The present invention relates to a fluid dispensing nozzle, particularly but not only to a nozzle suitable for dispensing pressurized fluids such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG).

There have been many proposals for coupling an LPG dispensing nozzle to a tank inlet. It has also been proposed to ensure that the coupling cannot be released while the LPG is being dispensed through the nozzle into the tank.

In EP 039977, the coupling is performed by a series of radially displaceable pawls. The pawls are retained in their engaged position by a valve body which is displaced towards d e tank inlet whenever the nozzle valve is manually opened by a lever to

dispense the fuel.

It is a common practice of users of LPG dispensing nozzles to rotate the nozzle relative to the tank inlet during dispensing, for example to find a more comfortable position as they hold the nozzle. The embodiment described in EP 039977 has the advantage of freely permitting such rotation. However, in, for example, Australia and North America the standard coupling arrangement between an LPG dispensing nozzle and vehicle tank inlets is a screw threaded one, such as an ACME thread, for example as generally described in AU 79191/87. In this arrangement a connector around and freely rotatable relative to the nozzle body is internally screw threaded at the nozzle outlet end to cooperate with an externally screw threaded tank inlet. One problem with having a screw threaded connection between the LPG nozzle and the tank inlets is of users deliberately unscrewing the coupling sleeve before fluid dispensing has been terminated. Even partial uncoupling of the sleeve from the tank inlet can put a user's safety at risk if LPG is allowed to escape.

AU 79191/87 aims to overcome the problem of deliberate early imcoupling of the nozzle by providing a locking means between a handle portion and die connector which is actuated whenever die nozzle valve is opened by a lever to dispense LPG. The locking means prevents relative rotation between the handle portion and connector while LPG is being dispensed from die nozzle so that the connector cannot be deliberately uncoupled by die user when the handle portion is held steady. However, locking the handle portion and connector togetiier leads to d e problem that rotation of the handle portion by the user in the uncoupling direction of rotation of the connector will lead to at least partial imcoupling of the connector from the tank inlet

It is an object of the present invention to alleviate the aforementioned problems and diere is accordingly provided a fluid dispensing nozzle comprising a handle portion, a valve for controlling the dispensing flow of fluid from an inlet end of die nozzle to an oudet end of die nozzle, said valve being actuatable by a lever to open the valve, a connector mounted for rotation relative to the handle portion, said

connector having at least one engaging formation adjacent die outiet end of the nozzle for coupling the nozzle with a tank inlet by rotating the connector in one direction and for uncoupling the nozzle from the tank by rotating the connector in the opposite direction, and a locking device between the handle portion and die connector which operates when the lever is in its position which opens die valve, the locking device operating to prevent manual rotation of die connector relative to die handle portion in said opposite direction but said locking device permitting rotation of the handle portion relative to the connector in said opposite direction.

By d e present invention, the handle poπion is free to be manually rotated in a direction which would uncouple die connector if the handle portion and connector were locked for rotation in tiiat direction.

In one embodiment, die handle portion is free to be manually rotated in both directions relative to die connector when the lever is in its position which opens die valve, but the locking device prevents manual rotation of die connector relative to die handle portion in the opposite direction. In one such arrangement the cooperating parts of the locking device on die handle portion and connector must both be advanced towards each otiier in order for die locking device to engage and operate, and die cooperating part on the connector must be advanced whenever it is attempted to manually rotate the connector. The cooperating part of the handle portion will be advanced whenever die lever is moved to its position in which the valve is open, but that cooperating part will not engage with die cooperating part on the connector if that also has not been advanced, allowing manual rotation of die handle portion in both directions relative to die connector. On the other hand, when it is attempted to manually rotate the connector to couple or uncouple the connector, its cooperating part will advance but not engage die cooperating part of the handle portion, unless that cooperating part is also advanced, so tiiat the connector can be manually rotated relative to d e handle portion. When both cooperating parts are advanced towards each otiier by the lever being in its position in which d e valve is open and by attempting to manually rotate the connector, relative rotation of die handle portion and connector is prevented. In tiiis condition, uncoupling of the

nozzle from the tank inlet is prevented unless both the handle portion and connector are held by separate hands and rotated togedier.

In this one embodiment, advancement of die cooperating part of the locking device on die connector may occur automatically whenever the connector is gripped to rotate it, for example by means of a leaf spring which is flattened and tiiereby extended longitudinally when die connector is gripped.

