U.S. patent application number 10/431486 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-11 for valve for dispensing liquids and method of use.
Invention is credited to Gabbard, Mark E..
Application Number | 20040222229 10/431486 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33416464 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040222229 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gabbard, Mark E. |
November 11, 2004 |
Valve for dispensing liquids and method of use
Abstract
The valved liquid dispenser allows hands-free operation of the
dispenser while preventing leakage caused by positive pressures
within the container. The valved liquid dispenser provides a
passageway and diaphragm that operate by applying suction to the
proximal end of the valve. In another embodiment of the valved
liquid dispenser, the diaphragm includes a duckbill or other
venting means that is supported by a diaphragm support to allow
liquid to flow through the passageway similar to the first
embodiment, but also allows for pressure equalization within the
container.
Inventors: |
Gabbard, Mark E.; (Delmar,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTON BOGGS
1660 LINCOLN ST
SUITE 2050
DENVER
CO
80264
US
|
Family ID: |
33416464 |
Appl. No.: |
10/431486 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/705 ;
220/714 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/2272 20130101;
F16K 15/147 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/705 ;
220/714 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/22 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A valved liquid dispenser comprising: a container having at
least one opening; a valve body having a proximal end opening and a
distal end opening and defining an axial passageway therebetween,
said distal end opening in contact with said at least one container
opening; a diaphragm support means located within said axial
passageway; a diaphragm seat means located within said axial
passageway; and a diaphragm means, sealingly engaged within said
axial passageway and supported between said diaphragm seat means
and said diaphragm support means, responsive to negative pressure
at said proximal end opening and non-responsive to positive
pressure at said distal end opening.
2. The valved liquid dispenser of claim 1 wherein said diaphragm
support means comprises: pronged support means for supporting said
diaphragm means and not preventing said liquid to flow through said
axial passageway.
3. The valved liquid dispenser of claim 1 wherein said diaphragm
seat means comprises: an axial passageway constriction means for
supporting said diaphragm means and directing said liquid toward a
central part of said diaphragm means.
4. The valved liquid dispenser of claim 1 wherein said diaphragm
means comprises: a venting means for venting air back into said
container to equalize pressure.
5. The valved liquid dispenser of claim 4 wherein said venting
means is selected from the group consisting of duckbills, flapper
valves, and ball check valves.
6. The valved liquid dispenser of claim 1 wherein said valve body
comprises: a first body member and a second body member, wherein
said first body member and a second body member are joined
substantially near said diaphragm means.
7. The valved liquid dispenser of claim 1 wherein said valve body
is a material selected from the group consisting of polyester,
polystyrene, ABS polyamides, polyacetal, polyolefins including
polypropylene, and polyethylene, polycarbonate, PVC, PVDC and
EVOH.
8. The valved liquid dispenser of claim 7 wherein said material
further comprises copolymers, or blends of said materials.
9. The valved liquid dispenser of claim 1 wherein said diaphragm is
a material selected from the group consisting of an elastomeric
material.
10. The valved liquid dispenser of claim 1 wherein said diaphragm
is a material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins,
polyurethanes, plastics, silicone TPE, TPR, TPO, Thermoset
elastomer, rubbers including Butyl/polypropylene,
EPDM/polypropylene, EDPM, HNBR, NBR, Butyl, Viton, Nitrile,
Neoprene, SBR, Natural rubber and Kypalon.
11. The valved liquid dispenser of claim 10 wherein said material
further comprises blends and copolymers of said materials.
12. A beverage dispenser operable by a user applying suction
comprising: a container having at least one opening; a valve body
having a proximal end opening and a distal end opening and defining
an axial passageway therebetween, said distal end opening in
contact with said at least one container opening; a diaphragm
support located within said axial passageway; a diaphragm seat
located within said axial passageway between said distal end
opening and said diaphragm support, said diaphragm seat comprising
a constricted section of said axial passageway; and a diaphragm
sealingly engaged within said axial passageway, said diaphragm
having a diaphragm hub and a diaphragm body, wherein said diaphragm
is supported between said diaphragm seat and said diaphragm
support, said diaphragm hub and said axial passageway define a
diaphragm first area adjacent said distal end opening and said hub
and said passageway define a diaphragm second area adjacent said
proximal end opening, whereby said diaphragm body flexes toward
said proximal end opening when suction by said user is applied to
said proximal end opening and said diaphragm body doesn't flex
toward said proximal end opening when positive pressure is applied
to said distal end opening.
13. The beverage dispenser of claim 12 wherein said axial
passageway further comprises a first body member passageway and a
second body member passageway.
14. The beverage dispenser of claim 13 wherein said second body
member passageway comprises a second body member passageway
constriction.
15. The beverage dispenser of claim 14 wherein said constriction
section is hour-glass shaped.
16. The beverage dispenser of claim 12 wherein said diaphragm hub
comprises a duckbill, said duckbill extending substantially toward
said distal end opening.
17. The beverage dispenser of claim 12 wherein said diaphragm
support comprises: prongs extending substantially parallel to said
axial passageway from said diaphragm support toward said distal end
opening to support said duckbill.
18. The beverage dispenser of claim 12 further wherein said
diaphragm further includes a circumference.
19. The beverage dispenser of claim 17 wherein said circumference
is asymmetrical or nonuniform.
20. The beverage dispenser of claim 19 wherein said circumference
is selected from the group consisting of circular, elliptical,
oblong, oval, star-shaped or multipointed.
21. A beverage valve comprising: a first body member having a first
body member proximal end and a first body member distal end; a
second body member having a second body member proximal end and a
second body member distal end, wherein said first body member
distal end and said second body member proximal end are sealingly
connected to create an axial beverage passageway therebetween; and
a flexible diaphragm sealingly engaged with said axial beverage
passageway, wherein said flexible diaphragm defines a plug to
prevent said beverage from flowing from said second body member
distal end to said first body member proximal end, and said
diaphragm defines a passageway from said body distal end to said
housing proximal end when suction is applied to said distal
end.
22. The valve of claim 21 wherein said flexible diaphragm is a
material selected from the group consisting of Polyolefins,
polyurethanes, plastics, silicone TPE, TPR, TPO, Thermoset
elastomer, rubbers including Butyl/polypropylene,
EPDM/polypropylene, EDPM, HNBR, NBR, Butyl, Viton, Nitrile,
Neoprene, SBR, Natural rubber and Kypalon.
23. The valve of claim 21 wherein said first body member and said
second body member is a material selected from the group consisting
of polyester, polystyrene, ABS polyamides, polyacetal, polyolefins
including polypropylene, and polyethylene, polycarbonate, PVC, PVDC
and EVOH.
24. A method for dispensing a liquid from a dispenser operable by
applying suction, said dispenser comprising a container having at
least one container opening; a valve body having a proximal end
opening and a distal end opening and defining an axial passageway
therebetween, said distal end opening in contact with said at least
one container opening; a diaphragm support located within said
axial passageway; a diaphragm seat located within said axial
passageway between said distal end opening and said diaphragm
support, said diaphragm seat comprising a constricted section of
said axial passageway; and a diaphragm sealingly engaged within
said axial passageway, said diaphragm having a diaphragm hub and a
diaphragm body, wherein said diaphragm is supported between said
diaphragm seat and said diaphragm support, said diaphragm hub and
said axial passageway define a diaphragm first area adjacent said
distal end opening and said hub and said passageway define a
diaphragm second area adjacent said proximal end opening, said
method comprising: applying suction to said proximal end opening;
flexing said diaphragm toward said proximal end opening when
suction is applied by said user to said proximal end opening;
flowing liquid through said passageway; and dispensing said liquid
from said proximal end opening.
25. A method for filling a valved liquid dispenser with liquid,
said valved liquid dispenser comprising a container having at least
one opening; a valve body having a proximal end opening and a
distal end opening and defining an axial passageway therebetween,
said distal end opening in contact with said at least one container
opening; a diaphragm support located within said axial passageway;
a diaphragm seat located within said axial passageway between said
distal end opening and said diaphragm support, said diaphragm seat
comprising a constricted section of said axial passageway; a
diaphragm sealingly engaged within said axial passageway, said
diaphragm having a diaphragm hub and a diaphragm body, wherein said
diaphragm is supported between said diaphragm seat and said
diaphragm support, said diaphragm hub and said axial passageway
define a diaphragm first area adjacent said distal end opening and
said hub and said passageway define a diaphragm second area
adjacent said proximal end opening, said method comprising:
connecting an apparatus capable of dispensing liquid under pressure
to said proximal end opening; dispensing said liquid through said
valve; and filling said container.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The field of invention relates to liquid dispensers, and
more particularly, to liquid dispensers with valves.
PROBLEM
[0002] Liquid containers and the plethora of related caps, tops and
closures can be found everywhere. From the office to the softball
fields, these containers are used by workers and athletes alike.
Many of these containers employ differing valve top technologies
that allow a user to close and open a container with their hands
without having to thread a top on and off the container. A common
top found in many sports drink containers is the ubiquitous
push/pull top, which requires a user to pull the outer top shell
upward thereby creating a passageway for the liquid to flow
through. However these containers require a user to force open and
close the top when using the container. In addition, these tops are
prone to leak even when closed, because either the seal becomes
worn and leaks or because obstructions disallow the complete sealed
closure of the top.
[0003] Another leak-free top technology in use is the slit, or
duckbill, valve top arrangement that can be found on other liquid
containers. This arrangement provides a valve top material that
contains a slit to allow liquid to flow through when sufficient
suction is applied to the top. However, these slit arrangements
frequently leak under normal usage and usually leak when the
pressure in the bottle, either by squeezing or expansion of gases
in the liquid, exceeds atmospheric pressure.
[0004] Information relevant to attempts to address these problems
can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,444 issued 18 Apr. 2000 to
Sugg; U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,952 issued 28 Dec. 1999 to Lucas; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,325,236 issued 4 Dec. 2001 to Wong; U.S. Pat. No.
6,305,570 issued 23 Oct. 2001 to Atkin et al; U.S. Pat. No.
6,206,230 issued 27 Mar. 2001 to Wan et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,589
issued 27 Jun. 2000 to Matsuyama et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,419
issued 16 May 2000 to Kruger et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,471 issued
29 Jul. 1997 to Green; U.S. Pat. No. 4,121,731 issued 24 Oct. 1978
to Okerstrum; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,964,631 issued 22 Jun. 1976 to
Albert. However, each one of these references suffers from one or
more of the following disadvantages: valve assemblies requiring
manual push/pull operation, leaking valve assemblies due to poor
seals, and leaking valve assemblies when the container is subjected
to pressure. For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a
liquid dispenser that allows a user to quickly and easily drink
liquids from a container while providing a hands-free operation and
a leak-free seal when no suction is applied or when the container
is subjected to a compressive force, such as squeezing.
SOLUTION
[0005] The above-described problems are solved and a technical
advance achieved by the present valved liquid dispenser. The
invention described herein relies on a novel valve assembly that
includes a novel diaphragm arrangement to allow a user to use the
container without operating some valve or top. Furthermore, the
novel valve assembly prevents leaking of the container even when
compressive forces are applied to the container.
[0006] The novel valve for dispensing liquids from containers
comprises: a valve body having a proximal end opening and a distal
end opening and defining an axial passageway therebetween; a
diaphragm support located within the axial passageway; a diaphragm
seat located within the axial passageway between the distal end
opening and the diaphragm support, the diaphragm seat comprising a
constricted section of the axial passageway; and a diaphragm
sealingly engaged within the axial passageway, the diaphragm having
a diaphragm hub and a diaphragm body, wherein the diaphragm is
supported between the diaphragm seat and the diaphragm support, the
diaphragm hub and the axial passageway define a first diaphragm
body area adjacent the distal end opening and the hub and said
passageway define a second diaphragm body area adjacent the
proximal end opening, whereby the diaphragm body flexes toward the
proximal end opening when negative pressure is applied to the
proximal end opening and the diaphragm body doesn't flex toward the
proximal end opening when positive pressure is applied to the
distal end opening.
[0007] In addition, the diaphragm seat further comprises a shape to
direct liquid toward the diaphragm hub. More specifically, the
shape is hour-glass shaped. Moreover, the diaphragm hub may
comprise a duckbill. The diaphragm support comprises: prongs
extending substantially parallel to the passageway from the
diaphragm support toward the distal end opening to support the
duckbill. The diaphragm further includes a circumference. The
circumference is selected from the group consisting of circular,
elliptical, oblong and oval.
