US4373647A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Valve for use with flexible dispensing tube
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1982-01-22
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Granted: 1983-02-15
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Expires: 2002-01-22
Abstract
Abstract A dispenser for use with bulk containers of milk or other refrigerated liquid products having a gravity feed, dispensing nozzle extending from the bottom of a bladder or other liquid container. The valve, through the use of an articulated linkage, serves to both open and close the flexible nozzle and further to retract the nozzle and the liquid contained therein up into the refrigerated main storage area. A basket pivotally mounted upon a track system receives the bladder and is capable of both pivoting about a horizontal axis and moving outwardly with respect to the box to permit easy removal and replacement of the liquid containing bladder.
Inventors
- 👤 Calvin R. Hollingsworth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 22:03
CPC Classifications
B; B67; B67D; B67D3/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
A valve mechanism for use with a flexible dispensing tube or the like comprising: upper plate means adapted to be secured in a stationary position relative to the dispensing tube when in use, said plate including an opening to receive the dispensing tube, a first set of substantially parallel pivotally mounted linking elements having one end secured to one face of the upper plate means, middle plate means pivotally secured to the other end of the first set of elements, said middle plate means including an aperture to receive the tube means, a second set of substantially parallel linking elements pivotally mounted linking elements secured to the middle plate means on the face opposite the connection with the first set of linking elements, bottom plate means pivotally secured to the other end of the second set of linking elements, said bottom plate means including an aperture to receive the dispensing tube, and actuating means to move the two sets of linking elements out of alignment crimping the dispensing tube and preventing fluid flow therethrough.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
A valve mechanism for use with a flexible dispensing tube or the like comprising: upper plate means adapted to be secured in a stationary position relative to the dispensing tube when in use, said plate including an opening to receive the dispensing tube, a first set of substantially parallel pivotally mounted linking elements having one end secured to one face of the upper plate means, middle plate means pivotally secured to the other end of the first set of elements, said middle plate means including an aperture to receive the tube means, a second set of substantially parallel linking elements pivotally mounted linking elements secured to the middle plate means on the face opposite the connection with the first set of linking elements, bottom plate means pivotally secured to the other end of the second set of linking elements, said bottom plate means including an aperture to receive the dispensing tube, and actuating means to move the two sets of linking elements out of alignment crimping the dispensing tube and preventing fluid flow therethrough.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A valve mechanism as in claim 1, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a cam, operated by an outwardly projecting handle, connected by an elongated link to the middle plate means pushing it out of alignment to effect closure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A valve mechanism as in claim 1, and further including spring means to assist in the crimping and to retain the valve in a closed position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A valve mechanism as in claim 1 and further including a rigid tube secured to the bottom plate to shield the dispensing tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
86 words
A dispensing mechanism for use with a flexible tube comprising a set of substantially parallel articulated arms pivotally secured to a first plate member having a tube-receiving aperture passing therethrough, a tube displacing means at the point of articulation and, a second plate means secured to opposite end of the articulated arm having a tube receiving aperture therethrough, and means to articulate the arms whereby a tube passing through the apertures is bent at three separate locations, pinching the tube and preventing fluid from flowing therethrough.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
86 words
A dispensing mechanism for use with a flexible tube comprising a set of substantially parallel articulated arms pivotally secured to a first plate member having a tube-receiving aperture passing therethrough, a tube displacing means at the point of articulation and, a second plate means secured to opposite end of the articulated arm having a tube receiving aperture therethrough, and means to articulate the arms whereby a tube passing through the apertures is bent at three separate locations, pinching the tube and preventing fluid from flowing therethrough.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A dispensing mechanism as in claim 5, wherein the articulation of the arms foreshortens the distance between the first and second plate means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2721052A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-02-14 | 1986-08-16 | 1987-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-02-14 | 1990-08-16 | 1991-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-02-14 | 1994-08-16 | 1995-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |