US20050127117A1 - Coupling enclosure apparatus for dispensing valve assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid dispensing assembly for fluid dispensing and fluid transmission from a fluid source. The fluid dispensing assembly alone may dispense from a fluid source, or may be connected to a fluid dispensing system. The fluid dispensing assembly has a closure connected to a coupler. The closure includes fill through capabilities. The coupler is provided with a locking feature for preserving proper orientation and a closed position before being coupled to a piece of fluid dispensing equipment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• This invention is related to a closure connected to a coupler. Particularly, this invention is related to a closure and a coupler used in a dispensing valve assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Dispensing valves are widely used in the foodstuffs industry, such as for dispensing condiments including for example, ketchups and mustards, or for dispensing other fluid like foods such as milk, or the like. Typically, a conventional coupling valve includes a first end and a second end to define a flow passage therethrough. The first end is connected to a fluid dispensing system, and the second end is used for fluid dispensing. By controlling a handle or lever of the coupling valve, the coupling valve is actuatable between an open configuration to allow fluid flow and a closed configuration to prevent fluid flow.
• However, since the conventional coupling valves may include many parts made separately by using different materials, it is difficult to reduce the cost. Further, some conventional coupling valves experience leaking problems when the valves are in the closed position. Moreover, most dispensing valves only have dispensing function while lacking fill through capabilities. Therefore, there is a need to provide a dispensing system and coupling valve that will prevent leaking problems when the valve is intended to be in the closed position, such as during transport or other instances when not in use. In addition, there is a need to provide a dispensing valve that also can be used for filling a fluid source.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In accordance with the present invention the above and other problems were solved by providing a closure and a coupler for a dispensing valve assembly.
• In one embodiment of the present invention a closure includes a closure valve rotatably connected with a closure body. The closure body has an opening corresponding to an opening of the closure valve. The closure body includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes a stop portion. The second end includes a fitment having a flange, wherein the flange seals and connects to a fluid source, and an interlock, wherein the interlock secures the closure to a coupler and prevents the closure from pulling apart from a coupler. The closure valve includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes a handle and a stop member that communicates with the stop portion of the closure body to provide proper rotation between the closure body and the closure valve. The closure body and the closure valve are connected to form a fluid tight seal.
• In one embodiment, the closure becomes a fitment and may be integral with a fluid source, where a closure valve may be removed from the closure body to allow filling of a fluid source through the closure body and the fluid source being formed of integral one piece structure. The closure includes a diameter that allows filling of a fluid source through the closure body.
• In one embodiment, the closure alone can be used by itself for fluid dispensing.
• In one embodiment, the closure includes a receiving area so as to engage a locking member of a coupler, thereby releasing the locking member from a locked position and allowing the coupler and closure to be rotated into an open position when the coupler and the closure are connected.
• In another embodiment of the present invention, a coupler includes a housing and a coupler valve, where the coupler valve is rotatably connected to the housing. The housing includes an opening corresponding with an opening of the coupler valve, and having an interlock, wherein the interlock secures the coupler to an interlock of a closure and prevents the coupler and a closure from pulling apart. The coupler may be attached to a fluid dispensing system. The coupler valve includes a first end and a second end. The first end having a handle that rotates the coupler valve relative to the housing. The second end includes a protruded edge with at least one gap so as to attach the coupler to a closure having an interlock. The housing and the coupler valve are connected to form a fluid tight seal.
• In one embodiment, a coupler includes a shroud that surrounds a coupler and a closure. A handle may be separately attached to the coupler through an internal space of the handle that receives a handle projected outwardly from the coupler valve. The handle may be rotatably connected to the shroud, and may rotate the coupler valve relative to the shroud and the housing when actuating the coupler in an open or a closed configuration.
• In one embodiment of the present invention, a locking member may be associated on a housing of a coupler. The locking member includes a protrusion that may cooperate with a receiving area of a closure so as to enable unlocking of the coupler when the coupler is attached to the closure.
• In one embodiment, a coupler includes at least one stop member on a coupler valve that communicates with at least one stop portion on a housing to provide proper rotation of the coupler valve relative to the housing. The at least one stop member also communicates with a stop portion on a closure so as to provide proper rotation of the coupler valve and a closure. The at least one stop member contains an interlock that may interlock with a closure so as to secure connection between the coupler and a closure.
