GB2470574A

GB2470574A - A fuel can with dispensing spout

Info

Publication number: GB2470574A
Application number: GB0909080A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Andrew Slack
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-05-27
Filing date: 2009-05-27
Publication date: 2010-12-01
Anticipated expiration: 2029-05-27
Also published as: GB0909080D0; GB2470574B

Abstract

A fuel can (1) having a dispensing spout (3) which is pivotally operable between a dispensing location extending from the fuel can, and a carrying and stowing arrangement arranged across the top of the fuel can to serve as the main handle, with engagement means (10) to securely retain the dispensing spout safely in the carrying and stowing arrangement when not in use. A valve (11, fig 4) is arranged to prevent fuel flow in the carrying and stowing arrangement, and to permit fuel flow in the dispensing arrangement. Optionally the spout (3) has an additional valve (12, fig 4), actuated by a widened spout portion (23, fig 13) which engages with the sides of a vehicles fuel inlet such that the additional valve (12) is caused to open as the spout is pressed into the fuel inlet by a user.

Description

A REUSABLE CONTAINER

This invention relates to a reusable container for safely storing, dispensing and carrying a liquid, and particularly, but not exclusively, for use with portable fuel cans for use with vehicles, otherwise known as petrol cans or jerricans.

In the past, a variety of fuel can designs have been known, including the design shown in Figure 1, where the spout is provided as a separate item. This arrangement permits either a cap or the spout to be screwed onto the fuel can outlet, depending whether storage or dispensing is required. This has the disadvantage that fuel can easily be spilt whilst installing the spout. Furthermore, the arrangement is cumbersome to use, which is especially inconvenient in cold or wet weather.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a fuel can adapted to permit a user to dispense, store and / or carry fuel in a safer and/or more convenient way.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reusable container for storing and dispensing a liquid, comprising a container body provided with an inlet for introducing liquid into the container body, and an outlet for dispensing liquid from the container body, there being a closure for the inlet which is removable to permit introduction of liquid into the container body; wherein the outlet is provided with an elongate dispensing spout which has a first end adjacent to the outlet and a second end from which liquid can be discharged; the spout is mounted for pivotal movement between a first position in which the spout overlies a portion of the container body and a second position in which the spout extends away from the container body; a first valve is provided adjacent to the first end of the spout, the valve having a first condition which prevents the passage of liquid from the container body into the spout when the spout is in the first position, and having a second condition which allows the passage of liquid from the container body into the spout when the spout is in the second position, the first valve changing between the first and second conditions in accordance with the pivotal movement of the spout between the first and second positions; and the spout is provided with a first locating portion which engages with a second locating portion on the container body so as to retain the spout in the first position, overlying the container body, the arrangement being such that the first locating portion can be repeatedly disengaged from and re-engaged with the second locating portion.

This permits quick and safe positioning of the spout such that accidental spillage is prevented, whilst ensuring that the spout cannot accidentally be dislodged from said first position. It advantageously assures that the spout is either in an arrangement permitting dispensing, or in an arrangement permitting storage an br carrying. Preferably, the design ensures that only one of dispensing and convenient carrying is possible, so that a user will be more readily alerted to an incorrect spout position.

In preferred arrangements, the first locating portion provided on the spout at a position which is displaced along the spout from the first end of the spout to the second end of the spout. The first locating portion could, for example, be provided adjacent to the second end of the spout, or be provided at an intermediate region along the spout.

Preferably, when in the first position, the portion of the spout between the first and second ends of the spout serves as at least part of a handle for carrying the container. More preferably it serves as at least the major portion thereof.

Optionally, when the spout is retained in the first position, a longitudinally extending part of the body of the spout is received within a channel which is part of a handle for carrying the container. This may take the form of struts extending either side of the spout. The channel may be oriented to prevent movement of the first end of the spout away from the container body unless a user removes the strut from the channel.

Optionally, when the spout is retained in the first position, it is at least partially seated within a channel forming the underside of a handle.

Optionally, a second valve is provided towards the second end of the spout, the second valve being movable between a closed state and an open state in which liquid can be discharged from the spout.

Advantageously, the second valve is provided with engagement means to engage with a receptacle, such as a fuel inlet of a vehicle, so that a user can control the flow of liquid from the container by adjusting its position relative to the receptacle. It further permits the user to upend the container to dispense liquid into the receptacle, and to be assured that as soon as the container is lifted therefrom, the flow will cease. This helps prevent accidental spillage.

Preferably, the arrangement is such that when the first and second locating portions are engaged, the second valve is in the closed state. This provides additional safety to mitigate the possibility of leakage during carrying or storage.

Optionally, the second valve is biased to the closed state and comprises an operating sleeve which is movable axially with respect to the spout and is provided with laterally projecting extensions. This assists with the described engagement with a receptacle, and the automatic shut off as the spout is lifted from the receptacle.

Further optionally, the laterally projecting extensions constitute the first locating portion. This facilitates a latch closure, whereby, when the spout is folded to a storage or carrying arrangement, the second end thereof fixedly attaches to the container body until released by a user. The valve may prevent the spout's second end being dislodged away from the container body while its laterally projecting extensions are engaged with channels in the container body. However, when the sleeve is slid so as to the open the valve, the laterally projecting extensions are thereby withdrawn from the channels in the container body thereby permitting the spout's second end to be lifted from the container body.

Preferably the container body has a top portion, the outlet being provided adjacent to one end of the top portion, and the spout extending to adjacent to an opposite end of the top portion when the spout is in the first position. This faciUtates the spout functioning as a handle for storage or carrying, without need to re-orient the container for the different functions. Where the top of the container is generally rectangular, the spout may extend along the middle thereof, or alternatively substantially diagonally across it.

Optionally, said opposite end of the top portion of the container body is provided with a first hand grip. This facilitates orienting the container during dispensing. Where the containers top is generally rectangular, the hand grip may extend along a short edge thereof. A second hand grip may be provided on the container body below said one end of the top portion. This may further assist orienting the container during dispensing.

Preferably, movement of the spout between the first and second positions is in a plane generally perpendicular to the top portion of the container body. Preferably said first valve permits and restricts movement of the spout in said plane. Optionally, a pivot may be provided to permit the valve to pivot with respect to the container body so as to provide the spout with an extra degree of freedom. Alternatively, no such pivot is provided such that with the valve and spout screwed onto the container body the spout is restricted to movement in a fixed plane generally perpendicular to the top portion of the container body.

Optionally the second locating portion on the container body restricts movement of the spouts second end in directions not perpendicular to the top portion of the container body, when the spout is in the first position.

Preferably, the arrangement is such that when the spout is moving from the second position to the first position, the first valve remains in the second condition for a sufficient portion of the extent of movement to permit liquid in the spout to drain back into the container body before the valve changes to the first condition.

Optionally, a single opening serves as the inlet and the outlet, and the first end of the spout is connected to the closure. Alternatively the spout is provided for use as an outlet whilst the inlet is provided separately with its own closure.

Further optionally there is a plurality of defined second positions of the spout. This may be provided by means of corrugated or notched sliding interface features between the first end of the spout and a portion of the first valve. Irrespective of whether there is a plurality of defined second positions, the first valve is preferably provided with sufficient frictional reliance to prevent the spout moving under its own weight.

