Hygienic liquid dispensing system including feed tube or probe for opening and resealing coaxial cap

US5295519A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• ELKAY MANUFACTURING COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Henry E. Baker · Litchfield, US
• John B. Baker · Litchfield, US
• David Baker · Seattle, US
• Peter K. Baker · Bethlehem, US
• Edward H. Donselman · Freeport, US
• Ronald C. Katz · Willowbrook, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 6, 1993
• Grant date: Mar 22, 1994
• Expiry date: May 6, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B67D3/0032
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A hygienic liquid dispensing system includes a coaxial cap to close the opening of an inverted liquid container enclosing drinking water or other potable liquid. The cap has a lid portion to overlie and sealingly close the opening and an annular skirt portion extending axially away from the lid to surround a portion of the container neck. The lid portion is provided with an axially inwardly extending recess including an outer sleeve and an inner plug portion connected thereto. An upstanding probe or feed tube is dimensioned for forcible insertion into the recess for separating the plug portion from the sleeve to permit the discharge of liquid from the container. A removable mounting apparatus is also provided to fit on the upper portion of a water cooler cabinet and defines an annular ring for supporting the shoulder of an inverted bottle or container thereon. The mounting apparatus also defines a tapered entry portion having a closed inner wall extending downwardly and inwardly from the annular ring for receiving the neck and cap of the inverted container therein.