SAFETY CAN WITH ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE POURING NOZZLE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/065,920, filed February 15, 2008, and U.S. Patent Application No. 12/368,544, filed February 10, 2009, both entitled "Safety Can With Electrically-Conductive Pouring Nozzle," which are both incorporated herein in their entireties by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates in general to a safety container for storing flammable fluids and in particular to a safety container that includes an electrically-conductive pouring nozzle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to safety cans or containers for holding fluids and especially, although not exclusively, to containers for flammable fluids such as gasoline and the like. In general, safety containers can be one of two types.

[0004] The first type is commonly referred to as a Type I can. The Type I can is a container with one spout through which both filling and pouring are accomplished. The Type I can is frequently used in conjunction with a funnel when pouring fluid stored in the Type I can into another vessel.

[0005] The second type is commonly referred to as a Type II can. The Type II can is a container with two separate spout openings, one being used to fill the can and the other being used to pour therefrom. Typically, there is a metallic hose or nozzle associated with the pouring spout to facilitate the transferring of fluid from the Type II can into another vessel. When transferring fluid from the Type II can to another vessel, it is desirable for the Type II can and the vessel to have the same electrostatic potential so as to avoid an electrical discharge while fluid is flowing between the two containers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a safety can for storing flammable liquids such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and the like, for example, that includes an electrically-conductive pouring nozzle comprising electrically-conductive plastic. In one aspect of the disclosure, a safety can includes a reservoir adapted to hold a predetermined quantity of a liquid and a

nozzle fluidly and electrically connected to the reservoir. The nozzle can comprise electrically-conductive plastic.

[0007] In yet another aspect, a safety can includes a reservoir adapted to hold a predetermined amount of liquid, a valve mechanism mounted to the reservoir, and a nozzle mounted to the valve mechanism. The valve mechanism includes a pour spout and a valve adapted to selectively fluidly connect the reservoir to the pour spout. The nozzle includes an inlet end in fluid connection with the pour spout. The nozzle comprises electrically- conductive plastic.

[0008] In still another aspect of the disclosure, a nozzle for a safety can includes an elongate body having a first end, a second end, and a conduit extending between the first end and the second end. The body comprises an electrically-conductive plastic. An electrically- conductive bearing plate is disposed adjacent the first end of the body. The bearing plate comprises an electrically-conductive metal. A ferrule is mounted to the body at the second end thereof. The ferrule comprises an electrically-conductive metal.

[0009] In a further aspect, a nozzle for a safety can includes an elongate body made from electrically-conductive plastic which has a first end, a second end, and a conduit extending between the first end and the second end. The first end can be adapted to sealingly attach to the safety can.

[0010] Features of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a safety can according to the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a nozzle assembly of the safety can of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 2.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a discharge end view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 2.

[0015] FIG. 5 is an inlet end view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 2.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a nozzle assembly according to the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 6.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 6.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 6.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a ferrule of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 6.

[0021] FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the ferrule of FIG. 10.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a distal discharge end view of the ferrule of FIG. 10.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a proximal mounting end view of the ferrule of FIG. 10.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule taken along line 14 — 14 in FIG. 11.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a ferrule suitable for use with the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 16 is an elevational view of the ferrule of FIG. 15.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a distal discharge end view of the ferrule of FIG. 15.

[0028] FIG. 18 is a proximal mounting end view of the ferrule of FIG. 15.

[0029] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule of FIG. 15 taken along line 19 — 19 in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0030] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is provided a safety can for storing flammable liquid such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and the like. The pour spout includes a nozzle assembly mounted thereto that is made from electrically- conductive plastic.

[0031] An elongate body of the nozzle assembly can have a series of circumferential corrugations extending therealong. A metallic bearing plate can be disposed at a proximal inlet end of the nozzle body to facilitate the sealing engagement of the nozzle assembly to the safety can and to enhance the electrical conductivity between nozzle assembly and the pour spout of the safety can. A metallic ferrule can be disposed at a distal discharge end of the nozzle body to enhance the electrical conductivity between the safety can, the nozzle assembly, and a fill port of a vessel being filled.

[0032] Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 an illustrative embodiment of a safety can 20. The safety can 20 may include a receptacle 22 and a valve mechanism 24 having a fill spout 25 and a separate pour spout 26. The valve mechanism 24 can be mounted to the receptacle 22. A flexible nozzle assembly 28 made from electrically-conductive plastic can be mounted to the valve mechanism 24 to facilitate the dispensing of liquid from the safety can 20 out of the pour spout 26. An integral automatic venting system can be provided

to facilitate the pouring of liquid from the can 20. The venting system can be linked to the pour valve actuation system of the valve mechanism 24.

[0033] The receptacle 22 can be provided to store a predetermined amount of liquid, such as a flammable liquid, for example. The receptacle 22 can be configured to define an interior volume corresponding to any of a variety of common sizes for safety cans, such as one gallon, three gallons or five gallons, for example. The receptacle 22 can be similar in construction to those shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 7,152,764, such as the receptacle 52 shown in FIGS. 1-4 of U.S. Patent No. 7,152,764, for example. [0034] To provide a Type II configuration to the safety container 20, the valve mechanism 24 can be provided. The valve mechanism 24 can include a body assembly 30, a fill cover assembly 32, a pour valve assembly 34, a trigger assembly 36, and a handle 38. The valve mechanism 24 of the safety can 20 of FIG. 1 can be similar in construction to those shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 7,152,764, such as the valve mechanism 54 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 of U.S. Patent No. 7,152,764, for example.

[0035] The safety can 20 can be similar in other respects to those shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 7,152,764. In other embodiments, the safety can may be similar in construction to those shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 6,390,153. In yet other embodiments, the safety can may take different forms.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the nozzle assembly 28 is shown. Referring to FIG. 2, the nozzle assembly 28 can include an elongate tubular nozzle body 45 made from an electrically-conductive plastic, such as electrically-conductive polyethylene, for example. In other embodiments, the nozzle body 45 can be made from another electrically-conductive plastic. A ferrule 48 made from any suitable electrically-conductive metal can be disposed at a distal discharge end 50 of the nozzle body 45. A bearing plate 52 made from any suitable electrically-conductive metal can be disposed at a proximal inlet end 54 of the nozzle body 45. A pair of threaded fasteners 56, 57 can be provided for mounting the bearing plate 52 to the nozzle body 45 and to the valve body 30.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3-5, a conduit 60 extends through the nozzle body 45 between the inlet end 54 and the discharge end 50, thereby providing a fluid connection between the inlet end 54 and the discharge end 50 of the nozzle body. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the nozzle body 45 includes a mounting flange 62 that extends outwardly from the inlet end 54 of the nozzle body 45. The flange 62 has a pair of mounting holes 64, 65 extending therethrough.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, the nozzle body 45 can include a series of generally parallel corrugations 67 configured so that the length of the nozzle body 45 may be contracted, expanded, or bent. The corrugations 67 have a nesting feature that allows the normal length L of the nozzle body 45, as shown in FIG. 3, to be retracted such that the discharge end 50 moves toward the inlet end 54 in a retracting direction R to facilitate the use of the nozzle assembly 28 in different space confinement applications. The corrugations 67 have an expanding feature that allows the normal length L of the nozzle body 45, as shown in FIG. 3, to be expanded such that the discharge end 50 moves away from the inlet end 54 in an expanding direction E so that the nozzle 28 can span a larger distance between the safety can to which it is attached and a vessel into which the fluid stored in the safety can is to be transferred. The corrugations 67 can allow the nozzle body 45 to be articulated at different angles with respect to a longitudinal axis A defined by the nozzle body 45, as shown in FIG. 3, to allow the user to place the nozzle assembly 28 in a desired pouring angle. The nozzle body shape and/or length can be maintained in the absence of external forces upon the nozzle body 45.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the ferrule 48 may be in the form of a hollow cylinder made from an electrically-conductive material, such as brass, for example, having an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the discharge end 50 of the nozzle body 45. The ferrule 48 extends around the outer surface of the discharge end 50. The ferrule 48 can be secured in place by friction or adhesive, for example. In one arrangement, the ferrule 48 can be configured so that there is a mechanical interference fit connection between the discharge end 50 and the ferrule 48. Providing an electrically-conductive ferrule 48 on the discharge end 50 can allow for enhanced electrical conductivity between the nozzle assembly 28 and the fill port of a reservoir being filled. In other embodiments, the ferrule can be made from any other suitable electrically-conductive metal.

[0040] The bearing plate 52 can be a generally U-shaped plate made from an electrically- conductive material, such as any suitable electrically-conductive metal. The bearing plate 52 can include a pair of mounting holes 69, 70 that are configured to substantially align, respectively, with the mounting holes 64, 65 of the flange 62 of the nozzle body 45. The bearing plate 52 defines a notch 72 disposed between the mounting holes 69, 70 and configured to allow the bearing plate 52 to be mounted to the flange 62 of the nozzle body 45 such that the mounting holes 69, 70 of the bearing plate substantially align with the mounting holes 64, 65 of the flange of the nozzle body with the bearing plate 52 being in overlapping

relationship with the flange 62. The bearing plate 52 can aid in the electrical conductivity between the nozzle assembly 28 and the safety can to which the nozzle assembly is attached. [0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the screws 56, 57 extend through the bearing plate 52 and the mounting flange 62 of the nozzle body 45. The screws 56, 57 can be threadedly engaged with threaded holes in the valve body 30 of the valve mechanism 24 such that the inlet end 54 of the nozzle body 45 is in substantial alignment with the pour spout 26 of the valve mechanism 24 (see FIG. 1). The flange 62 of the nozzle assembly 28 can be in sealing engagement with the valve body 30 such that a liquid tight seal under atmospheric pressure conditions is formed between the valve body 30 and the nozzle assembly 28. In other embodiments, a gasket (such as one made from cork or rubber, for example) can be interposed between the valve body and the flange of the nozzle body to enhance the sealing engagement therebetween. Where a gasket is provided, the screws 56, 57 can be made from an electrically-conductive material, such as an electrically-conductive metal, for example, and extend beyond the gasket to engage the valve body to form an electrical connection between the valve mechanism and the nozzle assembly.

[0042] In some embodiments, a closely wound external helical spring (not shown) can be provided and mounted to the nozzle assembly such that the nozzle body extends through the interior of the helical spring. The spring can be disposed adjacent the inlet end 54 of the nozzle body 45 and help support the nozzle body. The spring can be at least 3 inches long and can be secured in place relative to the nozzle body. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the helical spring can be secured to the bearing plate 52.

[0043] The safety can 20 may be used as a typical safety can. In particular, the discharge end 50 of the nozzle assembly 28 can be inserted into a fill port of a reservoir to be filled. When transferring fluid from the safety can 20 to another vessel, the nozzle assembly 28 can operate to allow the safety can 20 and the vessel to have substantially the same electrostatic potential so as to reduce the possibility of an electrical discharge while fluid is flowing between the two containers. When the ferrule 48 comes into contact with the fill port of the reservoir to be filled, the electrical conductivity of the nozzle assembly 28 can help reduce the difference between the electric potential of the reservoir and the safety can 20. Opening the pour valve assembly 34 of the valve mechanism 24 can allow fluid from the safety can 20 to flow from the receptacle 22 to the reservoir via the nozzle assembly 28. [0044] Referring to FIGS. 6-9, another embodiment of a flexible nozzle assembly 128 is shown. The nozzle assembly 128 is suitable for use with a safety can, such as the safety can

20 shown in FIG. 1 and other Type II safety cans, for example. The nozzle assembly 128 includes an elongate tubular nozzle body 145 made from an electrically-conductive plastic, a ferrule 148 made from an electrically-conductive metal and disposed at a distal discharge end 150 of the nozzle body 145, a bearing plate 152 made from an electrically-conductive metal and disposed at a proximal inlet end 154 of the nozzle body 145, and a pair of threaded fasteners 156, 157 provided for mounting the bearing plate 152 to the nozzle body 145 and to a suitable safety can.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 7, the nozzle body 145 is hollow and is configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough between the inlet end 154 and the discharge end 150. A mounting flange 162 is provided at the inlet end 154 to facilitate the mounting engagement of the nozzle body to the safety can. The mounting flange 162 is configured such that the bearing plate can be placed in overlapping relationship with the flange 162 to further facilitate the mounting of the nozzle body to a safety can via the bearing plate 152 and the threaded fasteners 156, 157.

[0046] The body 145 includes a flexible, corrugated portion 166 disposed adjacent the proximal inlet end 154 thereof and a rigid portion 168 disposed adjacent the distal discharge end 150. The corrugated portion 166 can include a series of corrugations 167 adapted to expand and contract to increase and decrease, respectively, the length of the nozzle body 145. The length of the corrugated section 166 can be configured to meet a predetermined range of adjustability for the length of the nozzle body 145. The corrugations 167 of the corrugated portion 166 shown in FIG. 7 can be similar in other respects to the corrugations 67 of the nozzle assembly 28 shown in FIGS. 2-5.

[0047] For example, referring to FIG. 6, the corrugations 167 have a nesting feature that allows the normal length of the corrugated portion 166 (as shown in FIG. 6) to be retracted such that the discharge end 150 of the nozzle assembly 128 moves toward the inlet end 154 in a retracting direction R' along a longitudinal axis A' of the nozzle body 145. The corrugations 167 have an expanding feature that allows the normal length of the corrugated portion 166 to be expanded such that the discharge end 150 moves away from the inlet end 154 in an expanding direction E' along the longitudinal axis A'. The corrugations 167 can allow the corrugated portion 166 to be articulated at a plurality of different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis A' to allow the user to place the discharge end 150 in a corresponding plurality of different desired pouring angles. The shape and the length of the

corrugated portion 166 can be maintained in a particular position in the absence of external forces acting upon the corrugated portion.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 7, the rigid section 168 includes a threaded external surface 169 adjacent the discharge end 150. The external threaded surface 169 is adapted to threadingly engage the ferrule 148 for securing the ferrule 148 to the body 145. The discharge end 150 can be configured to have a shape that is complementary to the internal shape of the ferrule 148. The nozzle body 145 shown in FIGS. 6-9 can be similar in other respects to the nozzle body 45 of the nozzle assembly 28 shown in FIGS. 2-5.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 10-14, the ferrule 148 is shown. The ferrule 148 is hollow and can be made from any suitable electrically-conductive metal. Referring to FIG. 10, the ferrule 148 can include a connecting portion 170, an intermediate tapered portion 172, and a discharge portion 174. Referring to FIG. 11, the connecting portion 170 is generally cylindrical, the intermediate tapered portion 172 is generally frusto-conical in shape, and the discharge portion 174 is generally cylindrical. The discharge portion 174 extends a predetermined length L' along a longitudinal axis A" of the ferrule 148. Referring to FIG. 12, the discharge portion 174 includes a distal discharge end 181 that defines a discharge opening 182 to allow fluid to discharge from the nozzle assembly. Referring to FIG. 13, the connecting portion 170 can include a mounting end 184 that defines an opening 186 configured to accommodate the discharge end 150 of the body 145 (FIG. 7). [0050] Referring to FIG. 14, the ferrule 148 has an interior surface 188 that conforms generally to the exterior surface of the discharge end 150 of the body 145 (FIG. 7) such that the ferrule 148 and the discharge end 150 of the body 145 matingly engage each other. The connecting portion 170 of the ferule 148 includes an internal threaded surface 190 adapted for threaded engagement with the external threaded surface 169 of the body 145 (FIG. 7). The connecting portion 170 of the ferule 148 is cylindrical and has substantially the same diameter at its proximal mounting end 184 and its intermediate end 192 that adjoins the tapered portion 172. The tapered portion 172 includes a proximal end 194 and a distal end 196 with the proximal end 194 adjoining the intermediate end 192 of the connecting portion 170. The proximal end 194 of the tapered portion has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of its distal end 196. The distal end 196 of the tapered portion 172 is in adjoining relationship with a proximal end 198 of the discharge portion 174. The discharge portion 174 is generally cylindrical such that the proximal end 198 of the discharge portion 174 has substantially the same diameter as its discharge opening 182.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 15-19, another embodiment of a metallic ferrule 248 suitable for use with the present invention is shown. The ferrule 248 is hollow and can be made from any suitable electrically-conductive metal.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 16-18, the ferrule 248 is substantially cylindrical in shape. Referring to FIG. 18, the ferrule 248 includes a proximal mounting end 284 defining an opening 286 adapted to accommodate a discharge end of a nozzle body therethrough. Referring to FIG. 17, the ferrule 248 includes a distal discharge end 281 defining a discharge opening 282 to allow fluid to discharge therefrom. Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the discharge end 281 includes a rounded shoulder 283 such that the discharge opening 282 has a smaller diameter than the opening 286 at the mounting end 281.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 19, the ferrule 248 can be used with a nozzle body having a discharge end with an exterior surface that is similar in shape to an interior surface 288 of the ferrule 248 such that the ferrule 248 and the discharge end of the body matingly engage each other. The interior surface 288 includes a threaded surface 290 adapted for threaded engagement with an external threaded surface of a nozzle body. The shoulder 283 can act as a stop to limit the relative movement of the ferrule 248 along a longitudinal axis of the nozzle body to which it is being mounted in a mounting direction M.

[0054] The discharge opening 282 of the ferrule 248 shown in FIGS. 15-19 can be configured such that it is larger than the discharge opening 182 of the ferrule 148 shown in FIGS. 10-14 such that the ferrule 248 allows for an increased fluid flow therethrough relative to the ferrule 148 shown in FIGS. 10-14. The ferrule 248 shown in FIGS. 15-19 can be similar in other respects to the ferrule 148 shown in FIGS. 10-14. [0055] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0056] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value

falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0057] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.