U.S. patent application number 11/472013 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-27 for flexible, elongate dispensing valve.
Invention is credited to Timothy R. Socier.
Application Number | 20070295764 11/472013 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38833902 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070295764 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Socier; Timothy R. |
December 27, 2007 |
Flexible, elongate dispensing valve
Abstract
A flexible, pressure-openable dispensing valve has a mounting
base and has an outwardly extending, narrowing head defining a
dispensing orifice at the distal end.
Inventors: |
Socier; Timothy R.;
(Essexville, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, PHILLIPS, KATZ, CLARK & MORTIMER
500 W. MADISON STREET, SUITE 3800
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
38833902 |
Appl. No.: |
11/472013 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/2031
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/494 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/38 20060101
B65D035/38 |
Claims
1. A dispensing valve comprising: flexible, resilient material
defining (a) a mounting base, and (b) a narrowing dispensing head
extending outwardly from said base to a dispensing tip defined in
an end portion of said dispensing head; said valve dispensing head
defining a normally closed dispensing orifice which opens to permit
flow therethrough in response to a pressure differential across
said valve; and said valve dispensing head having a tapering wall
with a thickness that continuously decreases along most of its
height at least to said tip, said tip having a wall thickness that
is equal to, or less than, the smallest thickness of said tapering
wall.
2. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 in which said
dispensing orifice is defined by four planar slits 90 degrees apart
which intersect in said tip at a longitudinal axis; each said slit
extends below said tip into said tapering wall; and each said slit
has a lateral edge that is defined in said tapering wall and that
is parallel to the longitudinal axis.
3. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 2 in which said
tapering wall extends to at least the lowermost point of each said
slit.
4. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 2 in which said
valve dispensing head has a transverse cross-sectional shape which
is generally annular; and a pair of said slits are aligned 180
degrees apart in a coplanar orientation, and another pair of said
slits are also aligned 180 degrees apart in a coplanar orientation;
and the width of each pair of aligned slits, as measured
transversely across said dispensing head, is between about 30% and
about 80% of the maximum inside diameter of said valve dispensing
head.
5. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 2 in which said
tip is defined by an arcuate wall having a uniform thickness equal
to the smallest thickness of said tapering wall.
6. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 5 in which the
arcuate wall defines a circular arc of about 136 degrees.
7. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 5 in which the
thickness of the arcuate wall is about 0.02 inch.
8. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 5 said valve
dispensing head has a transverse cross-sectional shape which is
generally annular; and said valve dispensing head tip has a wall
thickness that is between about 30% and about 80% of the maximum
thickness of said valve dispensing head tapering wall.
9. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 in which the
height of said valve dispensing head above said base is between
about 30% and about 180% of the maximum inside diameter of said
valve dispensing head.
10. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 in which said
valve dispensing head includes an exterior surface that is
frustoconical at least over a major portion of the height of the
dispensing head.
11. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 10 in which the
angle of the frustoconical exterior surface is about 30 degrees
relative to the longitudinal axis of the frustoconical
configuration.
12. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 in which said
valve dispensing head includes an interior surface that is
frustoconical at least over a major portion of the height of the
dispensing head.
13. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 12 in which the
angle of the frustoconical interior surface is about 22 degrees
relative to the longitudinal axis of the frustoconical
configuration.
14. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 1 in which said
valve has a central, longitudinal axis; said tip is defined by an
arcuate wall having a uniform thickness equal to the smallest
thickness of said tapering wall; said dispensing orifice is defined
by at least one slit; each said slit extends below said tip into
said tapering wall; and each said slit has a lateral edge that is
defined in said tapering wall and that is parallel to the
longitudinal axis.
15. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 14 in which the
bottom of each said slit lateral edge is about 0.115 inch below the
top of the slit at the exterior of said valve dispensing head.
16. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 2 in which said
tapering wall and said dispensing head slits terminate at the same
elevation below said tip.
17. The dispensing valve in accordance with claim 16 in which the
top of each said slit lateral edge is about 0.055 inch below the
top of the slit at the exterior of said valve dispensing head.
18. A dispensing valve comprising: flexible, resilient material
defining (a) a mounting base, and (b) a narrowing dispensing head
extending outwardly from said base to a dispensing tip defined in
an end portion of said valve dispensing head, and wherein said
valve dispensing head defines a normally closed dispensing orifice
which opens to permit flow therethrough in response to a pressure
differential across said valve, said orifice being defined by slits
which intersect in said tip at a longitudinal axis; said valve
dispensing head has a tapering wall with a thickness that decreases
along its height toward said tip; said valve dispensing head
includes an exterior surface that is frustoconical along a major
portion of the height of the valve dispensing head; said valve
dispensing head includes an interior surface that is frustoconical
along a major portion of the height of the valve dispensing head;
said tip is defined by an arcuate wall having a uniform thickness
equal to the smallest thickness of said tapering wall; each said
slit extends below said tip into said tapering wall; and each said
slit has a lateral edge that is defined in said tapering wall and
that is parallel to the longitudinal axis.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] This invention relates to a valve for dispensing a product
(e.g., a fluent material) from a container or other source of the
product. The valve is particularly suitable for incorporation in a
dispensing closure for use with a squeezable container.
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 as an attachment to, the container, and (3) a product contained
within the container. One type of such a package employs one or
more dispensing valves for discharging one or more streams of
product (which may be a gas, liquid, cream, powder, or particulate
product). See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,531, No. 6,112,951,
and No. 6,230,940. The valve is a flexible, resilient,
self-sealing, slit-type valve at one end of a bottle or container
which typically has resiliently flexible sidewalls which can be
squeezed to pressurize the container interior. 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 minimum pressure
differential across the valve, the valve opens. Such a valve can be
designed so that it can also be opened merely by subjecting the
exterior side of the valve to a sufficiently reduced pressure
(e.g., as by sucking on the valve).
[0006] Such a type of valve can also be designed to stay open, at
least until the pressure differential across the valve drops below
a predetermined value. Such a 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.
[0007] Such a resilient valve typically includes a central head
portion which is recessed inwardly from surrounding portions of the
valve which project outwardly. The U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,940
illustrates one form of such a valve mounted in the dispensing
opening of a closure body by means of a groove in the valve
exterior which receives a mounting flange of the closure.
[0008] It would be desirable to provide an improved dispensing
valve with the capability for allowing the user to readily view,
target, and control the dispensing of the fluent material from the
valve.
[0009] In some applications, it may also be advantageous to provide
an improved valve that would dispense a product accurately without
premature or undesired product discharge, but with good product
cut-off at the termination of dispensing and with little or no mess
of product left on the exterior of the valve or package containing
the valve.
