flexible button, valve stem, and valve seal configured for use with rigid wall, flexible containers, or bag in box style containers configured for the storage and dispensing of fluid products. The tap dispenser assemblies are configured to regulate flow out of, and/or selectively seal, a liquid container and may include an in use position and a standby position. The tap dispenser assemblies may also include a tamper evident cap for covering the flexible button to show evidence of prior use of the container. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG.  1    is a cross section view of a tap dispenser assembly  100  in a closed position. The dispenser assembly  100  includes a tap body  110 , a spring button  150 , and a valve  170 . 
     The tap body  110  has a generally cylindrical attachment portion  112 , a dispensing portion  114 , and a channel portion  116 . The attachment portion  112  connects to a spout of an associated fluid container. The attachment portion  112  may include internal threads  118  to correspond with external threads of the container spout. The attachment portion  112  also includes a sealing surface  120  to create a seal between the tap body  110  and the container spout when the dispenser assembly  100  is attached to the container. The channel portion  116  has an upper wall  122 , a lower wall  124 , and side walls  126 . The upper wall  122 , the lower wall  124 , and the side walls  126  define a fluid flow passage  128  that fluidly connects the attachment portion  112  with the dispensing portion  114 . 
     The dispensing portion  114  houses the spring button  150  and the valve  170 . The dispensing portion  114  includes a button attachment groove  130  for receiving a portion of the spring button  150 . The dispensing portion  114  also includes a sealing surface  132 . A protective shroud  134  extends from the dispensing portion  114  and surrounds the sealing surface  132 . The protective shroud  134  is spaced radially outward from the sealing surface  132  and extends below the sealing surface  132 . The dispensing portion  114  has an inner wall  136 . A guide support  138  extends from the inner wall  136  and attaches to a valve stem guide  140 . The guide support  138  is located opposite the channel portion  116  within the dispensing portion  114 . The guide support  138  and the valve stem guide  140  are above the channel portion lower wall  124 . In some embodiments, the tap body  110  is made of ethylene, polypropylene, or some other similar rigid plastic. 
     The spring button  150  has a domed flexible portion  152 , a stem receiving portion  154 , and a sealing portion  156 . The sealing portion  156  is installed into the button attachment groove  130 . Once installed, the sealing portion  156  secures the spring button to the tap body  110  and creates a fluid seal  158  between the spring button  150  and the tap body  110 . The stem receiving portion  154  forms a stem opening  160 . The spring button  150  may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer. 
     The valve  170  includes a valve body  172  and a valve stem  174 . During assembly, the valve stem  174  is slidably inserted through the valve stem guide  140  and is held within the stem opening  160  of the spring button  150 . The valve body  172  includes a flexible seal surface  176 . In the closed position, the flexible seal surface  176  creates a seal against the sealing surface  132  of the tap body dispensing portion  114 , preventing fluid from flowing out of the tap dispensing assembly  100 . The valve body  172  includes a flat portion  178  between the flexible seal surface  176  and the valve stem  174 . 
       FIG.  2    is a cross section view of the tap dispenser assembly  100  of  FIG.  1    in an open position. To place the tap dispenser assembly  100  in the open position, a user depresses the spring button  150  downward, deforming the flexible portion  152 . The stem receiving portion  154  moves downward towards the valve stem guide  140  of the tap body  110 . In the open position, the stem receiving portion  154  may abut against the valve stem guide  140  and provide a lower limit of travel for the stem receiving portion  154 . The stem receiving portion  154  retains the valve stem  174  within the stem opening  160  while the valve stem  174  slides through the valve stem guide  140  from the closed to the open position. The flexible seal surface  176  of the valve body  172  separates from the dispensing portion sealing surface  132  creating a flow path  202  from the container, through the fluid flow channel  128 , out of the dispensing portion  114 , and around the flexible seal surface  176 . A flow path portion  204  flows between the guide support  138  and the flat portion  178  of the valve body  172 . 
     Once the user no longer desires to dispense fluid from the tap dispenser assembly  100 , the user removes the force from the top of the spring button  150 , and the flexible portion  152  springs the spring button  150  back to the closed position, moving the stem receiving portion  154 , the valve stem  174 , and the valve body  172  back to the closed position as well. This results in the contact between the flexible seal surface  176  and the dispensing portion sealing surface  132  eliminating the flow path  202  and the flow path portion  204  and sealing the tap dispenser assembly  100 . 
     While the tap dispenser assembly  100  is in the open position, the guide support  138  being located opposite the fluid flow channel  128  and above the lower wall  124  helps minimize the turbulence and flow resistance of the flow path portion  204  and the flow path  202  overall. The single guide support  138  at a single location, the shape of the guide support  138 , and the shape of the flat portion  178  of the valve body  172  further reduce the turbulence and flow resistance. Additionally, the sealing surface  132  has a diameter  206  of about 0.800 inches as compared to previous designs that had a sealing surface diameter of 0.600 inches. The diameter  206  is measured on the sealing surface  132  corresponding to the location of a sealing bead  208  on the flexible sealing surface  176  when the tap assembly  100  is in the closed position. In other embodiments, the sealing surface diameter is in the range of 0.650 inches to 0.950 inches. The fluid flow channel  128  within the channel portion  116  has a cross sectional area  210 . The cross sectional area  210  of this embodiments is about 0.364 in 2  as compared to previous designs that had a cross sectional area of 0.2217 in 2 . In other embodiments, the cross sectional area is in the range of 0.250 in 2  to 0.506 in 2 . The larger sealing surface diameter  206  and cross sectional area  210  further minimize the flow resistance while dispensing fluid. By minimizing this turbulence and flow resistance, increased flow rates are achieved during dispensing as compared to previous tap dispenser assembly designs, particularly for highly viscous liquids. 
       FIG.  3 A  is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly  100  of  FIG.  1    in the closed position with an anti-tamper cap  302  installed.  FIG.  3 B  is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly  100  of  FIG.  1    in the closed position with the anti-tamper cap  302  removed.  FIG.  3 C  is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly  100  of  FIG.  1    in the open position with the anti-tamper cap  302  removed. 
     In  FIG.  3 A , the attachment portion  112 , the dispensing portion  114 , and the channel portion  116  of the tap body  110  are shown. The anti-tamper cap  302  includes a domed cover portion  304 , two locking tabs  306 , and a removal tab  308 . The cover portion  304  is made of a rigid plastic. The locking tabs  306  are connected to the cover portion  304  by a scored surface  305 . When installed as in  FIG.  3 A , the cover portion  304  covers the spring button  150  and prevents the spring button  150  from being depressed. The dispensing portion  114  includes two finger supports  310  on either side of the dispensing portion  114 . The finger supports  310  provide a location for a user to grip and provide a counter force while the user depresses the spring button  150  during the dispensing of fluid. The finger supports  310  are curved and angled upward to be more comfortable and ergonomic during use as compared to previous designs that were flat and extended horizontally from the tap body. The finger supports  310  include locking holes  312 . Each locking hole  312  receives a corresponding locking tab  306  of the anti-tamper cap  302 . The locking tabs  306  are secured within the locking holes  312  with a snap fit connection, an adhesive, by sonically welding the components together, and/or other similar form of attaching the components to prevent the locking tab  306  from subsequent removal from the locking holes  312 . The removal tab  308  extends from the cover portion  304 . 
     As seen in  FIG.  3 B , prior to use of the tap dispenser assembly  100 , the user pushes upon the removal tab  308 . The cover portion  304  separates from, i.e., breaks off of, the locking tabs  306  along the scored surface  305 , thereby exposing the spring button  150 . The locking tabs  306  remain within the locking holes  312  and provide an indication to users the cover portion  304  of the tamper evident cap  302  has been removed. 
       FIG.  3 C  shows the tap dispenser assembly  100  in the open position with the spring button  150  pressed down and the valve body  172  extending below the protective shroud  134 . The locking tabs  306  within the locking holes  312  do not affect the ability of the tap dispenser assembly  100  to move to the open position once the cover portion  304  is removed. 
       FIG.  4    is a cross section view of the tap dispenser assembly  100  of  FIG.  1    with the anti-tamper cap  302  installed. The cover portion  304  of the anti-tamper cap  302  has a similar domed shape as the spring button  150  but a gap  402  is formed between the cover portion  304  and the spring button  150  to prevent inadvertent movement of the spring button  150 , thereby preventing movement of the valve stem  174  and valve body  172  and resulting leakage of fluid. The removal tab  308  is spaced slightly from, and angles downwardly away from, a portion of the tap body  110  to allow for the user to remove the cover portion  304  with the user&#39;s fingers instead of requiring a special tool. 
