Abstract:
A liquid container, meeting all federal, state and local regulations, comprising a vessel with an opening and a self-venting spout which is mounted to the vessel in a manner allowing the spout, from a stowed position, to rotate into its operational position and coupling to the opening with a coupler. Both open ends of the spout are automatically covered when stowed. A valve assembly at the opening of the vessel is operated externally by a trigger located near the underside of the primary handle. The valve assembly controls flow of liquid out of the vessel and through the self-venting spout. Venting of the vessel is allowed through a series of channels, respectively comprising an interior channel within the spout, an intake port, and an intake channel leading to the rear of the vessel above the liquid line. The vessel opening is covered by a lid mounted to the vessel that rotates into operational or stowed position and is sealed by the coupler.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/334,401, entitled “Self Venting Container, Featuring User Controlled Valve”, filed on May 10, 2016; this application also claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/365,265, entitled “Self Venting Container, Featuring User Controlled Valve”, filed on Jul. 21, 2016; this application also claims priority and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/365,539, entitled “Self Venting Container, Featuring User Controlled Valve”, filed on Jul. 22, 2016 and the claims (if any) and specifications thereof are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention (Technical Field) 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present invention relate to a self-venting liquid container. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a self-venting liquid container which can be filled directly through a discharge valve. 
       Description of Related Art 
       [0003]    Self-venting containers, particularly fuel containers, have been known for some time. Because of the numerous governmental regulations relating to fuel containers, such containers are required to have features which typically make their use cumbersome. Most fuel containers, for example, have a discharge valve which prevents the escape of the contents of the container unless a user activates a mechanism. Often, the activation mechanism is difficult to use when attempting to hold steady a container with liquid disposed therein and simultaneously pour the contents from the container into a desired location—such as a fuel tank. The known valves and activation mechanisms are also typically undersized, thus resulting in a very slow flow rate when discharging the container. Further, because such containers are often intended to be reusable, a user must somehow avoid the various valves of the container in order to refill it. The most common way for a user to refill such a container is to either unscrew and remove the valve assembly to expose the open container, or a second opening, having a closable top, must be provided for refilling purposes. Both of these configurations are less than desirable because they either require a user to perform several more steps or they increase the cost of construction of the container and thereby result in a more expensive container. 
         [0004]    There is thus a present need for a self-venting container that is quick and easy to use, has an acceptable flow rate, contains all required safety features, includes all parts and pieces that remain attached to the container, include a self-vented spout that can stow on an outside of the container, can automatically cover a spout tip and base upon stowing, include a lid or spout locking and unlocking mechanism, which can optionally include a coupler that is easy and effective to use, and has a trigger-safety mechanism to prevent accidental activation of the discharge trigger. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0005]    An embodiment of the present invention relates to a portable liquid delivery apparatus having a liquid storage vessel, the liquid storage vessel having only one opening, a liquid discharge valve, and a check valve, the check valve forming a portion of the discharge valve. The opening can be at or near a top of the container. The check valve preferably has dimensions sufficiently large to permit a standard fuel pump nozzle to pass through it. The portable liquid delivery apparatus can also have an vent valve. The vent valve can be communicably coupled to the liquid discharge valve—most preferably via a connection that provides mechanical advantage. The portable liquid delivery apparatus can include a spout, which can be hingedly connected such that it can rotate so that an inlet of the spout can rotate with respect to the storage vessel to align with the opening of the liquid storage vessel. Optionally, a spout inlet cover can be provided which can be hingedly connected to the liquid storage vessel. A handle can also be provided and the handle can have an opening with dimensions that create an interference fit with an outside of the spout. 
         [0006]    An embodiment of the present invention also relates to a portable liquid delivery apparatus having a liquid storage vessel; a liquid discharge valve; and a vent valve, the vent valve communicably coupled to the liquid discharge valve via a connection that provides mechanical advantage. The liquid storage vessel can optionally have only one opening. A lid, which can include a cap or cover can be rotatably coupled to the portable liquid delivery apparatus. 
         [0007]    An embodiment of the present invention also relates to a portable fuel container having a liquid storage vessel and a liquid discharge valve. The liquid discharge valve can be configured to receive a fuel pump nozzle by allowing an end portion of the fuel pump nozzle to pass directly through the liquid discharge valve for filling the portable fuel container with fuel. 
         [0008]    An embodiment of the present invention also relates to a portable fuel container having a liquid storage vessel with only one opening for both dispensing liquid from the fuel container and for filling the fuel container from a standard fuel pump nozzle and a liquid discharge valve disposed in fluid communication with the one opening, such that the liquid storage vessel can be filled from the standard fuel pump nozzle without requiring a user to remove the liquid discharge valve from the flow path of the fuel. Optionally, the only one opening can include an intake inlet. Optionally, a check valve can be disposed in fluid communication with the liquid discharge valve. 
         [0009]    An embodiment of the present invention also relates to a portable liquid storage vessel having a liquid storage vessel with an opening, a neck extending from the opening, and a coupler disposed about the neck, the coupler comprising a rim on its front face, the rim comprising a plurality of tab-receiving openings formed therein. 
         [0010]    An embodiment of the present invention relates to a liquid container comprising an opening and a primary handle on top of a vessel. A self-venting spout is preferably mounted to the vessel in a manner allowing the spout to rotate into place from a stowed position, preferably nested in a depression of the primary handle, into the operational position and coupling to the opening with a coupler. The self-venting spout can stow externally of the vessel and easily rotate into place for operation. Tip and base of the spout can be automatically covered when stowed. A retainer/dust cover is preferably built into the primary handle to cover the tip and keep the spout from falling out of its stowed position. The base of the spout preferably interacts with a dust cover that is levered against the base when stowing the spout. The coupler allows for quick and easy connection and disconnection of the spout, preferably with a ¼ turn clockwise and/or counterclockwise. A valve assembly at or near the opening of container is operated externally by a trigger near the underside of primary handle after easily releasing a safety latch which prevents incidental operation of the trigger. This allows for ease of operation of the present invention while being able to maintain a grasp on the primary handle and the secondary handle. The valve assembly aligns with the spout and controls flow of liquid out of container through the spout and allows air to enter the container through an intake channel leading to the rear of the container above the liquid line, allowing liquid to flow freely without the “glug-glug” effect. In one embodiment, a valve can be mounted to the discharge valve in order to easily penetrate a void in the discharge valve for filling the container. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, all respective external parts and pieces of the apparatus are mounted attached to the container, either directly or indirectly. This keeps all of the various components together so that none of them become lost or otherwise separated from the rest of the components. Although some embodiments of the invention are preferably hinged, it is understood that other connection types can be used in place of a hinge, including but not limited to a tether, a track and/or sliding configuration. 
         [0012]    An embodiment of the present invention preferably provides self-venting spout that is flexible for ease of manipulation for use, while other spill-proof containers have rigid self-venting spouts. The spout preferably stows externally of container as opposed to others which stow inside of container and thus causes a user to get residual liquid on their hands when he or she pulls it out of the container and attempts to attach it. The spout preferably has a flange for ease of coupling to the container via a coupler, most preferably allowing for less than one full turn to tighten, while other spouts are connected with a threaded coupler needing about two full turns or more to tighten. The spout preferably aligns with a valve assembly that allows liquid to exit container while air and/or vapors within the receiving container replaces the dispensed liquid, thus reducing emissions into the atmosphere. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, there is preferably a valve assembly having a plurality of valves which are communicably coupled and operable with a single action, thus allowing liquid to dispense through a discharge valve while venting of the vessel occurs through a vent valve, unlike known containers that have a valve system housed within a self-venting spout and which thus force a user to attempt to manipulate the spout to actuate a valve system. In one embodiment, the valve assembly is mounted to the container, thus allowing for a spill-proof container at all times. The valve assembly can include a check valve that allows the container to be filled from an opening of the container while maintaining a spill-proof system, unlike known containers that create a potential hazard for spilling by requiring a user to remove a spout and/or cap for filling. In one embodiment, the valve assembly can include an intake channel that terminates above a surface of the liquid, thus allowing air to enter container without impedance and eliminating the “glug-glug” effect. This is also unlike known containers that merely provide a self-venting channel in the spout only. 
         [0014]    An embodiment of the present invention also provides a trigger that is mounted external of the container for operation of the valve assembly, thus allowing for maximum handling of container and comfortable operation of the trigger with as little as a single finger—unlike known containers that have an actuation by manipulation of the spout or an awkward thumb operated trigger. 
         [0015]    Objects, advantages and novel features, and further scope of applicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0017]      FIGS. 1, 2, and 3  are drawings which illustrate an external elevated perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the spout is in a stowed position ( FIG. 1 ), is in a transitory position between a stowed configuration and an in-use configuration ( FIG. 2 ), and wherein the spout is positioned for use ( FIG. 3 ); 
           [0018]      FIGS. 4 and 5  are exploded-view drawings which illustrate various components of the valves of an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a sectional, exploded-view drawing, which illustrate components of the valves according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 7, 8, and 9  are cross-sectional side-view drawings which respectively illustrate a valve assembly, a valve assembly with a trigger mechanism and a rotatable spout, and a self-venting container according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 10 and 11  are sectional view drawing that illustrate an embodiment of the present invention wherein a check valve is respectively in an open and a closed configuration; and 
           [0022]      FIGS. 12 and 13  are drawings which illustrate a spout with retention tabs around its proximal opening and with arms that connect a portion of a hinge to the spout. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    As used herein, “a” or “an” or “the” means one or more unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0024]    As used herein, the term “mechanical advantage” is intended to mean force amplification. An example of such mechanical advantage is when a lever is pivotally connected at a first end and a force that is perpendicular to the primary axis of the lever is applied at a second end and the mechanical advantage is provided to a point along the lever between the first and the second ends. 
         [0025]    Referring now to the figures, in one embodiment, self-venting container  10  preferably includes vessel  11  with handle  12 , which is most preferably disposed on a top portion of container  10 . Although not essential for the operation of the present invention, in one embodiment, one or more additional handles  14  can optionally be disposed on other locations on or about container  10 —including but not limited to a rear side of container  10 . Although vessel  11  can be formed from any desired material by any known process of manufacture, in one embodiment, vessel  11  is preferably formed from high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”) in a blow-molding process. Various other components of self-venting container  10  can also be formed from HDPE, most preferably via an injection molding process. 
         [0026]    Although vessel  11  can be made to virtually any size desired, in one embodiment, vessel  11  preferably comprises a capacity of from about ½ gallon to about 10 gallons and more preferably of from about 1 gallon to about 6 gallons. 
         [0027]    Vessel  11  preferably comprises opening  16 . Opening  16  is most preferably disposed in vessel  11  near a top portion thereof. 
         [0028]    Coupler  18  is most preferably a rotatable coupler and most preferably comprises a configuration that can be completely activated and deactivated by a partial rotation—for example, via a quarter of a turn. In one embodiment, coupler can be activated by turning it a partial turn in a clockwise direction and can be deactivated by turning it a partial turn in a counter-clockwise direction. Coupler  18  can be a twist-lock coupler which receives tabs  21  that can optionally be disposed on spout  22  and/or lid  20 . 
         [0029]    Hinge connection  19  is preferably used to connect lid  20  to vessel  11 . Coupler  18  can preferably secure lid  20  over opening  16  of vessel  11 . When lid  20  is not in use, it is preferably swung down below opening  20  so that spout  22  can be rotated via pins  23  in opening  25 , which are preferably disposed on opposing sides of container  10 . Of course, other hinge connections can be used and will provide desirable results. For example, in one embodiment, pins  23  can instead be formed into openings and instead of forming openings  25  into the sides of container  10 , pegs can instead be positioned there. As with lid  20 , tabs  21  are preferably disposed around an inlet (i.e. a proximal end) of spout  22  such that spout  22  can be secured over opening  16  by coupler  18 . In one embodiment, a recess can be formed into handle  12  such that spout  22  can be stowed thereon. Handle  12  is preferably formed such that when spout  22  is in a stowed position, cap  24  is disposed over an outlet of spout  22 . Cap  24 , which can optionally be nothing more than a portion of handle  12 , thus prevents the entry of debris into the outlet of spout  22  when it is stowed on or in handle  12 . In one embodiment, cap  24  is preferably positioned such that it forms an interference fit with the outlet end portion of spout  22 , thus retaining spout  22  in a stowed configuration until a user pulls on spout  22  with sufficient force to overcome the strength of the interference fit. 
