U.S. patent application number 10/646328 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-17 for valve system with air-readmission mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to Beiersdorf AG. Invention is credited to Felten, Bernhard, Pries, Holger.
Application Number | 20040112920 10/646328 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7675437 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040112920 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Felten, Bernhard ; et
al. |
June 17, 2004 |
Valve system with air-readmission mechanism
Abstract
A valve system for facilitating the discharge of a substance
from a container. The valve system includes a first valve adapted
for: (a) preventing discharge of the substance when a pressure
difference between the container's interior and the container's
exterior is below a first predetermined limit value; and (b)
allowing discharge of the substance when the pressure difference
between the container's interior and the container's exterior is
larger than the first predetermined limit value. The valve system
also includes a second valve adapted for: (a) allowing the
readmission of air into the container when the pressure difference
between the container's interior the container's exterior is
smaller than a second predetermined limit value; and (b) preventing
the readmission of air into the container when the pressure
difference between the container's interior and the container's
exterior is larger than the second predetermined limit value.
Inventors: |
Felten, Bernhard;
(Pinneberg, DE) ; Pries, Holger; (Hamburg,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
Beiersdorf AG
|
Family ID: |
7675437 |
Appl. No.: |
10/646328 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10646328 |
Aug 23, 2003 |
|
|
|
PCT/EP02/01845 |
Feb 21, 2002 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/212 ;
222/482; 222/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/2081 20130101;
B65D 47/2075 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/212 ;
222/494; 222/482 |
International
Class: |
B65D 047/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 24, 2001 |
DE |
101 09 064.1 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A dispensing container for dispensing a substance from an
interior portion of the container, the container comprising: one or
more walls, at least one of the walls defining a dispensing opening
through which the substance may be discharged from the interior
portion of the container, and at least one of the walls defining an
air-admission opening through which air may be readmitted into the
container; a valve system for facilitating the discharge of the
substance from the container, said valve system comprising: a first
valve that is adapted for: (a) preventing passage of the substance
through the dispensing opening as long as a pressure difference
between the interior portion of the container and the exterior of
the container is smaller than a first predetermined limit value;
and (b) allowing the passage of the substance through the
dispensing opening when the pressure difference between the
interior of the container and the exterior of the container is
larger than the first predetermined limit value; and a second valve
that is adapted for: (a) allowing the readmission of air into the
container through the air-admission opening as long as the pressure
difference between the interior of the container the exterior of
the container is smaller than a second predetermined limit value;
and (b) preventing the readmission of air into the container
through the air-admission opening when the pressure difference
between the interior of the container and the exterior of the
container is larger than the second predetermined limit value,
wherein: the second valve comprises a flexible material and is in
the form of a lip that is capable of selectively closing the
air-admission opening, and the first valve comprises: (a) a closure
part, and (b) at least one flexible crosspiece for maintaining the
closure part in a position in which the closure part obstructs the
dispensing opening and thereby prevents the passage of the
substance through the dispensing opening as long as a pressure
difference between the interior of the container and the exterior
of the container is smaller than the first predetermined limit
value.
2. The valve system of claim 1, wherein the closure part is
substantially conical.
3. The valve system of claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible
crosspiece is configured to flex when the pressure difference
between the interior of the container and the exterior of the
container is larger than the first predetermined limit value, and
to thereby allow the closure part to move so that the closure part
does not prevent the passage of the substance through the
dispensing opening.
4. The valve system of claim 1, wherein the valve system comprises
a plurality of the flexible crosspieces.
5. The valve system of claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible
crosspiece is substantially S-shaped.
6. A dispensing container for dispensing a substance from an
interior portion of the container, the container comprising: one or
more walls, at least one of the walls defining a dispensing opening
through which the substance may be discharged from the interior
portion of the container, and at least one of the walls defining an
air-admission opening through which air may be readmitted into the
container; a valve system for facilitating the discharge of the
substance from the container, said valve system comprising: a first
valve that is adapted for: (a) preventing passage of the substance
through the dispensing opening as long as a pressure difference
between the interior portion of the container and the exterior of
the container is smaller than a first predetermined limit value;
and (b) allowing the passage of the substance through the
dispensing opening when the pressure difference between the
interior of the container and the exterior of the container is
larger than the first predetermined limit value; and a second valve
that is adapted for: (a) allowing the readmission of air into the
container through the air-admission opening as long as the pressure
difference between the interior of the container the exterior of
the container is smaller than a second predetermined limit value;
and (b) preventing the readmission of air into the container
through the air-admission opening when the pressure difference
between the interior of the container and the exterior of the
container is larger than the second predetermined limit value,
wherein: the second valve comprises a flexible material and is in
the form of a lip that is capable of selectively closing the
air-admission opening, and the container forms a neck in the region
of the dispensing opening, the air-admission opening being located
in a side wall of the neck.
7. The valve system of claim 6, wherein the dispensing opening is
located at an end of the neck that is located opposite the
container.
8. The valve system of claim 6, wherein the neck has a round or
oval cross section.
9. The valve system of claim 6, wherein the valve system comprises
a plurality of air-admission openings adjacent the neck.
10. The valve system of claim 9, wherein the second valve comprises
a sleeve-like lip that runs around the inner wall of the neck and
is capable of closing all of the air-admission openings for sealing
purposes.
11. A dispensing container for dispensing a substance from an
interior portion of the container, the container comprising: one or
more walls, at least one of the walls defining a dispensing opening
through which the substance may be discharged from the interior
portion of the container, and at least one of the walls defining an
air-admission opening through which air may be readmitted into the
container; a valve system for facilitating the discharge of the
substance from the container, said valve system comprising: a first
valve that is adapted for: (a) preventing passage of the substance
through the dispensing opening as long as a pressure difference
between the interior portion of the container and the exterior of
the container is smaller than a first predetermined limit value;
and (b) allowing the passage of the substance through the
dispensing opening when the pressure difference between the
interior of the container and the exterior of the container is
larger than the first predetermined limit value; and a second valve
that is adapted for: (a) allowing the readmission of air into the
container through the air-admission opening as long as the pressure
difference between the interior of the container the exterior of
the container is smaller than a second predetermined limit value;
and (b) preventing the readmission of air into the container
through the air-admission opening when the pressure difference
between the interior of the container and the exterior of the
container is larger than the second predetermined limit value,
wherein: the first valve comprises: (a) a closure part, and (b) at
least one flexible crosspiece for maintaining the closure part in a
position in which the closure part obstructs the dispensing opening
and thereby prevents the passage of the substance through the
dispensing opening as long as a pressure difference between the
interior of the container and the exterior of the container is
smaller than the first predetermined limit value.
12. The valve system of claim 11, wherein the closure part is
substantially conical.
13. The valve system of claim 11, wherein the at least one flexible
crosspiece is configured to flex when the pressure difference
between the interior of the container and the exterior of the
container is larger than the first predetermined limit value, and
to thereby allow the closure part to move so that the closure part
does not prevent the passage of the substance through the
dispensing opening.
14. The valve system of claim 11, wherein the valve system
comprises a plurality of the flexible crosspieces.
15. The valve system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the
flexible crosspieces is substantially S-shaped.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application of PCT/EP02/01845, filed
Feb. 21, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety, and also claims the benefit of German Priority
Application No. 101 09 064.1, filed Feb. 24, 2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a valve system for the metered
discharge of a free-flowing product from a container, in particular
from a container for cosmetic or dermatological products.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many liquid and cream-like cosmetic products, but also food
products, medical, domestic, chemical and technical products are
supplied in flexible bottles made of plastic (or in similar
containers such as plastic tubes, canisters or the like). These are
usually provided with a closure, preferably made of plastic. For
product removal, the container is inclined, and, specifically in
the case of somewhat more viscous products, the container is
compressed in order for product to be discharged. One example is
shampoo, which, by virtue of the container being subjected to
pressure, is forced out of a relatively small opening, and the
container is provided with a hinged lid. If sufficient shampoo has
been discharged, the pressure is reduced and the container goes
back into its original shape. The action of air being sucked in
compensates for the absent volume which has been discharged. It is
also the case here that residues of the product which are located
in the region of the removal opening are also drawn back into the
bottle. In the example of shampoo, these product residues are
usually contaminated with spray water, as a result of it being used
at a wash basin or in the shower. It is also possible, however, for
the residues of shampoo around the pouring opening to be wiped off
by hand, and then for sweat, skin residues and other substances on
the skin to be sucked in as well.
