US2723056A - Dispensing container for liquids and an extensible and retractable discharge spout therefor - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 8, 1955 T SMITH 2,723,056

A. DISPENSING CONTAINER FOR LIQUIDS AND AN EXTENSIBLE AND RETRACTABLE DISCHARGE SPOUT THEREFOR Filed March 17, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VENTOR 7..5 4/771 ATTORNEY- N 1955 A. T. SMITH DISPENSING CONTAINER FOR LIQUIDS AND AN EXTENSIB AND RETRACTABLE DISCHARGE SPOUT THEREFOR Filed March 17, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I N VENTOR ATTORNEYS United States Patent" DISPENSING CONTAINER. FOR LIQUIDSAND AN EXTENSIBLE AND RETRACTABLE DISCHARGE SPDUT THEREFOR Alva T. Smith, Milwaukee, Wis.

Application March 17, 1954, Serial No. 416,821

19 Claims. (Cl. 222-396) The present invention relates to theart of dispensing.

More particularly, this invention relatesto, a container of the type generally utilized for liquid storage and dispensing with particular reference to the handling of gasoline, oil, and mixtures thereof, and which containers incorporate a discharge spout and a pump to facilitate discharge.

Still more particularly, thisinvention relates to a portable fuel can or liquid container incorporating improved discharge spout characteristics.

The prior art is replete with storage containers for gasoline and other fuels which incorporate a pump and which usually embody a relatively short nozzle or spout that is normally closed by a dust cap and through which the contents are dispersed.

It has been ascertained through experience that containers of this type filled with gasoline and/or oil fuels, and utilized for carrying areserve supply of such fuel in motor vehicles, for power-motor boats of the outboard type, or for operating power mowers, and other forms of liquid fuel operated devices, are quite cumbersome to handle. For example, since gasoline weighs-approximatelyeight pounds to the gallon, a filled five-gallon-container for gasoline will weigh in excess offorty pounds and this weight must be manipulated in transferring the'fuel from the container to the fuel tankof a vehicle, powermower, or the like. It is thus'obvious that such a cumbersome arrangement is not ideally suited'to the physical limitations of women or other slightstatured individuals.

It is therefore a primary object of the pres'ent'invention to provide an extensible and retractable spout or'hosein association with a fuel container which will permit dispensing of the contents of the container without manipulating the container and its contents.

it is a further object to providean improved mounting for a flexible or an'elongated spout thatincludes'means for cleaning and drying theexterior of the hose or spout as it is extracted or extended and for removing any. dirt from the exterior of the hose orspout as it isreinserted into the container.

As a further particular object, a gasket'of the squeegee type embraces thehose and which in' addition 'to' cleaning functions further operates as an automatic overpressure release valve during manipulation of a. pump associated with the container and used during dispensing.

As a still further specific object, the g'asket means is 60 movably mounted with relation to a rigid'apertured diaphragm associated with a discharge spoutor'is movable relative to any other suitable opening in or at the top of a container so that the gasketmeans can move up and down due to friction of the hose when the hose is moved in and out of the container to open or close an air escape port in the diaphragm or the opening in dependence upon the direction of movement of the hose.

As a further object, the gasket and hose are so associated with the aperturein the rigid diaphragm or with the opening in the container as to provide a safetyfea'ture that prevents the build-up-of undesirable-excesspressure in a container when the same is filled and closed and is in storage or is being transported.

As a further object, the present invention provides a dispensing container for gasoline or other fuel which incorporates an air pump to facilitate discharge, an eX- tensible and retractable hose or spout and a valve associated with the container and providing a secondary air pressure release and thus an instantaneous flow control.

As a further particular object, the present invention incorporates means associated with the inner end of the hose, that is the end normally retained within the con tainer, that maintains the intake end of the hose on or at the bottom of the container so as to facilitate a substantially complete emptying of the container.

Further and more specific objects will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a view partly in section and partly in elevation illustrating the improved fuel container and the extensible and retractable hose,

Figure 2 is a fragmentary cross sectional view on an enlarged scale illustrating the hose and the mounting means associating the same with the container as it appears with the hose being withdrawn,

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 but illustrating the invention with the hose reinserted Within the container and a closure cap applied,

Figure 3a is a fragmentary view illustrating certain parts of Figure 3 in different position,

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 44-" of Figure 2,

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 2 but illustrating a modified form of gasket means,

Figure 6 is a view of the arrangement of Figure 5 as viewed from the bottom, and

Figures 7 and 8 are fragmentary views on an enlarged scale illustrating the intake end of the hose and the meansfor maintainingthe same'at or'on the bottom of the container. 7

Asshown in the drawings, the container'of the present invention includes a body portion l comprising sides, top and a bottom. The top is provided with a series of apertureswith which are respectively associated a pump 2, the rigid spout 3-that receives the hose, and a-pushbutton flow control valve 4.

The'pump 2' is constructed as a unit with an *internally threaded cap 5 that fits over an externally threaded lip 6 provided on the top of the container. The pump is an aluminum'air pump and includes a barrel within which a piston is'reciprocal upon actuation of the'handle 7. The barrel passes throughthe cap 5 and is rigidly mounted-relative thereto and incorporates an'internally threaded end closure 8 through which thepiston rod is guided. The threaded barrel closure 8 is provided with-a vent opening 9. It is believed obvious that manipulation of the handle forces air under pressure through pump outlet'2 into the body of the container building uppressure therein on the body of the liquid to force the same through the hose, under control of valve 4.-

The rigid spout 3is provided at its upper' end with external threads and an internal flange 10. Acap member 11 that is internally threaded'at its lower'end is engaged over the threads on the spout 3. This'cap member 11 incorporates a metallic centrally apertured diaphragm 12 and a gasket 13 of a neoprene and cork mixture or of a synthetic rubber or, in any event, material that is not attacked by gasoline, oil and other'fuel to be stored in the container. Movably m'ounted' relative to the aperture in the diaphragm 12 is a flexible neoprene gasket 14 of a particularshape'andfunction-and that embraces :a length of flexible hose 15. v

The hose ls could be' of any desiredilengtn cornmensurate with the size of the container. For example, for a five-gallon container the hose is approximately six feet long thus having an effective length of at least four feet. Of course in shorter containers with less vertical dimensions, the six foot length of hose will have a more effective length. The relationship of the gasket 14 and the rigid diaphragm 12 is of particular importance. The gasket 14 includes a tubular body portion 16 that has an axial extent approximating the diameter of the hose. Midway of the length of the tubular portion and extending inwardly thereof is a flexible rib it? that functions as a squeegee with relation to the hose. Thus the gasket embracing the hose presents an arrangement in which the inner diameter of the tubular gasket portion is in excess of the outer diameter of the hose while the diameter of the opening defined by the flexible rib 17 is less than the outer diameter of the hose. Further, the outer diameter of the tubular portion is less than the diameter of the aperture or port 18 that is provided in the diaphragm 12. The gasket has spaced upper and lower flexible flanges at 19 and 20 each having a diameter substantially in excess of the opening 18 so as to associate the gasket with the diaphragm 12 and prevent accidental disassociation of these members. The hose thus fits within the gasket 14 and is movable rela tive thereto, whereas the gasket is loosely mounted within the opening 18 and it and the hose are movable relative to the diaphragm 12. The cap 11 is provided with an enlarged portion overlying the gasket and diaphragm and which portion has vent openings 21 therein for purposes hereinafter explained. A dust cap 22 that is internally threaded cooperates with external threads on the upper and reduced end of the cap 11. The outer end of the hose is provided with an annular gasket 23 which seats between the top of the neck of the cap 11 and the dust cap 22, as shown in Figure 3, and which gasket 23 is used to associate the discharge end of the hose with a filling opening in a fuel tank or the like.

As regards the functioning of the gasket 14 and as clear from Figure 2 with the hose extracted or being extracted, the rib 17 will closely embrace the exterior of the hose to clean and dry the same during extraction and thus prevent any gasoline or other fuel escaping with the moving hose. Furthermore, the pressure in the container coupled with the movement of the hose outwardly will seat flange against the undersurface of diaphragm 12. Any over-pressure existing within the container is automatically compensated for by the flexibility of the rib 17 which will yield to such gaseous pressure permitting a release thereof. The rib 17 further functions to clean the exterior of the hose when the hose is being pushed back into the container to reach the position shown in Figure 3, since the rib will flex or reverse itself due to the friction exerted by the hose. Thus the rib constitutes a squeegee. Further, the gasket operates as a safety valve due to the flexibility of the flanges 19 and 20. In Figure 3, flange 19 assumes the dotted line position when it operates as an over-pressure release valve when the container is closed and sealed. For example, a gasoline can that is in storage or in transit will have internal pressure fluctuations due to varying temperature conditions and the positional and structural arrangement of the gasket is such as to prevent the build-up of undesirable pressure conditions within the container during storage and transportation. Any pressure that builds up within the container will be released and the release path is indicated by the arrows in Figures 3 and 3a. The gas or air under pressure and seeking escape will lift the flange 19, Figure 3a, and escape out of the vent openings 21 of which at least two or more are provided in the cap 11. Thus the gasket has several important functions relative to the hose and to the escape port or opening 18 in the diaphragm 12. As previously indicated, it

