Closed loop dispensing system including an improved throat plug assembly
A closed loop dispensing system for use on a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dispensing the liquid contents from the bottle. The outlet opening of the bottle is closed by a throat plug assembly having a spring-loaded valve comprised of a plastic material positioned therein which is open when the container cap is mounted on the container, but which automatically closes when the cap is removed from the container. An inlet opening is provided in the container insert so that liquid may be drawn therethrough. A closure cap is mounted on the bottle and has a dispensing tube extending therefrom for dispensing liquid from the container to a mixing machine or the like. A check valve is associated with the cap for preventing backflow from the dispensing tube to the container and for permitting liquid flow from the container to the dispensing tube in response to suction being applied to the dispensing tube. A precise discharge metering orifice is provided in the valve body as a substitution for proportioners which are normally located downstream of the dispensing system. A valve permits ambient air to enter the interior of the container as liquid is drawn therefrom. The valve prevents the flow of liquid therethrough. The throat plug assembly is comprised of a recyclable plastic material.
1 . In combination,
an inverted liquid container having upper and lower ends;
said container having a hollow throat extending downwardly therefrom which has interior and exterior surfaces;
a throat plug assembly, having upper and lower ends, positioned in said throat of said container;
said throat plug assembly having a downwardly extending, hollow valve body, having upper and lower ends, at the upper end thereof;
said valve body having a downwardly extending hollow receiver, including upper and lower ends, below the upper end thereof which has a central opening formed in the lower end thereof;
said valve body having at least one discharge metering orifice formed therein above the lower end thereof;
said valve body having an intake opening formed therein which is in communication with the interior of the container;
said valve body being at least partially positioned within said hollow receiver;
a first valve vertically movably mounted on said valve body which is movable between a lower closed position to an upper open position;
said valve being movably positioned in said central opening of said hollow receiver to close said opening in said valve body when said valve is in its said lower closed position and to open said opening in said valve body when said valve is in its upper open position;
said valve, when in its said upper open position, permitting flow of liquid through said intake opening downwardly through said valve body into the interior of said valve;
a plastic spring in said throat plug assembly which urges said valve into its said lower closed position;
a cap removably mounted on said throat of container for selectively closing said throat;
a dispensing tube extending from said cap for dispensing liquid from said container;
a check valve associated with said cap for preventing backflow from said dispensing tube to said container and which permits liquid flow from said container to said dispensing tube;
said cap including means for engagement with said valve to move said valve upwardly to its said upper open position when said cap is mounted on said container to close said throat;
said throat plug assembly including a second valve which permits ambient air to pass therethrough into the container as liquid is drawn therefrom;
said second valve preventing the flow of liquid therethrough.
2 . The combination of claim 1 wherein said valve of said throat plug assembly is comprised of a recyclable plastic material and wherein said plastic spring is comprised of a recyclable plastic material.
3 . The combination of claim 2 further including a spring retainer and wherein said spring retainer and said plastic spring are integrally molded as a one-piece part.
4 . The combination of claim 1 wherein said check valve comprises a normally closed flexible umbrella valve which opens in response to liquid passing therethrough from said container.
5 . The combination of claim 1 wherein said throat plug assembly is entirely comprised of a recyclable plastic material.
6 . A closure system for a liquid container having an outlet opening, comprising:
a throat plug assembly selectively removably mounted in said outlet opening;
said throat plug assembly having a normally closed valve movably mounted therein;
said valve, when in its closed position, preventing liquid from passing outwardly from the container;
said valve, when in its open position, permitting liquid to pass therethrough from the container;
and a plastic spring in said throat plug assembly for yieldably urging said valve to its closed position.
7 . The system of claim 6 further including a plastic spring retainer and wherein said plastic spring retainer and said spring are of one-piece plastic construction.
8 . The system of claim 7 wherein said plastic spring retainer and said spring are comprised of a recyclable plastic material.
9 . The system of claim 6 wherein said throat plug assembly is comprised entirely of recyclable plastic materials.