WO1987000515A1

WO1987000515A1 - Dispensing can for volatile liquids

Info

Publication number: WO1987000515A1
Application number: PCT/US1986/001436
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert N. Loberg
Original assignee: PUMPER USA Inc
Current assignee: PUMPER USA Inc
Priority date: 1985-07-12
Filing date: 1986-07-10
Publication date: 1987-01-29
Anticipated expiration: 1988-01-12
Also published as: EP0229167A1; AU6140686A

Abstract

A pressurized gas can assembly (20) comprising a pumping device includes a pump cylinder (34) having a port (35a). The pump device also includes structure for compressed air in the cylinder (34) and venting the compressed air into the gas can assembly (20) and structure for transferring the liquid in the gas can assembly (20) out of the gas can assembly (20). An anti-siphon valve (56) is positioned in the transfer device, which, when activated prevents siphoning of the liquid. A pressure relief valve (49) is provided for relieving pressure in the gas can assembly (20) when it exceeds the predetermined level.

Description

DISPENSING CAN FOR VOLATILE LIQUIDS

Background of the Invention

Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a dispenser for liquids and more particularly to a dispenser for dispensing volatile liquids, such as gasoline. The dispenser being both a "standard" container and a "safety can" container. Description of the Prior Art

A typical volatile liquid can, such as a gas can, has an opening for filling the gas can with gasoline. The opening is then closed by means of a cap or combination cap/pouring spout. When it is necessary to transfer gasoline ^' from the storage container to the equipment needing the gasoline, a pouring spout is connected to the opening and it is necessary to lift up the entire gasoline can and tilt it so that the gasoline is poured out of the pouring spout. During this pouring process, the user may encounter several difficulties, especially with larger volume containers. The user may either spill the gasoline, scrape the finish of the equipment as the unwieldy container is being used or overflow the tank on the equipment being filled. This is typically caused by the unwieldy bulkiness and weight of the ordinary gas container. Further, the prior art volatile liquid dispensing cans can be generally categorized into two groups, first those of the "standard" gas can and the second a "safety can". A standard gasoline can is the one that most individuals are accustomed to using. Generally it simply has a large opening for filling the can and dispensing the liquid; and a smaller opening that is used to vent the can during the dispensing process. The second type of container is called a safety can and has typically been used in industry. To meet safety can standards, a manufacturer must satisfy a number of requirements that the standard gas can manufacturers do not have to meet. One of the key distinctions between the standard gas can and the safety can are that safety cans have spring loaded caps on their openings (two caps if there is a vent) so that the container will automatically close if it is dropped. Further, the spring loaded caps are set for from approximately three to five pounds per square inch so that they open if in the event that the vaporous gas produced by the volatile liquid, such as the gasoline, exceeds the three to five pounds standard. In addition, the general requirements for the safety cans, in terms of quality and safety features, are also more stringent than for the standard cans. The safety valve relief feature is desirable because vaporous pressures will build up as the atmosphere becomes thinner (higher altitudes) and the temperatures become greater. Without relief, a hazardous situation can be created. Moreover, vaporous pressure is increased dramatically when gasoline is disturbed^', i.e., like shaking the can itself.

It is desirable, therefore, to have a pressure relief feature while the gasoline is in storage. On the other hand, it is not desirable to have a pressure relief feature when the gasoline is being transported, such as in the trunk of a car. The conditions for increased pressure are increased (the trunk of the car is warm, and the can can be shaken) yet it is in a closed environment and the release of vapors could cause an explosive situation since there are a number of potential ignition sources in an automobile.

The present invention address the problems associated with the prior art volatile liquid storage containers and dispensers, such as gasoline containers, and provides for a convenient and easy method of dispensing gasoline without the necessity of lifting the container during the dispensing of the gasoline by utilizing the vapor pressure of the liquid to be dispensed and, if necessary, means for supplementing the vapor pressure of the liquid. The present invention also provides for advantageously providing features of both a standard gas can and a safety can.

Summary of the Invention The present invention is a dispenser for dispensing a volatile liquid and includes a container defining a reservoir. The reservoir holds the volatile liquid to be dispensed. The container has an opening for access to the reservoir and is configured to be partially empty when filled with a maximum quantity of fluid. A means for transferring the liquid into and out of the reservoir is provided. The transferring means includes a pick-up tube having a first end inside of the reservoir and proximate the bottom of the reservoir and a second end outside of the reservoir. A shut-off means is cooperatively connected to the second end of the hose, wherein when the shut-off means is in an open position, the liquids vapor pressure causes the liquid to flow through said tube from said first end to said second end. An anti-siphon means is positioned in the tranfer means which, when activated prevents siphoning of the liquid and also closes off the flow of liquid from the tube out of the reservoir. Also provided is a means for relieving pressure if pressure in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined level. The present invention is a dispenser for dispensing a liquid under pressure. Also, the dispenser includes a container defining a reservoir. The reservoir is for holding the liquid to be dispensed. The container has a first opening for access to the reservoir. Means for dispensing the liquid out of the reservoir is included. The pumping means is cooperatively connected to the container proximate the first opening of the container. The pump means includes a pump cylinder having a first port proximate a first end and a second port proximate a second end. The first port is open to the atmosphere and the second port is open to the reservoir. Means are provided for compressing air in the cylinder and venting the compressed air into the reservoir and for transferring the liquid in the reservoir out of the reservoir.

An anti-siphon means is positioned in the transferring means. When the anti-siphoning means is activated, siphoning of the liquid is prevented. Also included is a means for relieving pressure if pressure in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined level.

The present invention is also a combination safety can and standard can for storing and dispensing a volatile liquid, such as gasoline. The combination includes a container defining a reservoir. The reservoir is for holding a liquid to be dispensed and the container has a first opening for access to the reservoir. A means for pumping the liquid out of the reservoir is also included. The pumping means is cooperatively connected to the container proximate the first opening of the container. The pumping means comprises a pump cylinder having a first port proximate a first end and a second port proximate a second end. The first port is open to atmosphere and the second port is open to the reservoir. Means for compressing the air in the cylinder and venting the compressed air into the reservoir is also provided, as is a means for transferring the liquid in the reservoir out of the reservoir. Cooperatively connected to the reservoir is a means for relieving pressure if the pressure in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined level. A lock down member having a locked position in an open position is included, wherein in the open position the compressing means is free to compress and the pressure relief is operational and wherein when in a closed position, the compressing means is locked in position and the pressure relief valve is in a sealed position wherein the pressure relief valve cannot relieve pressure in the reservoir.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pressurized gas can according to this invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a pressurized gas can according to this invention;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle of the pressurized gas can of figure 1;

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the pump mechanism of the pressurized gas can of figure 1;

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the can portion of the pressurized gas can of figure 1; Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the can of figure 5;

Figure 7 is a rear elevational view of the can of figure 5;

Figure 8 is a front elevational view of the can of figure 5;

Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of the can of figure 5;

Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a pouring spout attachment for the pressurized gas can of figure 1;

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pressurized gas can of figure 1 taken generally along the lines 11-11;

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pressurized gas can of figure 1 taken generally along the lines 12-12;

Figure 13 is a side elevational view of the top portion of the pump portion of the gas can of Figure 1; and Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the gas can of this invention showing only another embodiment of the anti-siphoning means. Detailed Description of the Invention Referring to the figures, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, there is generally disclosed at 20 a pressurized gasoline can assembly. The assembly 20 includes a container 21. The container 21 has a plurality of side walls 21a, top wall 21b and bottom 21c all cooperatively connected to form the container 21. The container 21 defines a reservoir 22 for holding the liquid or gasoline to be dispensed. It is understood that any suitable configuration or construction of container 21 should be suitable as long as there is an adequate reservoir 22 to store the gasoline and sufficient room in the reservoir 22 to accept the pumping means, to be discussed more fully hereafter.

The container 21 has a threaded neck portion 23 having an opening 24 to the reservoir 22. The container 21 also has a handle 25 cooperatively connected thereto to provide for a means for easily lifting the container 21. The material from which the container 21 is made may be of any suitable material, such as high density polyethylene with an ultraviolet inhibitor added. A typical process by which the container 21 may be made is the blow molding process, which is well-known in the art. A second vent opening 26 is located proximate the top of the container 21 to allow air to enter the reservoir 22 when the container 21 is being used as a typical pouring container and not as a pressurized gas can assembly. A closure assembly 27 is cooperatively connected over the vent opening 26 to provide for the opening and closing of the vent opening 26. The closure 27 may be of any suitable type, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,101,878.