cleans and dries the exterior of the hose removing gas and oil and other fuel therefrom as the hose is extracted, and it further removes all dirt as the hose is returned to the interior of the container. The yieldability of the rib 17 releases over-pressure while pum ing fuel. Since the tubular portion 16 of the gasket has less transverse dimensions than those of the port 18, the gasket moves up and down with the hose and thus flange 20 covers the port 18 as soon as extraction of the hose is started and then the pressure within the container holds it closed. When the hose and gasket move downwardly as the hose is being returned, the flexibility of flange 19 will permit air release as the hose is returned to the can and will prevent the build-up of undesirable pressure within the can or container while it is being stored or in transit.

Figure 4 clearly shows the relative dimensional arrangements and clearances between the hose and the inner wall of the tubular portion 16 and between the lip or edge of port 18 and the outer surface of the tubular portion 16 of the gasket.

In Figure 5, there is illustrated a modification in which the rigid diaphragm 12 and the squeegee acting rib 17 are eliminated as separate integers and a flexible diaphragm 24 is utilized in lieu thereof. This diaphragm 24 is mounted between a gasket 25 similar to gasket 13 and an inner shoulder on the cap 11. The central opening 24' in the diaphragm 24 is so correlated with the external dimensions of the hose that the material at the edge of this opening as at 26 provides a squeegee acting portion embracing the hose to clean and dry the hose as it is being extracted and to prevent any dirt from passing into the interior of the container as the hose is reinserted therein. A slit 27 is provided in the flexible diaphragm 24 to function as a safety valve as regards over-pressure when a container is in storage or transit and to also permit elimination of over-pressure while fuel is being pumped.

In Figures 7 and 8 are embodied one example of an arrangement for maintaining the intake end of the hose at least closely adjacent the bottom of the container. The intake end of the hose is provided with a conventional cap of fine mesh screen material that prevents the entry of any sediment into the hose. Mounted adjacent the cap is a permanent magnet 28. This magnet is a Carboloy Alnico permanent magnet that is sintered to a shape that is known in the trade as the round U-shape. The magnet is provided with a central opening and is secured to the hose by a wire 29 that passes over the hose through the central opening in the magnet and is bent outwardly to lie in the recess 30 formed in the base of the magnet. The pull of the magnet is in the direction toward its flat side or top 31. Therefore, the magnet is held against the bottom of the container and holds the intake end of the hose close to the bottom so that substantially all the contents of the container can be dispensed.

To utilize the container of this invention for transferring liquid from the container to a tank, for example, the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, the dust cap 22 is removed and the hose is withdrawn about one foot and then grasped between the thumb and forefinger to shut off the hose. The upward pull will close the air vent by applying flange 20 against the under-surface of diaphragm 12. The operator then imparts about ten strokes to the hand pump while continuing the upward pull on the hose. This action provides air pressure to seal the flange 20 against the diaphragm. The hose is then withdrawn to the required length and the nozzle washer 23 is hooked under the neck of the filling opening in the fuel tank. The grip on the hose is then released and fuel flow started. While the fuel is flowing, the pump is pumped slowly. In order to stop the flow of fuel, the valve 4 is manipulated by pushing on the push-button.

This flow control valve, in addition to the push-button 4, includes a stem that passes through an opening in the top of the can that is of larger diameter than the diameter of the stem. Mounted on the bottom of the" stem and cooperable with the under-surface: of the container is a washer or annular sealing element. A spring'is biased between the top of the container and the under-surface of the push-button to normally hold the washer against the under-surface of the container to seal the same. The spring is quite strong and the Washer bears with a plastic or rubber ring on the underside of the top of the container to form an adequate seal.

It is believed obvious that the container may be filled either by removing the cap with the pump embodied therewith, or by removing the cap 11 and the hose that is attached thereto. In most instances,- however, the container is filled by removing the cap 5 and the pump. A suitable bail type handle is incorporated with the top of the container to facilitate carrying the same.