In an alternative, preferred embodiment, die locking device operates to prevent rotation of die connector relative to die handle portion in the opposite direction but also to automatically permit rotation of the handle portion relative to die connector in said opposite direction of rotation. In this embodiment, manual rotation of die handle portion relative to the connector is only permitted in die direction of rotation which would uncouple the connector if the handle portion and connector were locked togedier for rotation in tiiat direction. Thus, manual rotation of die connector in said opposite direction relative to the handle portion is prevented by die operation of die locking device so tiiat d e connector cannot be uncoupled when die locking device is engaged except by separately manually rotating both d e handle portion and die connector in said opposite direction. The locking device will accordingly also lock together die connector and handle portion for rotation in die one direction, but tiiis is not a problem since such rotation will tend to tighten d e coupling between the connector and die tank inlet

The aforementioned preferred embodiment maybe achieved by a ratchet mechanism which is engaged when d e lever is in its position which opens die valve. Preferably, a pawl (or each of a plurality of pawls) of the ratchet mechanism is supported for movement witii the handle portion and is advanced automatically whenever the lever is moved to its position which opens the valve to engage one of an annular array of recesses provided on die connector. However, alternatively, it is clear that the or each pawl may be provided on d e connector and d e array of recesses on the handle portion. Relative rotation between the connector and handle portion is controlled by die engagement of die pawl with the sidewalls of the respective recess. The or

each pawl may disengage the sidewall of the respective recess, when the handle portion is rotated in die opposite direction, by displacement out of die plane of die array of recesses, for example by sliding or pivoting movement, or by pivotal movement in the plane of the array of recesses.

Various embodiments of a fluid dispensing nozzle in accordance widi d e invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to die accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a partial side view, pardy in section, of die prior art nozzle of AU 79191/87 showing the nozzle in a fluid-dispensing mode of operation;

Figure 2 is an overall side view of a nozzle in accordance widi the invention showing the nozzle in two modes of operation, with a valve of die nozzle closed shown in die solid line mode and widi die valve opened by a lever shown in the chain dotted mode; Figure 3 is a reduced view similar to Figure 2 but pardy in section and illustrating a first embodiment of nozzle according to die invention;

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail of die sectional portion of Figure 3;

Figures 5 and 6 are part cross sectional views taken on line A-A of Figure 4 showing a locking mechanism in different modes of operation; Figure 7 is a perspective view from below of a nozzle similar to that shown in Figure 2 but illustrating a second embodiment of d e invention;

Figure 8 shows a detail of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a partial side view of a nozzle similar to that shown in Figure 2 but illustrating a tiiird embodiment of die invention; Figure 10 is a perspective sectional view taken on the line B-B of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of an LPG nozzle, in non-operational mode;

Figure 12 is an enlargement of the forward part of Figure 11 but showing the nozzle connected to a tank inlet and d e valve open; and Figure 13 is a perspective partial view of the nozzle of Figures 11 and 12, from the otiier side illustrating a fourth embodiment of die invention.

It will be noted that, for convenience only, some parts have been omitted from the views illustrated in Figures 2 to 13.

The LPG dispensing nozzle 10 shown in Figure 1 is described in detail in AU 79191/87 which is incorporated herein by reference.

Briefly, die nozzle 10 comprises a nozzle body 12 which is axially slidable in a slide sleeve 14 against the bias of a compression spring 16 by means of a lever 18. The nozzle body 12 carries a valve assembly shown generally at 20 therein which, when die lever 18 is released, prevents pressurized fluid flow from a hose (not shown) connected to a tubular handle 22 passing to an outiet end 24 of die nozzle by means of a valve body 26 which is biased into engagement widi a valve seat 28 by a compression spring 30.

The valve 20 is opened as shown in Figure 1 when the lever 18 is actuated to displace die nozzle body 12 and die valve 20 axially forwardly relative to the slide sleeve 14 to bring the valve piston 26 into engagement with an actuator 32 to lift the valve body off the valve seat 28. The pressurized fluid dien follows the route shown by die arrows in Figure 1 through ports 34 (one only shown) and passage 46 in the actuator to the oudet end 24.

The actuator 32 forms part of a hollow seal member 36 which is axially slidable relative to die nozzle body 12 and slide sleeve 14 and is biased away from die slide sleeve 14 by a compression spring 38. When the seal member 36 is in its thus biased condition (not shown in Figure 1) the actuator 32 is disposed forwardly of die valve seat 28 whereby axial displacement of the nozzle body 12 and die valve 20 by die lever 18 will not cause the valve body 26 to be lifted from the valve seat 28. The seal member 36 is displaced rearwardly against the bias of spring 38 into the position shown in Figure 1 by engagement of a nose-piece 40 of the seal member 36 with a cooperating seal face of a vehicle tank inlet (not shown) when the nozzle is coupled to die tank inlet.

Coupling of the nozzle 10 to the tank inlet is effected by a connector 42 which is in the form of a sleeve axially fixed on but rotatable relative to die slide sleeve 14. At die oudet end 24 of die nozzle the connector 42 is provided widi an acme screw- thread 44 on its inner periphery to cooperate with a corresponding screw-diread on the tank inlet.

In use, dierefore, LPG cannot be dispensed dirough the nozzle 10 until the seal member 36 is displaced rearwardly by engagement of the nose-piece 40 wid die seal face of the tank inlet. This is effected by screw-direadedly engaging the connector 42 with die tank inlet to bring the forwardly biased seal member 36 into contact with die seal face. Once die connector 42 has been fully screw threadedly engaged widi die tank inlet, the valve 20 is opened by actuating the lever 18. The lever 18 is pivotally mounted at 48 on an extension 50 of the slide sleeve 14, so is axially fixed relative to die slide sleeve. When d e lever is actuated, its abutment 52 cooperates widi a surface 54 of a handle portion 56 which includes die tubular handle 22 dirough which LPG is conveyed to die nozzle and a trigger guard 58. The handle portion is shown in greater detail in AU 79191/87. The handle portion 56 is axially and rotatably fast widi die nozzle body 12, and is therefore axially displaceable widi die nozzle body 12 relative to die slide sleeve 14 and connector 42. Thus, actuating die lever 18 causes the abutment 52 to urge the handle portion 56 forwardly widi die nozzle body 12.

In order to prevent die connector 42 being manually rotated to uncouple die nozzle from the tank inlet while the lever 18 is actuated to open d e valve 20, a pin 60 cooperates with die connector to prevent relative rotation of die connector. The pin 60 is secured to die handle portion 56 and projects forwardly towards die adjacent end 62 of die connector. The pin 60 is therefore displaced forwardly widi die handle portion 56 when die lever 18 is actuated, and in tiiat condition engages one of a plurality of recesses 64 in the adjacent end 62 of he connector. As clearly shown in AU 79191/87, the recesses 64 define an annular array so that die pin 60 is able to engage one of them in substantially any angular position of die connector to prevent the connector then being rotated relative to die handle portion.

A difficulty with die arrangement in AU 79191/87 is that die connector 42 may be rotated directiy with die handle portion when the pin 60 is engaged widi one of die recesses 64 to diereby undo die connector from the tank inlet. The embodiments of die present invention described widi reference to Figures 2 to 13 alleviate this disadvantage.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a general overall side view of a nozzle 100 which is essentially common to all of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 10. The nozzle 100 is shown as having a linear configuration, with the hose (not shown) for conveying LPG to die nozzle being attached at one end 102 and die connector 104 screw direadedly engageable with a tank inlet (not shown) at the otiier end 112. However, diis is by way of example only and die nozzle may have a curved configuration as shown in AU 79191 /87 or any other appropriate configuration. The nozzle 100 operates broadly in die same manner as the nozzle 10 described widi reference to Figure 1 and is therefore shown in outiine only. Thus, an actuating lever 106 is pivotally mounted on an extension 108 of a slide sleeve of die nozzle relative to which the connector 104 is axially fixed but relatively rotatable to allow for the screw threaded connection with die tank inlet. A handle portion 110 is axially fixed widi a nozzle body (not shown) to convey die LPG from the hose end 102 to die nozzle outiet at end 112. T e nozzle body is axially displaceable widiin the slide sleeve to open and close a nozzle valve (not shown) when the connector 104 is engaged widi die tank inlet. The axial displacement of die nozzle body to open die valve is effected by actuating the lever 106 which engages a cooperating surface 114 of d e handle portion. Thus, the handle portion 110 is axially displaced with die nozzle body. In Figure 2, the inoperative condition of d e nozzle 100 is shown in solid lines, while its actuated condition is shown in chain dotted lines.

It will be appreciated tiiat altiiough the components such as the nozzle body, valve means, connector, seal member and slide sleeve of die nozzle 100 are not described in detail herein, except in relation to d e partial locking means, they may differ in detail from d e corresponding components of the prior art nozzle 10 described widi reference to Figure 1, and a preferred form of diese components is described wid

reference to Figures 11 and 12 herein.

The connector 104 is screw threadedly engaged widi the tank inlet (not shown) by relatively rotating die connector in a clock-wise direction when viewed from behind, tiiat is the right hand end of Figure 2. Correspondingly, disengagement of die connector 104 from the tank inlet is performed by relatively rotating die connector in an anti-clockwise direction. Rotational directions whenever referred to hereinafter will be when viewed from behind, tiiat is from the handle portion end of the nozzle. In accordance widi die invention, die nozzle 100 incorporates means for ensuring that the connector 104 cannot be manually rotated relative to die remainder of die nozzle 100 to disengage die nozzle from the tank inlet while the nozzle valve is actuated by die lever 106 to allow fluid flow, while at the same time allowing the handle portion 110 to be rotated relative to die connector 104 in the anti-clockwise direction when viewed from behind, tiiat is in a direction which would otherwise cause the connector 104 to disengage die tank inlet.

Four means of achieving this partial locking of the connector 104 with d e handle portion 110 are shown in Figures 3 to 13 and will now be described. Since the nozzles illustrated in Figures 3 to 6, 7 and 8, and 9 and 10 are closely based on die nozzle 100, they will not be described again in detail and die same reference numerals will be used where appropriate to describe die same or similar parts in these three embodiments. Furthermore, several of the views shown in Figures 3 to 10 are not true views since they omit some of the valve detail, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in die art. However, the views are provided primarily to illustrate the embodiments of die partial locking means.

Referring now to Figures 3 to 6, these show die nozzle 100 in its actuated condition, tiiat is with die handle portion 110 and d e nozzle body (not shown) in its advanced condition so as to allow LPG flow when the connector 104 is engaged widi a tank inlet. The actuating lever has been omitted for clarity, but its pivot point 116 is clearly shown in Figures 3 and 4. The partial locking means 118 is shown in section in Figures 3 and 4.

The partial locking means 118 comprises a ratchet mechanism which allows relative rotation between the handle portion 110 and die connector 104 in the clockwise direction of rotation of die connector, but prevents that relative rotation in die anti¬ clockwise direction of rotation of die connector. The locking means 118 comprises a pawl 120 rotatably mounted on a stub axle 122 carried by die handle portion and an annular array 124 of radially inwardly directed teetii 126 defining recesses between them formed on d e adjacent end of die connector 104.

The stub axle 122 is rotatably fixed in a stepped passage 128 and is axially fixed by means of a circlip 130 at one end. A coiled torsion spring 132 extends about die stub axle in the larger diameter portion of die passage 128 and engages at one end a shoulder 134 of die stepped passage 128. The pawl 120 is rotatably mounted on die opposite end of die stub axle 122 with a skirt portion 135 overlying the stub axle and torsion spring and tiierefore received in d e larger diameter portion of the passage 128. A free end 136 of die torsion spring engages die interior surface of the skirt 135 while the otiier end (not shown) engages die wall of the passage 128 adjacent die shoulder 134 whereby die pawl 120 is biased by die spring in the anti¬ clockwise direction.

As clearly shown in Figures 5 and 6, die pawl 120 is substantially triangular in cross- section, having a short side 138 which merges wid a long side 140 through an arcuate portion 142 which is centred on die axis of rotation of the pawl, and an inclined ramp side 144 extending from die short side 138 to die remote end of die long side 140. In the embodiment illustrated die long side 140 and ramp side 144 are foreshortened. The portion of the skirt 135 defining the short side 138 of die pawl is received closely between the stub axle 122 and die upper surface 146 of die enlarged portion of die stepped passage 128 to prevent the pawl 120 rotating widi die bias of the spring 132 in an anti-clockwise direction beyond die position shown in Figure 6. However, the pawl 120 is free to rotate against the bias of the spring 132 in a clockwise direction about die arcuate portion 142 until the long side 140 engages eitiier the upper surface 146 or d e adjacent side surface 148 of die enlarged portion of the stepped passage 128.

The main body 150 of die pawl projects from die passage 128 and, in die actuated condition of die nozzle when the lever 106 is actuated to open the nozzle valve, projects into a hollow castellated end portion 152 of the connector 104 which defines die array 124 of teeth and recesses. The castellated end portion 152 is provided for manually gripping the connector 104 in order to facilitate its manual rotation.

The lengtiis of the long side 140 and ramp side 144 of the pawl 120 are such tiiat in the rest condition of d e pawl shown in Figure 6, the pawl projects between adjacent teetii 126 of the annular array 124 when the handle portion 110 of the nozzle, and dierefore die pawl, is in its advanced condition to open die nozzle valve. Thus, the pawl 120 prevents the anti-clockwise rotation of the connector 104 by its engagement of the long side 140 widi a toodi 126 when the nozzle is actuated, to prevent die connector being manually rotated to undo it from die tank inlet. However, if the handle portion 110 is rotated in d e anti-clockwise direction, which rotation would tend to undo die connector 104 if the handle portion and connector were locked togedier, die inclined ramp surface 144 of the pawl engages the adjacent tooth 126a causing the pawl to rotate against the bias of the spring 132 around die arcuate portion 142 as shown in Figure 5. Thus, the handle portion 110 can be rotated in die anti-clockwise direction relative to die connector 104, and dierefore widiout disengaging d e connector from die tank inlet. Rotation of the handle portion 110 in die clockwise direction will cause the handle portion to rotatively lock with die connector 104 but this is not of concern since such rotation will tend to increase the screw threaded engagement of die connector 104 with die tank inlet.

Thus, the connector 104 cannot be manually rotated relative to die handle portion 110 to disengage d e nozzle from the tank inlet while the handle portion and nozzle body are in their advanced, fluid-dispensing condition. When die lever 106 is released die nozzle body and handle portion 110 retract under d e bias of a spring (for example the spring 16 in Figure 1), such retraction withdrawing die pawl 120 from die end portion 152 of the connector 104. Thus, when the lever 106 is released, allowing the nozzle valve to close, the pawl 120 is disengaged from die connector 104 and die connector can be rotated in die anti-clockwise direction relative to die

handle portion 110 to allow the connector to disengage the tank inlet.

Turning now to Figures 7 and 8, the principles of operation of die partial locking means 118' are very similar to the partial locking means 118 in Figures 3 to 6, and die locking means 118' will therefore be described only in so far as it differs from die partial locking means 118, with similar parts being given the same reference numeral followed by a "'".

In Figure 7, the actuating lever 106 is shown in two conditions, wid die lever released (in dashed lines) and actuated. However, d e partial locking means is shown in the lever actuated condition with die pawl 120' advanced so as to cooperate widi die array 124' of teetii 126' and recesses on die end portion 152' of the connector 104. In this embodiment, die teetii 126' and recesses are defined on die exterior of the end portion 152', and are dierefore engaged by die pawl 120' from radially outwardly of die connector.

The pawl 120' is rotatably mounted on die forward face 160 of a depending projection 162 of the handle portion 110 which may act as a shortened finger guard. The pawl 120' is rotatively biased into engagement with a stop 164 also provided on die front face 160 of the projection 162. In this condition, die long side 140' of the pawl projects between adjacent teetii 126' when the lever is actuated and, because of die engagement of die pawl widi die stop 164, prevents the anti-clockwise rotation of the connector 104 relative to the handle portion 110 so that the connector cannot be uncoupled from a tank inle

The biasing of the pawl 120' is performed by a torsion spring 132' shown in Figure 8 which, conveniendy, is located by die stop 164. The spring may be located between the pawl 120' and die projection 160, and it will be appreciated tiiat Figure 8 is highly schematic as the pawl, its mounting shaft 122' and die stop 164 are being seen in cross-section. As illustrated, d e mounting shaft 122' is rotatable with the pawl 120'.

An inclined ramp surface 144' of the pawl 120' is engageable by the opposite surface of each tooth to the long side 140' when d e handle portion 110' is rotated in die anti-clockwise direction relative to die connector 104, such engagement causing the pawl 120' to be rotated against the bias of spring 132' whereby the ramp surface 144' slides over die outer surface of each tooth 126'. When the actuating lever 106 is released, die pawl 120 is retracted axially from the array 124' of teeth and recesses widi die handle portion 110, permitting d e connector 104 to be rotated relative to die handle portion to disengage die nozzle from a tank inlet.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 10 showing a third embodiment, Figure 9 once again illustrates the actuating lever 106 in both the actuating condition and die released condition (in dashed lines), but die handle portion is shown in die advanced, lever actuated condition widi d e partial locking means 170 engaged to restrict relative rotation between the handle portion 110 and die connector 104. As in the second embodiment shown in Figure 7, a pawl 172 of the partial locking means is mounted on a depending projection 162' of the handle portion 110. However, while the pawl 172 could engage the teeth and recesses of die castellated end portion 152 of the connector 104, whether interiorly as shown in the embodiment of Figures 4 to 6 or exteriorly as shown in the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, in this embodiment it is shown cooperating with an annular array of small recesses 174 formed in die rear end face 176 of d e end portion 152 radially inwardly of d e teetii 126. The array of recesses 174 is similar to that shown in Figure 13, but is shown schematically in Figure 9 since it would not normally be visible in that view.

The pawl 172 is mounted between forwardly projecting wings 178 (one omitted in Figure 9 and cut-away in Figure 10) of the depending projection 162' for pivotal movement about an axis 180 that extends tangentially relative to the axis of rotation of the connector 104. The pawl is substantially Z-shaped in side elevation, as shown in Figure 9, having a first leg 182 projecting forwardly from one end of a web 184 and a second leg 186 projecting rearwardly from the opposite end of die web 184, to die side of the pivot axis 180 remote from the first leg 182. The second leg 186 acts as a stop engaging the forwardly projecting face 164' of the projection 162' when

the pawl is biased into its actuating condition by a leaf spring 188 which is mounted on die projection 162' and engages die rear face of die web 184. The first leg 182 in die biased condition of d e pawl projects forwardly into one of die recesses 174 in the end portion 152 of d e connector 104 when die nozzle is actuated by die lever 106.

As clearly shown in Figure 10, the first leg 182 of the pawl 172 has a locking surface on its right hand side when viewed from behind which extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the connector 104, and an inclined ramp surface 192 on its left hand side when viewed from behind. A side wall of the respective recess 174 will engage the locking surface 190 of the pawl when it is attempted to manually rotate the connector 104 in the undoing, anti-clockwise direction relative the handle portion 110 with the nozzle valve actuated and die pawl 172 engaged widi the recess, to prevent such rotation. However, if under die same conditions the handle portion 110 is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction relative to the connector 104, the inclined ramp surface 192 of the pawl will engage the opposite side wall of the recess 174 and die pawl will be forced to pivot against the bias of the spring 188 thereby allowing such rotation.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, which illustrate a preferred form of nozzle 200 into which the locking device of d e invention can be incorporated, die same or similar parts to those in Figure 1 will be given the same name and die same reference numeral preceded by a "2". The nozzle 200 is also described in our copending International Patent Application PCT/AU94/00248 and in the corresponding United States and otiier patent applications.

Figure 11 illustrates the nozzle 200 in a condition in which it is disengaged from a tank inlet and die lever 218 has not been actuated to shift the nozzle body 212 and valve assembly 220 axially forwardly (to d e left in Figure 11). Thus, the valve body 226 is engaged widi die valve seat 228 with die nozzle body 212 and valve assembly 220 in their axially rearwardmost condition, and a sealing assembly 248 comprising a seal member 236 and a nose-piece 240 is shown displaced to its axially

rearwardmost condition in engagement widi d e slide sleeve 214 but is free to float between that position and a forwardmost position in which it abuts an acme screw thread 244 on the connector 242. Figure 12, on the other hand, illustrates the forward portion of the nozzle 200 connected to a tank inlet 292 widi die valve assembly 220 open following the actuation of the lever 218 (not shown in Figure 12).

The seal member 236 and forward portion of the connector 242 have been axially extended compared to die corresponding parts of nozzle 10, and an annular recess or chamber 250 formed in a forwardly facing face 252 of d e seal member 236. A sleeve 254 which is moulded in acetal resin and carries die nose-piece 240 at its forward end is slidably mounted about an inner tubular portion 256 of the seal member 236 and pardy received in d e annular recess 250. The sealing sleeve 254 has an enlarged diameter at its rearward end to define a shoulder 258. Axially forwards displacement of die sealing sleeve 254 in die recess 250 is limited by a retaining ring 260 engaging the shoulder 258. The retaining ring 260 is secured to die face 252 of the seal member 236 by a plurality of screw fasteners 262 (one only shown). Rearwards axial displacement of die sealing sleeve 254 is limited by die end face 264 of the recess 250. A compression spring 266 biases the sealing sleeve 254 away from the recess end face 264 and into contact widi die retaining ring 260 when no other forces apply. However, a plurality of ports 268 extends dirough d e inner tubular portion 256 of the seal member 236 from the passage 246 into the recess 250, adjacent die recess end face 264, to supply pressurized fluid passing through the passage 246 to the recess 250 when the valve assembly 220 is open. The pressurized fluid acts on the end face 270 of die sleeve 254 to drive die shoulder 258 of the sleeve towards die retaining ring 260. Since the compression spring 266 is received in an annular rebate 272 in the radially inner surface of the sleeve 254, pressurized fluid can enter the recess 250 even when the sleeve 254 is in a rearwardmost condition as may occur when the nozzle 200 is fully coupled to die tank inlet 292. An O-ring seal 274 fitted in a recess in die outer diameter of the sleeve 254 within the recess 250 of die seal member 236 contains the fluid pressure within die recess 250. In an alternative embodiment fluid pressure could be supplied to die recess 250 from around die forward end of the tubular portion 256 and between the seal

member 236 and die sleeve 254 so tiiat the ports 268 may be omitted.

The resilient nose-piece 240 is formed, for example by machining or moulding, in polyurethane or thermoplastic polyester and may be snap engaged or bonded to die sleeve 254. It has a smaller cross-sectional area than the pressure-receiving face 270 of the sleeve 254 to alleviate any risk of the pressurized fluid passing through the outiet end 224 lifting the nose-piece 240 from the tank inlet seal face (described hereinafter). The spring 266 causes a preload to be applied to die seal face of the tank inlet by the nose-piece 240.

In the disengaged condition of die nozzle 200, the seal member 236 is axially free- floating between a rearwardmost position in which it engages die forwardmost face 276 of d e slide sleeve 214 (as in the nozzle 10 shown in Figure 1 except that no biasing spring 38 is provided) and a forwardmost position in which die retaining ring 260 abuts the closest part of the acme screw-thread 244. Compared to die nozzle 10, the screw-thread 244 has an increased number of turns so as to ensure that, with an appropriate tank inlet, the connector may be rotated by one and a half to two full turns in order to fully engage it with die tank inlet as shown in Figure 12.

As with die nozzle 10, the connector 242 is rotatably mounted on d e slide sleeve 214 by means of an array of ball bearings 256. The connector 242 is thus rotatable relative to the nozzle as a whole whereby screw-thread 244 at its forwardmost end can engage widi a corresponding screw-thread 290 of die tank inlet 292 as shown in Figure 12. When the connector is fully engaged widi die tank inlet, preferably by at least one and a half complete rotations of the connector, the forwardly-biased sealing sleeve 254 is urged rearwardly in the recess 250 with die seal member 236 abutting the end of die slide sleeve 214 as shown. As shown in Figure 12, the nosepiece 240 engages an annular gasket 294 on a seal face 296 of the tank inlet and die arrangement is such that the sealing sleeve 254 is fully retracted in die recess 250. A bad connection between the nozzle 200 and tank inlet, for example because of a missing gasket 294 or incomplete screw-threaded engagement, is made up for by more or less displacement of die sealing sleeve 254 relative to the seal member 236

against the bias of spring 266 with the seal member 236 in its rearwardmost valve actuating condition. The seal member 236 has an actuator 232 which in this condition is in a position to open the valve assembly 220, as shown in Figure 12, when the nozzle body 212 and valve assembly 220 are displaced axially forwardly by actuation of the trigger lever 218.

Thus, at this stage the actuator 232 carried by d e seal member 256 has been displaced rearwardly close to d e valve body 226, and d e valve assembly 220 can be opened by manipulation of the lever 218 to axially forwardly displace die nozzle body 212 and valve assembly 220 so that the valve body 226 is lifted off d e valve seat 228 by the actuator. The pressurized fluid tiius passes over die valve seat 228 and into die passage 246 dirough ports 234 in the end of die actuator 232. Part of the pressurized fluid in the passage 246 is diverted dirough die ports 268 into die recess 250 where it drives d e sleeve 254 (which is preloaded by d e spring 266) axially forwardly to compress the resilient nose-piece 240 against the gasket 294 of the tank inlet 292. Ensuring that a clamping force is applied dirough die sleeve 254 to d e gasket 294 when the fluid pressure reaches d e gasket reduces die possibility of fluid pressure lifting the gasket 294 from the seal face 296 of the tank inlet 292, and dierefore allowing a leak path to develop before sealing is achieved. The described arrangement also allows a leak-free connection with die tank inlet and full pressurized fluid flow even if the connector 242 is not fully engaged widi d e tank inlet 292 or if the gasket 294 is missing since the nosepiece 240 can nevertheless be displaced sufficiendy forwardly to make a seal.

The nose-piece 240 and sleeve 254 of d e nozzle 200 are of smaller diameter tiian die nose-piece 40 of die nozzle 10 so that for the same tank inlet, if the engagement of die nozzle with die tank inlet is cross-threaded, the nose-piece 240 and sleeve 254 are less likely to bind on die tank inlet. Thus there is an increased radial spacing between the screw-thread 244 and sleeve 254 in the nozzle 200, as shown in Figure 12, than between the nose-piece 40 and screw-thread 44 in die nozzle 10. By this arrangement, the sealing assembly 248 is less likely to be urged rearwardly by a mounting flange 298 of the tank inlet engaging the nose-piece 240 or sleeve 254.

In order to open the valve assembly 220, the trigger lever 218 is pivoted at 278 from opposed lugs 324 (one only shown) depending from an annular extension 326 of the slide sleeve 214 and manual actuation of the lever causes opposed lugs 280 thereof to axially forwardly displace a yoke 282 which abuts the nozzle body 212 so tiiat the nozzle body is also displaced forwardly against a spring 216.

The nozzle body 212 carries the valve seat 228, a spacer 284 and a locating ring 286 which screw-threadedly engages die nozzle body 212 and which supports an annular secondary seal 288. The secondary seal 288 is slidably engaged widi a cylindrical external surface 300 of the actuator 232 when the seal member 236 is in its rearwardmost condition. The secondary seal 288 alleviates leakage of LPG around die actuator 232 when the valve assembly 220 is open.

The nozzle body 212 also supports for axial displacement therewiώ a cylinder 302 which, except at its rearwards most end 304, is radially spaced from d e nozzle body 212. The cylinder 302 is hollow and slidably supports the valve body 226 dierein in a close manner. However, it is not vital that there be a sealing fit between the valve body 226 and die cylinder 302 since LPG witiiin the cylinder 302 is in open communication with the leading end of die valve body, at least up to where it engages die valve seat 228, by way of openings 306 through the cylinder 302 and the annular gap between the cylinder 302 and d e nozzle body 212.

The interior of the cylinder 302 is permanendy in communication with LPG received from a pipe 222 around which a handle portion 308 extends and tiiis fluid pressure acts direcdy on the end face 310 of die valve body 226 to normally maintain the valve body 226 in sealing contact with die valve seat 228 and dierefore also to carry the valve body 226 forwardly widi die nozzle body 212. A compression spring 230 is provided to ensure closure of the valve assembly 220 when the trigger pressure is released.

As the valve body 226 is displaced axially forwardly widi d e nozzle body 212 by actuating the trigger lever 218, the nozzle body engages an abutment face 312 of the

rearwardly displaced actuator 232. The abutment face 312 is co-axial with die valve seat 228. This engagement lifts the valve body 226 off the valve seat 228 to open the valve assembly. The abutment face 312 is co-axial with d e seal member 236 and partially closes the passage 246 therethrough at the actuator end of die seal member, widi die ports 234 opening to the passage 246 at said end being disposed radially outwardly of die abutment face 312. The ports 234 are provided in a face of die actuator which tapers from the cylindrical surface 300 to the abutment face 312. Thus, the abutment face 312 has a considerably smaller cross-sectional area than the portion of the actuator defined by d e cylindrical surface 300 which ensures that a smaller surface of the valve body 226 is engaged by die abutment face. This reduced contact area widi the valve body enables die valve seat 228 to have a smaller diameter, tiiat is the diameter of die annulus defined by d e valve seat, which directiy reduces die trigger pressure as the valve assembly 220 is opened by actuating the lever 218.

Engagement of die abutment face 312 by the valve body 226 is with an end face 314 of a forwardly projecting nose 316 of the valve body 226, die nose having a sufficient length that it projects through the valve seat 228 both in d e open and closed conditions of die valve assembly 220. The end face 314 has substantially the same surface area as the abutment face 312 of the actuator 232.

The nose 316 is of a sufficiently smaller diameter tiian die valve seat 228 to allow adequate dispensing fluid flow dirough die valve seat when the valve assembly is open.

It has also been found tiiat the trigger pressure is a direct function of the diameter of die secondary seal 288 and, to enable a reduction in its diameter, die portion of the passage 246 extending witiiin the cylindrical portion 300 of die actuator 232 is stepped radially inwardly at 318 which permits the external diameter of die cylindrical portion 300 to be relatively reduced. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the reduced diameter secondary seal may have substantially the same diameter as die valve seat 228.

It will be appreciated tiiat instead of providing die nose 316 on die valve body 226, die abutment face 312 of the actuator 232 may be provided on a corresponding tail of the actuator.

The nozzle 300 incorporates a connector locking device 322 of a type generally described herein. This is shown in more detail in Figure 13 which is a pardy schematic perspective partial view from the rearwards end of die nozzle 300 with a cover 320 and die handle portion 308 removed to reveal the pipe 222. The handle portion 308 normally extends around d e pipe 222 and is axially movable with it, die pipe being secured to die nozzle body 212. The valve actuating lever 218 and die connector 242 are also shown in part only. The pivotal mounting of the lever 218 to the opposed lugs 324 (one only shown) depending from die annular extension 326 of the nozzle slide sleeve 214 is also illustrated, as is an annular array 328 of small recesses 330 formed in a rear end face 332 of an enlarged end portion 334 of d e connector 242. The recesses 330 define radially inwardly directed castellations therebetween and form part of the locking device 322.

In tiiis embodiment, die locking device 322 also comprises a pawl member 336 mounted for engagement widi die array of recesses 330 on the axially opposed side of die connector 242 to the actuating lever 218. The pawl member 336 is mounted for axial sliding movement on and relative to die extension 326 of the slide sleeve 214, the pawl member being located relative to die extension 326 by a pin and slot arrangement 338 (also shown in Figure 11) which permits the axial sliding relative movement The pawl member 336 is shown as arcuate to extend around die extension 326 and to have a plurality of teeth 340 which are adapted to engage respective adjacent recesses 330. Only one tooth 340 need be provided, but die plurality reduce wear between the teeth and recesses.

The teeth 340 project forwardly from the pawl member 336, and on a rear face 342 of the pawl member is provided a series of pegs (not visible) on each of which is located a rearwardly projecting compression spring 344. The compressions springs

344 are mounted on the front face of the yoke 282 which extends around die pipe

222 for displacement tiierewith and with the nozzle body 212 when the lever 218 is actuated.

When die lever 218 is actuated, die opposed lugs 280 thereof are displaced forwardly by die pivotal movement of the lever to also displace forwardly die yoke 282, pipe 222 and nozzle body 212 relative to die slide sleeve 214 and its extension 326 and die connector 242, as already described widi reference to Figures 11 and 12. The slide mounting of the pawl member 336 on the extension 326 and d e engagement of the pawl member widi die yoke 282 through die compression springs 344 means that the forward displacement of the yoke will cause the pawl member to be displaced forwardly to engage die teeth 340 with d e recesses 330 if die teetii and recesses are aligned. If the teetii 340 and recesses 330 are not aligned, so tiiat the teeth engage the castellations between the recesses, the springs 344 will be compressed between die forwardly displaced yoke 282 and die pawl member 336 until there is a relative rotation of die connector 242 to align the teetii 340 and recesses when the bias of the springs 344 will cause the teeth to engage the recesses.

Each tooth 340 has a right hand side surface 346 (when viewed from behind) which extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the connector 242 so that, with the teetii engaged in die recesses, relative rotation of the connector 242 in die anti-clockwise direction to uncouple the connector from the tank inlet is prevented by engagement of die side surface 346 with the adjacent castellation.

The opposite side surface 348 of each tooth 340 is rounded as shown whereby, with the teetii engaged widi die recesses, rotation of die handle portion, and associated parts including die lever 218 and pawl member 336, in the anti-clockwise direction (which would tend to uncouple die connector 242) causes die curved side surfaces 348 of the pawls to engage the adjacent castellations. Because of the inherent resistance to rotation of die connector 242, the anti-clockwise rotation of the pawl member 336 will cause the rounded or curved side surfaces 348 of the teeth to ride over die castellations with the pawl member 336 being displaced rearwardly against the bias of the springs 344. Thus, with the lever 218 actuated, d e connector 242

cannot be rotated in die anti-clockwise direction relative to the handle portion to uncouple the connector while anti-clockwise rotation of the handle portion and pawl member 336 will cause the teeth 340 to be disengaged from d e connector recesses 330 so that the connector is not also rotated.

Those skilled in die art will appreciate that die invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications otiier tiian those specifically described. It is to be understood tiiat die invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within die its spirit and scope. The invention also includes all of the steps and features referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features. The invention is particularly applicable for use with LPG nozzles which are to be connected to vehicle tanks, especially car LPG tanks at service stations. However, the invention is also suitable for use with, for example, nozzles which are used to connect LPG and otiier pressurized fluid delivery trucks with storage tanks and it will be understood tiiat die tank inlet may be at an upstream end of a hose or pipe connected or connectable to a tank. The invention is also applicable for use with nozzles for delivering unpressurized fluids.