Container insert for use with a closed loop dispensing system

• US 9,242,847 B1
• Filed: 12/30/2014
• Issued: 01/26/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Rodney Laible
• Original Assignee: Rodney Laible
• Inventors: Laible, Rodney
• Primary Examiner(s): Jacyna, J. Casimer
• Assistant Examiner(s): Shaw, Benjamin R
• Application Number:
  US14/585,377
• Time in Patent Office: 392 Days
• Field of Search: 222/481.5, 222/188, 222/189.09, 222/189.1, 222/387, 222/478, 222/464.1, 222/464.2, 222/546, 222/547, 222/189.06, 251/149.4
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/0277 using negative pressure
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/0294 Combined with valves

Abstract

An insert is disclosed for use with a closed loop dispensing system. The insert includes a flat, ring-shaped venting member which permits air to pass therethrough but prevents liquid from passing therethrough. A foam liner is positioned at the underside of the venting membrane to shield or protect the venting membrane when the retainer disc of the insert is secured to the lower end of the insert.

Claims

1. An insert for use with a closed loop dispensing system including a container having a throat with an inside surface, comprising:

a horizontally disposed ring-shaped lip having an upper side, a lower side, an outer end, and an inner end;

a generally cylindrical wall member having an open upper end, an open lower end, an inner surface and an outer surface;

said wall member extending downwardly from said inner end of said lip whereby said lip protrudes outwardly from said upper end of said wall member;

said open lower end of said wall member having internal threads formed therein which have an upper end and a lower end;

a generally horizontally disposed first annular shoulder extending inwardly from said inner surface of said wall member;

said first annular shoulder having an upper end and a lower end;

said first annular shoulder having a plurality of vertically disposed and spaced-apart vent openings, having upper and lower ends, extending therethrough which are spaced inwardly of said internal threads in said lower end of said wall member;

said lower end of said first annular shoulder being positioned at said upper end of said internal threads in said lower end of said wall member;

an upstanding hollow valve body having an upper end, a lower end, an inside surface, and an outer surface, extending upwardly from said inner end of said first annular shoulder;

a second annular shoulder, having an upper end and a lower end, extending inwardly from said inside surface of said valve body between said upper and lower ends of said valve body;

a flat, ring-shaped venting membrane, having an upper side and a lower side, positioned at said lower end of said first annular shoulder so as to extend over said lower ends of said vent openings in said first annular shoulder;

a flat, ring-shaped foam liner, having an upper side and a lower side, positioned adjacent said lower side of said venting membrane;

said foam liner having a plurality of vent openings formed therein;

an upstanding hollow valve stem having an upper end, a lower end, an outer surface and an inner surface;

said valve stem including an upper tubular member and a lower tubular member;

said upper tubular member having a greater diameter than said lower tubular member;

a third annular shoulder, having an upper end and a lower end, extending outwardly from said valve stem between said upper and lower ends thereof;

said valve stem being vertically movably positioned in said valve body between upper and lower positions with respect thereto;

said upper end of said third annular shoulder of said valve stem being in engagement with said lower end of said second annular shoulder when said valve stem is in said upper position;

a disc member including a body portion having an upper side and a lower side;

said body portion of said disc member having external threads configured to be threadably connect to said interior threads of said open lower end of said wall member;

said body portion of said disc member having a plurality of vent openings formed therein;

said body portion of said disc member having a hollow dip tube support extending downwardly therefrom;

said body portion of said disc member having a hollow tubular valve member extending upwardly therefrom;

said valve member having a closed upper end which is received in said lower tubular portion of said valve stem;

said valve member having at least one opening formed therein below said closed upper end thereof;

a spring positioned between said body portion of said disc member and said lower end of said third annular shoulder which yieldably urges said valve stem to its said upper position.

2. The insert of claim 1 wherein said foam liner is comprised of a polyethylene material.

3. A container insert, comprising:

a generally cylindrical wall member having an open upper end, an open lower end, and a fluid passageway extending between said upper and lower ends thereof;

a valve means in said fluid passageway which is movable between open and closed positions;

a horizontally disposed, flat ring-shaped venting membrane within said wall member;

said venting membrane having an upper side and a lower side;

a horizontally disposed, flat ring-shaped foam liner having an upper side and a lower side;

said foam liner having a plurality of vent openings extending therethrough;

said foam liner being positioned at said lower side of said venting membrane to shield said venting membrane;

and a disc member, having upper and lower side, threadably secured to said lower end of said wall member;

said upper side of said disc member being in engagement with said lower side of said foam liner.

4. The container of claim 3 wherein said foam liner is comprised of a polyethylene material.