[0010] It would also be advantageous to provide an improved valve
for a dispensing system that employs a dispensing valve in an
arrangement that can optionally accommodate minimization of gaps or
spaces between components of the system.
[0011] It would be desirable to provide such an improved dispensing
valve that can be used in a package and that would minimize or at
least reduce the likelihood of the product drying out in the
package or being contaminated.
[0012] It would also be beneficial if such an improved valve could
optionally be employed in a dispensing system that could readily
accommodate the use of a lid or overcap--either as a separate
component or as connected with a hinge structure.
[0013] It would also be advantageous if such an improved valve
could be employed in a dispensing system that could accommodate
bottles, containers, or packages which have a variety of shapes and
which are constructed from a variety of materials.
[0014] Further, it would be desirable if such an improved valve
could accommodate efficient, high-quality, manufacturing techniques
with a reduced product reject rate to produce products having
consistent operating characteristics unit-to-unit with high
reliability.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention provides a dispensing valve that may
include one or more of the above-discussed, desired features.
[0016] The present invention provides an improved dispensing valve
for a fluent material dispensing system. Such a system could
include, for example, a container that has an opening to the
container interior, and the valve could be mounted in the opening.
The valve can be easily operated by the user to dispense fluent
material in a desired direction to a target region that can be
readily observed during dispensing.
[0017] According to a first aspect of a presently preferred
embodiment of the invention, the dispensing valve comprises
flexible, resilient material defining (a) a mounting base, and (b)
a narrowing dispensing head extending outwardly from the base to a
dispensing tip defined in an end portion of the dispensing head.
The valve dispensing head defines a normally closed dispensing
orifice which opens to permit flow therethrough in response to a
pressure differential across the valve. The dispensing head has a
tapering wall with a thickness that continuously decreases along
most of its height at least to the tip. The tip has a wall
thickness that is equal to, or less than, the smallest thickness of
the tapering wall.
[0018] The valve can function easily in a way that allows the user
to readily view, target, and control the dispensing of fluent
material.
[0019] 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
[0020] In the accompanying drawings that form part of the
specification, and in which like numerals are employed to designate
like parts throughout the same,
[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded, isometric view of an exemplary
dispensing system in the form of a separate dispensing closure
which includes a preferred embodiment of the dispensing valve of
the invention, and the dispensing closure is shown in FIG. 1 in a
non-dispensing configuration, after installation on a container but
with the overcap removed, and from a vantage point generally above,
or from the top of, the closure;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the system in FIG. 1,
but FIG. 2 shows the overcap installed;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but FIG. 3 shows the
closure prior to installation on the container;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 4-4 in FIG. 3;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a isometric view of the closure body;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the closure body shown in FIG.
5;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the closure body shown in FIGS. 5
and 6;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 8-8 in FIG. 6;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 9-9 in FIG. 6;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 10-10 in FIG. 6;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a isometric view of the preferred embodiment of
the valve from a vantage point generally above, or from the top of,
the valve;
[0032] FIG. 12 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken generally
along the plane 12-12 in FIG. 11;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a isometric view of the clamp member of the
closure from a vantage point generally above, or from the top of,
the clamp member;
[0034] FIG. 14, is a bottom view of the clamp member shown in FIG.
13;
[0035] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 15-15 in FIG. 14;
[0036] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the overcap shown in
FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 17 is a front, isometric view of a second form of the
dispensing system that incorporates the dispensing valve of the
present invention and that is in the form of a separate closure
having a hinged overcap, but FIG. 17 omits the valve and clamp
member component;
[0038] FIG. 18 is a front, isometric view of a third, or alternate,
form of a dispensing system that incorporates a second embodiment
of the dispensing valve of the present invention wherein the
dispensing system is in the form of a separate dispensing closure
shown in a non-dispensing configuration, after installation on a
container but with the overcap removed, and from a vantage point
generally above, or from the top of, the closure;
[0039] FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18, but with the third
form of the dispensing closure removed to reveal all the detailed
structure of the top of the container which is adapted for
receiving the dispensing closure;
[0040] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the
dispensing valve employed in the third form of the dispensing
closure, and the valve is viewed from a vantage point generally
above, or from the top of, the valve;
[0041] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of the clamp member of the
third form of the dispensing closure shown in FIG. 18 from a
vantage point generally above, or from the top of, the clamp
member;
[0042] FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the closure body which is
adapted to receive the valve and clamp member of the third form of
the dispensing closure illustrated in FIG. 18, and the isometric
view of the closure body is taken from a vantage point generally
above, or from the top of, the closure body;
[0043] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the overcap for the third
form of the closure illustrated in FIG. 18, and the isometric view
of the overcap is taken from a vantage point generally above, or
from the top of, the overcap;
[0044] FIG. 24 is side elevation view of the overcap shown on FIG.
23;
[0045] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 25-25 in FIG. 24;
[0046] FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the third form of the
dispensing closure on the container with the overcap installed as
shown in FIG. 27;
[0047] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 27-27 in FIG. 26;
[0048] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 28-28 in FIG. 26;
[0049] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 29-29 in FIG. 28;
[0050] FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the second embodiment
of the valve shown in FIG. 20;
[0051] FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the
valve;
[0052] FIG. 31A is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 31A-31A in FIG. 31;
[0053] FIG. 31B is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 31B-31B in FIG. 31;
[0054] FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view of the clamp member shown in
FIG. 21;
[0055] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp member taken
generally along the plane 33-33 in FIG. 32;
[0056] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp member taken
generally along the plane 34-34 in FIG. 33;
[0057] FIG. 35 is a bottom plan view of the closure body shown in
FIG. 22;
[0058] FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the third form closure body
illustrated in FIG. 35;
[0059] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 37-37 in FIG. 36;
[0060] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 38-38 in FIG. 36;
[0061] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 39-39 in FIG. 36;
[0062] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 40-40 in FIG. 37;
[0063] FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 41-41 in FIG. 38;
[0064] FIG. 42 is a top plan view of the third form of the
dispensing closure with the overcap installed, but with the
dispensing closure removed from the container;
[0065] FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 43-43 in FIG. 42; and
[0066] FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 44-44 in FIG. 42;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0067] 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.
[0068] For ease of description, many of the figures illustrating
the invention show a dispensing valve in a dispensing closure in
the typical orientation that the closure 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 valve of this invention may be manufactured, stored,
transported, used, and sold in an orientation other than the
position described.
[0069] The valve of this invention is suitable for use with a
variety of conventional or special dispensing systems, including
containers 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. The
container and closure, per se, that are described herein form no
part of, and therefore are not intended to limit, the valve of the
present invention. It will also be understood by those of ordinary
skill that novel and non-obvious inventive aspects are embodied in
the described valve alone.
[0070] FIGS. 1-16 illustrate a first embodiment of the dispensing
valve of the present invention as part of a dispensing closure
system that is designated generally by reference number 20 in FIG.
1. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the system 20 that
includes the dispensing valve is provided in the form of a separate
closure 20 which is adapted to be mounted or installed on a
container 22 (FIGS. 1 and 2) that would typically contain a fluent
material. The container 22 includes body 24 and a neck 26 as shown
in FIG. 2. The neck 26 defines an opening 28 to the container
interior. The container neck 26, in the preferred embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 2, has an external, male thread 29 for engaging
the closure 20.
[0071] The body 24 of the container 22 may have any suitable
configuration, and the upwardly projecting neck 26 may have a
different cross-sectional size and/or shape than the container body
24. (Alternatively, the container 22 need not have a neck 26, per
se. Instead, the container 22 may consist of just a body with an
opening.) The container body 24 may have a rigid wall or walls, or
may have a somewhat flexible wall or walls.
[0072] At least a body or base portion of the closure 20 optionally
may be provided as a unitary portion, or extension, of the top of
the container 22. However, in the system illustrated, the closure
20 is a separate article or unit (e.g., a dispensing closure 20)
which can be either one-piece or multiple pieces, and which is
adapted to be removably, or non-removably, installed on a
previously manufactured container 22 that has an opening 28 to the
container interior. Hereinafter, the dispensing system closure 20
will be more simply referred to as the closure 20.
[0073] The illustrated, preferred form of the closure 20 is adapted
to be used with a container 22 having an opening 28 to provide
access to the container interior and to a product contained
therein. The closure 20 can be used to dispense many materials,
including, but not limited to, relatively low or high viscosity
liquids, creams, gels, suspensions, mixtures, lotions, etc. (such
as a material constituting a food product, a beverage product, a
personal care product, an industrial or household cleaning product,
or other compositions of matter (e.g., compositions for use in
activities involving manufacturing, commercial or household
maintenance, construction, agriculture, medical treatment, military
operations, etc.)).
[0074] The container 22 with which the closure 20 may be used 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 the opened closure.
Such a flexible 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 container 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 to pressurize the container interior at selected
times with a piston or other pressurizing system, or to reduce the
exterior ambient pressure so as to suck the material out through
the open closure.
[0075] It is presently contemplated that many applications
employing the closure 20 will conveniently be realized by molding
at least some of the components of the closure 20 from suitable
thermoplastic material or materials. In the illustrated, preferred
form of the dispensing closure, some of the components of the
closure could be molded from a suitable thermoplastic material,
such as, but not limited to, polypropylene. The closure components
may be separately molded--and may be molded from different
materials. The materials may have the same or different colors and
textures.
[0076] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the particular illustrated closure
20 includes three basic components, (1) a body 30, (2) a dispensing
valve 32 of the present invention which is adapted to be mounted on
the body 30, and (3) a decorative cone or clamp member 34 that
retains the valve 32 on the upper part of the body 30. An optional
overcap 36 is provided to cover the valve 32. The overcap 36 can be
moved to expose the valve 32 for dispensing. The overcap 36 is
movable between (1) a closed position over the body 30, clamp
member 34, and valve 32 (as shown in FIG. 2), and (2) an open or
removed position. The overcap 36 may be a separate component which
is completely removable from the closure body 30 (as in the first
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-16), or the overcap 36 may be tethered
to the body with a strap, or the overcap 36 may be hinged to the
body 30 so as to accommodate pivoting movement from the closed
position to an open position (as shown in FIG. 17).
[0077] As can be seen in FIG. 8, the body 30 includes a base 40 for
extending from the container (when the closure body 30 is mounted
on the container 22 as shown in FIG. 2). Preferably, a peripheral
collar 44 (FIG. 8) extends around the base 40 and is connected to
the base 40 with at least one bridge 48 in the preferred
embodiment. As can be seen in FIG. 6, there are two bridges 48. At
least one slot 50 (FIG. 6) is defined in the body 30. In the
preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, there are two
slots 50 defined between the body base 40 and the surrounding
collar 44.
[0078] As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, a spout or support column
54 projects outwardly from the base 40. A discharge passage 56
(FIGS. 2 and 5) extends through the support column 54 and base 40
so as to be in communication with the container opening 28 when the
base 40 is installed on the container neck 26 (FIG. 2).
[0079] As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the interior of the base 40
defines an internal, female thread 58 for threadingly engaging the
container neck external, male thread 29 (FIG. 2) when the
dispensing closure body 30 is installed on the container neck
26.
[0080] Alternatively, the closure body base 40 could be provided
with some other container connecting means, such as a snap-fit bead
or groove (not illustrated) for engaging a container neck groove or
bead (not illustrated), respectively. Also, the closure body base
40 could instead be permanently attached to the container 22 by
means of induction melting, ultrasonic melting, gluing, or the
like, depending on materials used for the closure body base 40 and
container 22. The closure body base 40 could also be formed as a
unitary part, or extension, of the container 22.
[0081] The closure body base 40 may have any suitable configuration
for accommodating an upwardly projecting neck 26 of the container
22 or for accommodating any other portion of a container received
within the particular configuration of the closure body base
40--even if a container does not have a neck, per se. The main part
of the container body 24 may have a different cross-sectional shape
than the container neck 26 and closure body base 40.
[0082] An optional seal or liner (not illustrated) may be sealed
across the top of the container neck 26 or, alternatively, may be
sealed across an interior region or underside of the upper portion
of the closure body base 40. However, if the function of a
tamper-evident seal or freshness liner as provided by such a
structure is not needed or desired in a particular application,
then the structure may, of course, be omitted.
[0083] Also, if desired, the closure body base 40 may be provided
with an interior, annular seal member (not illustrated) extending
downwardly from the underside of the upper portion of the closure
body base 40. Such a seal member could be conventional "plug"
profile seal, a "crab's claw" seal, a flat seal, a V seal, or some
other such conventional or special seal, depending upon the
particular application and depending upon whether or not a liner is
employed.
[0084] In the preferred form of the illustrated closure body 30,
the closure body base 40 has a generally annular configuration.
However, the closure body base 40 may have other configurations.
For example, the closure body base 40 might have a prism or polygon
configuration adapted to be mounted to the top of a container neck
having a polygon configuration. Such prism or polygon
configurations would not accommodate the use of a threaded
attachment, but other means of attachment could be provided, such
as a snap-fit bead and groove arrangement, adhesive, or the
like.
[0085] As can be seen in FIG. 8, the preferred form of the closure
body support column 54 has an exterior surface 60 which has a
frustoconical shape. At the bottom of the support column 54, the
upper end of the closure body base 40 preferably defines an
upwardly facing, annular, flat shoulder 64 against which the bottom
end of the dispensing valve 32 can be disposed (FIG. 2).
[0086] As can be seen in FIG. 8, the closure body base 40
preferably has a tapered or frustoconical exterior surface 68 above
the bridges 48 and above the slots 50 (FIGS. 3 and 6). The
frustoconical surface 68 functions as a lead-in surface to
facilitate assembly of the components as described in detail
hereinafter.
[0087] At the bottom of the collar 44 (FIG. 3), there is a
laterally extending, peripheral flange 70. Above the flange 70, in
the exterior surface of the collar 44, there is preferably at least
one male thread segment 74 (FIGS. 3 and 5). In the preferred
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, there are four such male thread
segments 74 which are adapted to engage the overcap 36 as described
in detail hereinafter.
[0088] According to the preferred first embodiment of the valve 32
employed in the first form of the closure illustrated in FIGS.
1-16, the valve 32 is especially suitable for being mounted to the
closure body spout or support column 54 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The valve 32 is a pressure-actuatable, flexible, slit-type valve
which is held on the outside of the spout or support column 54 by
means of the clamp member 34 as described in detail
hereinafter.
[0089] The valve 32 is preferably molded as a unitary structure
from material which is flexible, pliable, elastic, and resilient.
This can include elastomers, such as a synthetic, thermosetting
polymer, including silicone rubber, such as the silicone rubber
sold by Dow Corning Corp. in the United States of America under the
trade designation D.C. 99-595-HC. Another suitable silicone rubber
material is sold in the United States of America under the
designation Wacker 3003-40 by Wacker Silicone Company. Both of
these materials have a hardness rating of 40 Shore A. The valve 32
could also be molded from other thermosetting materials or from
other elastomeric materials, or from thermoplastic polymers or
thermoplastic elastomers, including those based upon materials such
as thermoplastic propylene, ethylene, urethane, and styrene,
including their halogenated counterparts.
[0090] With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the valve 32 includes a
base 80. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the base has the
form of a peripheral mounting skirt 80 for being clamped by the
clamp member 34 against the body support column 54. The valve base
or skirt 80 defines an interior sealing surface 82 (FIG. 12).
Preferably, the interior sealing surface 82 has a frustoconical
configuration to matingly engage, and seal against, the preferred
frustoconical form of the exterior surface 60 of the support column
54. The valve skirt 80 also defines a peripheral annular groove 88
(FIGS. 11 and 12) which opens laterally or radially. The bottom of
the groove 88 is defined by an annular shoulder 89.
[0091] The valve 32 includes a flexible, outwardly extending,
narrowing dispensing head 90 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and the
head 90 extends outwardly from an upper region of the skirt 80 to a
dispensing tip. The head 90 extends over the interior volume
defined within the flexible base or skirt 80. The head 90 is
generally convex (and, in the preferred embodiment is pointed or
dome shaped) as viewed from the exterior of the valve 32 relative
to the interior volume (see FIGS. 11 and 12). The valve head 90 has
an interior surface 92 (FIG. 12) that interfaces with the interior
volume (and with the product in the container 22). In the preferred
embodiment, the interior surface 92 is frustoconical below the
curved inside surface of the valve head tip. As shown in FIG. 12,
the valve head 90 has an exterior surface 96 which interfaces with
the ambient environment. The exterior surface 96 narrows,
converges, or tapers, but such a narrowing configuration need not
be uniform or even continuous. However, according to one preferred
aspect of the invention, the valve head 90 has a continuous taper
or narrowing over most of its height. The distal end or tip of the
valve 32 is smaller in cross-sectional size than the base or skirt
80. In the preferred embodiment, the exterior surface 96 is
frustoconical between the valve head curved tip and a location just
above the skirt 80 where the head 90 curves to a vertical
orientation at the upper edge of the groove 88. In the illustrated
preferred embodiment, the region defined by the exterior surface 96
and interior surface 92 is a wall having a tapering configuration
below the valve tip.
[0092] In the illustrated, preferred, first embodiment, the valve
32 has a generally circular configuration about a central
longitudinal axis 99 extending through the valve 32 (FIG. 12). The
head 90 of the valve 32 has a dispensing orifice. In the preferred
embodiment, the orifice is defined by one or more slits 100 (FIG.
12). Preferably, there are two or more slits 100 radiating
laterally from the longitudinal axis 99. More preferably, there are
four slits 100 that radiate from the axis 99. The four radiating
slits 100 may be alternatively characterized as two intersecting
cross slits 100. A lesser or greater number of slits 100 could be
used. The slits 100 preferably extend transversely through head
portion 90 between the exterior surface 96 and the interior surface
92.
[0093] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the slits 100
extend laterally from a common origin on the longitudinal axis 99
to define four flaps or petals 104 (FIG. 11) which can flex
outwardly to selectively permit the flow of product from the
container 22 through the valve 32. Each slit 100 terminates in a
radially outer end that is also the bottom end of the slit. In the
illustrated preferred embodiment, the slits 100 are of equal
length, although the slits 100 could be of unequal length.
[0094] In the preferred embodiment, each slit 100 is planar, and
the plane of each slit 100 contains the central, longitudinal axis
99 of the valve 32. Preferably, the slits 100 diverge from an
origin on the longitudinal axis 99 and define equal size angles
between each pair of adjacent slits 100 so that the flaps 104 are
of equal size. Preferably, the four slits 100 diverge at 90 degree
angles to define two mutually perpendicular, intersecting, longer
slits. Preferably, the slits 100 are formed so that the opposing
side faces of adjacent valve flaps 104 closely seal against one
another when the dispensing orifice is in its normal, fully closed
position. The length and location of the slits 100 can be adjusted
to vary the predetermined opening pressure of the valve 32, as well
as other dispensing characteristics.
[0095] The tip portion or tip of the valve head 90 includes at
least the upper end portions of the slits 100. In the preferred
illustrated embodiment of the valve head 90, the valve tip portion
or tip is defined as the region within the angle X (FIG. 12). In
the preferred embodiment, the tip wall thickness (C in FIG. 12) is
equal to, or less than, the smallest thickness of the tapering wall
between the exterior surface 96 and the interior surface 92.
[0096] In the preferred embodiment, the slits 100 each extends
downwardly from the tip portion into the tapering wall below the
tip portion to define an outside vertical lateral edge 107 parallel
to the longitudinal axis 99.
[0097] In the presently preferred embodiment of the valve 32
illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, a typical size valve 32 molded from
silicone has four slits 100. It is to be understood that the valve
dispensing orifice may be defined by structures other than the
illustrated slits 100. If the orifice is defined by slits, then the
slits may assume many different shapes, sizes and/or configurations
in accordance with those dispensing characteristics desired. For
example, the orifice 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.
