Richard S Whitaker

US Patent:

53480481, Sep 20, 1994

Filed:

Jan 8, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/002441

Inventors:

Lowell C. Schirado - Grand Rapids MI
James L. Chambers - Grand Rapids MI
Richard H. Whitaker - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

F16K 2400

US Classification:

137588

Abstract:

A male/female quick-connect system is provided which is adapted to sealingly couple to the opening of a container of liquid product. The female component of the system is adapted to couple to any standard 3/4" plumbing fitment and/or 1/4" ID standpipe and is self-venting so that any stock container can be used without modification. The male component which sealingly couples to the female component is provided with a barbed tip adapted to receive a variety of feed line sizes. A one-way elastomeric valve is disposed in the male member which only allows product to flow therethrough when the male component is coupled to a source of vacuum thereby preventing product from flowing back into the container. A shipping plug is provided which sealingly couples to the female component during shipping and/or storage of a container of liquid product which, in one preferred embodiment, is adapted with a one-way vent valve to allow excess pressure to be expelled from within the container while preventing outside contaminants from entering therein.