An exploded perspective view of the pumping means, designated generally as 28 is shown in Figure 4 with a cross-sectional view being shown in Figure 11. The pump 28 includes a pump rod 29 having a handle 30 at a first end 29a. A second end 29b of the pump rod 29 is threaded. A pump lock 31 is cooperatively connected proximate the handle 30 to the rod 29 by an appropriate means, such as sonic welding. The pump lock 31 has a^' centering indentation 31a on its top surface 31b. A cap 32 has a first threaded portion 32a for threadably engaging the threaded neck 23. An O-ring 33 is positioned on top of the neck 23 before the cap 32 is secured to the neck. This improves the sealing between the neck 23 and the cap 32. The pump cylinder 34 has a top end 34a having groove 34d formed therein. An O-ring 45 is positioned in the groove 34d. The second threaded portion 32b of cap 32 is threaded at the top portion of the opening 32c, there being no threads along the bottom portion of the opening 32c through which the pump cylinder 34 fits. It is understood that the threads 32c could be reversed if the mating threads 37a were similarly reversed. The bottom portion of the opening 32c that has no threads has a shelf 46 that forms a stop to prevent the pump cylinder 34 from going completely through the first opening 32c of the cap 32. After the pump cylinder 34 has been inserted into the opening 32c and comes to rest on the stops 46, the portion of the pump that is shown in the right hand portion of Figure 4 is inserted into the opening 32c and secured by screwing the threaded portion 37a of the top cap 37 into the opening 32c by means of threads 32b. The pump cylinder 34 has a pumping chamber 35 that has a first opening 35a that is open to the atmosphere when assembled, and second openings 35b that are open to the reservoir 22 during a compression stroke. The lower portion of the pumping chamber 35 has a circular notched area 35c around its circumference. A valve 36 having a stem 36a is cooperatively connected to the bottom of the pump cylinder 34 to allow for the opening and closing of the second openings 35b. One method of securing the valve 36 to the cylinder pump 34 is to simply insert the valve stem 36a of 36 into an opening 34c where it is held in place by friction. The valve 36 is made of any suitable flexible material. A top cap 37 has a threaded lower portion 37a and a knurled upper portion 37b. On the top surface of the cap 37 is a circular indentation 37c in which O-ring 38 rests. The top cap 37 has a bore 39 that extends through the cap 37.

After the rod 29 is inserted through a central aperture 37d of the cap 37, a pump cup 40 is secured to the bottom end 29b of the rod 29 by means of a nut 41 and lock washer 42. A pump washer 43 is positioned on top of the pump cup 40 and a second pump washer 44 is positioned below the pump cup 40. The pump cup 40 has a downwardly depending flange 40a that terminates at an angle to match the notched area 35c of the pumping chamber.

A pressure relief valve, generally designated as 47, is shown in Figure 12. The cap 32 has a bore 48 extending through the cap 32. The bottom of the bore 48 is open to the reservoir 22. The pressure relief valve 47 is positioned in the bore 48. The pressure relief valve 47 comprises a valve 49 having an enlarged top portion 49a, intermediate portion 49d and a shaft 49b. The shaft 49b has an opening 49c through which a first end of a spring 50 is inserted. A deformable cap 49e is cooperatively connected to the top protion 49a by suitable means, such as a force fit into an opening on the top surface of portion 49a. The second end of the spring 50 is elongated in a horizontal direction and is larger than the diameter of the bore 48. Therefore, when assembled, the bottom portion of the spring 50 is positioned at the bottom of the bore 48 and its tension holds the valve 49 in a downward position. And O-ring 51 is positioned in the bore 48 and the intermediate portion 49b of the valve 49 sits on top of the O-ring 51 to form a seal preventing the escape of pressurized air in the reservoir 22. The O-ring 51 sits on a shoulder formed in the bore 48.

A second bore 52 also extends through the cap 32 from its top surface. A pick up tube 53 has a first end 53a that is positioned proximate the bottom of the reservoir 22 and a threaded second end 53b. An extender 54 is threaded on to the second end 53b and an O-ring 55 is placed on the top surface of the extender 54. The pick up tube 53 and extender 54 and O-ring 55 all have a central bore through which fluid may pass.

An anti-siphon valve 56 has a conical sealing surface 56a and a top shaft 56b having an indentation 56c. An O-ring 57 is positioned in the indentation 56c. A valve top 58 is secured to the shaft 56b by means of a screw 59. The screw extends through the bore 52 and, as will be more fully described hereafter, the valve top 58 may be manually lifted up to pull the sealing surface 56a off of the opening of the extender 54. A horizontal bore 60 extends from the side of the cap 32 into the bore 52 proximate the valve 56. A 90° elbow 61 having a first threaded portion 61a is secured into-the threaded portion of bore 60. The second section 61b is secured to a first end 62a of a hose 62 by means of a pinch clamp 63. The second end 62b of hose 62 is connected to the nozzle assembly, designated generally as 65 by pinch clamp 64.