       FIG.  5 A  is a cross section perspective view of the tap body dispensing portion  114  of the tap body  110  of  FIG.  1    with the anti-tamper cap  302  of  FIG.  3 A  installed.  FIG.  5 B  is a top view of the tap body  110  of  FIG.  1   . 
     The guide support  138  extends from the inner wall  136  and attaches to the valve stem guide  140 . The guide support  138  at the inner wall  136  is wider than the outer diameter of the valve stem guide  140 . That is, the guide support  138  tapers as it extends radially inward. The guide support  138  extends upward to approximately the same height as the upper wall  122  ( FIG.  1   ) of the fluid flow passage  128  ( FIG.  1   ). The guide support  138  of the present embodiment may be larger than the support arms of prior art dispenser tap assemblies that include multiple support arms, but the location of the guide support  138  across from the fluid flow passage  128  and above the lower channel wall  124  compensates for the larger size. 
     The locking tabs  306  of the anti-tamper cap  302  snappingly engage the locking holes  312  of the dispensing portion  114 . The scored surface  305  connects the locking tabs  306  with the cover portion  304  of the anti-tamper cap  302 . 
       FIG.  6    is an enlarged view of the valve body flexible seal surface  176 , the dispensing portion sealing surface  132 , and the dispensing portion shroud  134  of  FIG.  1   . 
     The valve body flexible seal surface  176  may have a thickness at a lower edge  602  of 0.014 inches. The dispensing portion sealing surface  132  may have a thickness at a lower edge  604  of 0.008 inches. In some prior art flexible tap dispensers, the thickness at the lower edge of the valve body flexible seal surface is 0.024 inches and the thickness at the lower edge of the dispensing portion sealing surface is 0.016 inches. The reduced thicknesses of flexible seal surface lower edge  602  and the dispensing portion sealing surface lower edge  604  of the present embodiment allow the valve body flexible seal surface  176  and the dispensing portion sealing surface  132  to better conform and create a better seal to each other. The increased sealing capability, as a result of the reduced thickness of the flexible seal surface lower edge  602 , is especially helpful in high solids product applications. The dispensing portion shroud  134  provides additional protection from inadvertent contact of the valve lower edge  602  and the dispensing portion sealing surface lower edge  604  by extending below and radially outward from the valve body flexible seal surface  176  and the dispensing portion sealing surface  132 . 
       FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly  100  of  FIG.  1    sectioned through the channel portion  116 . The cross sectional area  210  of the fluid flow channel  128  within the channel portion  116  is formed between the upper wall  122 , the lower wall,  124 , and the side walls  126  as described above. 
       FIG.  8 A  is a cross section view of a tap dispenser assembly  800  similar to that of  FIG.  1   , with an alternate attachment portion  812 , in the closed position.  FIG.  8 B  is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly  800  of  FIG.  8 A  in the closed position. 
     Similar to the tap dispenser assembly  100  of  FIG.  1   , the tap dispenser assembly  800  of  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  includes a tap body  810  with a cylindrical attachment portion  812 , a dispensing portion  814 , and a channel portion  816 . Instead of the internal threads  118  of the first embodiment, the attachment portion  812  of this embodiment includes one or more protrusions  818  on an outer surface  820  of the attachment portion  812 . The attachment portion  812  is configured to be inserted within a spout of a container such as a bag in box type container, e.g., the protrusions  818  may be received in corresponding channels in an interior wall of the spout. Once within the container&#39;s spout, the protrusions  818  may be used to seal and/or secure the attachment portion  812  within the spout. The attachment portion  812  also includes a flange  822 . The flange  812  may abut against the container spout and provide an inner limit on how far the attachment portion  812  may be inserted with the spout. In some embodiments, the attachment portion may attach to the container with a cork style seal press on attachment. 
       FIG.  9    is a cross section view of an alternative tap dispenser assembly  900  in a closed position. Similar to the tap dispenser assembly  100  of  FIG.  1   , the tap dispenser assembly includes a tap body  910 , a spring button  950 , and a valve  970 . 
     The tap body  910  of this embodiment has a generally cylindrical attachment portion  912 , a dispensing portion  914 , and a channel portion  916 . The attachment portion  912  may include internal threads  918  and a sealing protrusion  920  similar or identical to the attachment portion  112  of  FIG.  1    to allow the attachment portion  912  to connect and seal to the spout of a container. The channel portion  916  also has an upper wall  922 , a lower wall  924 , and side walls  926 . The upper wall  922 , the lower wall  924 , and the side walls  926  define a fluid flow passage  928  that fluidly connects the attachment portion  912  with the dispensing portion  914 . In this embodiment, the lower wall  924  aligns with the inner surface  921  of the sealing protrusion  920 . 
     The dispensing portion  914  houses the spring button  950  and the valve  970 . The dispensing portion  914  has a button attachment wall  930  and button attachment base  931 . The dispensing portion  914  also has a sealing surface  932 , a lower tapered surface  933 , and a protective shroud  934 . Similar to the first embodiment of  FIG.  1   , the dispensing portion  914  includes a valve stem guide  940  and guide supports  938  to connect the valve stem guide  940  to the dispensing portion  914 . However, unlike the first embodiment, the dispensing portion  914  has more than one guide support  938 , and the guide supports  938  and the valve stem guide  940  are above the upper wall  922  and the fluid flow passage  928 . The volume above the guide supports  938  and below the button attachment wall  930  forms an upper cavity  941  within the dispensing portion  914 . In some embodiments, the tap body  910  is made of ethylene, polypropylene, or some other similar rigid plastic. 
     The spring button  950  has a domed flexible portion  952 , a stem receiving portion  954 , an inner sealing portion  956 , and a lower sealing portion  957 . The inner sealing portion  956  is secured to the button attachment wall  930  and the lower sealing portion  957  is secured to the button attachment base  931  to secure and create a seal between the spring button  950  and the dispensing portion  914 . The stem receiving portion  954  forms a stem opening  960 . The spring button  950  may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer. 
     The valve  970  includes a valve body  972  and a valve stem  974 . The valve stem  974  has an upper portion  980  and a lower portion  982 . The lower portion  982  is thicker, e.g., has a greater diameter, than the upper portion  980 . In some embodiments, the upper portion  980  has a diameter of 0.150 inches and the lower portion  982  has a diameter of 0.220 inches. During assembly, the valve stem upper portion  980  is inserted and held within the stem opening  960  of the flexible button  950  while the lower portion  982  is slidably held within the valve stem guide  940 . The valve body  972  includes a flexible seal surface  976  and a domed portion  978  between the valve stem lower portion  982  and the flexible seal surface  976 . In the closed position, the flexible seal surface  976  creates a seal against the sealing surface  932  of the tap body dispensing portion  914 , preventing fluid from flowing out of the tap dispensing assembly  900 . The lower tapered surface  933  and a portion of the valve body domed portion  978  form a gap  984  in the closed position. 
       FIG.  10    is a cross section view of the tap dispenser assembly  900  of  FIG.  9    in an open position. To place the tap dispenser assembly  900  in the open position, a user depresses the spring button  950  downward deforming the flexible portion  952 . The stem receiving portion  954  moves downward towards the valve stem guide  940  and into the upper cavity  941 . The stem receiving portion  954  retains the valve stem upper portion  980  within the stem opening  960  while the valve stem lower portion  982  slides downwardly through the valve stem guide  940  from the closed to the open position. The larger diameter of the valve stem lower portion  982  provides greater rigidity to the valve stem  974 , which helps keep the valve body  972  centered within the dispensing portion  914  and compensate for the distance between the valve stem guide  940  and the dispensing portion sealing surface  932 . The flexible seal surface  976  of the valve body  972  separates from the dispensing portion sealing surface  932 , creating a flow path  1002  from the container, through the fluid flow channel  928 , out of the dispensing portion  914 , and around flexible seal surface  976 . 
     Once the user no longer desires to dispense fluid from the tap dispenser assembly  900 , the user removes the force from the top of the spring button  950 , and the flexible portion  952  springs back to the closed position, moving the stem receiving portion  954 , the valve stem  974 , and the valve body  972  back to the closed position as well. This results in the re-engagement and contact between the flexible seal surface  976  and the dispensing portion sealing surface  932 , closing the flow path  1002  and sealing the tap dispenser assembly  900 . 
     Due to the guide supports  938  and valve stem guide  940  being above the fluid flow passage  928 , the guide supports  938  and valve stem guide  940  do not obstruct the flow path  1002  of the fluid, regardless of the number and shape of the guide supports  938 . Additionally, the sealing surface  932  of this embodiment has a diameter  1004  of about 1.300 inches. In other embodiments, the sealing surface diameter is in the range of 0.900 inches to 1.600 inches. The diameter  1004  is measured on the sealing surface  932  corresponding to the location of the sealing bead  1006  on the flexible sealing surface  976  when the tap assembly  900  is in the closed position. The fluid flow channel  928  within the channel portion  916  has a cross sectional area  1008 . The cross sectional area  1008  of this embodiment is about 0.523 in 2 . In other embodiments, the cross sectional area is in the range of 0.250 in 2  to 0.796 in 2 . The lower tapered surface  933  (which flares radially outward as it extends downward) combined with the valve body domed portion  978  further minimizes turbulence in the flow path  1002  as the fluid exits the dispensing portion  914 . As with the first embodiment, by minimizing this turbulence and flow resistance, increased flow rates are achieved during dispensing as compared to previous tap dispenser assembly designs, particularly for highly viscous liquids. 