• In another embodiment of the present invention, a dispensing valve assembly includes a closure and a coupler, wherein the closure is connected to a fluid source and the coupler is connected to a fluid dispensing system. The closure includes a closure valve rotatably attached and in a fluid tight seal with a closure body. The closure body has a side opening corresponding to an opening of the closure valve. The closure valve includes an end having a handle where the handle rotates the closure valve relative to the closure body. The coupler includes a housing and a coupler valve, where the coupler valve is rotatably attached to and in a fluid tight seal with the housing. The housing includes an opening corresponding with an opening of the coupler valve. The coupler valve includes an end having a handle where the handle rotates the coupler valve relative to the housing. The handle of the closure valve might be interlocked with an insert space of the handle of the coupler valve, such that the assembly may be actuated between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Each of the closure and the coupler includes an end having an interlock, wherein the interlocks prevent the closure and the coupler from pulling apart.
• In one embodiment of the present invention, a dispensing valve assembly includes a closure where a closure valve may be removed from the closure body to allow filling of a fluid source through the closure. The closure may be oriented in-line with the fluid source, and includes a diameter that allows filling of a fluid source through the closure body.
• In one embodiment of the present invention, a fluid dispensing assembly includes a closure and a coupler. The coupler may contain a locking member associated on a housing of the coupler that engages or communicates with a receiving area on the closure. The locking member includes a protrusion that may unlock the coupler so as to allow opening of the coupler when the coupler is attached to the closure. Similarly, the locking member may lock the coupler to prevent opening of the coupler when the coupler is not attached to a closure.
• In one embodiment of the present invention, a fluid dispensing assembly may include a shroud that substantially surrounds a coupler and a closure. The closure includes a closure valve rotatably connected to and in a fluid tight seal with a closure body. The coupler includes a coupler valve rotatably connected to and in a fluid tight seal with a housing. A handle may be separately attached and in a fluid tight seal to the coupler. An internal space of the handle may receive a handle of the coupler valve projecting outwardly from the coupler valve. The closure may include a closure handle received by an internal space of the handle of the coupler valve. The handle may be rotatably connected to the shroud, and may rotate the coupler valve relative to the shroud and the housing, and rotate the closure valve relative to the closure body when actuating the assembly in an open or a closed configuration. A locking member associated on the housing may be biased against an inner surface of the shroud to prevent or allow rotation of the assembly.
• The embodiments of the present invention offer many advantages. For instance, interlock features of the closure and the coupler allow for a secure connection of the fluid dispensing assembly preventing the closure and the coupler from pulling apart when in an open configuration. Also, the locking member feature allows opening of the coupler when the coupler is attached to the closure. Similarly, the locking member may lock the coupler to prevent opening of the coupler when the coupler is not attached to a closure. Further, the locking member locks the coupler in its uncoupled state and ensures proper orientation is preserved between the coupling and the closure in their closed positions. Locking the coupler in the closed position prevents air from being introduced into the dispensing system and from fluid draining from a line going to the coupling. The fluid dispensing assembly may be shut off to vacuum so as to prevent any leakage or spill of fluid or product. The in-line orientation of the closure and that the closure may be a part of the fluid source allows for the ability to fill from a bulk fluid supply through the closure attached to a portable fluid source and into the portable fluid source.
• The features of the present invention provide an improved dispensing valve for applications such as food dispensing and delivery, for instance, in the dispensing of ketchups, mustards, and the like. Further, the present invention and its features provide a valve that can be conveniently used for filling on location before use and transport. The sealing and locking capabilities of the present invention provide a reliable dispensing valve.
• Additional features and/or advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a isometric view of a fluid dispensing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2ais a isometric view of a fluid dispensing assembly in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2bis a isometric view of a fluid dispensing assembly in an open position according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is a isometric view showing the elements of a closure in exploded relationship to one another according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 is a isometric view of a closure in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a rear isometric view of a closure according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a isometric view of a coupler in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a isometric view showing the elements of a coupler in exploded relationship to one another according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is a front view of the fluid dispensing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing assembly along line9-9 ofFIG. 8 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing assembly along line10-10 ofFIG. 8 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 11 is a isometric view of a fluid dispensing assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 12ais a isometric view of a fluid dispensing assembly in a closed/precoupled position according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 12bis a isometric view of a fluid dispensing assembly in an open/coupled position according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 13 is a isometric view showing the elements of a closure in exploded relationship to one another according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 14 is a isometric view of a closure in a closed position according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 15 is a rear isometric view of a closure according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 16 is a isometric view showing the elements of a coupler in exploded relationship to one another according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 17 is a isometric view of a coupler in a closed position according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 18 is a rear view of a coupler according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 19 is isometric view of another embodiment of a fluid dispensing assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
• FIG. 20ais a isometric view of the fluid dispensing assembly ofFIG. 19 in a closed/precoupled configuration.
• FIG. 20bis a isometric view of the fluid dispensing assembly ofFIG. 19 in an open/coupled configuration.
• FIG. 21ais a isometric view of another embodiment of a closure in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
• FIG. 21bis a isometric view of another embodiment of a closure in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
• FIG. 22ais a isometric view of another embodiment of a closure in a closed configuration.
• FIG. 22bis a isometric view of the closure ofFIG. 22ain an open configuration.
• FIG. 23ais a front isometric view of another embodiment of a coupler in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
• FIG. 23bis a rear isometric view of the coupler inFIG. 23a.
• FIG. 23cis a rear view of the coupler ofFIG. 23a.
• FIG. 23dis a rear exploded isometric view of the coupler inFIG. 23a.
• FIG. 23eis a front exploded isometric view of the coupler inFIG. 23a.
• FIG. 23fis a rear perspective view one embodiment of a coupler valve in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
• FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing assembly ofFIG. 19.
• FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing assembly ofFIG. 19.
• FIG. 26 is a isometric view of the closure ofFIG. 21aattached to a fluid source in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
• In the following description of the specific embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration the specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized as structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• This invention provides a fluid dispensing assembly for fluid dispensing and fluid transmitting from a fluid source to a fluid dispensing system. The fluid dispensing assembly has a closure connected to a coupler.
• FIG. 1 illustrates afluid dispensing assembly40 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thefluid dispensing assembly40 includes aclosure50 and acoupler80 rotatably connected thereto. Theclosure50 includes aclosure body54 and aclosure valve52 rotatably connected and forming a fluid tight seal. Theclosure body54 includesseals51 which may be molded-in seals or O-ring seals. Thecoupler80 includes ahousing82 and acoupler valve84 rotatably connected and forming a fluid tight seal. Theclosure50 may be provided with aninterlock76 and thecoupler80 may be provided with aninterlock72. Together theinterlocks76,72 secure theclosure50 to thecoupler80, so as to prevent theclosure50 and thecoupler80 of thefluid dispensing assembly40 from pulling apart when connected and in an open position, such as may occur during handling. Thefluid dispensing assembly40 is in the closed/precoupled position as shown inFIG. 2a,and is in the open/coupled position as shown inFIG. 2b.
• Turning now toFIG. 3, theclosure50 includes aclosure valve52 rotatably connected with aclosure body54. The closure body has afirst end57 and asecond end59. The closure valve also has afirst end61 and asecond end63. Theclosure body54 has aside opening70 corresponding to anopening60 of theclosure valve52, and aneck portion73 at thesecond end59 for connecting to a fluid source. At thesecond end59 of theclosure body54, theneck portion73 may be a flange or a weld flange for making the closure body54 a part integral with the fluid source. Further, theclosure body54 may be oriented in-line with the fluid source allowing the fluid source to be filled through theclosure body54. The outer surface of theclosure body54 may includeseals51 that may be molded-in or O-ring seals for connecting with thecoupler80. Alternately, the coupler may have a coupler valve which could have molded -in or O-ring seals which would cooperate with a smooth outer surface of theclosure body54 to form a fluid tight seal. Theclosure valve54 further has atubular portion56 rotatably received in theclosure body54 and is in an interference fit with the inner surface of theclosure body54. Theclosure body54 may be formed of a softer material such as a plastic. Preferably, the plastic may be a low density polyethylene. Theclosure valve52 may be formed of a harder plastic material such that a suitable seal may be formed between theharder closure valve52 and thesofter closure body54. Theclosure valve52 includes astop member64 at thefirst end61 that communicates with astop portion65 at thefirst end57 of theclosure body54 to provide proper rotation between theclosure body54 and theclosure valve52. Thetubular portion56 has theside opening60 corresponding to theside opening70. When connecting theclosure valve52 with theclosure body54, avalve handle58 at thefirst end61 of theclosure valve52 can be actuated to rotate theclosure valve52 relative to theclosure body54 between an open configuration wherein theopenings60 and70 are aligned, and a closed configuration wherein theopenings60 and70 are not aligned, such that a wall of thetubular portion56 blocks theopening70 of theclosure body54. For example,FIG. 4 shows theclosure50 in the closed configuration. Asnap portion62 may be provided at thesecond end63 of theclosure valve52 for securing theclosure valve52 into the closure body54 (seeFIG. 5).
• FIGS. 6 and 7 show acoupler80 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As seen inFIG. 7, thecoupler80 includes acoupler housing82 and acoupler valve84. Thecoupler valve84 has asnap portion86 and a coupler valve handle91 at afirst end81 and aprotruded edge92 at asecond end83. The protrudededge92 includes agap87 so as to allow connection with the closure having theinterlock76. Thehousing82 includes asimilar gap87aso as to allow connection with the closure. The outer surface of thecoupler valve84 hasseals93 that may be molded-in or O-ring type seals for connecting with the inner surface of thecoupler housing82. Thecoupler valve84 may be in an interference fit with thehousing82. Thecoupler housing82 further has anoutlet98 for connecting to a fluid system. Theoutlet98 may be an extended tubular portion having abarb85 for connection to a fluid dispensing system, such as a fluid line. Thecoupler valve84 includes anopening88 corresponding to the opening of theoutlet98. Thehandle91 may actuate thecoupler valve84 so as to rotate thecoupler valve84 to align theopening88 with theoutlet98 in an open configuration. In a closed configuration, thehandle91 may be turned to rotate thecoupler valve84 so that an outer surface of thecoupler valve84 blocks theoutlet98. The assembly may be shut off to vacuum
• When theclosure50 is connected with thecoupler80, the closure valve handle58 interlocks with aninternal space90 of the coupler valve handle91, as shown inFIGS. 8-10.
• FIGS. 11-18 illustrate afluid dispensing assembly110 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Thefluid dispensing assembly110 includes aclosure120 and acoupler150 each with aninterlock feature157,127 as shown inFIG. 11. Different from the embodiment as discussed above, thefluid dispensing assembly110 has additional interlock features170,172 as shown in the drawings (FIG. 14 and18). Thecoupler interlock172 of the coupler150 (seeFIG. 18) is coupled with the closure interlock170 (seeFIG. 13 andFIG. 14), so that by actuating thecoupler valve160, thefluid dispensing assembly110 can be in a closed position (FIG. 12a) or in an open position (FIG. 12b). With the exception of the interlock features170,172 described above, similar features illustrated inFIGS. 11-18 have already been detailed and will not be further discussed.
• FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of afluid dispensing assembly200 that includes aclosure250 and acoupler280.FIGS. 20aand20bshow the fluid dispensing assembly in a closed and an open configuration, respectively.
• FIGS. 21aand21billustrate theclosure250 having aclosure body254 and aclosure valve252. Theclosure body254 and theclosure valve252 form an interference fit byseals251 which may be molded in or O-ring type seals. As above, theclosure body254 may be formed of a softer material such as a plastic material. Preferably, the plastic material may be a low density polyethylene. Theclosure valve252 may be formed of a harder plastic material such that a suitable seal may be formed between the harder closure valve and the softer closure body. However, these materials are merely exemplary, as other materials may also be used. Theclosure valve252 includes an opening253 corresponding to an opening (not shown) of the closure body. Astop member256 communicates with astop portion257 so as to provide proper rotation between theclosure body254 and theclosure valve252. Ahandle261 is located at afirst end201 of theclosure valve252. Thehandle261 actuates theclosure valve252 to an open or closed configuration rotating theclosure valve252 relative to the closure body. As above, the assembly may be shut off to vacuum.
• A receivingarea210, which may be an activating ramp, may be located at asecond end212 of theclosure body254. The receivingarea254 engages a locking member of a coupler, thereby releasing the locking member and allowing the coupler and the closure, which are connected, to be rotated into an open position. Thesecond end212 of theclosure body254 also includes aneck portion242 which may be a flange or a weld flange. Thesecond end212 also includes astop230 such that thestop230 facilitates proper rotation when a coupler is attached. Theinterlock232 prevents a coupler and the closure from pulling apart when in an open configuration.
• As illustrated inFIG. 26, the assembly of theclosure body254 and theclosure valve252 can be attached in-line as part of a portablefluid source600, such that theclosure valve252 may be forcibly removed from theclosure body254 to allow for filling of the portablefluid source600.
• InFIG. 21b,a tear away seal220 may be attached at the closure body to seal the closure before use.FIGS. 22aand22bshow the closure in a closed configuration and an open configuration.
• FIGS. 23a-23fillustrate thecoupler280 having acoupler housing282 and acoupler valve284.FIGS. 23a-23cshow thecoupler280 in its assembled state. Thecoupler valve284 is rotatably connected with thehousing282 forming a fluid tight seal with O-rings which may be on an interior surface of the housing (shown inFIG. 23d) or on the outer surface of the coupler valve284 (not shown). As best shown inFIG. 23f,thecoupler valve284 may also have aseal289 molded onto the outer surface of thecoupler valve284. Thecoupler valve284 includes anopening288 corresponding to anopening298. Ashroud300 surrounds thehousing282 and thecoupler valve284. Ahandle400 forms a fluid tight seal with theshroud300. Thehandle400 provides a means for rotating thecoupler valve284 relative to thehousing284 to actuate thecoupler280 in an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration theopenings298 and288 are aligned creating a flow path, and in the closed configuration, theopenings298 and288 are blocked by surfaces of thecoupler valve284 and thehousing282, respectively.