[0004] In the medical sector, there are nose sprays which are sold
in flexible bottles. Such bottles are typically configured so that
it is possible for virus-containing nose secretions to make their
way into the bottle. When using body-care lotions or a suntan milk
or oil, it is likewise possible, in addition to air, for other
substances (sand, sea water, washing substances) to be sucked back
into the container once the product has been applied to the
skin.
[0005] One particular application is the use of massage heads in
order to apply a shower product and to massage the skin. There is a
greater possibility here of substances becoming detached from the
skin during massage and being sucked into the opening of the
massage head. In the food sector, there is the problem of
contamination of container contents, for example, when mayonnaise
is added to salads or sandwiches or mustard is added to sausages.
The substances which are sucked back may often contain bacteria,
viruses or fungi. It is thus possible, in particular, for bacteria
and fungi to multiply in the contents and thus render the latter
unappetizing, inedible or, in extreme cases, even toxic.
[0006] The solution to the above problem which has been realized
most frequently for products up until now, usually also because it
is most cost-effective, is the use of preserving and stabilizing
substances (e.g., benzoic acid, formaldehyde formers, nitrates,
nitrites, antioxidants, ascorbic acid).
[0007] Further attempts are being made to develop technical or
structural means of avoiding the contamination of container
contents.
[0008] The use of closures with relatively small openings and
favorable geometry in combination with these substances usually
ensures that the problem is kept within reasonable limits. A
favorable geometry means that the closure is configured such that
contact with the skin or other contaminated surfaces is made
difficult.
[0009] It is likewise possible for the container to be configured
such that no air is drawn in, these configurations being referred
to as airless systems. Airless systems usually have a pump and a
container with variable volume, for example a drawing plunger or
inner bag (discharged by way of compressed air). These systems are
also suitable for multi-chamber systems. The increased outlay
usually gives rise to very much higher costs than a flexible
plastic bottle. Moreover, residue removal from these systems is
usually very poor.
[0010] Systems with pumps deliver the substance from the bottle by
way of a vertical tube. Volume compensation takes place by way of
air which passes into the bottle via a separate channel. The
channel is usually provided such that it is only open when the pump
is actuated. This means that this channel is closed (usually by the
pump plunger itself) in the rest state of the pump, and that this
provides a further safeguard against contamination by foreign
substances.
[0011] Pumping systems are somewhat more advantageous than airless
systems, but are still more expensive than straightforward bottles
with a closure. The outlay for filling purposes is also higher.
[0012] A further development for dispensing systems for containers
relates to the installation of valve systems for dispensing
free-flowing or similar substances in a controlled manner. In the
case of the diaphragm-valve containers which are available on the
market, the opening of the vessel is closed by an elastic valve.
Applying pressure to the bottle increases the pressure in the
container and the valve opens. If the pressure decreases, the valve
closes again of its own accord. However, readmission of air is
necessary here too, this also taking place via said valve in the
case of a corresponding negative pressure in the bottle, product
residues and any contamination also being sucked back with such a
valve structure. This system ensures that, when not in use, the
container is closed and product does not pass out, nor do foreign
substances pass in. Moreover, these valves are usually configured
such that the stream of substance discharged ceases when the
discharge pressure drops below a corresponding value, because the
valve then abruptly snaps back and closes the opening. This ensures
that the dispensing opening is only contaminated to a small extent,
and the sucking-back action thus also takes place to a lesser
extent.
[0013] WO 00/06460 describes a valve device which is intended for a
container and is fitted in the region of the opening for the
metered discharge of a medium. WO 00/07899 and WO 00/07900 disclose
valve systems which operate with diaphragms. WO 00/48921 discloses
a valve with a two-way function in the case of which the discharge
of a liquid and the ingress of air are ensured by both routes being
opened at the same time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] One embodiment of the invention provides a valve system for
a container that: (1) ensures that the container contents are
dispensed; (2) allows readmission of air; and (3) prevents the
product, once dispensed, from flowing back into the container.
These measures are intended to avoid the disadvantages of the prior
art.
[0015] A valve system according to one embodiment of the invention
is configured for the metered discharge of a substance from a
container. In this embodiment of the invention, a dispensing
opening is provided through at least one of the walls of the
container for discharging the substance from the container. In
addition, an air-admission opening is provided through at least one
of the walls of the container for the readmission of air. This
valve system has a first valve (discharge valve), which seals the
dispensing opening for the substance as long as a pressure
difference between the interior of the container and the exterior
of the container is smaller than a first predetermined limit value
and which opens the dispensing opening for the substance if the
pressure difference between the interior of the container and the
exterior of the container as larger than the first predetermined
limit value, and also has a second valve (air-admission valve),
which opens the air-admission opening for the readmission of air as
long as the pressure difference between the interior of the
container and the exterior of the container is smaller than a
second predetermined limit value and which seals the air-admission
opening for the readmission of air if the pressure difference
between the interior of the container and the exterior of the
container is larger than the second predetermined limit value. The
second valve here comprises of a flexible material and is designed
in the form of a lip which is capable of closing the air-admission
opening. This closure may preferably take place such that the lip
positions itself over the air-admission opening and seals the
latter. The variants in which the lip or parts thereof
penetrates/penetrate, in part, into the air-admission opening, and
thus achieves/achieve sealing, is also advantageous.
[0016] To avoid misunderstanding, the pressure difference between
the interior of the container and the exterior of the container is
defined as the internal pressure of the container minus the
external pressure of the container in the correct mathematical
values, that is to say ones provided with an algebraic sign. Giving
the mathematical values provided with an algebraic sign likewise
applies to the way in which the first and the second predetermined
limit values are given.
[0017] The first valve is thus advantageously closed as long as a
positive pressure in the interior of the container in relation to
the exterior of the container is smaller than a first predetermined
limit value, and is open if the positive pressure is larger than
the first determined limit value. Correspondingly, the second valve
is open in the case of a negative pressure in the interior of the
container in relation to the exterior of the container, and is
advantageously closed when this negative pressure is not
present.
[0018] The air-admission opening should advantageously be closed by
the air-admission valve in the state in which the internal pressure
of the container corresponds approximately to the external
pressure, since otherwise, if the bottle is not being used,
substance can run out through the air-admission channel. The second
limit value may preferably be selected correspondingly, preferably
approximately zero. It is also possible to select a negative value
for the second predetermined limit value, in particular if the
container is secured against leakage in some other way, for example
if it is configured as a stand-up container.
[0019] In the case of a preferred embodiment of the inventive valve
system, the first valve has a closure part, which is of essentially
conical configuration, and in particular three crosspieces, which
connect the closure part to the surrounding container and which are
made of a resilient material.
[0020] The inventive valve system can be used very advantageously
for containers in which the region of the dispensing opening is
designed in the form of a neck, this neck preferably having a round
or oval cross section, the air-admission opening being located in a
side wall of this neck, and the dispensing opening preferably being
located at that end of the neck which is located opposite the
container.
[0021] It is advantageous, furthermore, if a plurality of
air-admission openings, which are provided for the readmission of
air, are located in the region of the neck.
[0022] In the case of a very preferred embodiment of the inventive
valve system, the second valve is designed as a sleeve-like lip
which runs around the inner wall and is capable of closing all the
air-admission openings for sealing purposes. "Runs around the inner
wall of the neck" is to be understood here as meaning that the
sleeve is capable, in the case of an increase in pressure, of
positioning itself wholly or partially against the inner wall, or
of penetrating wholly or partially into the same, and thus of
sealing the openings. In the case in which the pressure difference
between the interior of the container and the exterior of the
container is no larger than the second predetermined limit value,
as discussed in regard to the embodiments shown in the drawings,
this sleeve should butt against the wall.
[0023] The valve is thus sealed when the container is not in use
("rest state"); even in the case of a small negative pressure in
the container, pressure equalization takes place by virtue of air
flowing in.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The invention will be illustrated in more detail hereinbelow
using drawings, although the selection of the illustrated
embodiments should not be regarded as restricting the invention to
the embodiments shown.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows the region of the discharge opening in a
container having a valve system according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows the valve element of a valve system according
to a particular embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows the region of the discharge opening in a
container having a valve system according to one embodiment of the
invention. In this figure, the discharge valve is in an open
position.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows the region of the discharge opening in a
container having a valve system according to an embodiment of the
invention. This figure shows the route taken by air as the air
enters through the open lip valve during the readmission of
air.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows the region of the discharge opening in a second
embodiment of a container having a valve system according to an
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a container, in this case in particular for
cosmetic preparations, in the region of the discharge opening. In
this region, the container is designed in the form of a neck 1. An
attachment part 3 which has an internal thread, and contains the
inventive valve system, can be screwed onto said neck 1, which is
provided with a corresponding screw thread 2 on its outside. In the
embodiment illustrated here, the attachment part 3 is provided with
a component 16, which can be plugged, clipped, welded or similarly
fitted into the attachment part 3, a reversible fastening also
being possible. This component 16 is fastened in a sealing manner
all the way round in relation to the attachment part 3. It is also
possible, however, for the attachment, comprising the parts 3 and
16, to be configured in one piece. The container can be closed by a
hinged lid 9, which is connected to the container by the hinge
8.
[0031] The attachment part 3 has an antechamber 4 that is
configured such that, with the attachment part 3 screwed on, the
container is sealed in the region of the designations 5, with the
result that a substance located in the container cannot escape here
at any time. The wall of the antechamber 4 contains a discharge
channel 6, at the top end of which the discharge valve 7 is
located. The antechamber 4 is sealed all the way round in relation
to the component 16.
[0032] The discharge valve 7 is designed in the form of a
preferably conically tapering closure part 13 for the dispensing
opening 14; the dispensing opening 14 is preferably also conical. A
plan view of the valve element 7 (discharge valve) is shown in FIG.
2. The closure part 13 is connected to the container, in this case
to the component 16, by a plurality of flexible or resilient
crosspieces 15. In the embodiment illustrated here, the connection
is realized by three s-shaped crosspieces 15 made of a flexible
material. If a pressure is then exerted from the interior of the
container, the closure part 13 is raised and releases from the
dispensing opening 14. This allows the substance to pass out of the
container. The closure part 13 is retained in the raised position
(see FIG. 3). The increase in the distance between the closure 13
and the surrounding component 16 is achieved in that, during this
operation, the crosspieces 15 lose the s-shape and are straightened
out (in an alternative embodiment it is possible to use, as
crosspieces, for example helical springs, which are expanded during
the operation, or else, generally an elastic or expansible
material). If the pressure in the interior of the container is
reduced again, then the closure part 13 is lowered on account of
the restoring force of the crosspieces 15 and closes the dispensing
opening 14 again, with the result that no residual substance can
flow back into the container. The hinged lid 9 may advantageously
be configured such that, in the closed state, it presses the
closure part 13 into the dispensing opening 14 and thus improves
the sealing.
[0033] In order to perform its function, the closure part 16 may
also have a geometry which is other than conical (sphere,
ellipsoid, cylinder, etc.).
[0034] The readmission of air in order to achieve pressure
equalization between the interior of the container and the exterior
of the container takes place via air-admission openings 10, which
are located in the wall between the antechamber 4 and the exterior
of the container. In the figure illustrated here, these
air-admission openings 10 are located in the attachment part 3.
This ensures the passage of air (see the dashed-line arrow in FIG.
4) through the screw thread 2.
[0035] The air-admission openings 10 may be closed by an
air-admission valve 11. This air-admission valve 11 is in the form
of a lip, in this case in particular of a sleeve of lip-like cross
section running around the antechamber 4, and is made of a flexible
material. In the top region, this sleeve (air-admission valve 11)
is fitted in the component 16; the bottom part projects into the
antechamber 4 and is preferably formed such that it is inclined in
front of the air-admission openings 10. If the pressure in the
container is increased, this gives rise to the conditions shown in
FIG. 3: the substance located in the container passes in through
inlet openings 12 in the base of the antechamber 4. By virtue of
the pressure (air pressure or pressure from the substance which has
passed in) increasing in the antechamber 4, the air-admission valve
11 is pressed onto the air-admission openings 10. The air-admission
valve 11 is preferably of thin-walled configuration in the bottom
region, with the result that the pressing action is greatest here.
The valve for the substance located in the container closes off in
a sealed manner in the region of designations 17; the air-admission
openings 10 in this case are closed. It is not possible for
substance to pass out here.
[0036] If the pressure difference between the internal pressure of
the container and the external pressure is smaller than a
predetermined limit value, then the air-admission valve 11 opens
and allows air to pass in through the air-admission openings 10 and
in the downward direction, out of the air-admission valve 11, into
the antechamber 4 until the negative pressure in the container is
more or less equalized. In FIG. 4, a dashed-line arrow is used to
illustrate the route taken by the air as it passes in at the open
air-admission valve 11 for that embodiment of the invention which
is illustrated here (in the region of the screw thread 2, the air
can pass in along this screw thread 2).