       FIG.  11 A  is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly  900  of  FIG.  9    in the closed position with an anti-tamper cap  1102  installed.  FIG.  11 B  is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly  900  of  FIG.  9    in the closed position with the anti-tamper cap  1102  removed.  FIG.  11 C  is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly  900  of  FIG.  9    in the open position with the anti-tamper cap  1102  removed. 
     In  FIG.  11 A , the outer portions of the attachment portion  912 , the dispensing portion  914 , and the channel portion  916  are shown. The anti-tamper cap  1102  includes a cover portion  1104 , two locking tabs  1106 , and a removal tab  1108 . The locking tabs  1106  are connected to the cover portion  1104  by a scored surface  1105 . The anti-tamper cap  1102  is made of rigid plastic and prevents the spring button  950  from being depressed when the anti-tamper cap  1102  is installed. The dispensing portion  914  includes two finger supports  1110  on either side of the dispensing portion  914 . The finger supports  1110  are curved and angled upward to be ergonomical. The finger supports include locking holes  1112  to receive and secure the locking tabs  1106  of the anti-tamper cap  1102 . The removal tab  1108  extends downward and radially outwardly from the cover portion  1104 . As shown, the removal tab  1108  extends towards the attachment portion  912  of the tap dispenser assembly  900 . Orienting the removal tab  1108  in this direction may help minimize the risk of inadvertent removal of the anti-tamper cap  1102 . In other embodiments, the anti-tamper cap  1102  may be installed such that the removal tab  1108  extends away from the attachment portion  912  in a way and direction similar to that of the anti-tamper cap  302  and removal tab  308  of  FIG.  3 A . Alternatively, the anti-tamper cap  302  and removal tab  308  of the tap  100  may be structured and oriented like the anti-tamper cap  1102  and removal tab  1108  shown in  FIGS.  11 A- 11 C . 
     Prior to use of the tap dispenser assembly  900 , the user pulls up on the removal tab  1108 . The cover portion  1104  to separates from (e.g., breaks off of) the locking tabs  1106  along the scored surface  1105 , thereby exposing the spring button  950  as seen in  FIG.  11 B . The locking tabs  1106  remain within the locking holes  1112  and provide an indication to users that the cover portion  1104  of the tamper evident cap  1102  has been removed. 
       FIG.  11 C  shows the tap dispenser assembly  900  in the open position with the spring button  950  pressed down and the valve body  972  extending below the protective shroud  934 . The spring button  950  has an outer diameter  1114  of 0.950 inches as compared to previous designs that had an outer diameter of 0.780 inches. In other embodiments, the sealing surface diameter is in the range of 0.800 inches to 1.100 inches. As a result of the larger diameter, the spring button  950  of the present embodiment creates an upward force in the fully open position of 42 Newtons as compared to previous designs that only created 35 Newtons of upward force in the fully open position. The additional force compensates for the larger sealing surface diameter  1004  of the valve body  972 . The spring button  950  is 0.660 inches tall as compared to previous designs that were 0.640 inches tall. 
       FIG.  12    is a cross section view of the tap dispenser assembly  900  of  FIG.  9    with the anti-tamper cap  1102  installed. The cover portion  1104  of the anti-tamper cap  1102  has a similar domed shape as the spring button  950  but a gap  1202  is formed between the cover portion  1104  and the spring button  950  to prevent inadvertent movement of the spring button  950 , thereby preventing movement of the valve stem  974  and valve body  972  and thereby preventing leakage of fluid. The removal tab  1108  is spaced slightly from the tap body  110  to allow for the user to remove the cover portion  1104  with the user&#39;s fingers instead of requiring a special tool. 
       FIG.  13    shows a perspective cross section view of the tap dispenser assembly  900  of  FIG.  9   . The present embodiment has four guide supports  938  connected to the valve stem guide  940 . Because the guide supports  938  are located above the upper wall  922 , the assembly  900  alternatively could have more or fewer guide supports without affecting the flow rate of the tap dispenser assembly  900 . The gap  1302  between the guide supports  938  allows fluid to flow to and from the upper cavity  941  past the guide supports  938  to prevent a vacuum or pressure buildup in the upper cavity  941  based on the movement of the spring button  950  and the resulting change of fluid volume above the guide supports  938  as the user moves the spring button  950  to open and close the tap dispenser assembly  900 . The lower wall  924  has a curved shape because the lower wall  924  aligns with the sealing protrusion inner surface  921 . 