         [0030]    Dust cover  26  is preferably provided to cover and protect an inlet in spout  22  when it is stowed in a stored configuration in handle  12 . Dust cover  26  is preferably hingedly connected to container  10  via hinge  27 . Dust cover  26  also preferably comprises lever  29 . When spout  22  is rotated up into its stowed position, an inlet of spout  22  preferably makes contact with lever  29  and as spout  22  continues to rotate into its stowed position, lever  29  and thus dust cover  26  are thus rotated about hinge  27 . Once spout  22  is in its fully-stowed position, dust cover  26  is preferably pressed against an inlet of spout  22  such that the inlet is covered. When spout  22  is removed from its stowed position, it preferably relieves pressure from lever  29  as the inlet portion of spout  22  forces dust cover  26  out of its way. Because hinge  27  is preferably not located in the same location as the hinge formed by pins  23  and openings  25 , spout  22  is able to travel past dust cover  26  such that it becomes clear of the movement of spout  22 . Spout  22  can thus continue to rotate into operational position, aligning with a coupler  18 , such that coupler  18  can receive and secure an inlet end portion of spout  22 —most preferably by receiving tabs  21  which are preferably formed around the inlet of spout  22 . 
         [0031]    Once spout  22  has been secured into its operational position with its inlet disposed over opening  16  of vessel  11 , and coupler  18  has secured spout  22  in place, safety latch  28 , which can optionally be provided, can be released, thus allowing trigger  30  to be engaged. Safety latch preferably prevents trigger  30  from being activated unless safety latch  28  has been overcome first. Although trigger  30  is illustrated as having a lever-type configuration in the drawings, any shape of trigger  30  can be used so long as it can operate at least some of the components described below. 
         [0032]    Nipple  32  is preferably disposed near trigger  30  and has opening  34 , therein through which linkage rod  36  passes to penetrate into vessel  11 . Cap  38  is preferably disposed on nipple  32  to create a seal around  36  at nipple opening  34 . In one embodiment, seals, which can include any apparatus or structure that can form a liquid-tight connection around a translating rod can be disposed on or in cap  38  or nipple  32  to prevent any liquid from escaping from vessel  11  by leaking around rod  36 . When a user actuates trigger  30 , it preferably pulls linkage rod  36 , thus opening discharge valve  40  so that when vessel  11  is rotated, liquid disposed therein can escape through opening  41  (see  FIG. 11 ) that is formed between discharge valve  40  and housing  44 , thus permitting the liquid within vessel  11  to be discharged out of opening  16  through discharge opening  46  in housing  44 , and through spout  22  (if spout  22  is disposed in its operational configuration). Vent valve  42  is preferably linked to discharge valve  40 , thus allowing simultaneous operation of both valves. 
         [0033]    In one embodiment, discharge valve  40  is preferably a flap or plate which presses against the back of housing  44 . Optionally, a gasket can be attached a front face of discharge valve  40  or the back of housing  44  to provide a liquid-tight seal between discharge valve  40  and housing  44  when discharge valve  40  is closed; or the gasket can be disposed between discharge valve  40  and housing  44 . In one embodiment, opening  43  is preferably provided through discharge valve  40 . 
         [0034]    Housing  44  also preferably comprises vent valve housing  48  which most preferably houses, and provides a seat for, vent valve  42 . Valve guide  50  is preferably disposed in a proximal end portion of vent valve housing  48  to stabilize movement of vent valve  42 . Intake channel  52  is preferably communicably coupled to valve guide  50  and has its terminal end disposed within vessel  11 , most preferably at a location that is typically above a surface of a liquid disposed in vessel  11  when container  10  is held in a position for discharging its liquid contents. Vent valve housing  48  preferably aligns with vent channel  54  of spout  22 , thus allowing container  10  to be self-venting. 
         [0035]    In order to fill vessel  11  with liquid when lid  20  is covering opening  16 , coupler  18  is preferably rotated to release lid  20 . Lid  20  is then rotated down and out of the way, thus exposing opening  16  through discharge opening  46 . A filling nozzle, including but not limited to a fuel pump discharge nozzle is then pushed through discharge opening  46 , through opening  43  in discharge valve  40 . The filling nozzle then preferably presses against check valve  56  and forces it open such that the terminal end portion of the filling nozzle is within vessel  11 . In one embodiment, check valve  56  is preferably spring-loaded such that it remains in a closed configuration until a filling nozzle or some other object presses against it with sufficient force to force it open. 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, check valve  56  is preferably a flap-type valve that presses against a back portion of discharge valve, thus closing off opening  43  in discharge valve  40 . Optionally, a gasket can be disposed between discharge valve  40  and check valve  56  to provide a liquid-tight seal until sufficient force is exerted against check valve  56  to force it open. 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, rod  36  preferably connects to a proximal side of discharge valve  40  via pivot connection  58  (see  FIG. 7 ), which is also the location at which a top portion of check valve  56  connects to discharge valve  40 . Discharge valve  40  is preferably connected at its top portion to housing  40  via hinge connection  60 . Vent valve  42  is preferably connected to discharge valve  40  by pivot connection  62 , which is most preferably disposed at a location between hinge pivot connection  58  and hinge connection  60 . This therefore results in a mechanical advantage being created by rod  36  pulling on valve  40  at a distance further away from hinge  60  than is pivot connection  62 . In this embodiment, when rod  36  is pulled by handle  30 , both discharge valve  40  and check valve  56  remain together and swing away from a lower portion of housing  44  while a top portion of check valve  40  and housing  44  remain connected together at hinge  60 . As discharge valve  40  is drawn back, pivot connection  62  is also drawn back, thereby pulling vent valve  42  open. 