Optionally the container body is provided with two elongate raised portions forming ridges parallel to and either side of the spout when in the first position oveying the container body. This serves to protect the spout from being accidentally dislodged or unlatched. Optionally said first handle portion and the two ridges form a U shaped barrier around the second end of the spout.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a reusable container for storing and dispensing a liquid, comprising a container body, an opening for introducing liquid into the container body and dispensing liquid from the container body, and a closure for the opening, the closure being removable to permit introduction of liquid into the container body, the closure being provided with an elongate dispensing spout which has a first end connected to the closure and a second end from which liquid can be discharged; wherein the spout is mounted for pivotal movement between a first position in which the spout overiies a portion of the container body and a second position in which the spout extends away from the container body; a first valve is provided adjacent to the first end of the spout, the valve having a first condion which prevents the passage of liquid from the container body into the spout when the spout is in the first position, and having a second condition which allows the passage of liquid from the container body into the spout when the spout is in the second position, the first valve changing between the first and second conditions in accordance with pivotal movement of the spout between the first and second positions.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a reusable container for storing and dispensing a liquid, comprising a container body provided with an inlet for introducing liquid into the container body, and an outlet for dispensing liquid from the container body, there being a closure for the inlet which is removable to permit introduction of liquid into the container body; wherein the outlet is provided with an elongate dispensing spout which has a first end adjacent to the outlet and a second end from which liquid can be discharged; the spout is mounted for pivotal movement between a first position in which the spout overlies a portion of the container body and a second position in which the spout extends away from the container body; the spout is provided with a first locating portion adjacent to the second end of the spout which engages with a second locating portion on the container body so as to retain the spout in the second position, the portion of the spout between the first and second ends serving as at least part of a handle for carrying the container; and a valve is provided towards the second end of the spout, the valve being movable between a closed state and an open state in which liquid can be discharged from the spout, and the arrangement being such that when the first and second locating portions are engaged the second valve is in the closed state.

Optionally a further valve is provided adjacent to the first end of the spout, the further valve having a first condition which prevents the passage of liquid from the container body into the spout when the spout is in the first position, and having a second condition which allows the passage of liquid from the container body into the spout when the spout is in the second position, the further valve changing between the first and second conditions in accordance with pivotal movement of the spout between the first and second positions.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be caffled into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an illustration of a por art fuel can; Figure 2 is a elevated perspective view of a fuel can according to one embodiment of the present invention, further details of which are illustrated in Figures 3 to 15 (albeit with an alternative spout end design in Figures 11 a, 11 b, 1 5a, 1 5b and 1 5c) where; Figure 3 is a view of the same fuel can, with the spout pivoted to a dispensing position; Figure 4 is a cut-away elevated perspective view showing one half of the fuel can; Figure 5 illustrates a cross-section along the plane of symmetry of the fuel can; Figure 6 is a cut-away perspective view of the spout and cap, showing one half thereof; Figure 7a is an illustration of the air passageway with a one way valve; Figure 7b is an illustration of the location of a manually operated air inlet valve according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is an illustration of the connection between the spout's first end and a pivot; Figure 9 is an illustration of the connection between the pivot-tube and the pivot; Figure lOa is an illustration of the pivot-tube; Figure lOb is an illustration of the pivot tube in place within the spout; Figure ha shows the pivot and pivot tube relative to the position of the spout, and the second end's valve and spout retaining features relative to the spout; Figure 1 lb shows the spout, cap and the conduit route for fluid to pass from the outlet into the spout; Figure 1 2a is an illustration of the fuel can upended and inserted into the fuel inlet of a vehicle; Figure 1 2b is an illustration of an extension to the spout to adapt the spout for use with shallow containers; Figure 13 is an illustration of the spout with some surfaces removed to show the linear valve and related components; Figure 14a is an illustration of the upper surface of the fuel can showing connection features for accepting the spout; Figure 14b is an il!ustration of the same with the spout in place, indicating the mode of release of the spout; Figure 14c is an illustration of the same with some spout surfaces removed to reveal the linear valve actuating linkage; Figure 15a is an illustraon of the upper surface of a fuel can showing alternative spout connection features; Figure 1 5b is an illustration of the same with the spout in place; and Figure 1 5c is a further iflustration of the spout shown in Figure 1 5b.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

An embodiment of this invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings.

Figure 2 shows a fuel can (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fuel can (1) has a body (2) and a spout (3) connected by a pivot (4) mounted at an outlet (5) of the fuel can body (2). The body and spout are formed of an injection moulded plastic, and parts of the body are provided with corrugations (6) as required to resist forces likely to be experienced in use. The body has an approximately cuboid form, with an identifiable base, and an upper surface (9) being opposite thereto.

The fuel can outlet (5) is provided with a screw cap (7) which is removable, by rotation, to permit filling of the fuel can body (2) with fuel. The pivot (4) is mounted rotatably on the screw cap (7) such that the screw cap (7) may be rotated for removal without the need for rotating the pivot (4) and spout (3). However, tightening of the screw cap (7) traps a lower portion of the pivot (4) such that when the screw cap (7) is fixedly c'osed the pivot (4) and spout (3) are prevented from rotating about the axis of the screw cap (7).

However the axis of the pivot (4) is perpendicular to that of the screw cap (7) such that when the screw cap is fixedly closed the pivot (4) and spout (3) may rotate about the pivot's axis. Whilst the screw cap (7) is at an outlet end of the generally rectangular upper surface of the fuel can body (2), it is oriented upwards such that it has a nearly vertical axis. By contrast the pivot (4) and spout (3) are arranged to rotate about a hozontal axis.

Where not stated to the contrary, terms such as upper, upwards, vertical and hozontal refer to the orientation of the fuel can (1) when in a carrying orientation, which in this embodiment is the same as a stowing orientation, By contrast a dispensing arrangement is upended with respect to the carrying orientation.

The fuel can (1) in a carrying and stowing arrangement has the spout (3) arranged across the upper surface (9) thereof, passing across the middle of the upper surface (9). A proximal end of the spout (3) is connected with the pivot (4), and releasable engaging means (10) are provided to connect the distal end of the spout (3) with the non-outlet end of the fuel can body (2) upper surface (9).

Referring to Figure 3 the spout may be pivoted about the pivot (4) by a user so as to extend away from the fuel can body (2) for dispensing into a vehicle. In the carrying position, the pivot end of the spout (3) is generally above the upper surface (9) of the fuel can body (2).

Referring to Figures 4 and 5 it can be seen that there are two valves. A first valve (11) is provided by the interface between the pivot and the spout whereby relave rotation therebetween acts to position respective apertures either in register (when the spout is pivoted to a dispensing position), or out of register (when the spout is positioned across the fuel can upper surface (9) for carrying or stowing). The second valve (12) is a linear valve provided within the spout, provided by a plug against an aperture.

Turning to the first valve (11) with reference to Figures 8 and 9, a spout (3) is operable to rotate with respect to a pivot (4), and the two are joined by a connecting tube (13). A fluid path is provided upward through the pivot (4), into the connecting tube (13), laterally to the ends of the connecting tube (13), and into the pivot end of the spout (3). The connecting tube (13) is adapted to rotate within the pivot (4), in concert with the spout (3). Thus as the spout is rotated, a valve hole (14) in the connecting tube (13) rotates to or away from a central passageway (15) up through the pivot (4), and thus permits or prevents fluid flow according to the position of the spout (3).

As can be seen from Figures 8 and 9, the pivot is provided with rounded teeth (16) in the fashion of a gear, against which a projection (17) from the spout (3) is resiliently biased, and arranged to prevent unintentional pivoting of the spout. A spng (not shown) is a preferred method for resilient biasing. Also, whilst a set of evenly spaced stable positions are provided here by a set of evenly spaced teeth (16), an unevenly spaced set of stable positions may alternatively be provided instead. A cross section of the spout shown in Figure 6 shows how the projection is mounted within a recess (18) of the spout (3), providing space for a spring to bias the projection (17) against the teeth (16). In this case the projection has the form of two linear teeth arranged to mesh with the pivot's teeth. Alternatively just one, or indeed an array, may be provided.

As an alternative to a single projection provided with multiple teeth there may be more than one independent projection, which may be arranged at the same or at differing angles around the pivot. This reduces the tendency of the resilient biasing to become less effective after repeated use, as wear on the surface of the projection has a reduced tendency to flatten the teeth, and instead the individual projections extend further out as they wear down, Each individual projection may be spring biased, and may be housed in an indentation in the spout, and may be parallel with the spout.

To prevent leakage of fuel, the connecting tube (13) is provided with two circumferential seals (19) which include two positive seals to the spout (3) (which may be achieved by bonding the components together) immediately outboard of two sliding-contact seals to the pivot (4) (such as using 0-rings).

Referring to Figures ha and lib it can be seen that the connecting tube may be used to assemble the spout (3) to the pivot (4), by inserting the connecting tube last-most laterally through both the spout (3) and pivot (4), and for this reason the connecting tube is provided with a cover portion (20) which serves to cover the entry point of the connecting tube in the side of the spout (3). The connecfing tube and spout are further provided with anti rotation keying features (21) to lock the connecting tube against rotation with respect to the spout 3.

Further details of the connection between the pivot (4) and spout (3) can be seen in Figures lOa and lOb.

This also shows a filter retainer (22) seated within and below the screw cap (7) for retaining a fuel filter (not shown), which may be provided to prevent solid contaminants such as dust from entering a vehicles fuel system.

Turning now to Figures 12a and 13 where a dispensing arrangement and linear valve assembly are shown, The fuel can (1) is completely upended such that the pivot (4) is lowermost so as to dispense fuel as quickly as possible. A linear valve assembly is provided with an actuation linkage including projections (23) extending radially from the spout. In this case two rods extend from either side of a sleeve (25) around the spout (3), and are arranged at a distance from the non-pivot end of the spout such that insertion of the spout into an aperture (24), such as a fuel inlet of a vehicle, brings the projections (23) into abutment with the sides of the aperture, Further insertion of the spout (3) into the aperture (24) causes the sleeve to slide relafively along the spout towards the pivot. An actuating linkage (26), which can be better seen in Figures and 6, connects the sleeve to the plug (12) of the linear valve. Movement of the projections (23) and sleeve (25) along the spout (3) also moves the actuating linkage (26), which moves the plug (12) to disengage from a restriction. As an altemative it would be possible to actuate the restriction to disengage from the plug.

Importantly the plug (12) is biased towards the restriction. In this case this is achieved using a helical spring (29) which is visible in Figures 5 and 6. To provide for graduated control of fuel flow, throttle elements (30) in the form of one or more disks are provided immediately downstream of the plug (12), and are attached to the actuating rod (26). With this arrangement if the plug is only slightly disengaged the throttle elements remain partially in the way of flow downstream of the plug. However if the plug is disengaged further the throttle elements are increasingly removed from the downstream fuel flow path.

In this embodiment the projections (23) form a bar which passes through two slits (28) either side of the spout (3) (visible in Figures 4, 6 and 14c). The midpoint of the bar forms a 1' with a rod (the actuating linkage) (26) which passes along the middle of the spout to connect with the plug. A sleeve (25) is provided which serves to prevent leakage of fuel from the slits (28) in the spout during dispensing.

For use in particular whilst dispensing fuel from the fuel can, a grip (33) (visible in Figures 2, 3, and 4) is provided as a strut across the non-pivot end of the upper surface (9) of the fuel can. The grip also serves to partially protect the end of the spout against being knocked accidentally from its carrying and stowing arrangement.

The spout is advantageously provided with a supporting channel (32) (visible in Figure 3) to assist its function as a handle. The channel may be provided for ergonomic comfort but preferably is arranged to resist a portion of the force of supporting the fuel can from a user's hand. This reduces the burden on the pivot (4), the connecting rod (13), the projections (23), hooks (28), sleeve (25), and the spout itself. Part of the lifting force is transmitted from a user's hand to the spout by friction with the spout's sides and I or by flexing of the channel upwards.

Referring now to Figures 14a, 14b and 14c, a second use for the linear valve is illustrated. The releasable engagement means (10) are provided in the form of projections (23) from the sleeve (25) adapted to engage with retainers (27) in the form of hooks extending from the upper surface (9) of the fuel can body (2). It would also be possible to provide projections from the fuel can body (2) to interface with hooks or indentations in the sleeve (25) of the spout (3), however some form of projection from the sleeve, if only a wide lip, would be desirable for the above described actuation of the linear valve by pressing the spout into a vehicle fuel inlet aperture.

