Taps and containers for dispensing fluid
US6138878A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 16, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 31, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 16, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D3/043
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tap for dispensing fluid from a vessel includes a main tap body, an actuator, and a seal member. The main tap body includes a passage with an inlet and an outlet and a seat with a shoulder formed around the outlet. The actuator has a handled and is pivotally attached to the main tap body and dispenses fluid from the vessel upon activation of the handle by a user. The seal member is received within the seat and attached to the actuator. The seal member includes a retaining portion received against the shoulder of the seat and a sealing portion which is releasably engageable with the seat. The seal member is resilient to provide a bias force to urge the sealing portion against the seat. The actuator is pivotal between a closed position in which the sealing portion is biased against the seat, thereby preventing fluid from passing through the outlet, and an opened position in which at least a portion of the sealing portion is pulled away from the seat against the bias force, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the outlet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.