[0098] The dispensing valve 32 may be easily 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 can be factors in designing the specific configuration of
the valve 32 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 the valve head 90, are also important in
achieving the desired dispensing characteristics, and can be
matched with both the container and the material to be dispensed
therefrom.
[0099] The valve 32 is especially suitable for dispensing flowable
products, such as liquids or even gases, powders, particulates, or
granular material, as well as suspensions of solid particles in a
liquid. The valve 32 is particularly suitable for dispensing
shampoos, liquid toothpaste, thin oils, thick lotions, water, and
the like.
[0100] It is to be understood that, according to the present
invention, portions of the valve 32 may assume different shapes and
sizes, particularly in accommodating the type of container and
product to be dispensed therefrom. The predetermined opening
pressure of the valve 32 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, multiple streams, variations thereof, and
the like.
[0101] In one presently preferred form of the valve 32 illustrated
in FIGS. 11 and 12, the various dimensions designated with letters
in FIG. 12 have preferred values as follows: [0102] The width A of
two aligned slits 100 across the diameter is 0.140 inch. [0103] The
maximum inside diameter B of the valve head interior surface 92 at
the bottom of the surface 92 is 0.168 inch. [0104] The thickness C
of the valve head 90 at the distal end of the tip (where all four
slits 100 meet) is 0.020 inch. [0105] The distance D from the
lowermost point of each slit 100 on the exterior surface 96 of the
valve head 90 to the top of the slits 100 at the exterior of the
tip of the valve head 90 is 0.055 inch. [0106] The height E from
the bottom of each slit 100 to the top of the slit 100 at the
exterior of the tip of the valve head 90 is 0.115 inch. [0107] The
distance F from the bottom of the frustoconical exterior surface 96
of the valve head 90 to the top of the valve head 90 is 0.150 inch.
[0108] The height G from the upper edge of the annular groove 88 to
the top of the slits 100 at the exterior of the tip of the valve
head 90 is 0.165 inch. [0109] The maximum thickness T.sub.1 of each
valve slit 100 at the lowermost point of the slit on the exterior
surface of the valve head 90, as measured perpendicular to the
valve head interior surface 92, is 0.023 inch. [0110] The maximum
thickness T.sub.2 of the wall of the valve head 90 at the lowermost
point of the slit on the interior surface of the valve head 90, as
measured perpendicular to the valve head interior surface 92, is
0.031 inch. [0111] The maximum thickness T.sub.3 of the wall of the
valve head 90 at the bottom of the valve head frustoconical
exterior surface 96 (at the bottom of dimension F), as measured
perpendicular to the interior surface 92, is 0.037 inch. [0112] As
viewed in the vertical cross section shown in FIG. 12, the tip
portion at the top of the preferred embodiment of the valve head 90
has a circular arc interior surface (i.e., partially spherical) and
a circular arc exterior surface (i.e., partially spherical), and
the angle X of the circular arc is 136 degrees. In this preferred
configuration, the wall of the tip is an arcuate (i.e., partially
spherical) wall having a uniform thickness equal to the smallest
thickness of the tapering wall extending downwardly from the tip.
[0113] The angle Y of the valve head exterior frustoconical surface
96 relative to the central, longitudinal axis 99 is 30 degrees.
[0114] The angle Z of the valve head frustoconical interior surface
92 to the central, longitudinal axis 99 is 22 degrees.
[0115] Preferably, the wall thickness of the illustrated preferred
embodiment of the valve head 90 continuously decreases over (along)
most of its height at least up to the tip portion or tip (i.e., at
least up to the lines defining the angle X in FIG. 12). The wall
thickness of the tip is preferably equal to, or less than, the
smallest thickness of such a tapering wall.
[0116] Further, for the particular preferred embodiment of the
valve head 90 having the above-listed dimensions, the overall
maximum external diameter of the valve head 90 just above the
groove 88 is about 0.250 inch. The radius of the exterior surface
of the valve head tip is 0.067 inch, and the concentric interior
surface at the tip has a radius of 0.047 inch.
[0117] According to presently preferred embodiments of the valve,
the width A of the two aligned slits 100 across the valve diameter
is preferably in the range of between about 30% and about 80% of
the maximum inside diameter B of the valve head interior surface 92
(at the bottom of the surface 92). Also, preferably, the thickness
C of the valve head 90 at the end of the tip (where all four slits
100 meet) is between about 30% and about 80% of the maximum
thickness T.sub.3 of the wall of the valve head 90. Preferably, the
height G from the upper edge of the annular groove 88 to the top of
the slits at the exterior of the tip of the valve head 90 is
between about 30% and about 180% of the maximum inside diameter B
of the valve head interior surface 92 at the bottom of the surface
92.
[0118] In the illustrated preferred form of the valve 32, the valve
32 normally remains in the closed configuration shown in FIGS. 1,
11, and 12 unless it is subjected to opening forces. The valve 32
can be moved to an open configuration by applying a sufficiently
large pressure differential across the valve head 90 when the valve
32 is in the closed configuration so that the pressure acting on
the exterior of the valve head 90 is lower than the pressure acting
on the interior of the valve head 90. Such a pressure differential
forces the valve petals or flaps 104 upwardly (i.e., outwardly) to
the open position. The opening pressure differential can be
achieved by pressurizing the interior of the container 22 to which
the closure 20 is mounted. Typically, the container 22 would have a
flexible wall which can be squeezed inwardly by the user to
increase the pressure within the container 22. This can be done
while holding and squeezing the container 22 (with the closure 20
mounted thereon) in an inverted orientation so that the fluent
material or other product within the container 22 is pressurized
against the closed valve 32. As the pressure moves the valve petals
104 to the open positions, the material or product flows through
the open slits 100 and past the open valve petals 104.
[0119] The valve 32 could also be opened by a user sucking on the
valve with enough force to lower the pressure on the valve head
exterior surface 96 sufficiently below the internal pressure acting
against the valve head interior surface 92 to cause the valve
petals 104 to deflect outwardly.
[0120] If the container 22 on which the closed valve 32 is mounted
inadvertently tips over after the overcap 36 is removed, then the
product still does not flow out of the valve 32 because the valve
32 remains closed. Preferably, the valve 32 is designed to
withstand the weight of the fluid on the inside of the valve 32
when the container 22 is completely inverted. Preferably, the valve
32 is designed to open only after a sufficient amount of pressure
differential acts across the valve--as by the user sucking on the
end of the valve 32 with sufficient force and/or squeezing the
container 22 with sufficient force (if the container 22 is not a
rigid container).
[0121] When dispensing product through the preferred form of the
valve 32 in the open condition, if the differential pressure across
the valve 32 decreases sufficiently, then the inherent resiliency
of the valve 32 will cause it to close. The valve 32 will then
assume the closed position illustrated in FIGS. 1, 11, and 12.