It is believed clear, therefore, that the present invention provides in combination with a fuel container an air pump to build up pressure in the container to facilitate discharge, an escape valve in the top of the container to constitute a flow control and an-extensibleand retractable nozzle associated with the top of the container and which nozzle is of substantial length to permit discharge of the contents at a point relatively remotefrom the container to eliminate manipulation of the weight of the container and its contents. The nozzle is in the form of a flexible hose and a unique and novel gasket means surround the hose and is removably associated with the top of the container. The gasket means comprising a rubber or synthetic rubber body having upper and lower, spaced, flexible flanges interconnected by a tubular portion and mounted within an opening in a diaphragm. Projecting internally of the tubular port-ion is an annular flexible rib that cooperates with the exterior of the hose to clean and dry the same as it is extracted and to prevent any dirt or other matter entering the container as the hose is reinserted. The diaphragm and gasket are removably associated with the container top by a removable cap that includes a dome. portion provided with vent openings.

In the modified form of Figures 5- and 6, the invention includes a flexible diaphragm having a slit therein and a central opening, with the slit beingnormallyv closed. The dimensions of the central opening'are so correlated with the external dimensions of. the hose that the material at the inner edge of the diaphragm, bounding. the. central opening, flexes due to the friction of the hose as it is extracted or reinserted in the container to respectively clean and dry the hose on extraction and prevent dirt from passing into the container on reinsertion.

The invention further includes means for maintaining the intake end of the hose on or at the bottom of the container during and after the outer end of the base has been extracted.

It is to be pointed out that the. features ofthe. present invention relating to the extensible and retractable hose and its mounting means are not exclusively limited to utilization with a container that incorporates an air pump.

Furthermore, the invention is not to be limited for use with a flexible hose since in some instances the mounting features, namely, the flexible gasketmeans in association with an escape port can be embodied in combination with a rigid spout that is to be extended or retracted relative to the container. It is notnecessary that the opening with which the extensible and retractable hose or spout is associated be in the top of the container since if no air pump is employed it might be desirable to have the hose or spout located at or adjacent the bottom of the container.

The drawings illustrate a practical exemplification of the invention as applied to a combination including a pump to facilitate discharge.

As previously stated, the length of the flexible hose that is utilized can .vary in accordance with purposes intended, but for all practical purposes the axial extent, of'the hose should be several times the vertical dimensions of the container which will permit the transportation of the container in the luggage carrier or trunk of an automobile and-the transfer of gasoline from the container to the fuel tank of the automobile without the necessity of moving the container.

It is further to be pointed out that the inventive phases of this application comprehendin addition to combination features including the container and pump, an improved mounting means for an extensible and retractable hose or spout.

It is to be further understood that structural modifications, eliminations and additions may be resorted to so long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A dispensing container for liquids including an air pump, said airpump havingan outlet and means mounting the pump with its outlet Within the container, an extensible and retractable discharge spout, apertured means frictionally engaging the spout and mounting the same for movement into and out of the container whereby liquid can be dispensed through the spout when it is extended and in consequence of the actuation of the air pump, and automatically operable valve means embodied, with the apertured means for releasing overpressure when pumping and for preventing the build-up of undesirable excess pressurewithin the container when the same is filled and closed.

2. A dispensing container for liquids as claimed in claim 1, in which the apertured means mounting the spout includes an annular flexible member having an inwardly extending rib closely embracing the spout and operable to clean and dry the same when it is extracted and to prevent the entry of dirt and other foreign matter into the container when the spout is retracted.

3. A dispensing container for liquids as claimed in claim 1, in which the spout constitutes an elongated flexible hose having a length substantially in excess of the vertical dimensions of the container, said hose having an intake end, and means carried by the hose for maintaining the intake. end thereof at least closely adjacentthe bottom of the container.

4. A dispensing container for liquids as claimed in claim 3, in which the container has at least a metallic bottom and the means carried by the hose for maintaining the intake end at least closely adjacent the bottom constitutes a permanent magnet.

5. A dispensing container for liquids as claimed in claim 1, in which the container has an opening therein, the apertured means mounting the spout includes an annular flexible member within the opening, said member including a tubular body portion and spaced upper and lower flanges, said body portion having an external diameter less than the transverse dimensions of the opening and the said flanges having transverse dimensions greater than the corresponding dimensions of the opening whereby the said annular flexible member is movable relative to the opening, the tubular body portion of the flexible member having an internal flexible rib closely embracing the spout with sufficient intensity whereby movement of the spout flexes said rib to move in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the spout so asto clean the same regardless of the direction of movement thereof and means including a closure cap for removably closing the spout and the opening in the container when the spout is retracted.

6. A dispensing container for liquids as claimed in claim 5, in which the spout is an elongated flexible hose.

7. A dispensing container for liquids as claimed in claim 1, in which the apertured means mounting the spout includes a flexible. diaphragm having a normally closed slit therein and a central. opening, said diaphragm closely embracing the spout so as to flex upon movement of the spout in opposite directions, said slit opening responsive to excessive pressure, said container having an opening therein and means removably securing the diaphragm to the opening including cap means operable to close the end of the spout when the latter is retracted within the container.

8. A dispensing container for liquids as claimed in claim 1, in which the container has an opening therein bounded by an outwardly extending externally threaded annular portion, the apertured means mounting the spout including the automatically operable valve means and comprising a substantially rigid annular element overlying the opening, a cap having an upper externally threaded neck portion, an intermediate body portion of greater transverse dimensions than the neck portion and a lower internally threaded portion cooperable with the threads on the annular portion for holding the annular element in place, said spout constituting an elongated flexible hose of a diameter to loosely fit through the neck portion and which diameter is substantially less than the diameter of the opening in the annular element, said hose having an annular gasket at the outer end thereof that seats on the upper end of the neck portion, a removable dust cap having internal threads cooperable with the threads on the neck portion for closing the same and holding the gasket and the hose in place, and resilient gasket means comprising a tubular body and axially spaced external flexible flanges loosely mounted within the opening in the said annular element, said flanges having transverse dimensions such as to overlie the respective upper and lower surfaces of the annular element outwardly of the opening therein and said tubular body having an internal flexible rib closely embracing said hose whereby movement of the hose in opposite directions flexes said rib so that it cleans the hose, said tubular body moving with the hose to apply a flange thereof against the surface of the annular element depending on the direction of movement of the hose, said flexible rib being of suificient flexibility to constitute an excess pressure release valve during pumping, said intermediate body portion of the first mentioned cap having vent openings therein and the flange on the tubular body portion overlying the upper surface of the annular element having suflicient flexibility sponsive to excess pressure existing within the container to permit venting thereof through the opening in the annular element and through said vent openings when the hose is fully retracted and the dust cap applied so as to prevent the build-up of undesirable excess pressure within the container.

9. In a dispensing container for liquids having an opening therein and a metallic bottom, an elongated flexible discharge hose, means mounting the hose for movement into and out of the container for storage and dispensing respectively, said hose having a length substantially in excess of the vertical dimensions of the container and means carried by the end of the hose that is within the container to normally maintain said end at least adjacent the bottom while permitting lateral movement of the hose relative to the bottom.

10. in a dispensing container for liquids having an opening therein and a metallic bottom, an elongated flexible discharge hose, means mounting the hose for movement into and out of the container for storage and dispensing respectively, said hose having a length substantially in excess of the vertical dimensions of the container and magnetic means carried by the end of the hose that is within the container to normally maintain said end at least adjacent the bottom while permitting lateral movement of the hose relative to the bottom.

ll. Means for mounting an elongated flexible hose in an opening in a container so as to permit withdrawal of the hose for dispensing purposes and reinsertion of the hose for storage, said means including an annular flexible to yield remember within the opening, said member including a tubular body portion and spaced upper and lower flanges, said body portion having an external diameter less than the transverse dimensions of the opening and the said flanges having transverse dimensions greater than the corresponding dimensions of the opening whereby the said annular flexible member is movable relative to the opening, and the tubular body portion of the flexible member having an internal flexible rib closely embracing the spout with sufficient intensity whereby movement of the spout flexes said rib to move in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the spout so as to clean the same regardless of the direction of movement thereof.

12. Means for mounting an elongated flexible hose in an externally threaded neck on a container so as to permit extraction of the hose for dispensing purposes and reinsertion of the hose for storage including a substantially rigid annular element overlying the neck, a cap having an upper externally threaded neck portion and intermediate body portion of greater transverse dimensions than the neck portion and a lower internally threaded portion cooperable with the threads on the neck for holding the annular element in place, said hose being of a diameter to loosely fit through the neck portion and which diameter is substantially less than the diameter of the opening in the annular element, said hose having an annular gasket at the outer end thereof that seats on the upper end of the neck, a removable dust cap having internal threads cooperable with the threads on the neck portion for closing the same and holding the gasket and the hose in place, and resilient gasket means comprising a tubular body and spaced external flexible flanges loosely mounted within the opening in the said annular element, said flanges having transverse dimensions such as to overlie the respective upper and lower surfaces of the annular element outwardly of the opening therein and said tubular body having an internal flexible rib closely embracing said hose whereby movement of the hose in opposite directions flexes said rib so that it cleans the hose, said tubular body moving with the hose to apply a flange thereof against the surface of the annular element depending on the direction of movement of the hose, said flexible rib being of sufficient flexibility to constitute an excess pressure release valve, said enlarged body portion of the first mentioned cap having vent openings therein and the flange on the tubular body portion overlying the upper surface of the annular element having suflicient flexibility to yield responsive to excess pres sure existing within the container to permit venting thereof through the opening in the annular element and through said vent openings when the hose is fully inserted and the dust cap applied so as to prevent the build-up of undesirable excess pressure within the container.