• FIG. 23dand23eillustrate a more detailed view of thecoupler280. The housing includes afirst end294 and asecond end295. Thesecond end295 may be provided with at least onestop291 that communicates withstops281 of the coupler valve. Thestops291,281 provide proper orientation between thehousing282 and thecoupler valve284. O-ring seals may be used in an internal surface of the housing for providing a proper fluid tight seal between the housing and the coupler valve. However, this is merely exemplary as O-ring seals may be used on an outer surface of thecoupler valve284. Other types of seals, such as molded in seals may also be used.
• Thehousing282 also includes alock retainer296 that retains a lockingmember500. The lockingmember500 prevents rotation of thecoupler280, when thecoupler280 is not connected to a closure, from being rotated out of a closed configuration. The lockingmember500 may be released to allow opening of thecoupler280 when thecoupler280 is attached to the closure such asclosure250. Similarly, the lockingmember500 may lock thecoupler280 to prevent opening of thecoupler280 when thecoupler280 is not attached to theclosure250. Particularly, the lockingmember500 prevents thecoupler valve284 from rotating relative to thehousing282 into the open position. Further, the lockingmember500 locks the coupler in itsuncoupled state280 and ensures proper orientation is preserved between thecoupler280 and theclosure250 in their closed positions. Locking thecoupler280 in the closed position prevents air from being introduced into the dispensing system and fluid from draining from a line going to the coupling. The lockingmember500 may be, but is not limited to, a pivot lock. The lockingmember500 includes aprotrusion505 that may contact a receiving area (such as210 above) of a closure. In the coupled state, theprotrusion505 contacts the receiving area of the closure to release the locking member from blocking the stops of the coupler valve. As above, the receivingarea210 may be an activating ramp. The lockingmember500 may be controlled with aspring506 for biasing the locking member into locked and release configurations. Thespring506 may be but is not limited to a latch or leaf spring. Theopening298 may include an extendedtubular portion297 that may be barbed.
• Thecoupler valve284 includes afirst end285aand asecond end285b.Thesecond end285 may include an O-ring for providing a fluid tight seal when connected with a closure.Stops281 have been described above, and may also communicate with a stop on a closure to provide proper rotation between the coupler valve and the closure body. The stops also include aninterlock portion281asuch that thecoupler280 may be connected with a closure (such as250) thereby preventing thecoupler280 and a closure from pulling apart when in an open configuration.
• Thefirst end285aincludes at least oneprotrusion286 that may have lock snaps289. Theprotrusion286 may be inserted into aninternal space402 of thehandle400. The lock snaps289 secure connection with thehandle400. Thehandle400 may be rotated thereby rotating thecoupler valve284 to actuate the coupler to an open configuration or a closed configuration. Theprotrusion286 may contain its own internal space such that a handle from a closure may be inserted into the internal space of theprotrusion286 to interlock thehandle400 with a closure handle (such as261). When thehandle400 is rotated, thehandle400 may simultaneously actuate a coupler and a closure to an open or a closed configuration. The handle when rotated in a closed position may shut a fluid dispensing assembly off to vacuum.
• Thehandle400 may be connected to ashroud300 that surrounds thecoupler280 and theclosure250. The shroud may be provided with aramp303 to allow entry of the lockingmember500, and also agroove305 to allow theopening298 to fit through. A biasingmember506 such as a leaf spring provides biasing for the lockingmember500 to bias the lockingmember500 in a normally locked configuration. When the lockingmember500 is released by a receivingarea210 of theclosure250, the fluid dispensing assembly including thecoupler280 and theclosure250 may actuate into an open configuration.
• FIG. 24 illustrates a fluid dispensing assembly where the lockingmember500 is biased in a released configuration and thehandle400 is rotated actuating both the coupler valve and closure valve to an open configuration relative to the housing and the closure body, respectively. The assembly is shown in an open configuration.FIG. 25 illustrates the lockingmember500 biased in a locked position.
• As shown inFIG. 26, the closure is illustrated as oriented in-line. This orientation may allow and closure valve of the closure to be removed, thereby allowing a fluid source to be filled through the closure body with the closure body forming a part of thefluid source600. The closure valve may be provided with a diameter suitable for filling a fluid source from a bulk fluid supply.
• As discussed above, the present invention offers many advantages. For instance, interlock features of the closure and the coupler allow for a secure connection of the fluid dispensing assembly preventing the closure and the coupler from pulling apart when in an open configuration. Also, the locking member feature provides an anti-rotation interlock so as to prevent the coupler from being rotated out of a closed configuration when not connected to a closure. Furthermore, the locking member may be released to allow opening of the coupler when the coupler is attached to the closure. Also, the locking member locks the coupler in its uncoupled state and ensures proper orientation is preserved between the coupler and the closure in their closed positions. Locking the coupler in the closed position prevents air from being introduced into the dispensing system and fluid from draining from a line going to the coupling. The in-line orientation of the closure and that the closure may be a part of the fluid source allows for the ability to fill the fluid source through the closure.
• The foregoing descriptions of the preferred embodiments of the invention have been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