The pivot (4), or in this case a support (28) is adapted to prevent the spout pivoting further toward the fuel can upper surface (9) than needed for engagement of the projecfions (23) and hooks (28). By depressing the spout towards the fuel can body (2) the sleeve may be permitted to slide such that the projections (23) engage with the hooks (28). The helical spring (29) biases not only the plug, but also the projections, such that the projections are biased into engaging with the hooks.

Optionally it is necessary to pull back the sleeve (25) slightly against the spring (29) to move the projections (23) below the hooks (28) and then permit the projections (23) to extend forward under the influence of the spring (29) so as to engage with the hooks (28). Alternatively the outer peripheries of the hooks are provided with ramps such that depression of the spout (3) presses the projections (23) against the ramp, thus causing the sleeve (25) to retract until the projections (23) are able to extend into place under the hooks. Furthermore two projections either side of the sleeve (25) could be replaced by a single projection, for example in the form of a loop between the sleeve and the fuel can body (2).

Once in place under the hooks the support (28) biases the spout upwards preventing accidental release of the projections from the hooks. To release the spout from the fuel can upper body a finger grip (31) is provided for the user to conveniently depress the spout against the resilient support (28) and in essentially one motion to also retract the sleeve and thereby the projections from the hooks. The spout is then free to be pivoted to the dispensing position.

An altemative engagement mechanism (10) is shown in Figures 15a, 15b and 15c. The sleeve (25) is provided with two projections in the shape of ears, being pivotable about a resiliently flexible root portion thereof. To release the engagement mechanism a user squeezes a main or exposed portion (34) of each of the ears together towards the sleeve (25), thus disengaging a notch from a projection associated with the fuel can upper surface (9). in the arrangement shown in Figure 15b the action of squeezing the main portion (34) of each of the ears together towards the sleeve causes a minor or otherwise less exposed portion (35) of the ears to move away from the sleeve, and to disengage from small projections which extend horizontally outward from wings (36) extending from the upper surface (9) or in this case in particular from channel (32). The wings (36) are also flexible, and the projections provided with a ramp such that the spout may be engaged therewith by a snap-fit connection.

Referring to Figure 7a, an additional air passage is preferably provided to allow air into the container body when liquid in the body is being dispensed. The air passage (37) may be provided at the first valve, and may be a channel parallel to and alongside the spout, preferably within the spout. Optionally however the air passage is an air inlet passing through the container at a position distal to the tip of the spout in the stowed position. The air passage (37) preferably has a valve for permitting air to enter the container during dispensing of liquid through the spout, and for restricting liquid from exiting the container otherwise.

Optionally the air passage valve is manually operable by means of a button or lever and is in proximity to dispensing handhold locations. A suitable position for a manually operated valve (38) is centrally mounted on a cut in section of the container direcUy below the spout as shown in Figure 7b.

Preferably the air passage valve (not shown) is adapted specifically to permit air to enter dung dispensing of a liquid through the spout and for resthcting liquid from exiting the container otherwise. Such adaptation may be provided by a one-way valve which may be a reed valve or preferably a float valve. Alternatively the air passage valve may be actuated by positioning spout. This may be achieved by arranging the air passage valve to be biased to an open position where a projection extends towards the spout end's carrying location, such that pivoting the spout to the carrying arrangement causes the spout's end to press upon the projection and close the air passage valve. Alternatively the air passage may be provided along the spout and/or the first valve, and the air passage valve may be integrated into the first or preferably the second valve such that the first or second valve and the air passage valve are jointly opened and closed in use.

Preferably the air passage (37) is integrally formed with the side wall of the container, and optionally is a tube extending inwardly from the side wall. Optionally the air passage has a curved section adapted to mitigate ingress of tiquid from inside the container up the air passage. This curved section may take the form of a helix which, preferably, makes at least one full turn, ideally at least two. The curved section may be of separate construction from the container wall, and may be an injection moulded part and may be attached by means of a snap-fit connection.