         [0038]    An embodiment of self-venting container  10  is preferably configured to be user friendly such that it is quick to un-stow and stow, discharges liquid at an acceptable rate, and is safe. With that in mind, when spout  22  is stowed in handle  12 , the shape of handle  12  with spout  22  together preferably form a shape which is comfortable for handling and carrying. 
         [0039]    Each of valves  40 ,  42  and  56  are preferably closed liquid-tight when trigger  30  is not actuated—thus preventing any incidental spillage during any transportation and/or before user is ready to dispense the contents of container  10 . Safety latch  28  prevents any premature or accidental operation of trigger  30 . 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, a user may place container  10  into the pouring position, while grasping both handles  12  and  14 , slide a finger from the rear of vessel  11  to the front, thus releasing safety latch  28 . To initiate a flow of liquid from vessel  11 , a user can actuate trigger  30 , thereby opening discharge valve  40  and vent valve  42 . The flow rate of liquid being dispensed can be controllable by how much the user actuates trigger  30 . Actuating trigger  30  in the pouring position with liquid disposed in vessel  11  preferably causes the liquid to flow through discharge opening  46  and through spout  22  into a receiving container or tank. Vessel  11  is preferably vented by replacing the volume of dispensed liquid with air and/or vapors from the receiving container/tank by drawing them through a terminal end (i.e. inlet) of vent channel  54  of spout  22 , past vent valve  42 , and through intake channel  52 —most preferably to a rear of vessel  11 , above the liquid line, thus eliminating the impeding pressure of the liquid as resistance to venting and to prevent the “glug-glug” effect so as to maintain a consistent flow. 
         [0041]    The user can release trigger  30  at any time, which will immediately stop flow of liquid out of vessel  11 , by causing discharge valve  40  to close and seal concurrently with the closing of vent valve  42 . When the user completely releases trigger  30  it preferably returns back to its locked position and is again secured by safety latch  28 . Now that the user is finished, spout  22  can easily be uncoupled, for example by rotating coupler  18  counterclockwise a quarter of a turn. Spout  22  can then be returned to its stowed position. Spout  22  preferably recesses into handle  12  and is covered by cap  24 . During the stowing process of spout  22 , dust cover  26  is mechanically levered into place by the base of spout  22  acting against lever  29 , thereby preventing dust and debris from entering and protecting the inlet opening (i.e. the proximal opening) in spout  22 . Lid  20  can be rotated into its closed position and locked in place with coupler  18 , thus preventing dust and debris from entering vessel  11 . 
         [0042]    In one embodiment, the only time that any liquid can exit vessel  11  is either when the user is actuating trigger  22 , or when the user is actively filling vessel  11  through check valve  56 . Thus resulting in a container that, aside from operator error, is spill proof. In one embodiment, a flame arrestor, which can optionally include a metal screen, can be disposed in communication with opening  16 . In one embodiment, only one opening  16  is provided for both discharging a liquid and venting gas into vessel  11 , while a second opening is provided through which linkage rod  36  passes. However, desirable results can still be achieved when a plurality of openings are provided in vessel  11  for both discharging liquid and venting gas into vessel  11 . In one embodiment, a pressure-relief valve can be provided—most preferably one which is communicably coupled to an upper portion of vessel  11 . Optionally, vent valve  42  can be arranged such that it can also function as a pressure-relief valve. In one embodiment, instead of intake channel  52  comprising a tube which extends from vent valve  42 , intake channel  52  can instead be formed or otherwise disposed in handle  12 , which itself can optionally comprise a hollow tube-like structure. 
         [0043]    Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference.