Abstract:
A fluid dispensing assembly for fluid dispensing and fluid transmission from a fluid source. The fluid dispensing assembly alone may dispense from a fluid source, or may be connected to a fluid dispensing system. The fluid dispensing assembly has a closure connected to a coupler. The closure includes fill through capabilities. The coupler is provided with a locking feature for preserving proper orientation and a closed position before being coupled to a piece of fluid dispensing equipment.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention is related to a closure connected to a coupler. Particularly, this invention is related to a closure and a coupler used in a dispensing valve assembly.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Dispensing valves are widely used in the foodstuffs industry, such as for dispensing condiments including for example, ketchups and mustards, or for dispensing other fluid like foods such as milk, or the like. Typically, a conventional coupling valve includes a first end and a second end to define a flow passage therethrough. The first end is connected to a fluid dispensing system, and the second end is used for fluid dispensing. By controlling a handle or lever of the coupling valve, the coupling valve is actuatable between an open configuration to allow fluid flow and a closed configuration to prevent fluid flow.  
           [0003]    However, since the conventional coupling valves may include many parts made separately by using different materials, it is difficult to reduce the cost. Further, some conventional coupling valves experience leaking problems when the valves are in the closed position. Moreover, most dispensing valves only have dispensing function while lacking fill through capabilities. Therefore, there is a need to provide a dispensing system and coupling valve that will prevent leaking problems when the valve is intended to be in the closed position, such as during transport or other instances when not in use. In addition, there is a need to provide a dispensing valve that also can be used for filling a fluid source.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    In accordance with the present invention the above and other problems were solved by providing a closure and a coupler for a dispensing valve assembly.  
           [0005]    In one embodiment of the present invention a closure includes a closure valve rotatably connected with a closure body. The closure body has an opening corresponding to an opening of the closure valve. The closure body includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes a stop portion. The second end includes a fitment having a flange, wherein the flange seals and connects to a fluid source, and an interlock, wherein the interlock secures the closure to a coupler and prevents the closure from pulling apart from a coupler. The closure valve includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes a handle and a stop member that communicates with the stop portion of the closure body to provide proper rotation between the closure body and the closure valve. The closure body and the closure valve are connected to form a fluid tight seal.  
           [0006]    In one embodiment, the closure becomes a fitment and may be integral with a fluid source, where a closure valve may be removed from the closure body to allow filling of a fluid source through the closure body and the fluid source being formed of integral one piece structure. The closure includes a diameter that allows filling of a fluid source through the closure body.  
           [0007]    In one embodiment, the closure alone can be used by itself for fluid dispensing.  
           [0008]    In one embodiment, the closure includes a receiving area so as to engage a locking member of a coupler, thereby releasing the locking member from a locked position and allowing the coupler and closure to be rotated into an open position when the coupler and the closure are connected.  
           [0009]    In another embodiment of the present invention, a coupler includes a housing and a coupler valve, where the coupler valve is rotatably connected to the housing. The housing includes an opening corresponding with an opening of the coupler valve, and having an interlock, wherein the interlock secures the coupler to an interlock of a closure and prevents the coupler and a closure from pulling apart. The coupler may be attached to a fluid dispensing system. The coupler valve includes a first end and a second end. The first end having a handle that rotates the coupler valve relative to the housing. The second end includes a protruded edge with at least one gap so as to attach the coupler to a closure having an interlock. The housing and the coupler valve are connected to form a fluid tight seal.  
           [0010]    In one embodiment, a coupler includes a shroud that surrounds a coupler and a closure. A handle may be separately attached to the coupler through an internal space of the handle that receives a handle projected outwardly from the coupler valve. The handle may be rotatably connected to the shroud, and may rotate the coupler valve relative to the shroud and the housing when actuating the coupler in an open or a closed configuration.  
           [0011]    In one embodiment of the present invention, a locking member may be associated on a housing of a coupler. The locking member includes a protrusion that may cooperate with a receiving area of a closure so as to enable unlocking of the coupler when the coupler is attached to the closure.  
           [0012]    In one embodiment, a coupler includes at least one stop member on a coupler valve that communicates with at least one stop portion on a housing to provide proper rotation of the coupler valve relative to the housing. The at least one stop member also communicates with a stop portion on a closure so as to provide proper rotation of the coupler valve and a closure. The at least one stop member contains an interlock that may interlock with a closure so as to secure connection between the coupler and a closure.  
           [0013]    In another embodiment of the present invention, a dispensing valve assembly includes a closure and a coupler, wherein the closure is connected to a fluid source and the coupler is connected to a fluid dispensing system. The closure includes a closure valve rotatably attached and in a fluid tight seal with a closure body. The closure body has a side opening corresponding to an opening of the closure valve. The closure valve includes an end having a handle where the handle rotates the closure valve relative to the closure body. The coupler includes a housing and a coupler valve, where the coupler valve is rotatably attached to and in a fluid tight seal with the housing. The housing includes an opening corresponding with an opening of the coupler valve. The coupler valve includes an end having a handle where the handle rotates the coupler valve relative to the housing. The handle of the closure valve might be interlocked with an insert space of the handle of the coupler valve, such that the assembly may be actuated between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Each of the closure and the coupler includes an end having an interlock, wherein the interlocks prevent the closure and the coupler from pulling apart.  
           [0014]    In one embodiment of the present invention, a dispensing valve assembly includes a closure where a closure valve may be removed from the closure body to allow filling of a fluid source through the closure. The closure may be oriented in-line with the fluid source, and includes a diameter that allows filling of a fluid source through the closure body.  
           [0015]    In one embodiment of the present invention, a fluid dispensing assembly includes a closure and a coupler. The coupler may contain a locking member associated on a housing of the coupler that engages or communicates with a receiving area on the closure. The locking member includes a protrusion that may unlock the coupler so as to allow opening of the coupler when the coupler is attached to the closure. Similarly, the locking member may lock the coupler to prevent opening of the coupler when the coupler is not attached to a closure.  
           [0016]    In one embodiment of the present invention, a fluid dispensing assembly may include a shroud that substantially surrounds a coupler and a closure. The closure includes a closure valve rotatably connected to and in a fluid tight seal with a closure body. The coupler includes a coupler valve rotatably connected to and in a fluid tight seal with a housing. A handle may be separately attached and in a fluid tight seal to the coupler. An internal space of the handle may receive a handle of the coupler valve projecting outwardly from the coupler valve. The closure may include a closure handle received by an internal space of the handle of the coupler valve. The handle may be rotatably connected to the shroud, and may rotate the coupler valve relative to the shroud and the housing, and rotate the closure valve relative to the closure body when actuating the assembly in an open or a closed configuration. A locking member associated on the housing may be biased against an inner surface of the shroud to prevent or allow rotation of the assembly.  
           [0017]    The embodiments of the present invention offer many advantages. For instance, interlock features of the closure and the coupler allow for a secure connection of the fluid dispensing assembly preventing the closure and the coupler from pulling apart when in an open configuration. Also, the locking member feature allows opening of the coupler when the coupler is attached to the closure. Similarly, the locking member may lock the coupler to prevent opening of the coupler when the coupler is not attached to a closure. Further, the locking member locks the coupler in its uncoupled state and ensures proper orientation is preserved between the coupling and the closure in their closed positions. Locking the coupler in the closed position prevents air from being introduced into the dispensing system and from fluid draining from a line going to the coupling. The fluid dispensing assembly may be shut off to vacuum so as to prevent any leakage or spill of fluid or product. The in-line orientation of the closure and that the closure may be a part of the fluid source allows for the ability to fill from a bulk fluid supply through the closure attached to a portable fluid source and into the portable fluid source.  
           [0018]    The features of the present invention provide an improved dispensing valve for applications such as food dispensing and delivery, for instance, in the dispensing of ketchups, mustards, and the like. Further, the present invention and its features provide a valve that can be conveniently used for filling on location before use and transport. The sealing and locking capabilities of the present invention provide a reliable dispensing valve.  
           [0019]    Additional features and/or advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 is a isometric view of a fluid dispensing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2 a  is a isometric view of a fluid dispensing assembly in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 b  is a isometric view of a fluid dispensing assembly in an open position according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3 is a isometric view showing the elements of a closure in exploded relationship to one another according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4 is a isometric view of a closure in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5 is a rear isometric view of a closure according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6 is a isometric view of a coupler in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 7 is a isometric view showing the elements of a coupler in exploded relationship to one another according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 8 is a front view of the fluid dispensing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing assembly along line  9 - 9  of FIG. 8 according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing assembly along line  10 - 10  of FIG. 8 according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 11 is a isometric view of a fluid dispensing assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 12 a  is a isometric view of a fluid dispensing assembly in a closed/precoupled position according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 12 b  is a isometric view of a fluid dispensing assembly in an open/coupled position according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 13 is a isometric view showing the elements of a closure in exploded relationship to one another according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 14 is a isometric view of a closure in a closed position according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 15 is a rear isometric view of a closure according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 16 is a isometric view showing the elements of a coupler in exploded relationship to one another according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 17 is a isometric view of a coupler in a closed position according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 18 is a rear view of a coupler according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 19 is isometric view of another embodiment of a fluid dispensing assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 20 a  is a isometric view of the fluid dispensing assembly of FIG. 19 in a closed/precoupled configuration.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 20 b  is a isometric view of the fluid dispensing assembly of FIG. 19 in an open/coupled configuration.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 21 a  is a isometric view of another embodiment of a closure in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 21 b  is a isometric view of another embodiment of a closure in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 22 a  is a isometric view of another embodiment of a closure in a closed configuration.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 22 b  is a isometric view of the closure of FIG. 22 a  in an open configuration.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 23 a  is a front isometric view of another embodiment of a coupler in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 23 b  is a rear isometric view of the coupler in FIG. 23 a.    
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 23 c  is a rear view of the coupler of FIG. 23 a.    
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 23 d  is a rear exploded isometric view of the coupler in FIG. 23 a.    
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 23 e  is a front exploded isometric view of the coupler in FIG. 23 a.    
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 23 f  is a rear perspective view one embodiment of a coupler valve in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing assembly of FIG. 19.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing assembly of FIG. 19.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 26 is a isometric view of the closure of FIG. 21 a  attached to a fluid source in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0056]    In the following description of the specific embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration the specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized as structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0057]    This invention provides a fluid dispensing assembly for fluid dispensing and fluid transmitting from a fluid source to a fluid dispensing system. The fluid dispensing assembly has a closure connected to a coupler.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 1 illustrates a fluid dispensing assembly  40  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fluid dispensing assembly  40  includes a closure  50  and a coupler  80  rotatably connected thereto. The closure  50  includes a closure body  54  and a closure valve  52  rotatably connected and forming a fluid tight seal.  
         [0059]    The closure body  54  includes seals  51  which may be molded-in seals or O-ring seals. The coupler  80  includes a housing  82  and a coupler valve  84  rotatably connected and forming a fluid tight seal. The closure  50  may be provided with an interlock  76  and the coupler  80  may be provided with an interlock  72 . Together the interlocks  76 ,  72  secure the closure  50  to the coupler  80 , so as to prevent the closure  50  and the coupler  80  of the fluid dispensing assembly  40  from pulling apart when connected and in an open position, such as may occur during handling. The fluid dispensing assembly  40  is in the closed/precoupled position as shown in FIG. 2 a,  and is in the open/coupled position as shown in FIG. 2 b.    
         [0060]    Turning now to FIG. 3, the closure  50  includes a closure valve  52  rotatably connected with a closure body  54 . The closure body has a first end  57  and a second end  59 . The closure valve also has a first end  61  and a second end  63 . The closure body  54  has a side opening  70  corresponding to an opening  60  of the closure valve  52 , and a neck portion  73  at the second end  59  for connecting to a fluid source. At the second end  59  of the closure body  54 , the neck portion  73  may be a flange or a weld flange for making the closure body  54  a part integral with the fluid source. Further, the closure body  54  may be oriented in-line with the fluid source allowing the fluid source to be filled through the closure body  54 . The outer surface of the closure body  54  may include seals  51  that may be molded-in or O-ring seals for connecting with the coupler  80 . Alternately, the coupler may have a coupler valve which could have molded-in or O-ring seals which would cooperate with a smooth outer surface of the closure body  54  to form a fluid tight seal. The closure valve  54  further has a tubular portion  56  rotatably received in the closure body  54  and is in an interference fit with the inner surface of the closure body  54 . The closure body  54  may be formed of a softer material such as a plastic. Preferably, the plastic may be a low density polyethylene. The closure valve  52  may be formed of a harder plastic material such that a suitable seal may be formed between the harder closure valve  52  and the softer closure body  54 . The closure valve  52  includes a stop member  64  at the first end  61  that communicates with a stop portion  65  at the first end  57  of the closure body  54  to provide proper rotation between the closure body  54  and the closure valve  52 . The tubular portion  56  has the side opening  60  corresponding to the side opening  70 . When connecting the closure valve  52  with the closure body  54 , a valve handle  58  at the first end  61  of the closure valve  52  can be actuated to rotate the closure valve  52  relative to the closure body  54  between an open configuration wherein the openings  60  and  70  are aligned, and a closed configuration wherein the openings  60  and  70  are not aligned, such that a wall of the tubular portion  56  blocks the opening  70  of the closure body  54 . For example, FIG. 4 shows the closure  50  in the closed configuration. A snap portion  62  may be provided at the second end  63  of the closure valve  52  for securing the closure valve  52  into the closure body  54  (see FIG. 5).  
         [0061]    [0061]FIGS. 6 and 7 show a coupler  80  according to one embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 7, the coupler  80  includes a coupler housing  82  and a coupler valve  84 . The coupler valve  84  has a snap portion  86  and a coupler valve handle  91  at a first end  81  and a protruded edge  92  at a second end  83 . The protruded edge  92  includes a gap  87  so as to allow connection with the closure having the interlock  76 . The housing  82  includes a similar gap  87   a  so as to allow connection with the closure. The outer surface of the coupler valve  84  has seals  93  that may be molded-in or O-ring type seals for connecting with the inner surface of the coupler housing  82 . The coupler valve  84  may be in an interference fit with the housing  82 . The coupler housing  82  further has an outlet  98  for connecting to a fluid system. The outlet  98  may be an extended tubular portion having a barb  85  for connection to a fluid dispensing system, such as a fluid line. The coupler valve  84  includes an opening  88  corresponding to the opening of the outlet  98 . The handle  91  may actuate the coupler valve  84  so as to rotate the coupler valve  84  to align the opening  88  with the outlet  98  in an open configuration. In a closed configuration, the handle  91  may be turned to rotate the coupler valve  84  so that an outer surface of the coupler valve  84  blocks the outlet  98 . The assembly may be shut off to vacuum  
         [0062]    When the closure  50  is connected with the coupler  80 , the closure valve handle  58  interlocks with an internal space  90  of the coupler valve handle  91 , as shown in FIGS.  8 - 10 .  
         [0063]    FIGS.  11 - 18  illustrate a fluid dispensing assembly  110  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The fluid dispensing assembly  110  includes a closure  120  and a coupler  150  each with an interlock feature  157 ,  127  as shown in FIG. 11. Different from the embodiment as discussed above, the fluid dispensing assembly  110  has additional interlock features  170 ,  172  as shown in the drawings (FIGS. 14 and 18). The coupler interlock  172  of the coupler  150  (see FIG. 18) is coupled with the closure interlock  170  (see FIG. 13 and FIG. 14), so that by actuating the coupler valve  160 , the fluid dispensing assembly  110  can be in a closed position (FIG. 12 a ) or in an open position (FIG. 12 b ). With the exception of the interlock features  170 ,  172  described above, similar features illustrated in FIGS.  11 - 18  have already been detailed and will not be further discussed.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of a fluid dispensing assembly  200  that includes a closure  250  and a coupler  280 . FIGS. 20 a  and  20   b  show the fluid dispensing assembly in a closed and an open configuration, respectively.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIGS. 21 a  and  21   b  illustrate the closure  250  having a closure body  254  and a closure valve  252 . The closure body  254  and the closure valve  252  form an interference fit by seals  251  which may be molded in or O-ring type seals. As above, the closure body  254  may be formed of a softer material such as a plastic material. Preferably, the plastic material may be a low density polyethylene. The closure valve  252  may be formed of a harder plastic material such that a suitable seal may be formed between the harder closure valve and the softer closure body. However, these materials are merely exemplary, as other materials may also be used. The closure valve  252  includes an opening  253  corresponding to an opening (not shown) of the closure body. A stop member  256  communicates with a stop portion  257  so as to provide proper rotation between the closure body  254  and the closure valve  252 . A handle  261  is located at a first end  201  of the closure valve  252 . The handle  261  actuates the closure valve  252  to an open or closed configuration rotating the closure valve  252  relative to the closure body. As above, the assembly may be shut off to vacuum.  
         [0066]    A receiving area  210 , which may be an activating ramp, may be located at a second end  212  of the closure body  254 . The receiving area  254  engages a locking member of a coupler, thereby releasing the locking member and allowing the coupler and the closure, which are connected, to be rotated into an open position. The second end  212  of the closure body  254  also includes a neck portion  242  which may be a flange or a weld flange. The second end  212  also includes a stop  230  such that the stop  230  facilitates proper rotation when a coupler is attached. The interlock  232  prevents a coupler and the closure from pulling apart when in an open configuration.  
         [0067]    As illustrated in FIG. 26, the assembly of the closure body  254  and the closure valve  252  can be attached in-line as part of a portable fluid source  600 , such that the closure valve  252  may be forcibly removed from the closure body  254  to allow for filling of the portable fluid source  600 .  
         [0068]    In FIG. 21 b,  a tear away seal  220  may be attached at the closure body to seal the closure before use. FIGS. 22 a  and  22   b  show the closure in a closed configuration and an open configuration.  
         [0069]    [0069]FIGS. 23 a - 23   f  illustrate the coupler  280  having a coupler housing  282  and a coupler valve  284 . FIGS. 23 a - 23   c  show the coupler  280  in its assembled state. The coupler valve  284  is rotatably connected with the housing  282  forming a fluid tight seal with O-rings which may be on an interior surface of the housing (shown in FIG. 23 d ) or on the outer surface of the coupler valve  284  (not shown). As best shown in FIG. 23 f,  the coupler valve  284  may also have a seal  289  molded onto the outer surface of the coupler valve  284 . The coupler valve  284  includes an opening  288  corresponding to an opening  298 . A shroud  300  surrounds the housing  282  and the coupler valve  284 . A handle  400  forms a fluid tight seal with the shroud  300 . The handle  400  provides a means for rotating the coupler valve  284  relative to the housing  284  to actuate the coupler  280  in an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration the openings  298  and  288  are aligned creating a flow path, and in the closed configuration, the openings  298  and  288  are blocked by surfaces of the coupler valve  284  and the housing  282 , respectively.  
         [0070]    [0070]FIGS. 23 d  and  23   e  illustrate a more detailed view of the coupler  280 . The housing includes a first end  294  and a second end  295 . The second end  295  may be provided with at least one stop  291  that communicates with stops  281  of the coupler valve. The stops  291 ,  281  provide proper orientation between the housing  282  and the coupler valve  284 . O-ring seals may be used in an internal surface of the housing for providing a proper fluid tight seal between the housing and the coupler valve. However, this is merely exemplary as  0 -ring seals may be used on an outer surface of the coupler valve  284 . Other types of seals, such as molded in seals may also be used.  
         [0071]    The housing  282  also includes a lock retainer  296  that retains a locking member  500 . The locking member  500  prevents rotation of the coupler  280 , when the coupler  280  is not connected to a closure, from being rotated out of a closed configuration. The locking member  500  may be released to allow opening of the coupler  280  when the coupler  280  is attached to the closure such as closure  250 . Similarly, the locking member  500  may lock the coupler  280  to prevent opening of the coupler  280  when the coupler  280  is not attached to the closure  250 . Particularly, the locking member  500  prevents the coupler valve  284  from rotating relative to the housing  282  into the open position. Further, the locking member  500  locks the coupler in its uncoupled state  280  and ensures proper orientation is preserved between the coupler  280  and the closure  250  in their closed positions. Locking the coupler  280  in the closed position prevents air from being introduced into the dispensing system and fluid from draining from a line going to the coupling. The locking member  500  may be, but is not limited to, a pivot lock. The locking member  500  includes a protrusion  505  that may contact a receiving area (such as  210  above) of a closure. In the coupled state, the protrusion  505  contacts the receiving area of the closure to release the locking member from blocking the stops of the coupler valve. As above, the receiving area  210  may be an activating ramp. The locking member  500  may be controlled with a spring  506  for biasing the locking member into locked and release configurations. The spring  506  may be but is not limited to a latch or leaf spring. The opening  298  may include an extended tubular portion  297  that may be barbed.  
         [0072]    The coupler valve  284  includes a first end  285   a  and a second end  285   b.  The second end  285  may include an O-ring for providing a fluid tight seal when connected with a closure. Stops  281  have been described above, and may also communicate with a stop on a closure to provide proper rotation between the coupler valve and the closure body. The stops also include an interlock portion  281  a such that the coupler  280  may be connected with a closure (such as  250 ) thereby preventing the coupler  280  and a closure from pulling apart when in an open configuration.  
         [0073]    The first end  285   a  includes at least one protrusion  286  that may have lock snaps  289 . The protrusion  286  may be inserted into an internal space  402  of the handle  400 . The lock snaps  289  secure connection with the handle  400 . The handle  400  may be rotated thereby rotating the coupler valve  284  to actuate the coupler to an open configuration or a closed configuration. The protrusion  286  may contain its own internal space such that a handle from a closure may be inserted into the internal space of the protrusion  286  to interlock the handle  400  with a closure handle (such as  261 ). When the handle  400  is rotated, the handle  400  may simultaneously actuate a coupler and a closure to an open or a closed configuration. The handle when rotated in a closed position may shut a fluid dispensing assembly off to vacuum.  
         [0074]    The handle  400  may be connected to a shroud  300  that surrounds the coupler  280  and the closure  250 . The shroud may be provided with a ramp  303  to allow entry of the locking member  500 , and also a groove  305  to allow the opening  298  to fit through. A biasing member  506  such as a leaf spring provides biasing for the locking member  500  to bias the locking member  500  in a normally locked configuration. When the locking member  500  is released by a receiving area  210  of the closure  250 , the fluid dispensing assembly including the coupler  280  and the closure  250  may actuate into an open configuration.  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 24 illustrates a fluid dispensing assembly where the locking member  500  is biased in a released configuration and the handle  400  is rotated actuating both the coupler valve and closure valve to an open configuration relative to the housing and the closure body, respectively. The assembly is shown in an open configuration. FIG. 25 illustrates the locking member  500  biased in a locked position.  
         [0076]    As shown in FIG. 26, the closure is illustrated as oriented in-line. This orientation may allow and closure valve of the closure to be removed, thereby allowing a fluid source to be filled through the closure body with the closure body forming a part of the fluid source  600 . The closure valve may be provided with a diameter suitable for filling a fluid source from a bulk fluid supply.  
         [0077]    As discussed above, the present invention offers many advantages. For instance, interlock features of the closure and the coupler allow for a secure connection of the fluid dispensing assembly preventing the closure and the coupler from pulling apart when in an open configuration. Also, the locking member feature provides an anti-rotation interlock so as to prevent the coupler from being rotated out of a closed configuration when not connected to a closure. Furthermore, the locking member may be released to allow opening of the coupler when the coupler is attached to the closure. Also, the locking member locks the coupler in its uncoupled state and ensures proper orientation is preserved between the coupler and the closure in their closed positions. Locking the coupler in the closed position prevents air from being introduced into the dispensing system and fluid from draining from a line going to the coupling. The in-line orientation of the closure and that the closure may be a part of the fluid source allows for the ability to fill the fluid source through the closure.  
         [0078]    The foregoing descriptions of the preferred embodiments of the invention have been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.