U.S. patent application number 09/748629 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-27 for valve with rolling sleeve.
Invention is credited to Schantz, Daniel G., Socier, Timothy R..
Application Number | 20020079334 09/748629 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25010251 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020079334 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schantz, Daniel G. ; et
al. |
June 27, 2002 |
VALVE WITH ROLLING SLEEVE
Abstract
A dispensing valve for dispensing a product from a container.
The valve includes a marginal portion, a head portion with a
discharge orifice therein, and a resilient, flexible, connector
sleeve extending continuously laterally and inwardly from the
marginal portion to the head portion. The head portion has an
exterior side for interfacing with ambient environment and a
peripheral surface. The connector sleeve is connected to the
exterior side of the head portion at the peripheral surface of the
head portion.
Inventors: |
Schantz, Daniel G.;
(Muskego, WI) ; Socier, Timothy R.; (Essexville,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROCKEY, MILNAMOW & KATZ, LTD.
Two Prudential Plaza - Suite 4700
180 North Stetson Avenue
Chicago
IL
60601
US
|
Family ID: |
25010251 |
Appl. No.: |
09/748629 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/213 ;
222/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/2031
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/213 ;
222/494 |
International
Class: |
B65D 037/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A dispensing valve for being sealingly disposed with respect to,
and dispensing a product from, a discharge opening of a container,
said valve comprising: a marginal portion adapted to be sealingly
engaged when said valve is sealingly disposed with respect to the
container discharge opening; a head portion that (1) is laterally
inwardly of said marginal portion, (2) has an exterior side for
interfacing with ambient environment, and (3) has an interior side
for interfacing with the product, a part of said interior side
defining a peripheral surface corresponding to the peripheral
thickness of said head portion, said head portion exterior side
having a generally concave shape when viewed from outside the
container, said head portion including a normally closed orifice
which opens to permit flow therethrough in response to a pressure
differential across said valve; and a resilient, flexible,
connector sleeve extending continuously laterally and inwardly from
said marginal portion to said head portion exterior side at said
peripheral surface of said head portion.
2. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 in which said
valve is mounted in a dispensing closure that is separate from, but
releasably attachable to, said container around said opening.
3. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 2 in which said
dispensing closure includes a housing for mounting to said
container; and said valve marginal portion is clamped by said
housing.
4. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 3 in which said
valve marginal portion includes an annular flange having a dovetail
cross-section defining a first diverging surface, a second
diverging surface, and a peripheral surface between said first and
second diverging surfaces; and said closure housing has a central
opening surrounded by an annular, frustoconical clamping surface
engaging said first diverging surface of said valve flange.
5. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 in which said
orifice is defined by a plurality of slits that extend (1) through
said head portion between said exterior side to said interior side,
and (2) laterally from a common origin whereby flaps are defined by
said slits, said orifice opening by outward displacement of said
flaps when the pressure in the interior of the container exceeds
the pressure on the exterior of the valve by a predetermined
amount; said slits are each planar; and each slit defines a linear
locus along said head portion exterior side and along said head
portion interior side.
6. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 in which said
orifice is defined by a plurality of slits that extend (1) through
said head portion between said exterior side to said interior side,
and (2) laterally from a common origin whereby flaps are defined by
said slits, said orifice opening by outward displacement of said
flaps when the pressure in the interior of the container exceeds
the pressure on the exterior of the valve by a predetermined
amount; and said slits are of equal length.
7. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 in which said
orifice is defined by a plurality of slits that extend (1) through
said head portion between said exterior side to said interior side,
and (2) laterally from a common origin whereby flaps are defined by
said slits, said orifice opening by outward displacement of said
flaps when the pressure in the interior of the container exceeds
the pressure on the exterior of the valve by a predetermined
amount; and said slits are each planar and diverge radially from
said origin to define equal size angles between each pair of
adjacent slits.
8. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 in which said
orifice is defined by a plurality of slits that extend (1) through
said head portion between said exterior side to said interior side,
and (2) laterally from a common origin whereby flaps are defined by
said slits, said orifice opening by outward displacement of said
flaps when the pressure in the interior of the container exceeds
the pressure on the exterior of the valve by a predetermined
amount; and there are four of said slits diverging radially from
said origin at 90.degree. angles to define two mutually
perpendicular, intersecting, longer slits.
9. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 in which said
head portion has a laterally outwardly flared crown shape defined,
at least in part, by said outer peripheral surface which tapers
laterally inwardly to prevent nesting with another, identical valve
during handling.
10. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 in which the
thickness of said sleeve is substantially uniform.
11. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 10 in which the
thickness of said sleeve is about 0.011 inches.
12. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 in which (1)
said orifice closes when the pressure on the interior of the
container does not exceed the pressure on the exterior of the
valve, and (2) said connector sleeve has a configuration which
applies an outwardly directed torque to said valve head portion
when the differential between the pressure within the container and
the pressure on the exterior of the valve exceeds a predetermined
amount.
13. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 in which said
head portion interior side has a planar central area and a
generally curved, radially outer portion which tapers toward said
planar central area such that said exterior and interior sides
converge toward said planar central area to provide a tapered
construction with reduced thickness.
14. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 in which said
sleeve is generally arcuately shaped in longitudinal
cross-section.
15. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
sleeve has an interior surface that is substantially contiguous
with said peripheral surface of said head portion.
16. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 14 wherein said
sleeve defines a generally curved radius to present about a 45
degree angle to the general direction of flow through the valve
when pressure is applied to it.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] The present invention relates to a valve for dispensing a
product from a container. The valve is especially suitable for use
in a dispensing closure for a flexible container which is
squeezable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS POSED BY THE
PRIOR ART
[0005] There are a wide variety of packages which include (1) a
container, (2) a dispensing system extending as a unitary part of,
or attachment to, the container, and (3) a product contained within
the container. One type of such a package employs a dispensing
valve for discharging one or more streams of product (which may be
a liquid, cream, or particulate product). See, for example, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,839,614 assigned to AptarGroup, Inc. The package
includes a flexible, resilient, self-sealing, slit-type valve at
one end of a generally flexible bottle or container. The valve is
normally closed and can withstand the weight of the product when
the container is completely inverted, so that the product will not
leak out unless the container is squeezed. When the container is
squeezed and the interior is subjected to a sufficient increased
pressure so that there is a predetermined pressure differential
across the valve, the valve opens. In the preferred embodiment, the
valve stays open, at least until the container pressure drops below
a predetermined value. In accordance with the preferred embodiments
disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,614, the valve can be designed
to snap closed if the pressure differential across the open valve
drops below a predetermined amount. The valve can also be designed
to open inwardly to vent air into the container when the pressure
within the container is less than the ambient external pressure,
and this accommodates the return of the resilient container wall
from an inwardly squeezed condition to the normal, unstressed
condition.
[0006] It would be desirable to provide an improved valve for a
dispensing system that would beneficially allow the user to easily
locate the valved discharge end of the inverted container over a
receiving receptacle or other target area while minimizing product
discharge messiness.
[0007] Such an improved valve should also facilitate the control
and ease of dispensing the product when the interior of the
container is pressurized (e.g., when the container is squeezed or
when the container internal pressure is increased by other
means).
[0008] It would also be advantageous if such an improved valve
could accommodate use with bottles, containers, or packages that
have a variety of shapes and that are constructed from a variety of
materials.
[0009] Further, it would be desirable if such an improved valve
could accommodate efficient, high-quality, large-volume
manufacturing techniques with a reduced product reject rate to
produce a valve with consistent operating characteristics.
[0010] The present invention provides an improved dispensing valve
which can accommodate designs having the above-discussed benefits
and features.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides a valve for dispensing a
product from a container, and the valve opens once the container
interior pressure increases to establish a predetermined pressure
differential across the valve. The valve can accommodate discharge
of liquids, creams, or particulate matter, including powders.
[0012] The valve is adapted for use in dispensing a product from a
container having an opening. The valve may be formed as a unitary
part of an end of such a container or may be mounted in a separate
assembly that is permanently or releasably attached to the
container.
[0013] The preferred form of the valve is adapted for being
sealingly disposed with respect to, and dispensing the product
from, the discharge opening of the container. The valve includes a
marginal portion adapted to be sealingly engaged when the valve is
sealingly disposed with respect to the container discharge opening.
The valve also includes a head portion that (1) is laterally
inwardly of the marginal portion, (2) has an exterior side for
interfacing with ambient environment, and (3) has an interior side
for interfacing with the product. A portion of the valve head
interior side defines an outer peripheral surface of the valve head
corresponding to the thickness at the periphery of the valve
head.
[0014] The head portion also includes a normally closed orifice
which opens to permit flow therethrough in response to a pressure
differential across the valve. In the preferred embodiment, the
orifice is defmed by a plurality of slits that extend (1) through
the head portion between the exterior side and the interior side,
and (2) laterally from a common origin whereby flaps are defined by
the slits with each slit terminating in an outer end. The orifice
opens by outward displacement of the flaps when the pressure in the
interior of the container exceeds the pressure on the exterior of
the valve by a predetermined amount.
[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the head portion of the
closed valve may also be characterized as having a generally
concave shape when viewed from outside the container. The head
portion interior side preferably has a planar central area and a
generally curved, radially outer portion which tapers toward the
planar central area such that the exterior and interior sides
converge toward the planar central area to provide a tapered
construction with reduced thickness.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the valve also has a resilient,
flexible, connector sleeve. The connector sleeve extends
continuously laterally and inwardly from the marginal portion to
the exterior side of the head portion at the peripheral surface
thereof. The connector sleeve preferably has a generally curved
radius of about a 45 degree angle to the pressure that is applied
to it. In so doing, the resistance to the force that is applied to
the connector sleeve is weakened causing it to buckle under a lower
pressure than other types of slit valves. Since the connecting
sleeve is weaker, it is possible to make it thicker. In accordance
with a preferred embodiment, the connecting sleeve is about 0.011
inches in thickness.
[0017] The valve design of the present invention is applicable for
use with a wide range of products from powder, shampoo and baby oil
to honey and seasonings. The valve design is particularly
applicable for dispensing granular products like seasoning, spices
and the like.
[0018] Numerous other advantages and features of the present
invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention, from the claims, and from the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In the accompanying drawings that form part of the
specification, and in which like numerals are employed to designate
like parts throughout the same,
[0020] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing closure
having a dispensing valve in accordance with the present invention,
with the valve shown in the fully closed and fully retracted
position;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing closure
and dispensing valve, with the valve shown in the fully closed and
partially extended position;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing closure
and dispensing valve, with the valve shown in the fully closed and
fully extended position;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing closure
and dispensing valve, with the valve shown in the extended
position, wherein the valve head portion thereof is shown beginning
to snap outwardly;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing closure
and dispensing valve, with the valve shown in a fully open and
fully extended position; and
[0025] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the
dispensing closure and dispensing valve shown in an inclined
orientation dispensing a liquid, with the valve shown in a fully
open and fully extended position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings
disclose only some specific forms as examples of the invention. The
invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments so
described, however. The scope of the invention is pointed out in
the appended claims.
[0027] For ease of description, the dispensing valve of this
invention is described in the typical orientation that it would
have at the top of a container when the container is stored upright
on its base, and terms such as upper, lower, horizontal, etc., are
used with reference to this position. It will be understood,
however, that the dispensing valve of this invention may be
manufactured, stored, transported, used, and sold in an orientation
other than the position described.
[0028] The dispensing valve of this invention is suitable for use
with a variety of conventional or special containers and closures
having various designs, the details of which, although not
illustrated or described, would be apparent to those having skill
in the art and an understanding of such containers and closures.
The container per se (and closure, if used) forms no part of the
present invention.
[0029] The presently preferred embodiment of the dispensing valve
is generally designated in the Figures by the reference number 10.
Valve 10 is mounted in a dispensing closure 12 for a container (not
shown), but may be mounted directly to a container as discussed
hereinafter.
[0030] As can be seen in FIGS. 1-5, closure 12 has a base or skirt
14, an annular shoulder 16 extending radially inwardly from the top
of skirt 14, and a reduced diameter neck or spout 18 extending
upwardly from the inner portion of shoulder 16 to define an opening
20.
[0031] The interior of skirt 14 can define a thread (not shown).
Skirt 14 is adapted to receive the upper end of the neck of a
container (not shown), and the skirt thread is adapted to matingly
engage a thread on the neck of a container.
[0032] Alternatively, instead of closure 12 having skirt 14,
closure 12 could be provided with some other container connecting
means, such as a snap-fit bead (not shown) in place of thread for
engaging a mating groove (not shown) in the neck of a container.
Closure 12 could also be permanently fixed to a container by means
of induction melting, ultrasonic melting, gluing, or the like,
depending on the materials used for the closure and the
container.
[0033] Closure 12 could also be formed as a unitary part, or
extension, of a container. In some applications, it may be
desirable to eliminate the closure altogether, and instead attach
valve 10 directly to a spout of a container or to some other
structural feature of a container which defines an opening. Valve
10 could be attached directly to a container with adhesive, or with
bi-injection molding, or as a structure unitarily molded with a
container, or with other suitable means.
[0034] Closure skirt 14 may have any suitable configuration. The
container could have any suitable structure for being received
within the particular configuration of closure 12, and the main
part of the container may have a different cross-sectional shape
than the container neck and closure skirt 14.
[0035] Closure 12 is adapted to be used with a container having a
mouth or other opening to provide access to the container interior
and to a product contained therein. The product may be, for
example, a liquid comestible product. The product could also be any
other liquid, solid, or gaseous material, including, but not
limited to, a powder, particulate material, a food product, a
personal care product, an industrial or household cleaning product,
or other chemical compositions (e.g., compositions for use in
activities involving manufacturing, commercial or household
maintenance, construction, agriculture, etc.).
[0036] The container would typically be a squeezable container
having a flexible wall or walls which can be grasped by the user
and squeezed or compressed to increase the internal pressure within
the container so as to force the product out of the container and
through closure 12. The container wall typically has sufficient,
inherent resiliency so that when the squeezing forces are removed,
the container wall returns to its normal, unstressed shape. Such a
squeezable wall structure is preferred in many applications but may
not be necessary or preferred in other applications. For example,
in some applications it may be desirable to employ a generally
rigid container and pressurize the container interior at selected
times with a piston or other pressurizing system.
[0037] Although not shown, a conventional, annular, "crab's claw"
seal, or other type of conventional or special seal, could be
provided to project downwardly from the inside of the closure to
sealingly engage an annular top portion of a container adjacent the
opening in the container.
[0038] Valve 10 can be retained within closure 12 by suitable
means, including, for example, one or more deformed or molded
retention flanges on the closure or with a retainer ring (not
shown) which can be positioned inside the closure in a snap-fit
engagement or which can be otherwise secured in the closure. The
valve 10 could also be clamped directly between the top of the
container and the closure. Alternatively, the container top portion
could be molded as a closure unitary with the container, and the
valve could be suitably secured in the container closure end by
inserting and attaching the valve through an open bottom end of the
closure that is thereafter closed by other suitable means.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, valve 10 includes a marginal portion
or flange 22, a valve head 24 with a discharge orifice 26 therein,
and a connector sleeve 28, which has one end connected with valve
flange 22 and the opposite end connected with valve head 24
adjacent a marginal edge thereof.
[0040] The connector sleeve 28 has a resiliently flexible
construction, such that when pressure within a container is
increased sufficiently, valve head 24 shifts outwardly to a fully
extended position where valve 10 becomes fully opened to
accommodate discharge of the container contents.
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, the illustrated dispensing
valve 10 has an integrally formed or unitary, one-piece
construction. Valve 10 has an interior side which interfaces with
the fluid product in a container. Valve 10 has an oppositely
oriented exterior side which interfaces with ambient environment.
Valve 10 is preferably molded from a resiliently flexible material,
and in the illustrated example the material comprises a silicone
rubber which is substantially inert so as to avoid reaction with,
and/or adulteration of, the product being packaged. In one
contemplated method of manufacturing valve 10 of the present
invention, valve 10 is produced at relatively high speeds by the
molding of liquid silicone rubber.
[0042] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, marginal flange 22
of valve 10 has an annular plan shape, and valve flange 22 has a
substantially dove-tail cross-sectional configuration with an outer
or first frustoconical surface 30, and an inner or second
frustoconical surface 32. The marginal valve flange 22 has
substantial thickness between the outer, or first, frustoconical
surface 30 and the inner, or second, frustoconical surface 32 which
is resiliently compressed upon mounting the valve in a closure or
between a closure and a container so as to form a secure
leak-resistant seal therebetween.
[0043] The valve 10 has a head portion 24 which has a circular plan
shape, and a generally tapered construction which is thicker at the
radially outside portion of valve head 24, and thinner at the
radially inside portion thereof. This tapered construction assists
in achieving the snap open action of valve 10, as described below.
More specifically, in the illustrated example, valve head 24 has an
exterior side or surface 34 for interfacing with the ambient
environment. Exterior surface 34 has an arcuately shaped side
elevational configuration which opens or curves outwardly, toward
the exterior of a container, and surface 34 is defined by a first
predetermined radius. Valve head exterior surface 34 extends
continuously to the interior sidewall of connector sleeve 28, which
extends from the periphery of head 24 to marginal portion 22.
[0044] Valve head 24 also includes an interior side or surface 36
for interfacing with the product in a container. The valve head
interior side surface 36 has a marginal portion 38 with an
arcuately shaped side elevational configuration which opens or
curves outwardly, toward the exterior of a container, and is
defined by a second predetermined radius. The radius of marginal
portion 38 on interior surface 36 is larger than radius of exterior
surface 34, such that the two surfaces converge toward the center
of valve head 24 at the center of orifice 26, and provide the
above-noted inwardly tapered construction of valve head 24. The
exterior surface radius and the interior surface radius may each be
characterized as a spherical radius.
[0045] Interior surface 38 of valve head 24 also includes a center
portion or planar central area 40, which has a circular plan shape,
with a substantially planar or flat side elevational configuration,
oriented generally perpendicularly to discharge orifice 26. The
intersection of the valve head marginal portion 38 and planar
central portion 40 of valve head 24 defines a circular locus 42.
Planar central portion 40 of valve head 24 assists in improving the
opening characteristic of valve 10, as set forth below.
[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer perimeter of valve
head 24 is preferably defined by frustoconical peripheral surface
or marginal surface 44 which begins at a peripheral outer edge 45
of the head marginal portion 38, and extends outwardly therefrom
with a slight taper, ultimately merging into connector sleeve 28.
Edge 45 may be characterized as a side circular, peripheral edge.
The outside diameter of valve head 24, as measured along peripheral
edge 45, is substantially smaller than the inside diameter of
marginal flange 22. This spacing between valve head 24 and marginal
flange 22 permits, among other things, valve head 24 to shift
freely in an axial direction through the center of marginal flange
22.
[0047] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, valve 10 has a
generally circular configuration about a longitudinal axis
extending through valve 10, and orifice 26 is defined by a
plurality of slits 46 radiating laterally from the longitudinal
axis. Preferably, there are four slits 46. A lesser or greater
number of slits could be used. Slits 46 extend transversely through
valve head portion 24 from exterior side or surface 34 to interior
side or surface 36.
[0048] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, slits 46 extend
laterally from a common origin on the longitudinal axis to define
four flaps 48 (FIGS. 5 and 6) which flex outwardly to selectively
permit the flow of product from a container through valve 10. Each
slit 46 terminates in a radially outer end. In the illustrated
preferred embodiment, the slits 46 are of equal length, although
the slits could be of unequal length.
[0049] In the preferred embodiment, each slit 46 is planar and
parallel to the central geometric axis of the valve. Each slit 46
preferably defines a linear locus along the head portion exterior
side 34 and along the head portion interior side 36. Preferably,
the slits 34 diverge from an origin on the longitudinal axis and
define equal size angles between each pair of adjacent slits 46 so
that flaps 48 are of equal size. Preferably, four slits 46 diverge
at 90.degree. angles to define two mutually perpendicular,
intersecting, longer slits. Slits 46 are preferably formed in the
valve head 24 so that the opposing side faces of adjacent valve
flaps 48 closely seal against one another when discharge orifice 26
is in its normal, fully closed position. The length and location of
slits 46 can be adjusted to vary the predetermined opening pressure
of valve 10, as well as other dispensing characteristics.
[0050] It is to be understood that orifice 26 may assume many
different shapes, sizes and/or configurations in accordance with
those dispensing characteristics desired. For example, orifice 26
may also include five or more slits, particularly when larger or
wider streams are desired, and/or the product is a particulate
material or a liquid containing aggregates.
[0051] The connector sleeve 28 is in the form of a rolling
diaphragm, having a hollow-circular plan configuration, and a
generally arcuately shaped longitudinal cross-section. In the
preferred embodiment, the connector sleeve 28 preferably has a
generally curved radius of about a 45 degree angle to the general
direction of flow through the valve when pressure is applied to it,
although a greater or lesser angle may be employed. Connector
sleeve 28 has an interior surface 50 and an exterior surface 52,
which are preferably spaced equidistantly apart along the length
thereof, such that connector sleeve 28 has a substantially uniform
thickness. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the thickness
is about 0.011 inches. In an alternate design, the sleeve may have
a non-uniform thickness and/or a different thickness depending upon
the type of product to be dispensed and/or upon the overall
diameter or size of the valve.
[0052] One end portion 54 of connector sleeve 28 is connected with
the exterior surface 34 of valve head 24 adjacent the marginal edge
46 thereof, and the opposite end portion 56 of connector sleeve 28
is connected with the marginal valve flange 22. The interior
surface 50 of connector sleeve 28 adjacent end portion 54 is
substantially contiguous with the marginal surface 44 of valve head
24, while the opposite end 56 of connector sleeve 28 is connected
with marginal flange 22 such that it is substantially coplanar and
contiguous with outer frustroconical surface 30 of marginal flange
22. The arcuate shape of connector sleeve 28 assists connector
sleeve in rollingly extending as valve head 24 shifts outwardly in
the manner described in greater detail below. The exterior surface
52 at end 54 of connector sleeve 28 intersects the exterior surface
34 of valve head 24 at an angle which defines a circular edge
58.
[0053] Dispensing valve 10 is preferably especially configured for
use in conjunction with a particular container, and a specific type
of product, so as to achieve the exact dispensing characteristics
desired. For example, the viscosity and density of the fluid
product are both important factors in designing the specific
configuration of valve 10 for liquids, as is the shape, size, and
strength of the container. The rigidity and durometer of the valve
material, and size and shape of both valve head 24 and connector
sleeve 28, are also important in achieving the desired dispensing
characteristics, and can be matched with both the container and the
material to be dispensed therefrom.
[0054] Valve 10 is suitable for dispensing flowable products, such
as liquids or even powder, particles, or granular material, as well
as suspensions of solid particles in a liquid. Valve 10 is
particularly suitable for dispensing applicable for dispensing
granular products, like seasoning, spices and the like.
[0055] It is to be understood that, according to the present
invention, valve 10 may assume different shapes and sizes,
particularly in keeping with the type of container and product to
be dispensed therefrom. The predetermined opening pressure of valve
10 may be varied widely in accordance with those dispensing
criteria desired for a particular product. Flow characteristics of
the dispensed product can also be adjusted substantially, such as
for relatively wide column-like streams, thin needle-like streams,
and multiple streams, variations thereof, and the like.
[0056] In operation, closure 12 functions in the following manner.
Valve 10 normally assumes an initial, fully closed and retracted
orientation illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein valve 10 remains
substantially in its original molded shape without deformation,
with connector sleeve 28 being substantially unstressed and the
discharge opening 26 being fully closed. When valve 10 is mounted
in the top of a container, valve 10 is configured such that
discharge orifice 26 will remain securely closed after the
container is inverted, even under the hydraulic head pressure
applied thereto by a fluid product when the container is completely
full.
[0057] When additional pressure is established in the interior of
the container, such as by manually flexing the container sidewalls
inwardly, connector sleeve 28 begins to distort, and the valve head
24 begins to shift axially outwardly.
[0058] As the interior of the container is subjected to additional
pressure, valve head 10 continues to move outwardly toward the
exterior of dispensing closure 12 until connector sleeve 28 is
substantially fully extended, as illustrated in FIG. 2. When valve
head 10 is in the substantially fully extended position, the
connector sleeve 28 is highly stressed.
[0059] When the interior of the container is subjected to further
increased pressure, valve head 10 continues to shift outwardly.
However, because connector sleeve 28 is already substantially fully
extended, further outward shifting of valve head 24 longitudinally
tensions or stretches connector sleeve 28, thereby increasing the
outwardly directed torque applied to valve head 24. Also, the
further outward movement of valve head 24 tends to flatten or
straighten valve head 24, particularly along the exterior surface
34 thereof (FIG. 3). This flattening motion tends to slightly
enlarge or dilate the circular plan configuration of valve head 24,
which enlargement is in turn resisted by radially inwardly directed
forces applied to the marginal surface 44 of valve head 24 by
connector sleeve 28, thereby generating another complex pattern of
stresses within valve 10, and these include stresses which tend to
compress valve head 24 in a radially inward direction. Due to the
tapered shape of valve head 24, the majority of compression strain
is believed to take place adjacent the planar central portion 40 of
valve head 24.
[0060] When additional pressure is applied to the interior of the
container, as illustrated in FIG. 4, valve head 24 continues to
shift outwardly by further longitudinal stretching of connector
sleeve 28, and further enlargement of the plan shape of valve head
24. In FIG. 4, the marginal edge 45 of valve head 24 is shown more
bent or elastically deformed inwardly, as a consequence of the
increased torque forces applied thereto by connector sleeve 28.
These combined forces and motions also serve to further compress
valve head 24 into a state of bifurcation, wherein the combined
forces acting on valve head 24 will, upon application of any
additional outward force on the interior side 36 of valve 10, cause
valve 10 to quickly open outwardly by separating the valve flaps 48
in the manner illustrated in FIG. 5, and thereby dispense the
product through discharge orifice 26 (FIG. 6). Valve 10 continues
to open to the full open configuration shown.
[0061] The bifurcation state of valve 10, as the term is used
herein, defines a relatively unstable condition which valve 10
assumes immediately prior to valve flaps 48 starting to open. As
valve 10 passes through the bifurcation state, the combined forces
acting on valve head 24 are in a temporary, unstable condition of
equilibrium, and then quickly shift valve head 24 into a generally
convex shape, simultaneously opening the valve flaps to create the
open orifice. In the bifurcation state, valve head 24 assumes the
shape of a nearly planar disc, but with exterior surface 34 cupped
inwardly and the interior surface 36 is bent slightly
outwardly.
[0062] The configuration of connector sleeve 28 is such that
reduced pressure is required to cause the valve head to drop from
its fully closed position in FIG. 1 to its fully closed and fully
extended to its position in FIG. 3 (drop pressure) and to move into
its open position in FIG. 5 (open pressure). This results in a more
controlled dispense and allows for more dispensing options,
particularly for dispensing products like baby powder.
[0063] Additionally, the configuration of connector sleeve 28
results in a greater ratio between the drop pressure and the open
pressure that creates a more desirable dispensing action of thin
liquids by eliminating product stream misdirection as the valve
head 24 rolls forward. An exemplary valve 10, in accordance with
the invention, has a drop pressure at about 3 inches of water and
an open pressure at about 9 to 17 inches of water. Also, the
configuration of connector sleeve 28 creates more clearance for the
product stream so that when the valve head 24 retracts, at the end
of the dispensing cycle, product has less chance of catching the
connector sleeve, especially if the container and valve 10 is held
by the user at an angle from vertical (see FIG. 6).
[0064] The thickness of the valve head 24 and length of the valve
slits 46 can be selected so that the open valve either snaps closed
when the pressure differential decreases to a predetermined level
or remains fully open even when the pressure differential drops to
zero.
[0065] It will be readily apparent from the foregoing detailed
description of the invention and from the illustrations thereof
that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or
principles of this invention.
* * * * *