Bottle cap and valve assembly for a bottled water station
US5413152A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 1991 |
| Grant date | May 9, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D3/0032
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved bottle cap and valve assembly are provided in a bottled water station, wherein the station includes an actuator probe for engaging a bottle cap on an inverted water bottle installed onto the bottled water station. The actuator probe includes a probe head for opening a bottle cap valve member, thereby permitting downward water flow from the bottle. Dual flow paths formed through the actuator probe permit smooth downward water flow through one flow path, substantially without glugging, to an underlying station reservoir simultaneously with upward air flow through the other flow path from the reservoir to the bottle interior. In the preferred form, the valve member is integrally molded as part of the bottle cap and configured to be severed therefrom upon engagement with the probe head. The preferred probe head captures and retains the severed valve member in a position for slide-fit sealing re-engagement with the bottle cap when the bottle is removed from the station.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.