The nozzle assembly 65 has a left side plate 66 and a right side plate 67. A clip 68 is secured to the right side plate 67 by means of two rivets 69, or other suitable fasteners. An inlet tube 70 has a first end 70a that is secured to the second end 62b of the hose 62 by means of a pinch clamp 64. The second end 70b of the inlet tube 70 is secured to the first end 71a of dispensing tube 71 by means of a pinch clamp 72. The second end 71b is cooperatively connected, typically by force fit, into the dispensing spout 73. A spring pinch valve 74 is of the type well known in the medical field for clamping off tubing. The valve 74 has a first opening 74a of a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the tube 71. Therefore, when the tube 71 is inserted through the first opening 74a, there is no restriction of any flow of fluid through the tube. However, the valving action of the valve 74 is obtained by threading the tube 71 through openings in the first pinching element 74b and second pinching element 74c. In its normal position, the pinching element 74b and 74c tend to move in opposite directions, thereby pinching off the flexible tube 71. However, when the pinching elements are brought in alignment by action of the trigger 75, as will be more fully described hereafter, the openings in the pinching elements 74b and 74c align causing their respective openings to align and cease pinching the tube 71, thereby allowing flow of liquid through tube 71. The pinching valve 74 is positioned between the bosses 66a, 66b and 66c of .the left side plate 66 and corresponding bosses on the right side plate 67. The trigger^" 75 has a pivoting member 75a that have one end inserted into an opening 66d in the left side plate 66 and the other end in the corresponding opening in the right side plate 67. When in this position, the trigger 75 is free to rotate downward and rest against the handle portion 66e and 67e of side plate 66 and 67. When assembled, the side plates 66 and 67 are cooperatively connected by suitable means such as sonic welding or an adhesive/epoxy. As previously stated, the pinching elements 74b and 74c will pinch off the flexible tube 71 when in their normal position. It will take activation of the trigger 75 to allow flow of liquid through the tube 71. Upon release of pressure on the trigger 75, the pinching elements 74b and 74c will pinch off the flexible tube and therefore stop the flow of liquid through the tube 71. This would act as a safety device in that if dropped or released by the operator, the tube 71 would be automatically pinched off. Figure 2 is simply a second embodiment of a container 121 that may be used in conjunction with the present invention. As stated previously, any suitable configuration of a container may be used.

A generally L-shaped lock down member 76 is secured to the top surface of the cap 32 by means of a screw 77. The lock down member 76 is secured into the indentation 78 having the general cross-sectional configuration of the lock down member 76 in the cap 32. The underneath surface 76a of the lock down member 76 is spaced from the top cap 32 by a distance that is essentially equal to the distance that the top surface 31b of the pump lock 31 is above the top surface of the cap 32. While not shown in the drawing, the underneath surface 76a has a triangular protrusion that corresponds in shape to the centering indentation 31a of the pump lock 31. When the pump lock 31 is positioned under the lock down member 76 up and down movement of the rod 29 is prevented.

Figure 10 shows an optional cap and pour spout assembly, generally designated as 78 that may be used with the present invention to utilize the container 21 as a conventional gasoline storage container. The assembly 78 includes a spout 79, caps 80, seal ring 81, cap seal 82 and seal ring 83. The cap 80 has an inner threaded surface 80a for engaging the threaded neck 23. Stainless steel screens 200 and 201 are suitably secured to the vent opening 26 and opening 24. The screens 200 and 201 act as flame arresters and are permanently fixed in their respective openings. Typically, the screen 200 may consist of two layers of 30 mesh stainless steel screen pressed and permanently affixed to the opening 27. The screen 201 preferably comprises two layers of stainless steel mesh. The outer layer is 30 mesh and the inner layer is 16 mesh. A rolled ring of stainless steel may also be used at the opening 26 so that the stainless steel screen 201 may be pressed into the opening and permanently affixed by means of the stainless steel rolled ring. The utilization of the stainless steel screens 200 and 201 as flame arresters are an additional feature of - the present invention which allow it to function both as a regular gas can and a safety can. The flame arresters would be utilized wherever there is an opening into the reservoir 22.

In operation, the cap 32 is unscrewed from the threaded neck 23 and is removed. When the cap 32 is removed, the assembled parts, including the pumping means are removed. The reservoir 22 may now be filled by gasoline or other suitable liquids through the opening 24. The cap 32 and assembled pumping means is then assembled to the container 21 by simply threading the cap 32 on the threaded neck 23. The pump cylinder 34 extends into the reservoir 22 and the pick up tube 53 extends into the reservoir 22 with its first end 53a being proximate the bottom of the reservoir 22. The pump lock 31 is then rotated to either the right of left to clear the lock down member 76. The handle 30 is then moved in an up and down direction along a longitudinal axis of the pump cylinder 34. The pump cup 40 which is made of a suitable flexible material has a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the pumping chamber 35. On the return stroke, the pump cup 40 is carried upward by the movement of pump rod 29. The bore 39 has a top opening open to the atmosphere. Therefore, as the pump rod is brought upward, atmospheric air is able to enter the top opening of bore 39 travel through the length of the bore 39 and go into the pumping chamber 35. The atmospheric air is brought into the expanding volume of the pumping chamber between the pump cup 40 and the bottom of the pumping chamber by flowing around the pump cup 40. During this return stroke, the valve 36 is closing off the holes 35b. On the compression stroke the pump cup 40 is forced downwards toward the bottom of the pumping chamber 35. In its downward travel, the increased air pressure in the pumping chamber between the pumping cup 40 and the bottom of the pumping chamber 35 causes the downwardly depending flange 40a of the pump cup 40 to be forced outward, thereby forming a seal around the inner wall of the pumping chamber 35 and preventing the compressed air from escaping through the bore 39. During this compression stroke, the compressed air inside the pumping chamber 35 is forced out the opening 35b and the flexible valve 36 deflects allowing the air to exit the second opening 35b and enter the reservoir 22. A suitable number of compression strokes may be utilized to raise the air/vapor pressure within the reservoir 22 to a desired level. The reservoir 22, at this time, is air tight and the compressed air that enters the reservoir 22 through the opening 35b further pressurizes the air/vapor in the reservoir 22. The pressure relief valve 47 will be activated if the pressure inside the reservoir 22 rises too high. The spring 50 may be of any suitable tension to provide for pressure relief at the appropriate level. The spring 50 normally holds the intermediate portion 49b against the O-ring 51 providing for an air tight seal. However, when the pressure inside the reservoir 22 is greater than the tension of the spring 50, the air pressure will cause the valve 49 to be lifted up thereby bringing the intermediate portion 49b above the O-ring 51. The pressurized air may then be vented out through the bore 48. The valve 49 has an enlarged head 49a therefore any pressurized air that is vented is not vented directly out of the bore 48 but is instead dispersed sideways so that the compressed air will not be vented directly upward, potentially onto the user.