However, it is contemplated that the valve 32 could also be
designed for a "once-open, stay-open" operation by using an
appropriate shape for the valve head 90 with appropriate dimensions
for the valve head thickness and slit lengths.
[0122] In one preferred embodiment, the petals of the valve 32 open
outwardly only when the valve head 90 is subjected to a
predetermined pressure differential acting in a gradient direction
wherein the pressure on the valve head interior surface 92
exceeds--by a predetermined amount--the local ambient pressure on
the valve head exterior surface 96. The product can then be
dispensed through the open valve 32 until the pressure differential
drops below a predetermined amount, and the petals 104 then close
completely.
[0123] In one optional form of the valve 32, the valve 32 can be
designed to be flexible enough to accommodate in-venting of ambient
atmosphere as described in detail below, then the closing petals
104 can continue moving inwardly to allow the valve to open
inwardly as the pressure differential gradient direction reverses
and the pressure on the valve head exterior surface 96 exceeds the
pressure on the valve head interior surface 92 by a predetermined
amount.
[0124] For some dispensing applications, it may be desirable for
the valve 32 not only to dispense the product, but also to
accommodate such in-venting of the ambient atmosphere (e.g., so as
to allow a squeezed container (on which the valve is mounted) to
return to its original shape). Such an in-venting capability can be
provided by selecting an appropriate material for the valve
construction, and by selecting appropriate thicknesses, shapes, and
dimensions for various portions of the valve head 90 for the
particular valve material and overall valve size. The shape,
flexibility, and resilience of the valve head, and in particular,
of the petals 104, can be designed or established so that the
petals 104 will deflect inwardly when subjected to a sufficient
pressure differential that acts across the head 90 and in a
gradient direction that is the reverse or opposite from the
pressure differential gradient direction during product dispensing.
Such a reverse pressure differential can be established when a user
releases a squeezed, resilient container 22 on which the valve 32
is mounted. The resiliency of the container wall (or walls) will
cause the wall to return toward the normal, larger volume
configuration. The volume increase of the container interior will
cause a temporary drop in the interior pressure. When the interior
pressure drops sufficiently below the exterior ambient pressure,
the pressure differential across the valve 32 will be large enough
to deflect the valve petals 104 inwardly to permit in-venting of
the ambient atmosphere. In some cases, however, the desired rate or
amount of in-venting may not occur until the squeezed container is
returned to a substantially upright orientation that allows the
product to flow under the influence of gravity away from the valve
32.
[0125] The illustrated preferred embodiment of the valve 32
provides an improved dispensing valve with the capability for
allowing the user to readily view, target, and control the
dispensing of the fluent material from the valve. The valve 32 can
function to dispense a product accurately while minimizing the
likelihood of accidental, premature, or undesired product
discharge, and while providing good product cut-off at the
termination of dispensing with little or no mess of product left on
the exterior of the valve (or package containing the valve). The
closed valve can minimize, or at least reduce, the likelihood
either of the product drying out in the package or being
contaminated.
[0126] The illustrated preferred embodiment of the valve 32 has a
sleek, directional appearance. Because the valve head tapers
(becomes narrow) toward the end of the tip portion (where the
intersecting slits 100 meet), and because the wall thickness is
thinner in the tip portion, the valve has less resistance to
opening than some other valve configurations that lack such a
configuration. Thus, the valve 32 can be easier to open (e.g.,
requiring less squeezing pressure on a container to which the valve
is mounted). Because the wall of the valve 32 is increasingly
thicker in the direction away from the dispensing tip portion, the
valve 32 can exhibit a desired, sufficient re-closing strength to
close the petals 104 in response to a predetermined decrease in
differential pressure across the open valve petals.
[0127] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the illustrated preferred form of
the valve 32 can be installed so that the bottom annular surface of
the valve 32 is seated close to, or in engagement with, the annular
shoulder 64 of the body 30. The valve 32 is held tightly engaged
with the body spout or support column 54 by the clamp member 34.
The clamp member 34 functions to retain the valve 32 in the proper
position and also provides a decorative or aesthetic function of
covering a lower portion of the valve 32 and a lower portion of the
body 30.
[0128] As can be seen in FIGS. 13-15, the clamp member 34
preferably defines a frustoconical portion 120. The upper end of
the frustoconical portion 120 extends radially laterally inwardly
toward the valve 32 to define an annular, distal lip or retention
lip 122. The retention lip 122 defines an aperture 124 through
which the valve head 90 projects as can be seen in FIG. 2. The
clamp member annular, retention lip 122 is received in the valve
skirt annular groove 88 to retain the valve skirt 80 around the
body support column 54. The valve skirt interior surface 82
sealingly engages the exterior surface 60 of the support column
54.
[0129] The clamp member 34 includes at least one, and preferably
two, legs 125 (FIG. 15) which project inwardly (i.e., downwardly).
A retention flange 130 extends from each clamp member leg 126. When
the body 30, valve 32, and clamp member 34 are assembled as shown
in FIG. 3, each clamp member leg 126 projects through one of the
body slots 50 so that the retention flange 130 at the bottom of
each leg 126 extends beneath, and is engaged with, a bottom edge of
the closure body base 40 (FIG. 3).
[0130] To initially assemble the closure components, the valve 32
is first disposed on the support column 54 of the closure body 30,
and then the clamp member 34 is pushed down over the valve 32 until
the clamp member lip 122 is received in the valve annular groove
88. The valve 32 is sufficiently resilient to temporarily deform so
as to accommodate the proper seating of the clamp member lip 122 in
the valve annular groove 88. As the clamp member 34 is pushed
downwardly over the valve 32, the body support column 54 inside the
valve 32 maintains the valve 32 in position and prevents collapse
of the valve skirt 80. As the clamp member 34 is pushed down over
the valve 32, the distal ends of each clamp member leg flange 130
engage the body base frustoconical surface (i.e., lead-in surface)
68 and slide downwardly therealong. As the clamp member 34 is
pushed downwardly with sufficient force, the clamp member legs 126
expand or spread apart laterally outwardly so that the flanges 130
move along the body base frustoconical surface 68 to the bottom
edge (i.e., outer edge) of the frustoconical surface 68 and then
move vertically downwardly through the slots 50 between the closure
body base 40 and the surrounding closure body collar 44 so that the
flanges 130 can snap under the bottom of the closure body base 40
owing to the inherent resiliency of the material from which the
clamp member 34 is made (e.g., polypropylene in a presently
preferred embodiment).
