Closable pour spout for fluid dispensing container

#The present invention generally relates to containers for storing and dispensing fluids. More particularly, the present invention relates to pour spouts which can be connected to such containers to facilitate discharge of fluids from the container.

#Fluid dispensing containers are utilized for storing fluid and for dispensing fluid to a receiving vessel. For example, fluid dispensing containers have been used for dispensing fuel to fuel tanks associated with small, internal-combustion engines, such as those used in lawnmowers, weed trimmers and other motorized devices.

#Some fluid dispensing containers are specially designed to automatically cut off the flow of fluid from the container when the fluid in the receiving vessel reaches a predetermined level (i.e., an "auto-stop dispenser"). To accomplish this, the container is typically completely sealed except for a discharge port in a pour spout. When fluid is being dispensed from the container into a receiving vessel, the discharge port is positioned within the receiving vessel, and air entering the container must travel up through the discharge port. When the level of the fluid in the receiving vessel is high enough such that it covers the discharge port, the flow from the container will automatically stop since no more air can enter the container.

#FIG. 1 is a side view of the pour spout attached to the container, with the container shown in partial section;

#FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial section view of FIG. 1, showing the interaction between a latch member and a boss member;

#FIG. 3 is a section taken along line 3--3 in FIG. 2;

#FIGS. 1-38 illustrate one embodiment of the present invention. Referring specifically to FIGS. 1-6, the illustrated apparatus generally comprises a pour spout 40 detachably connected to a container 42. The pour spout 40 includes a conduit member 44, an end cap member 46 rigidly secured to the conduit member 44 (i.e., the end cap member 46 is essentially part of the conduit member 44), and a closure member 48 positioned around the exterior of the conduit member 44. The conduit member 44 includes two discharge ports 50 (FIGS. 4 and 6) which provide a passageway through which fluid can be dispensed from the container 42 through the pour spout 40. In addition, the conduit member 44 includes a vent opening 52 through which gas can exit the container 42 (i.e., via the vent member 100, described below) to vent the container 42 prior to discharging fluid, and through which air can enter the container 42 (i.e., via the vent member 100, described below) during discharge of fluid from the container 42. The closure member 48 is movable relative to the conduit member 44 between a sealed position (i.e., discharge ports 50 and vent opening 52 closed), a vented position (i.e., vent opening 52 open), and a discharge position (i.e., discharge ports 50 open), as will be described below in more detail.

#The conduit member 44 includes a threaded portion 54 which is threaded to a neck 56 of the container 42 (FIG. 4). A conduit O-ring 58 provides a seal between the conduit member 44 and the neck 56 of the container 42. The threads of the threaded portion 54 and the neck 56 are uniquely designed so that the pour spout 40 can only be used with the appropriate container 42, and vice versa. The conduit member 44 further includes an upwardly-extending annular flange 60 and upwardly-extending locking members 62. The annular flange 60 and upwardly-extending locking members 62 are designed to cooperate with similar details on the closure member 48, the functions of which will be described below. The conduit member 44 further includes a tubular discharge portion 64 for directing fluid toward the discharge ports 50. Each of the features described in this paragraph is concentric with a center axis 66.

#The vent opening 52 of the conduit member 44 is designed to provide two distinct functions, as briefly noted above. First, the vent opening 52 provides a passageway through which gas can exit the pour spout 40 to vent the container 42 prior to discharging fluid. Second, the vent opening 52 provides a passageway through which air is allowed to enter the pour spout 40 while fluid is being discharged from the container 42, thereby inhibiting surging of fluid during discharge. These two functions of the vent opening 52 are provided by the interaction between the closure member 48 and the end cap member 46, as will be described below.