[0008] Numerous other features, objects and advantages of the
invention will become apparent from the following description when
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-section view of a first
embodiment of the present valved liquid dispenser;
[0010] FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-section view of another
embodiment of the present valved liquid dispenser;
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section view of a first
embodiment of the valve;
[0012] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-section view of the first body
member of the embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 3B illustrates an end view of the first body member,
valve side, of the embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 3C illustrates an end view of the first body member,
suction side, of the embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-section view of the diaphragm of
the embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the diaphragm of the
embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-section view of the second body
member of the embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 5B illustrates an end view of the second body member,
container side, of the embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 5C illustrates an end view of the second body member,
valve side, of the embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-section view of another aspect
of the diaphragm of the embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 6B illustrates a top view of the diaphragm of FIG.
6A;
[0022] FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-section view of another aspect
of the diaphragm of the embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of the diaphragm of FIG.
7A;
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section view of another
embodiment of the present valved liquid dispenser;
[0025] FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-section view of the first body
member of the embodiment of FIG. 8;
[0026] FIG. 9B illustrates an end view of the first body member,
valve side, of the embodiment of FIG. 8;
[0027] FIG. 9C illustrates an end view of the first body member,
suction side, of the embodiment of FIG. 8;
[0028] FIG. 10A illustrates a cross-section view of the diaphragm
of the embodiment of FIG. 8;
[0029] FIG. 10B illustrates a top view of the diaphragm of the
embodiment of FIG. 8;
[0030] FIG. 11A illustrates a cross-section view of the second body
member of the embodiment of FIG. 8;
[0031] FIG. 11B illustrates an end view of the second body member,
container side, of the embodiment of FIG. 8;
[0032] FIG. 11C illustrates an end view of the second body member,
valve side, of the embodiment of FIG. 8;
[0033] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section view of another aspect
of the first member of the embodiment of FIG. 8;
[0034] FIG. 13A illustrates a cross-section view of another aspect
of the diaphragm of the embodiment of FIG. 8;
[0035] FIG. 13B illustrates a top view of the diaphragm of FIG.
13A; and
[0036] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section view of the first
embodiment of the valve with the diaphragm in operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] Throughout this description, terms of orientation are used
to refer to a particular end of the valves 102 and 202. For
example, the term "container side" means the end of valves 102 and
202 that are in direct contact with and usually attached to the
containers 104 and 204. Also, the term "suction side" means the end
of the valves 102 and 202 that are in direct contact with a suction
or negative pressure, either provided by a human or otherwise. In
other words, the container side of valves 102 and 202 first contact
the liquid in the containers 104 and 204 and then as suction is
applied to the valves 102 and 202, the liquid flows through the
valves 102 and 202 toward the suction end to be consumed by a user
or to be dispensed for other purposes. In addition, the use of the
term "proximal end" means that end closer to a suction source and
the use of the term "distal end" means that end closer to the
container.
[0038] In addition, valves 102 and 202 may include two valve body
pieces, namely a first body member and a second body member, as
described below. Typically, the first body member and the second
body member each have a valve side, in addition to the container
side and suction side, respectively. The term "valve side" means
the ends of the first body member and second body member that face
the diaphragm of the present valved liquid dispenser. Therefore,
the first body member has a container side and a valve side and the
second body member has valve side and a suction side.
[0039] FIG. 1A illustrates in embodiment 100 the present valved
liquid dispenser including a valve 102 and container 104. The
present valved liquid dispenser 100 is preferably used with
containers 104 that are preferably collapsible. These containers
104 are commonly known and include sacks, bags, packets, and
pouches that are capable of containing liquids. In addition,
containers 104 can be flexible or rigid. FIG. 1B illustrates in
another embodiment 200 the present valved liquid dispenser
including valve 202 and container 204. The present valved liquid
dispenser 200 is preferably used with containers 204 that are
preferably rigid. These containers are commonly known and include
sports bottles, drink bottles, and plastic bottles. Furthermore,
containers 204 can be flexible or rigid.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of valve 102 that
includes a valve body 106. The valve body 106 can be comprised of a
one-piece housing (not shown) or the valve body 106 can be
comprised of two or more pieces, such as the two shown in FIG. 2.
The valve body 106 includes a first body member 108 and a second
body member 110. The first body member 108 and the second body
member 110 are connected together by threads, or alternatively by
other similar type fastening methods such as, welded joints,
epoxies, resins, glues, screws, or tape. The first body member 108
is attached to the container 104 by a valve welding 126, or
alternatively by other similar fastening methods such as, threads
or epoxies. The valve 102 further includes a diaphragm 112, which
will be discussed in more detail below. FIG. 2 also depicts the
first body member passageway 122 and second body member passageway
124, which together form a passageway for liquid to pass through
the valve 102. The second body member passageway 124 preferably
includes a second body member passageway constriction 117. The
large black arrows depict the liquid flow direction through the
valve 102 when suction is applied to the end of the first body
member 108.
[0041] Further, the diaphragm 112 is arranged and supported within
the valve 102 by a diaphragm support 114 and the diaphragm seat
120. The diaphragm 112 is snuggly seated between the diaphragm
support 114 and the diaphragm seat 120. This arrangement creates a
diaphragm first area 116 and a diaphragm second area 118, both of
which are part of the novelty of the present valved liquid
dispenser 100.
[0042] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-section view of the first body
member 108 of the embodiment of FIG. 2. As shown, the first body
member 108 includes a first body member opening 128. FIG. 3B
illustrates the valve side end view of the first member 108. The
valve side of the first body member 108 is opposite the first body
member opening 128. This view illustrates a plurality of first body
member orifices 130, which are orifices for liquid to flow from the
container to the suction side of the valve 102. The first body
member 108 also includes a diaphragm support 114. FIG. 3C
illustrates the suction side end view of the first member 108.
[0043] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-section view of diaphragm 112 of
the present valved liquid dispenser 100, which includes a diaphragm
hub 132 and a diaphragm body 134. The diaphragm hub 132 is shaped
so as to support and align the diaphragm 112 on the diaphragm
support 114. Further, the shape of the proximal and distal ends of
the diaphragm hub 132 may be contoured to enable precise fluid flow
within the valve body 106, as is shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B
illustrates a top view of the diaphragm 112. This view illustrates
diaphragm body indentations 136, which further contribute to the
novelty of the present valved liquid dispenser 100.
[0044] FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-section view of the second body
member 110 of the present embodiment of the valved liquid dispenser
100. Second body member 110 includes a second body member orifice
138 and a second body member opening 140. The second body member
orifice 138 may be tapered, narrowed or contoured relative to the
second body member passageway 124, to direct the liquid toward the
central portion of the diaphragm 112. It can also be tapered to
decrease the volume of liquid that contacts the diaphragm first
area 116. FIG. 5B illustrates a container side end view of the
second body member 110 and FIG. 5C illustrates a valve side end
view of the second body member 110.
[0045] FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-section view of another aspect
of the diaphragm of the present embodiment of valved liquid
dispenser 100. In this aspect, the diaphragm 142 is thinner than
diaphragm 112. Diaphragm 142 includes diaphragm hub 144 and
diaphragm body 146. FIG. 6B illustrates a top view of the diaphragm
of FIG. 6A including diaphragm indentations similar or identical to
those of the diaphragm body indentation 136 of FIG. 4B.
[0046] In yet another aspect of the present valved liquid dispenser
100, FIG. 7A illustrates diaphragm 148, which includes a diaphragm
hub 150 and a diaphragm body 152. In addition, diaphragm 148
includes a diaphragm ridge 154, which increases the sealing area
between the diaphragm 148 and the diaphragm seat 120. FIG. 7B
illustrates a top view of the diaphragm of FIG. 7A and shows the
location of the diaphragm ridge 154.
[0047] FIGS. 1A-7B illustrate an embodiment of the present
embodiment 100 of the valve 102 for dispensing liquids. In another
embodiment of the valve for dispensing liquids, a different
diaphragm is used with a different support structure. FIG. 8
illustrates a cross-section view of another embodiment 200 of the
valve 202 of the present valved liquid dispenser that includes a
valve body 206. The valve body 206 can be comprised of a one-piece
housing (not shown) or the valve body 206 can be comprised of two
or more pieces, such as the two shown in FIG. 8. The valve body 206
includes a first body member 208 and a second body member 210. The
first body member 208 and the second body member 210 are connected
together by threads, or alternatively by other similar type
fastening methods such as, welded joints, epoxies, resins, glues,
screws, or tape. The first body member 208 is attached to the
container 204 by a valve welding 226, or alternatively by other
similar fastening methods such as, threads or epoxies. The valve
202 further includes a diaphragm 212, which will be discussed in
more detail below. FIG. 8 also depicts the first body member
passageway 222 and second body member passageway 224, which
together form a passageway for liquid to pass through the valve
202. The second body member passageway 224 preferably includes a
second body member passageway constriction 217. The large black
arrows depict the liquid flow direction through the valve 202 when
suction is applied to the end of the first body member 208.
[0048] Further, the diaphragm 212 is arranged and supported within
the valve 202 by a diaphragm support 214 and the diaphragm seat
220. The diaphragm 212 is snuggly seated between the diaphragm
support 214 and the diaphragm seat 220. This arrangement creates a
diaphragm first area 216 and a diaphragm second area 218, both of
which are part of the novelty of the present valved liquid
dispenser 200.
[0049] FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-section view of first body
member 208 of the embodiment of the present valved liquid dispenser
200. FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-section view of the first body
member 208 of the valve 202. As shown, the first body member 208
includes a first body member opening 228. Further, the first body
member 208 includes one or more of the diaphragm supports 214, to
support the diaphragm 212. FIG. 9B illustrates the valve side end
view of the first member 208. This view illustrates a plurality of
first body member orifices 230, which are orifices for liquid to
flow from the container to the suction side of the valve 202. FIG.
9C illustrates the suction side end view of the first member
208.
[0050] FIG. 10A illustrates a cross-section view of the diaphragm
of the diaphragm 212 of the present valved liquid dispenser 200,
which includes a diaphragm hub 232 and a diaphragm body 234. The
diaphragm hub 232 includes a diaphragm slit 236. FIG. 10B
illustrates a container side top view of the diaphragm 212. This
view illustrates diaphragm body indentations, similar to those of
diaphragm body indentation 136 of FIG. 4B.
[0051] FIG. 11A illustrates a cross-section view of the second body
member 210 of the present embodiment of the valved liquid dispenser
200. Second body member 210 includes a second body member orifice
240 and a second body member opening 238. The second body member
orifice 240 may be tapered, narrowed or contoured relative to the
second body member passageway 224, to direct the liquid toward the
central portion of the diaphragm 212. It can also be tapered to
decrease the volume of liquid that contacts the diaphragm first
area 216. FIG. 11B illustrates a container side end view of the
second body member 210 and FIG. 11C illustrates a valve side end
view of the second body member 210.
[0052] In FIG. 12 another aspect of the first body member 242 is
illustrated, depicting slightly longer diaphragm supports 244 than
those shown in diaphragm support 214 of FIG. 9A. These slightly
longer diaphragm supports 244 are for supporting slightly thinner
diaphragms, such as diaphragm 246 shown in FIG. 13A.
[0053] FIG. 13A illustrates a cross-section view of another aspect
of the diaphragm 246 of the present valved liquid dispenser 200,
which includes a diaphragm hub 248 and a diaphragm body 250. The
diaphragm hub 248 includes a diaphragm slit 252 and a diaphragm
ridge 254. FIG. 13B illustrates a container side top view of the
diaphragm 246. This view illustrates diaphragm body indentations,
similar to those of diaphragm body indentation 136 of FIG. 4B.
[0054] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section view of the first
embodiment of the valve with the diaphragm 112 in operation. The
outer circumference of the diaphragm 112 is illustrated slightly
bent towards the first body member passageway.
[0055] The present valved liquid dispenser 100 is preferably used
with containers 104 that are preferably collapsible. These
containers 104 are commonly known and include sacks, bags, packets,
and pouches that are capable of containing liquids. In addition,
containers 104 can be flexible or rigid. The present valved liquid
dispenser 200 is preferably used with containers 204 that are
preferably rigid. These containers are commonly known and include
sports bottles, drink bottles, and plastic bottles. Furthermore,
containers 204 can be flexible or rigid.
[0056] Diaphragms 112, 142, and 148 are preferably one piece, but
may comprise several pieces. Diaphragms 212 and 246 are preferably
one piece, but may be two pieces as shown by diaphragm 246.
Diaphragms 112, 142, 148, 212, and 246 can also be made of
differing thickness depending on their composition. Diaphragms 112,
142, 148, 212, and 246 are preferably comprised of a flexible or
soft material such as flexible PVC, polyurethane, silicone, TPE,
TPR, TPO, Thermoset elastomer, plastics, rubbers, polyolefins, and
any copolymers, combinations, and blends, of the above. TPE means a
thermoplastic vulcanizate or thermoplastic elastomer alloys and
include Butyl/polypropylene, EPDM/polypropylene or other soft
elastomeric material. Flexible PVC means poly vinyl chloride
modified with plasticizers. TPR means thermoplastic rubber alloys
and include soft elastomeric materials. TPO means thermoplastic
olefin elastomer. Thermoset elastomers include EDPM, HNBR, NBR,
Butyl Rubber, Viton, Nitrile, Neoprene, SBR, Natural rubber,
Kypalon, and other similar materials.
[0057] The thickness of diaphragms 112, 142, 148, 212, and 246 vary
according to their composition. Preferably, diaphragms 112, 142,
148, 212, and 246 thickness ranges between 0.001 to 1 inch.
[0058] The diameter of diaphragms 112, 142, 148, 212, and 246
varies depending on the technology of the molding processes and the
desired uses of the valved liquid dispensers 100 and 200.
Preferably, the diameter of diaphragms 112, 142, 148, 212, and 246
ranges between 0.025 to 12 inches.
[0059] Diaphragms 112, 142, 148, 212, and 246 preferably include
diaphragm body indentation 136, as shown in FIG. 4B. These
diaphragm body indentations 136 preferably are shaped or contoured
to decrease the suction required to operate the valves 102 and 202
and to increase the volume or flow of liquid that can flow through
the valves 102 and 202. The shape of these diaphragm body
indentations 136 may be any shape that enables the flow of liquid
while retaining the novel characteristics of the valve. Some shapes
of the circumference of the diaphragms 112, 142, 148, 212, and 246
include multipointed, non-uniform or asymmetrical shapes, and other
shapes such as circular, elliptical, oblong, oval, and star-shaped.
These circumference shapes comprise the diaphragm body indentations
136.
[0060] Diaphragm hub 234 includes a diaphragm slit 252 or other
venting means and diaphragm hub 248 includes a diaphragm slit 252
or other venting means. These slit arrangements are also commonly
known as duckbills. Alternatively, other venting valves such as
flapper valves or ball check valves can be utilized. The venting
arrangement can be one piece, such as diaphragm hub 234 or can be
two or more pieces, such as diaphragm hub 248. When the diaphragm
hub is several pieces, the diaphragm slit 252 and the diaphragm hub
248 or other vent can be the same or different compositions of the
materials mentioned above. For example, in FIG. 13A diaphragm body
234 is LDPE or similar material and diaphragm slit 252 comprises
TPE, Thermal set rubber, or other similar material.
[0061] Diaphragm body ridge 154 and 254 may be a single ridge or a
plurality of ridges, preferably the number of ridges is between 1
and 100. The diaphragm body ridge 154 and 254 increase the sealing
area between the diaphragm seat 120 and 220 and the diaphragms.
Further, diaphragm body ridge 154 and 254 assists in sealing,
between the diaphragm seat 120 and 220 and the diaphragms, when
pulpy, fibrous or viscous material or liquid is dispensed through
the valves 102 and 202.
[0062] Valve body 106 and 206 may be comprised of rigid moldable
materials. Preferably valve body 106 and 206 are comprised of
materials selected from polyester, polystyrene, ABS (Acrylonitrile
Butadiene Styrene), polyamide polyacetal, polyolefins including
polypropylene and polyethylene, polycarbonate, PVC, PVDC, and EVOH.
Further, the composition of valve body 106 and 206 may be
copolymers, or blends of the above stated materials or other
materials that provide a rigid body. In addition, since the first
body members 108 and 208 and second body members 110 and 210 are
molded or hand made parts, they can be of any dimension.
[0063] As mentioned above, diaphragm supports 214 and 244 may be
different lengths or shapes to support diaphragms 212 and 246 of
differing thicknesses or other venting means. Also, diaphragm
supports 214 and 244 may comprise one, two or more supports
Preferably, the first body member 208 includes four diaphragm
supports 214 and 244, respectively.
[0064] The diaphragm support 214 functions by supporting the
diaphragms 212 and 246 between the diaphragm seat 220 and the
diaphragm support 214, while allowing the diaphragms 212 and 246 to
flex or bend when suction or negative pressure is applied to the
first body member opening 228. Diaphragms 112, 142, and 148 and
their respective diaphragm hubs 132, 144, and 150 support the
diaphragms 112, 142, and 148 against the diaphragm seat 120 so as
to allow the diaphragms 112, 142, and 148 to bend or flex when
suction or negative pressure is applied to the first body member
opening 128. The diaphragm support 244 operates in the same
manner.
[0065] The amount of suction required to operate the valves 102 and
202 depends on several factors. Furthermore, some of these factors
contribute to the novel feature of the valve to overcome positive
pressures created by compressive forces placed on the containers
104 and 204. One such factor is the width of the second body member
passageway constrictions 117 and 217. These second body member
passageway constrictions 117 and 217 direct the flow of liquid
toward the central portion of the diaphragms 112, 142, 148, 212,
and 246. As the width of the second body member passageways 124 and
224 are increased, more diaphragm surface area is exposed to the
liquid pressure and therefore less suction is required to activate
the valves 102 and 202.
[0066] In addition, another factor is the thickness and composition
of material of the diaphragm body 134, 146, 152, 234, and 250. For
example, if diaphragm body 134, 146,152, 234, and 250 is composed
of a LDPE type material or other similar material, then the
thickness would be less than if it were composed of a more soft or
flexible material, such as TPE. In other words, the thickness and
composition of the diaphragm body 134, 146,152, 234, and 250 can be
varied depending on use, container and desired application. For a
soft flexible material, the diaphragm body 134, 146, 152, 234, and
250 would be a greater thickness than for material of less soft
material.
[0067] Further, another factor is the diameter of the diaphragm
first areas 116 and 216 relative to the diameter of the diaphragm
body 134, 146, 152, 234, and 250. Where the diameter of the
diaphragm body 134, 146, 152, 234, and 250 is substantially wider
than the diaphragm first areas 116 and 216, the greater resistance
to positive pressure within the containers 104 and 204 the valves
102 and 202 will be able to oppose.
[0068] The above-described valves 102 and 202 can be used with all
types of containers. Preferably, the valve 202, as described
herein, can be used with flexible sports bottles to provide a
sports bottle with a hand-free top. Moreover, valve 202 can be used
with flexible soft drink bottles and containers. Furthermore, valve
202 can be used in all types of liquid containers, besides liquid
dispensers. For instance, when a user pumps liquid soap from a
dispenser, negative pressure is created within the container. This
negative pressure may be equalized with the atmospheric pressure by
the use of the valve 202. In addition, valve 202 can be welded to
empty collapsible containers that will be filled at a later
time.
[0069] Preferably, valve 102 can be used with collapsible drink
containers such as children's collapsible drink containers or
boxes. In addition, valve 102 can be used with the soft drink syrup
storage boxes that presently have connections that leak when
connecting and disconnecting from the delivery system, valve 102 as
described herein would eliminate this leaking problem.
[0070] Further, the valves 102 and 202, as described herein, could
be used with all types of bottles, cans, jars and boxes that
contain and dispense liquids, fluids, and other types of flowable
matter.
[0071] The valved liquid dispenser 200 may be filled by connecting
the valve 202 to an apparatus that is provides liquid under
positive pressure and allowing the liquid to flow through the
diaphragm slit 236 into the container 204. In this aspect of this
process, an empty container 204 is attached to a valve 202 and then
filled by the apparatus.
[0072] Variations on the material of the diaphragms, containers,
and bodies may be made to accommodate other uses or desires of the
present valved liquid dispenser. The present embodiments are,
therefore, to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not
restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the
appended claims rather than the foregoing description.
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