13. In a dispensing container for liquids of the type having an opening therein, an annular flexible member removably mounted relative to said opening, said member including an inner edge, an elongated flexible hose closely embraced by said inner edge whereby the hose can be Withdrawn relative to the container for dispensiug and reinserted therewithin for storage with the inner edge cleaning the hose as it is moved and said flexible member further incorporating automatically operable valve means to release excess pressure from within the container when the hose is stored or withdrawn.

14. In a dispensing container as claimed in claim 13, and in which the annular flexible member is an apertured diaphragm having a normally closed slit therein constituting the valve means.

15. In a dispensing container as claimed in claim 13, in which the annular flexible member includes a tubular body portion and spaced upper and lower flexible flanges, said body portion having an external diameter less than the transverse dimensions of the opening and the flanges having transverse dimensions greater than the corresponding dimensions of the opening, said tubular body portion having an internal flexible rib constituting the inner edge closely embracing the hose whereby the flexible member is movable relative to the opening in response to the movement ofthe hose so as to apply one or the other of said flanges on and over the opening depending upon the direction of movement of the hose, said upper flexible flange being movable responsive to pressure and constituting an automatically operable valve means to relieve excess pressure when the hose is stored and the said rib yielding responsive to pressure and constituting an automatically operable valve means to release excess pressure when the hose is withdrawn.

16. An attachment for a dispensing container and which container is of the type from which liquid is dis charged under pressure through a discharge opening, said attachment comprising a tubular member incorporating means for removably attaching the same to the discharge opening in the container, said tubular member having vent openings therein, an elongated flexible dispensing tube, apertured and flexible means yieldingly and frictionally engaging the dispensing tube and removably supported relative to the opening in the container by said tubular member so as to permit extension and retraction of the discharge tube relative to the container, and said apertured and flexible means including pressure relief valve means automatically operable to relieve pressure from within the container through said vent openings in the tubular member.

17. An attachment for a dispensing container as claimed in claim 16, in which the tubular member includes an upper externally threaded portion having a rim, a cap for closing said portion, and washer means carried by the end of the flexible discharge tube and having transverse dimensions such as to permit the seating thereof on the saidn'm, and a removable closure cap having internal threads cooperable with the threads on the upper portion for clamping the washer to the rim when the flexible discharge tube is retracted within the container.

18. An attachment for a dispensing container as claimed in claim 16, in which the apertured end flexible means constitutes a centrally apertured diaphragm closely embracing the tube and said diaphragm having a normally closed slit therein constituting the pressure relief valve means.

19. An attachment for a dispensing container as claimed in claim 16, in which the apertured and flexible means includes a rigid member having an aperture therein adapted to be supported on the discharge opening, a flexible member including a tubular body portion and spaced upper and lower flexible flanges, said body portion having an external diameter less than the transverse dimension of the aperture in the rigid member and the flanges having transverse dimensions greater than the corresponding dimensions of the aperture, said tubular body portion having an internal flexible rib yield ingly and frictionally engaging the discharge tube whereby the flexible body portion is movable relative to the aperture in the rigid member in response to axial movement of the flexible discharge tube in either direction so as to apply one or the other of said flanges on and over the opening, depending upon the direction of movement of said discharge tube, said internal rib cleaning the discharge tube as it is moved, and the pressure relief valve means constituting a first valve means comprising said upper flexible flange that is movable resp0nsive to pressure to automatically relieve excess pressure from within the container when the discharge tube is retracted and a second relief valve means comprising said rib which is yieldable responsive to pressure to release excess pressure from the container When the flexible discharge tube is extended.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 566,723 Alexander Aug. 25, 1896 655,954 Brooks Aug. 14, 1900 1,843,532 Willson Feb. 2, 1932 1,938,174 Davis Dec. 5, 1933

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