       FIG.  14 A  is a cross section view of a tap dispenser assembly  1400  similar to that of  FIG.  9   , with an alternate attachment portion  1412 , in the closed position.  FIG.  14 B  is a perspective view of the tap dispenser assembly  1400  of  FIG.  14 A  in the closed position. 
     Similar to the tap dispenser assembly  900  of  FIG.  9   , the tap dispenser assembly  1400  includes a tap body  1410  with a cylindrical attachment portion  1412 , a dispensing portion  1414 , and a channel portion  1416 . The attachment portion  1412  includes one or more protrusions  1418  on an outer surface  1420  of the attachment portion  1412  and is configured to be inserted in a spout used with a bag-in-box type container or other type of container that uses such a spout. The inner surface  1422  of the attachment portion  1412  aligns with the lower wall  1424  of the channel portion  1416 . One would recognize the other similar attachment portions may be used to correspond with alternate designs of spouts of containers to attach the tap dispenser assembly to. In other embodiments, a tap dispenser assembly may attach to the container with a cork style seal press on attachment portion. 
       FIG.  15 A  shows a cross section view of an example prior art flexible tap dispenser  1500  having a tap body  1510  in a closed position.  FIG.  15 B  shows a top view of the tap body  1510  of the flexible tap dispenser  1500  of  FIG.  15 A . The tap body  1510  includes a fluid flow passage  1528  having an upper wall  1522  and a lower wall  1524 . The tap body also includes guide supports  1538  that attach to the tap body  1510  below the lower wall  1524  and attach to a valve stem guide  1540 . The tap body  1510  of  FIG.  15 B  includes four evenly spaced guide supports  1538 . 
       FIG.  16    shows a top view of another prior art tap body  1610  similar to that of  FIG.  15 B . The tap body  1610  of  FIG.  16    includes two evenly spaced guide supports  1638 . 
     Table 1 below provides experimental test data using the tap dispenser assembly  100  of  FIG.  1   , the tap dispenser assembly  900  of  FIG.  9   , the prior art tap dispenser assembly  1500  with four guide supports of  FIGS.  15 A and  15 B , and the prior art tap dispenser assembly using the tap body  1610  of  FIG.  16   . Various fluids with different viscosities were tested with each tap dispenser assembly, and the corresponding flow rates were measured in ounces per second. As shown below, both the tap dispenser assembly  100  of  FIG.  1    and the tap dispenser assembly  900  of  FIG.  9    resulted in significant increases of flow rates, particularly with highly viscous fluids. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Experimental Flow Rate Data 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Fluid Tested 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Tap 
                 Vegetable 
                 Motor 
                 Laundry 
                 Latex 
               
               
                   
                 Water 
                 Oil 
                 Oil 
                 Detergent 
                 Paint 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Tap 
                 Prior Art 
                 3.25 
                 2.60 
                 1.55 
                 0.98 
                 0.30 
               
               
                 Tested 
                 Four Leg 
               
               
                   
                 Prior Art 
                 3.75 
                 3.05 
                 1.98 
                 1.25 
                 0.35 
               
               
                   
                 Two Leg 
               
               
                   
                 Assembly 
                 6.15 
                 5.70 
                 5.00 
                 3.90 
                 1.35 
               
               
                   
                 100 of 
               
               
                   
                 FIG. 1 
               
               
                   
                 Assembly 
                 12.20 
                 9.60 
                 7.87 
                 6.00 
                 2.13 
               
               
                   
                 900 of 
               
               
                   
                 FIG. 9 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 AVERAGE OZ/SEC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the novel techniques disclosed in this application. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the novel techniques without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the novel techniques not be limited to the particular techniques disclosed, but that they will include all techniques falling within the scope of the appended claims.