Having pressurized the reservoir 22, by either the natural vapor pressure of the volatile liquid to be dispensed or with the addition of pressurized air by means of the pump, the pressurized gas can assembly 20 is now ready to easily dispense gasoline at a desired location. The anti-siphon valve 56 is lifted off of 0- ring 55 by simply grasping the valve top 58 and lifting upward. The valve top 58 brings upward with it the screw 59 and therefore the valve 56. With the anti-siphon valve 56 in its open position, gasoline is now free to flow through the pick up tube 53 and out the horizontal bore 60 upon the activation of the nozzle assembly 65. The anti-siphon valve 56 is referred to as "anti-siphon" in that in addition to allowing flow out of the pick up tube 53 it will act to prevent siphoning of the liquid if the trigger 75 is stuck in an open position.

A second embodiment of an anti-siphoning valve is shown in Figure 14. The cap 32' is identical to cap 32 except the bore 52 does not extend to the top of the cap 32. With the second embodiment, the valve 56 is not necessary to control the flow of the liquid out of the pick up tube 53 and extender 54. Instead, a valve 203, valve body 206 and knob 202 cooperate to turn on and off the flow of the liquid through the pick up tube 53. The valve 203 has a bore 203a extending through a portion of its length. A second bore 203b extends from the outside of the valve 203 to be in fluid communication with the bore 203a. The valve 203 has a mating end 203d cooperatively connected thereto, such that rotation of the mating end 203d causes rotation of the entire valve 203. Three O-rings 204 are cooperatively connected around the valve 203. The valve 203 is positioned inside of the bore 206b of the body portion 206a. Packing 205 is positioned around the valve 203. The valve body portion 206a has a stem 207 having a bore 207a cooperatively connected thereto. The stem 207 would correspond to the second section 61b of the first embodiment. A knob 202 having a knob body 202a is cooperatively connected to the mating member 203d by appropriate means, such as a friction fit. When the bore 203b is in alignment with the bore 207a, the gasoline is allowed to flow through the pick up tube 53 and through bore 203b, then through bore 203a and finally into bore 207a and out the hose 62. A rotation of the knob body 202a will cause the bore 203b to rotate out of alignment with bore 207a, thereby stopping flow of gasoline out of the pick up tube 53. The valve body portion 206a is held in position in the cap 32 by simply screwing its threaded end into corresponding mating threads in the cap 32'. After the nozzle has been positioned at the appropriate equipment to be filled with gasoline, such as the lawn mower shown in phantom lines in Figure 1, the trigger 75 is simply pressed upward towards the spring pinch valve 74. As the trigger 75 moves upward, it pivots on pivoting member 75a and moves the second pinching element 74c upward. The first pinching element 74a is held in position by the bosses 66b, 66c and 66d and 67b, 67c and 67d. When the second pinching element 74c moves upward, the opening in the second pinching element 74c begins to align with the opening in the first pinching element 74b. This opens up the tube 71 allowing gasoline to flow through. Upon the opening of the pinch valve 74, the pressurized air in the reservoir 22 forces the gasoline to be dispensed up through the pick up tube 53 and extender 54. The valve 56 and O-ring 57 prevent the gasoline from exiting the bore 52. Instead, the liquid exits through the horizontal bore 60, through the elbow 61 and then through the hose 62 to be dispensed through the nozzle assembly 65. The pinching valve 74 provides for an effective metering valve for the gasoline flowing through the tube 71.