Claims (29)

1. A closure apparatus, comprising:

a closure body including a first end and a second end and an opening on a sidewall of said closure body; said second end including a fitment connectable to a fluid source;

a closure valve rotatably connected with said closure body in a fluid tight seal; said closure valve including a first end and a second end, and an opening on a sidewall of said closure valve; said first end including a handle;

said openings of said closure body and said closure valve corresponding with each other in an open position; said openings being respectively blocked by said sidewalls in a closed position, said handle being capable of actuating said closure apparatus into said open and closed positions; and

said closure valve being removable from said closure body enabling filling of said fluid source through said closure body.

2. The closure apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said closure body and said closure valve being in an in-line orientation enabling in-line filling of said fluid source when said closure valve is removed from said closure body.

3. The closure apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said fitment is a flange forming an integral part of said fluid source, said closure apparatus forming a one piece integral structure with said fluid source, and said closure apparatus alone being self dispensing from said fluid source.

4. The closure apparatus according toclaim 3, wherein said fitment is a weld flange.

5. The closure apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said first end of said closure body including a portion and said closure valve including a stop portion, said stop member and said stop portion communicating to provide proper rotation between said closure body and said closure valve.

6. The closure apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said closure body including a tear away seal covering said opening of said closure body before use.

7. A coupler apparatus, comprising:

a housing; said housing including a first end and a second end, and an opening on a sidewall of said housing;

a coupler valve rotatably connected with said housing in a fluid tight seal; said coupler valve including a first end and a second end, and an opening on a sidewall of said coupler valve;

said first end including a handle for rotating said coupler valve relative to said housing to enable an open position and a closed position of said coupler apparatus; said second end being operatively connectable to a piece of dispensing valve equipment;

said openings corresponding with each other in said open position and said openings being blocked by said sidewalls in said closed position; and

a locking member operatively connected to said housing; said locking member maintaining said coupler apparatus in said closed position when said coupler apparatus is in an uncoupled state, and said locking member being releasable when said coupler apparatus is coupled to said piece of dispensing valve equipment.

8. The coupler apparatus according toclaim 7, wherein said opening of said housing being suitable for connection to a fluid line.

9. The coupler apparatus according toclaim 7, wherein said locking member being biased into a normally closed position when said coupler apparatus is in said uncoupled state.

10. The coupler apparatus according toclaim 9, wherein said locking member is spring biased.

11. The coupler apparatus according toclaim 7, wherein said locking member including a protrusion; said protrusion being contactable with a piece of fluid dispensing equipment so as to release said locking member.

12. The coupler apparatus according toclaim 7, wherein said second end of said housing including at least one stop and said coupler valve including at least one stop; said stops of said housing and coupler valve communicating to provide proper rotation between said housing and said coupler valve.

13. The coupler apparatus according toclaim 7, wherein said piece of dispensing valve equipment including a closure having a fitment connectable to a fluid source.

14. A fluid dispensing valve assembly, comprising:

a closure including a closure body having a first end and a second end and an opening on a sidewall of said closure body; said second end having a fitment connectable to a fluid source; a closure valve rotatably connected with said closure body in a fluid tight seal; said closure valve having a first end and a second end, and an opening on a sidewall of said closure valve; and said closure valve being removable from said closure body enabling filling of said fluid source through said closure body;

a coupler rotatably connected with said closure; said coupler including a housing having a first end and a second end; said housing having an opening on a sidewall of said housing; a coupler valve rotatably connected with said housing in a fluid tight seal; said coupler valve having a first end and a second end, and an opening on a sidewall of said coupler valve; said first end having a handle;

wherein said first end of said coupler valve including an interlock cooperating with an interlock of said first end of said closure valve; said interlocks being operatively connected with said handle of said coupler enabling said fluid dispensing valve assembly to be actuatable into an open position where said openings of said coupler and closure correspond with each other, and into a closed position where said openings of said coupler and closure are blocked by said respective sidewalls of said coupler and closure.

15. The fluid dispensing valve assembly according toclaim 14, wherein said closure body and said closure valve being in an in-line orientation enabling in-line filling of said fluid source when said closure valve is removed from said closure body.

16. The fluid dispensing valve assembly according toclaim 14, wherein said fitment is a flange forming an integral part of said fluid source.

17. The fluid dispensing valve assembly according toclaim 16, wherein said fitment is a weld flange.

18. The fluid dispensing valve assembly according toclaim 14, wherein said first end of said closure body including a portion and said closure valve including a stop portion, said stop member and said stop portion communicating to provide proper rotation between said closure body and said closure valve.

19. The fluid dispensing valve assembly according toclaim 14, wherein said closure body including a tear away seal covering said opening of said closure body before use.

20. The fluid dispensing valve assembly according toclaim 14, wherein said housing including a locking member operatively connected with said housing; said locking member maintaining said coupler in closed position when said coupler is in an uncoupled state, and said locking member being releasable when said coupler is connected with said closure.

21. The fluid dispensing valve assembly according toclaim 20, wherein said locking member being released by contacting a receiving area of said closure when said coupler and closure are connected.

22. The fluid dispensing valve assembly according toclaim 21, wherein said receiving area being a activating ramp.

23. The fluid dispensing valve assembly according toclaim 21, wherein said locking member including a protrusion; said protrusion being contactable with said receiving area to release said locking member.

24. The fluid dispensing valve assembly according toclaim 20, wherein said locking member being biased by a biasing member into a normally closed position when said coupler is in said uncoupled state.

25. The fluid dispensing valve assembly according toclaim 24, wherein said biasing member is a spring.

26. The fluid dispensing valve assembly according toclaim 14, wherein said second end of said closure body including an interlock and said second end of said housing including an interlock; said interlocks cooperatively engaged to prevent said coupler and said closure from pulling apart.

27. The fluid dispensing valve assembly according toclaim 14, wherein said interlock of said first end of said coupler valve is an internal space of said handle; said internal space cooperative with said interlock of said first end of said closure valve.

28. The fluid dispensing valve assembly according toclaim 20, wherein said biasing member is biased against a shroud; said shroud including a surface for biasing support of said biasing member and substantially covers said coupler and closure.

29. The fluid dispensing valve assembly according toclaim 28, wherein said shroud including a handle operatively connected and rotatable with said shroud; said handle being operatively connected with said handle of said coupler valve and said interlocks at said first ends of said coupler valve and closure valve, such that said handle of said shroud enabling said fluid dispensing valve assembly to be actuatable into said open and closed positions.

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