Preferably the end of the spout has a raised lower edge forming a lip (36) to retain any residual tiquid left in the spout after a pouring operation has been completed.

Advantageously the container is provided with a sleeve extension (39) shown in Figure 12b. In use when it is desired to dispense into a shallow receptacle such as a fuel tank of a lawn mower, the sleeve extension (39) is inserted over the tip of the spout to provide an alternate projection arrangement which may take the form of a radially extending flange, thus reducing the distance that the tip extends into an opening of a shallow receptacle before a projection arrangement engages with the opening and opens the second valve.

Preferably the sleeve extension (39) has a snap-fit connection permitting ease of connection to and disconnection from the sleeve.

Preferably a sleeve extension retainer is provided upon the container, which may conveniently be between the spout and container body when the spout is in its stowed position. The sleeve extension retainer is preferably a snap-fit or clip connection feature, which may be substantially circular, being adapted to permit ease of connection or of disconnection with the sleeve extension (39). However, advantageously, the spout in its stowed arrangement prevents the sleeve extension from being accidentally dislodged from the sleeve extension retainer. Preferably there are at least two sleeve extension retainers which, preferably, are both under the spout in its stowed arrangement and may be at either end of a main handle region.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a rectangular tab (41) protrudes from the spout (3) adjacent to the pivot end (4), thus preventing the threaded cap (7) from opening when the spout is in the carrying and stowing arrangement.

Manufacture of the fuel can body 2) benefits from a two part construction including an injection moulded vessel and an injection moulded upper section with detailed features including the grip (33), hooks (27) (40 in alternative embodiment as shown in Figure 15c), and support (28). The two parts advantageously snap-fit permanently together.

In more general terms, the fuel can is descbed as having a dispensing spout which is pivotally operable between a dispensing location extending from the fuel can, and a carrying and stowing arrangement arranged across the top of the fuel can to serve as the main handle, with engagement means to securely retain the dispensing spout safely in the carrying and stowing arrangement when not in use. A valve is arranged to prevent fuel flow in the carrying and stowing arrangement, and to permit fuel flow in the dispensing arrangement. Optionally the spout has an additional valve, actuated by a widened spout portion which engages with the sides of a vehicle's fuel inlet and is caused to open as the spout is pressed into the fuel inlet.

Where the fuel can is described as having an inlet and an outlet, these may be incorporated into a single conduit serving both purposes. Alternatively, it would be possible to provide two separate conduits for the respective purposes.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A reusable container for storing and dispensing a liquid, comprising a container body provided with an inlet for introducing liquid into the container body, and an outlet for dispensing liquid from the container body, there being a closure for the inlet which is removable to permit introduction of liquid into the container body; wherein 1.1. the outlet is provided with an elongate dispensing spout which has a first end adjacent to the outlet and a second end from which liquid can be discharged; 1.2. the spout is mounted for pivotal movement between a first position in which the spout oveies a portion of the container body and a second position in which the spout extends away from the container body; 1.3. a first valve is provided adjacent to the first end of the spout, the valve having a first condition which prevents the passage of liquid from the container body into the spout when the spout is in the first position, and having a second condition which allows the passage of liquid from the container body into the spout when the spout is in the second position, the first valve changing between the first and second conditions in accordance with pivotal movement of the spout between the first and second positions; and 1.4. the spout is provided with a first locating portion which engages with a second locating portion on the container body so as to retain the spout in the first position, oveying the container body, the arrangement being such that the first locating portion can be repeatedly disengaged from and re-engaged with the second locating portion.
2. A container as claimed in Claim 1, wherein when the spout is retained in the first position the portion of the spout between the first and second ends serves as at least part of a handle for carrying the container.
3. A container as claimed in Claim 2, wherein when the spout is retained in the first position the portion of the spout between the first and second ends serves as at the major portion of a handle for carrying the container.
4. A container as claimed in Claim 3, wherein when the spout is retained in the first position a longitudinally extending part of the body of the spout is received within a channel which is part of a handle for carrying the container.
5. A container as claimed in Claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein a second valve is provided towards the second end of the spout, the second valve being movable between a closed state and an open state in which liquid can be discharged from the spout.
6. A container as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the arrangement is such that when the first and second locating portions are engaged the second valve is in the closed state.
7. A container as claimed in Claim 5 or 6, wherein the second valve is biased to the closed state and comprises an operating sleeve which is movable axially with respect to the spout and is provided with laterally projecting extensions.
8. A container as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the laterally projecting extensions constitute the first locating portion.
9. A container as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the container body has a top portion, the outlet being provided adjacent to one end of the top portion, and the spout extending to adjacent to an opposite end of the top portion when the spout is in the first position.
10. A container as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said opposite end of the top portion of the container body is provided with a first hand grip.
11. A container as claimed in Claim 9 or 10, wherein a second hand grip is provided on the container body, below said one end of the top portion.
12. A container as claimed in Claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein movement of the spout between the first and second positions is in a plane generally perpendicular to the top portion of the container body.
13. A container as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the arrangement is such when the spout is moving from the second position to the first position, the first valve remains in the second condition for a sufficient portion of the extent of movement to permit liquid in the spout to drain back into the container body before the valve changes to the first condition.
14. A container as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein a single opening serves as the inlet and the outlet, and the first end of the spout is connected to the closure.
15. A container as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein there is a plurality of defined second positions of the spout.
16. A container as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein an air passage is provided to allow air into the container body when liquid in the body is being dispensed.
17, A container as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the air passage is provided with a one way valve.
18. A container as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the container body is provided with two elongate raised portions forming ridges parallel to and either side of the spout when it is in the first position overlying the container body.
19. A reusable container for stong and dispensing a liquid, comprising a container body, an opening for introducing liquid into the container body and dispensing liquid from the container body, and a closure for the opening, the closure being removable to permit introduction of liquid into the container body, the closure being provided with an elongate dispensing spout which has a first end connected to the closure and a second end from which liquid can be discharged; wherein 19.1. the spout is mounted for pivotal movement between a first position in which the spout overlies a portion of the container body and a second position in which the spout extends away from the container body; a first valve is provided adjacent to the first end of the spout, the valve having a first condition which prevents the passage of liquid from the container body into the spout when the spout is in the first position, and having a second condition which allows the passage of liquid from the container body into the spout when the spout is in the second position, the first valve changing between the first and second conditions in accordance with pivotal movement of the spout between the first and second positions.
20. A reusable container for storing and dispensing a liquid, comprising a container body provided with an inlet for introducing liquid into the container body, and an outlet for dispensing liquid from the container body, there being a closure for the inlet which is removable to permit introduction of liquid into the container body; wherein 20.1 the outlet is provided with an elongate dispensing spout which has a first end adjacent to the outlet and a second end from which liquid can be discharged; 20.2 the spout is mounted for pivotal movement between a first position in which the spout overlies a portion of the container body and a second position in which the spout extends away from the container body; 20.3 the spout is provided with a first locating portion adjacent to the second end of the spout which engages with a second locating portion on the container body so as to retain the spout in the second position, the portion of the spout between the first and second ends serving as at least part of a handle for carrying the container; and 20.4 a valve is prov'ded towards the second end of the spout, the valve being movable between a closed state and an open state in which liquid can be discharged from the spout, and the arrangement being such that when the first and second locating portions are engaged the second valve is in the closed state.
21. A container as claimed in Claim 20, wherein a further valve is provided adjacent to the first end of the spout, the further valve having a first condition which prevents the passage of liquid from the container body into the spout when the spout is in the first position, and having a second condition which allows the passage of liquid from the container body into the spout when the spout is in the second position, the further valve changing between the first and second conditions in accordance with pivotal movement of the spout between the first and second positions.