After the gasoline has been dispensed, the closure assembly 27 is opened and the nozzle raised up to allow the gasoline to drain back into the reservoir 22. The handle 30 is placed in a down position and the pump lock 31 is rotated so that the centering indentation 31a is in position underneath the lock down member 76. In one simple locking motion, the anti-siphon valve 56 is locked in a down and sealed position and the pressure relief valve 49 is also locked in a down and sealed position. As shown more clearly in Figure 13, the underneath portion of lock 31 rests against the deformable cap 49e, thereby locking the pressure relief valve in a locked position. The deformable cap 49e assures that adequate pressure is maintained to lock down the pressure relief valve and still allow for a wider range of manufacturing tolerances. In addition, Figure 13 also clearly shows how the underneath side of pump lock 31 holds the anti- siphoning valve 56 in a locked down position by holding down the valve top 58. It is of course understood that the anti-siphon valve 56 must first be manually pressed to the down position so that the pump lock 31 may rotate to engage the locked down member 76. In the second embodiment the knob 202 is rotated to the closed position and then the pump lock 31 is rotated, locking the pump and the pressure relief valve 49.

When in the locked down position, the pressure relief valve cannot be activated. Therefore, the gasoline 20 would act as a standard gas can and would be suitable for use while transporting the gas can 20 in an enclosed area, such as the trunk of a car. However, when in an unlocked position the gas can assembly 20 would function as a safety can in that the pressure relief valve 47 would be operational and could be activated by an increased pressure within the gas can 20.

When in the down and locked position, the pressurized can assembly 20 is effectively designed to prevent leakage of gasoline out of the reservoir 22. The O-ring 33 prevents leakage between the neck 23 and cap 32. The O-ring 45 prevents leakage between the pump cylinder 34 and first opening 32c of cap 32. The valve 36 prevents gasoline from entering the pump chamber 35. However, if the gasoline would enter the pump chamber 35 the depending flange 40a that seats in the corresponding notch in the pumping chamber 35 forms a seal. Still further, the O-ring 38 will prevent leakage of this gasoline. In the lock down position, the intermediate portion 49d of valve 49 is forced down against the O-ring 51 creating_t a seal. Also, the valve top 58 is forced in a down position thereby forcing the sealing surface 56a against the O-ring 55. This prevents siphoning action by the pick up tube 53 and hose 62.

Figure 10 shows an attachment that may be used in place of the pump assembly to utilize the container 21 as a standard gas storage container. To store the cap and spout assembly 78, the parts are assembled as shown in the exploded view of Figure 10. The lip 79a of the spout 79 rests on the top of the threaded neck 23 with the spout itself going into the reservoir 22. The cap 80, along with sealing rings 81 and 83 and cap seal 82 are then screwed on top of the threaded neck 23. To utilize the spout 79 to pour gasoline, the funnel 79 is inserted through the cap 80 with the lip 79a being inside the cap 80. The spout 79 is in an orientation 180° from that shown in Figure 10. A sealing ring 81 is placed between the lip 79a and the cap 80. The cap then is simply screwed on to the threaded neck 23 and the container lifted to pour gasoline out of the spout 79. However, when utilizing the cap and spout assembly 78, it is not possible to take advantage of the features of the pressurized gas can assembly 20. That is, when u^'sing the pressurized gas can assembly it is much simpler to simply dispense the gasoline through the nozzle 65 without the necessity of lifting the bulky and heavy container 21. When dispensed through the nozzle 65 spills are eliminated as well as greatly lessening the chance of over fill or scratching the equipment being filled. The clip 68 is provided to hold the nozzle assembly 65 when not in use.

The foregoing discussion of the operation of the present invention has discussed the use of the pump to pressurize the reservoir 22. However, it is understood that it is not always necessary to utilize the pump to induce a pressure into the reservoir 22. When a volatile liquid, such as gasoline, is dispensed, there is natural vapor pressure due to the nature of the liquid. The vapor pressure of the liquid is higher at higher temperatures, and it may be necessary under certain minimum or lower temperatures to artificially induce a minor amount of pressure by means of the pump. When necessary to artificially induce a minor amount of pressure, the pump is utilized. The present invention is designed such that the pressure relief valve is activated in the three to five pounds per square inch range. Therefore, the invention always operates in the pressure range of three to five pounds, which is usually well within the range of what is normally available in a standard gasoline can. Therefore, it is not always necessary to artificially induce higher pressure into the reservoir 22. The reservoir 22 is designed to be partially empty when filled with a maximum amount of liquid. This then provides for an area for the accumulation of the vapor pressure. Other modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. This description is intended to provide specific examples of individual embodiments which clearly disclose the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to these embodiments or the use of elements having specific configurations and shapes as presented herein. All alternative modifications and variations of the present invention which follows in the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims are included.

Claims

I claim:

1. A dispenser for dispensing a volatile liquid comprising:

(a) a container defining a reservoir, said reservoir for holding the liquid to be dispensed, said container having an opening for access to said reservoir, said reservoir configured to be partially empty when filled with a maximum quantity of the liquid;

(b) means for sealing said opening, wherein said reservoir can be made airtight;

(c) means for transferring the liquid in said reservoir out of said reservoir, said transferring means comprising:

(i) a pick up tube having a first end inside^' said reservoir and proximate a bottom of said reservoir and a second end outside of said reservoir; and

(ii) a shut off means cooperatively connected to said second end of said hose, wherein when said shut off means is in an open position, said liquid's vapor pressure causes said liquid to flow through said tube from said first end to said second end;

(d) anti-siphon means positioned in said transferring means, which, when activated prevents siphoning of the liquid; and (e) means for relieving pressure if pressure in said reservoir exceeds a predetermined level.

2. The dispenser of Claim 1, further comprising means for supplementing the vapor pressure when the vapor pressure is insufficient to cause said liquid to flow through said tube.

3. The dispenser of Claim 2, wherein said supplementing means comprises:

(a) a pump cylinder having a first port proximate a first end and a second port proximate a second end, said first port open to atmosphere and said second port open to said reservoir; and

(b) means for compressing air in said cylinder and venting said compressed air into said reservoir.

4. A dispenser for dispensing a liquid under pressure, comprising:

(a) a container defining a reservoir, said reservoir for holding the liquid to be dispensed, said container having a first opening for access to said reservoir; (b) means for pumping the liquid out of said reservoir, said pumping means cooperatively connected to said container proximate said first opening of said container, said pump means comprising:

(i) a pump cylinder having a first port proximate a first end and a second port proximate a second end, said first port open to atmosphere and said second port open to said reservoir;

(ii) means for compressing air in said cylinder and venting said compressed air into said reservoir; and

(iii) means for transferring the liquid in said reservoir out of said reservoir; and

(c) means for relieving pressure if pressure in said reservoir exceeds a predetermined level.

5. The dispenser of Claim 4, further comprising an anti-siphon means positioned in said tranferring means, which, when activated prevents siphoning of the liquid.

6. The dispenser of Claim 4, wherein said compressing means comprises: (a) a rod having a handle at a first end and a sealing member at a second end, wherein said sealing members move along a longitudinal axis of said pump cylinder; and

(b) a valve cooperatively connected to said pump cylinder, wherein during a compression stroke, said valve allows said second port to be open and during a return stroke closes said second port.

7. The dispenser of Claim 4, wherein said transferring means comprises: (a) a pick up tube having a first end proximate a bottom of said reservoir and a second end cooperatively connected to a first end of a hose; and

(b) a shut off means cooperatively connected to the second end of said hose.

8. The dispenser of Claim 5, wherein said sealing member has a downwardly depending flange.

9. The dispenser of Claim 8, wherein said pump cylinder has a pump chamber, said pump chamber having a notched portion proximate its lower end, wherein when said sealing member is in a locked down position, said downwardly depending flange seats in said notched portion to effectively form a seal between said pump chamber and said sealing member.

10. The dispenser of Claim 4, wherein said pressure relief means comprises a valve positioned in a bore, said bore having a first end open to the atmosphere and a second end open to said reservoir.

11. The dispenser of Claim 10, wherein said valve has an enlarged portion positioned above said first open end of said bore, wherein if pressure is released through said bore, said enlarged portion will deflect the pressurized air away from a longitudinal axis of said bore.

12. The dispenser of Claim 8, wherein said anti- siphon means comprises a valve positioned between said pick up tube and said hose, wherein when in a down position said valve prevents flow of liquid out of said pick up tube to said hose.

13. The dispenser of Claim 4, further comprising a lock down member, wherein when in a locked position, said lock down member locks said compressing means in a locked position and said pressure relief means in a down and sealing position.

14. A gasoline dispenser for dispensing gasoline under pressure, comprising:

(a) a container defining a reservoir, said reservoir for holding the gasoline to be dispensed, said container having a first opening for access to said reservoir; (b) means for pumping gasoline out of said reservoir, said pumping means cooperatively connected to said container proximate said first opening of said container, said pump means comprising:

(i) a pump cylinder having a first port proximate a first end and a second port proximate a second end, said first port open to atmosphere and said second open to said reservoir, said pump cylinder having a pump chamber, said pump chamber having a notched portion proximate its lower end; (ii) means for compressing air in said cylinder and venting said compressed air into said reservoir, said compressing means comprising a rod having a handle at a first end and a sealing member at a second end, wherein said sealing member having a downwardly depending flange moves along a longitudinal axis of said pump cylinder, wherein when said sealing member is in a locked down position, said downwardly depending flange seats in said notched portion to effectively form a seal between said pump chamber and said sealing member and a valve cooperatively connected to said pump cylinder, wherein during a compression stroke, said valve allows said second port to be open and during a return stroke closes said second port; and

(iii) means for transferring the liquid in said reservoir out of said reservoir; (c) anti-siphon means positioned in said transferring means, which, when activated prevents siphoning of the gasoline; and

(d) means for relieving pressure of pressure in said reservoir exceeds a predetermined level.