[0131] When the clamp member flanges 130 snap in under the bottom
edge of the closure body base 40 (FIG. 3), the clamp member 34
functions to maintain the lower portion of the valve skirt 80 in
compression against the closure body support column 54, and
preferably also against the closure body upwardly facing shoulder
64 (FIG. 3). This arrangement locks together the three components
(i.e., the valve 32, the body 30, and the clamp member 34) in the
desired assembled relationship with the appropriate sealing
surfaces tightly engaged.
[0132] The closure body 30 includes an optional, special feature to
aid in the installation of the preferred embodiment of the clamp
member 34. Specifically, the closure body 30 preferably includes
two pairs of guide ribs 135 (FIG. 5). Each bridge 48 is associated
with a pair of the guide ribs 135 (FIG. 5). Each guide rib 135
projects upwardly from a bridge 48. Each rib 135 is located at an
edge of a bridge 48 adjacent one of the slots 50. Each rib 135 has
an angled surface 137 (FIG. 5). As can be seen in FIG. 6, each slot
50 terminates at each end adjacent one of the guide rib slanted
surfaces 137. As the clamp member 34 is installed over the valve 32
and onto the closure body 30, the clamp member leg flanges 130
might not be positioned exactly in registration with the closure
body slots 50. If there is such a slight misalignment as the clamp
member 34 is lowered onto the body 30, the angled surfaces 137 of
the guide ribs 135 will serve to properly guide the clamp member
legs 126 so that the legs 126 and flanges 130 become properly
registered with, and can pass through, the slots 50. Also, once the
components are assembled, the ends of the bridges 48 at the bottom
of the rib angled surfaces 137 prevent relative rotation between
the clamp member 34 and the body 30 (and valve 32).
[0133] With reference to FIG. 15, the clamp member 34 includes a
peripheral lip 140 at the lower end of the frustoconical portion
120. The lip 140 includes an angled, inwardly facing surface 142
and a generally cylindrical outwardly facing surface 144. The lip
140, and its surfaces 142 and 144, provide an aesthetic function in
cooperation with the upper end of the closure body collar 44.
Specifically, the upper end of the closure body collar 44 has a
peripheral lip 160 (FIGS. 9 and 10) which is adapted to fit
laterally inwardly of, and adjacent, the clamp member lip 140 when
the clamp member 34 is installed over the valve 32 and body 30 (as
illustrated in FIG. 2). The body collar peripheral lip 160 defines
a laterally outwardly facing, angled or frustoconical surface 162
(FIG. 10). Preferably, the clamp member bottom lip inner surface
142 has the same shape or angle as the shape or angle of the
closure body collar lip outer surface 162 so that when the clamp
member 34 is installed as shown in FIG. 3, the surfaces 142 and 162
are generally parallel, and can be in substantially mating
engagement. Owing to the configuration of the surfaces 142 and 162,
the system can accommodate manufacturing tolerances that affect the
final vertical position or location of the components. For example,
depending upon the "as-manufactured" location of the upper
horizontal surface of the clamp member flanges 130 relative to the
vertical location of the clamp member peripheral lip 140 (FIG. 3),
the lip 140 could be spaced upwardly a small amount from the top
end of the closure body collar 44 after the components are
assembled. Such a small upward spacing resulting from manufacturing
tolerances will be less aesthetically objectionable because the
closure body collar lip 160 extends upwardly closely behind (i.e.,
radially inwardly from) the clamp member lip 140. Thus, the slanted
surface 162 of the closure body collar lip 160 would be immediately
visible in the gap between the bottom of the clamp member lip 140
and the upper end of the closure body collar 44. This would limit
the inward extent of the gap and would provide a more "finished"
appearance.
[0134] Additionally, the angle of the larger frustoconical exterior
surface of the frustoconical portion 120 of the clamp member 34 is
preferably designed to generally match the angle Y of the head 90
of the valve 32 (see FIGS. 12 and 1) so that the closure 20 (after
removal of any overcap 36) appears to the user to have a sleek,
generally smooth, tapering or narrowing configuration which assists
in helping the user target the dispensing of the product to a
desired target region. The overall tapering design of the
dispensing system provides or enhances a capability to more easily
direct the discharge of the product being dispensed from the
closure 20. The generally smooth, clean, tapering configuration is
also relatively easy to keep clean.
[0135] The sealing of the valve 32 against its interior surface 82
is effected through a combination of longitudinally and laterally
directed force components, and this is very effective in providing
proper sealing, and this arrangement accommodates ease of assembly.
The valve 32 does not need to have a peripheral bottom flange
subjected to purely vertical compression forces.
[0136] However, if an increased retention capability is desired in
some applications, the bottom of the valve skirt 80 can be
modified. In particular, with reference to FIG. 3, there is an
annular space or volume 170 adjacent the clamp member frustoconical
portion 120 just below the bottom of the valve 32. If an increased
clamping or retention capability is desired, the bottom of the
valve 32 could be designed to include additional material that
would occupy some or all of the void space 170 of the illustrated
embodiment in FIG. 3.
[0137] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-16, the
use of the clamp member 34 with the snap fit legs 126 and flanges
130 eliminates the need for special, smaller snap beads on the
closure body 30 per se.
[0138] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-16, the
overcap 36 is adapted to be threadingly engaged with the closure
body 30. To this end, the closure body collar thread segments 74
are adapted to be received in a threading engagement with female
thread segments or grooves 180 (FIG. 16) which are defined in the
overcap 36. Specifically, the overcap 36 has a skirt 184 and a top
portion 186. The female grooves or female thread segments 180 are
formed in the lower portion of the inside surface of the overcap
skirt 184 (FIG. 16).
[0139] The overcap top portion 186 is preferably provided with a
downwardly open, partially spherical surface 188 (FIG. 16) for
covering the outer, distal end surface of the valve head 90 (as
shown in FIG. 2) when the overcap 36 is installed. The close
fitting relationship between the overcap surface 188 and the valve
head 90 serves to prevent unintended opening of the valve 32 during
shipping, storage, and handling if the container 22 is accidentally
subjected to impact forces of a magnitude that would be sufficient
to cause opening of the valve 32 in the absence of the overcap.
[0140] FIG. 17 illustrates a second or alternate form of the
dispensing system 20A for use with the first embodiment of the
valve 32 of the present invention. FIG. 17 does not illustrate the
complete assembly of all of the components of the second form of
the dispensing system 20A. Rather, FIG. 17 illustrates only the
closure body 30A with an attached lid 36A. It is to be understood
that the valve 32 (described above with reference to FIGS. 1-16)
and a clamp member (such as the clamp member 34 described above
with reference to FIGS. 1-16), would be installed on the closure
body 30A of the second embodiment. Many of the features of the
second form of the closure body 30A are identical with the features
of the first form of the closure body 30 described above with
reference to FIGS. 1-16. However, the second form of the closure
body 30A has a modified peripheral collar 44A which does not have
exterior male thread segments (such as the male thread segments 74
illustrated in FIG. 5 for the first form of the closure body 30).