[0037] The encircling, sleeve-like configuration of the
air-admission valve 11 ensures that, when the internal pressure of
the container is increased, this air-admission valve 11 is
subjected uniformly to the pressure and the air-admission openings
10 are thus closed uniformly. The best possible sealing can be
achieved as a result.
[0038] FIG. 5 shows, by way of example, a container with an
inventive valve system in which, with an otherwise similar
construction of the container, the discharge valve 7 is configured
in an alternative manner.
[0039] The fixable component 16 here contains one or more
dispensing openings 20, which can be closed and opened by the
discharge valve 7. This valve comprises a valve plate 18 made of a
flexible material, preferably, for example, rubber, and has a
through-passage opening 19 which is positioned such that, in the
closed state, the dispensing openings 20 of the components 16 and
the through-passage opening 19 of the valve plate 18 are not
located one above the other. The valve plate 18 here is fastened on
the component 16 by way of its outer border.
[0040] If the pressure in the interior of the container is
increased, then the valve plate 18 is raised and releases the
through-passage for the substance which is to be dispensed from the
interior of the container, in that it is possible for this
substance, in the first instance, to flow through the dispensing
openings 20 and then to flow along between the valve plates 18 and
the component 16 as far as the through-passage opening 19, and to
pass out through the latter.
[0041] The valve plate 18 may be fastened in different ways on the
component 16; only a few examples are mentioned hereinbelow. For
example, the border of the valve plate 18 may be adhesively bonded
to the component 16, or it can be positioned in a corresponding
milled recess in the component 16, in which case additional
adhesive bonding is advantageous here too, and as an alternative,
or in addition, the valve plate 18 may be fixed on the component 16
by corresponding retaining rings. Furthermore, it is possible for
the valve plate 18 to be produced in a single piece with the
component 16 by multi-component injection molding. A further
variant is to configure the lips of the air-admission valve 11 and
the valve plate 18 in one piece by producing this single-piece
component by injection molding, in which case it is molded, in
part, in corresponding cutouts in the component 16.
[0042] The readmission of air, in the case of this embodiment,
takes place in a manner analogous to the variant outlined above
(FIG. 4).
[0043] Dispensing devices according to various embodiments of the
invention may comprise the valve systems described herein according
to an embodiment of the invention to be integrated with special
applicators. The inventive valve system or one of its embodiments
is/are designed such that it is not possible for a product, once
dispensed, to flow back from the applicator surface into the
container. They are thus suitable for containers for free-flowing
substances of all types, but, in addition, provide great advantages
for containers which are envisaged for dispensing easily perishable
substances or which have to satisfy stringent hygiene-related
requirements.
[0044] A few examples of such application areas, without this being
claimed as a complete list, are as follows:
[0045] Toothbrushes with integrated dispensing opening
[0046] Cleaning brushes with an integrated supply container
[0047] Grinding and polishing applicators in the corresponding
container for auxiliary agents
[0048] Shower-gel applicators, in particular also with a massage
head
[0049] Mascara brushes
[0050] Applicators for shoe creams or other cleaning and
treating/preserving substances, in particular those with a brush or
a sponge and the container for cleaning clothing
[0051] Roll-on deodorants
[0052] Applicators for nail polish or correction fluid
[0053] Applicators for adhesives
[0054] Applicators for paints, protective coatings, rust removers,
caustic lyes etc.
[0055] The valve system is also highly suitable for the
conventional container closures and applicators, including, for
example, containers for substances for washing and body care
(shampoo, shower gel, suntan milk, body-care lotion, etc.). As a
result of contamination of the contents being more or less ruled
out, the amount of preserving and stabilizing substances can be
reduced to a considerable extent. Moreover, the contents do not
become cloudy, which in many cases is regarded as detracting from
quality.
[0056] A further application for the inventive valve system is in
the food sector, for example for jam, honey, ketchup and
mayonnaise, mustard, sauces and the like.
[0057] Such a configuration of the closure reduces the loss of
easily volatile substances such as perfume, alcohol, essential
oils, etc., even if the lid is not closed carefully or in the case
of the container being configured without a hinged lid.
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