15. The gasoline dispenser of Claim 14, wherein said transferring means comprises:

(a) a pick up tube having a first end proximate a bottom of said reservoir and a second end cooperatively connected to a first end of a hose;

(b) a shut off means cooperatively connected to a second end of said hose;

16. The gasoline dispenser of Claim 14, wherein said pressure relief means comprises a valve positioned in a bore, said bore having a first end open to the atmosphere and a second end open to said reservoir;

17. The gasoline dispenser of Claim 16,- wherein said valve has an enlarged portion positioned above said first open end of said bore, wherein if pressure is released through said bore, said enlarged portion will deflect the pressurized air away from a longitudinal axis of said bore.

18. The gasoline dispenser of Claim 14, wherein said anti-siphon means comprises a valve positioned between said pick up tube and said hose, wherein when in a down position said valve prevents flow of gasoline out of said pick up tube to said hose.

19. The gasoline dispenser of Claim 14, further comprising a lock down member, wherein when in position, said lock down member locks said anti-siphon means and said pressure relief means in a down and sealing position.

20. A gasoline dispenser for dispensing gasoline under pressure, comprising: (a) a container defining a reservoir, said reservoir for holding the gasoline to be dispensed, said container having a first opening for access to said reservoir;

(b) means for dispensing the gasoline out of said reservoir, said pumping means cooperatively connected to said container proximate said first opening of said container, said pump means comprising:

(i) a pump cylinder having a first port proximate a first end and a second port proximate a second end, said first port open to atmosphere and said second port open to said reservoir, said pump cylinder has a pump chamber, said pump chamber having a notched portion proximate its lower end;

(ii) means for compressing air in said cylinder and venting said compressed air into said reservoir, said sealing member having a downwardly depending flange wherein when said sealing member is in a locked down position, said downwardly depending flange seats in said notched portion to effectively form a seal between said pump chamber and said sealing member; and

(iii) means for transferring the liquid in said reservoir out of said reservoir;

(c) said compressing means comprising:

(i) a rod having a handle at a first end and a sealing member at a second end, wherein said sealing members move along a longitudinal axis of said pump cylinder; and

(ii) a- valve cooperatively connected to said pump cylinder, wherein during a compression stroke, said valve allows said second port to be open and during a return stroke closes said second port;

(d) said transferring means comprising:

(i) a pick up tube having a first end proximate a bottom of said reservoir and a second end cooperatively connected to a first end of a hose; and (ii) a shut off means cooperatively connected to a second end of said hose;

(e) anti-siphon means positioned in said transferring means, which, when activated prevents siphoning of the liquid, wherein said anti-siphon means comprises a valve positioned between said pick up tube and said hose, wherein when in a down position said valve prevents flow of liquid out of said pick up tube to said hose; (f) means for relieving pressure if pressure in said reservoir exceeds a predetermined level, comprising a valve positioned in a bore, said bore having a first end open to the atmosphere and a second end open to said reservoir; (g) said valve has an enlarged portion above said first open end of said bore, wherein if pressure is released through said bore, said enlarged portion will deflect the pressurized air away from a longitudinal axis of said bore; and (h) a lock down member, wherein when in position, said lock down member locks said anti-siphon means and said pressure relief means in a down and sealing position.

21. A combination safety can and standard can for storing and dispensing a volatile liquid, such as gasoline, comprising:

(a) a container defining a reservoir, said reservoir for holding the liquid to be dispensed, said container having a first opening for access to said reservoir;

(b) means for pumping the liquid out of said reservoir, said pumping means cooperatively connected to said container proximate said first opening of said container, said pump means comprising: (i) a pump cylinder haying a first port proximate a first end and a second port proximate a second end, said first port open to atmosphere and said second port open to said reservoir;

(c) means for relieving pressure if pressure in said reservoir exceeds a predetermined level;

(d) a lock down member having a locked position and an open position, wherein when in said open position said compressing means is free to compress and said pressure relief is operational and wherein when in a closed position, said compressing means is locked in position and said pressure relief valve is in a sealed position wherein said pressure relief valve cannot relieve pressure in said reservoir.

22. The combination safety can and standard can of Claim 21, further comprising a vent and closure assembly and flame arresters cooperatively connected to said vent and to said first opening to said reservoir.

23. The combination safety can and standard can of Claim 22, further comprising a transferring means comprising:

(a) a pick up tube having a first end proximate a bottom of said reservoir and a second end cooperatively connected to a first end of a hose; and

(b) a shut off means cooperatively connected to a second end of said hose, said shut off means normally biased to a closed position and an operator must take and maintain an action to move to an open position, wherein if the action is not maintained, said shut off means returns to said closed position.