Further, the second form of the closure body collar 44A has an
upper end defining a generally flat, annular shoulder 190A against
which the bottom of the overcap 36A is adapted to be disposed when
the overcap 36A is in the closed position (not illustrated).
[0141] The second form of the closure body collar 44A also is
attached to the overcap 36A with a hinge 194A. The hinge 194A may
be of any suitable type (such as, for example, a snap-action
hinge). The particular design and configuration of the hinge 194A
forms no part of the present invention of the valve 32.
[0142] The other features of the closure body 30A radially inwardly
of the collar 44A are substantially identical with the features of
the first form of the closure body 30 described above with
reference to FIGS. 1-16. Thus, the second form of the closure body
30A can receive the valve and clamp member (such as the valve 32
and clamp member 34 described above with reference to the first
form of the illustrated in FIGS. 1-16).
[0143] If the valve 32 is used with dispensing system components
that differ from one or more of the illustrated components (e.g.,
components 30 and 30A), then the valve 32 may be provided with, or
require, a different configuration of the valve base or skirt 80.
In such a case, the modified form of the skirt 80 might not receive
or surround any internal member (e.g., internal support column 54
or the like), and such a modified skirt might be instead
alternatively characterized or described as a base, mounting
flange, mounting portion, or the like. Indeed, in other
contemplated embodiments (not illustrated), such a valve base need
not be mechanically clamped in position. For example, the valve
base could be (1) molded as a unitary part of an adjacent component
(e.g., a container, a closure, or other part of a dispensing
system), or (2) attached by thermal or adhesive bonding to such an
adjacent component. Such a valve base might then not need the
annular groove 88 or the other specific exterior and interior
surface configurations illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0144] FIGS. 18-44 illustrate a third form of the dispensing system
20B which incorporates a second, preferred embodiment of a
dispensing valve 32B (FIGS. 1 and 20). The third form of the system
is a dispensing closure adapted for use with a container 22B (FIGS.
18 and 19). Unlike the container 22 used with the first form of the
dispensing closure as described above with reference to FIG. 22,
the container 22B does not have a threaded neck, but instead
incorporates a different, special configuration. In particular, the
container 22B (FIG. 19) includes a body 24B and neck 26B having a
reduced diameter collar 29B which projects upwardly from an annular
shoulder 31B and which defines an opening 28B to the container
interior. A flat, annular shoulder 31B extends radially around the
collar 29B. The container neck 26B includes a radial flange 25B
(FIGS. 19 and 28) and a plurality of vertically oriented serrations
or teeth 27B which do not extend radially outwardly as far as the
periphery of the flange 25B. In a presently preferred third form of
the dispensing system 20B, the serrations or teeth 27B have a
generally isosceles triangle shaped transverse cross section (i.e.,
the transverse cross section as taken on a plane passing through
the serrations 27B wherein the plane is oriented generally
perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the container neck
26B).
[0145] As with the container 22 employed with the first form of the
closure system described above with reference to FIGS. 1-16, the
container 22B may have any suitable shape. For example, the
container neck flange 25B and serrations 27B could have diameters
as large as, or larger than, the diameter of the container body
24B. The container body 24B may be a rigid wall, or may be a
somewhat flexible wall. The container 22B may be used to dispense a
variety of materials and may be conveniently made by molding from a
suitable thermoplastic material or materials in the same way as
described above in detail with respect to the container 22
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0146] As can be seen in FIG. 28, the third form of the dispensing
closure system 20B preferably includes at least three basic
components, (1) a body 30B, (2) the preferred, second embodiment of
the dispensing valve 32B which is adapted to be mounted on the body
30B, and (3) a decorative cone or clamp member 34B that retains the
valve 32B on the upper part of the body 30B. In the third form of
the dispensing system 20B, an optional overcap 36B is provided to
cover the valve 32B. The overcap 36B can be moved or removed to
expose the valve 32B for dispensing, and FIG. 18 shows the system
with the overcap removed. The overcap 36B is moveable between (1) a
closed position over the closure clamp member 34B and valve 32B (as
shown in FIGS. 27 and 28), and (2) an open or removed position
(FIG. 18). The overcap 36B may be a separate component which is
completely removable from the closure clamp member 34B, or the
overcap 36B may be tethered to the body with a strap, or the
overcap 36B maybe hinged to the closure clamp member 34B so as to
accommodate pivoting movement from the closed position to an open
position.
[0147] With reference to FIG. 22, the closure body 30B includes a
base 40B for being mounted to, an extending from, the container 22B
(when the closure body 30B is mounted on the container 22B as shown
in FIG. 28). As can be seen in FIGS. 22 and 37, the closure body
base 40B includes a lower wall or collar 44B which defines two
arcuate slots 45B (FIG. 22 showing one slot 45B, and FIG. 40
showing both of the slots 45B). These slots 45B are provided for
facilitating molding of the component. At the bottom of each slot
45B, the wall 44B extends radially inwardly (as can be seen in
FIGS. 37 and 40) to define a retention shoulder or flange 46B.
[0148] At the top of the closure base wall 44B there is a
peripheral array of serrations or teeth 47B (FIG. 22). At the top
the teeth or serrations 47B there is a radially inwardly extending,
frustoconical shoulder 48B (FIGS. 22, 37, 38 and 39) which can
function as a lead-in surface during assembly as described
hereinafter. As can be seen in FIGS. 22 and 38, the upper portion
of the closure body base 40B includes a cylindrical wall 52B and a
frustoconical surface 68B extending radially inwardly from the top
of the wall 52B. As can be seen in FIG. 22, the frustoconical
surface 68B includes a recess 69B for containing identifying
information or indicia (and such information could include the mold
cavity number, for example).
[0149] As can be seen in FIGS. 22 and 38, a spout or support column
54B projects outwardly from the upper portion of the closure body
base 40B. A discharge passage 56B extends through the support
column 54B and through the base 40B so as to be in communication
with the container interior when the closure body base 40B is
installed on the container neck 26B (FIG. 27). The support column
54B includes an upper frustoconical surface 57B (FIG. 38), an
intermediate frustoconical surface 58B (FIG. 38), and a lower
frustoconical surface 60B. At the bottom of the lower frustoconical
surface 60B is an annular shoulder 64B against which the bottom end
of the dispensing valve 32B can be disposed (FIG. 28). Projecting
downwardly from the inside of the support column 54B is an internal
conduit 71B (FIG. 38) for being received in the mouth or opening
28B of the container neck as shown in FIG. 28.
[0150] In the preferred, third form of the dispensing system 20B
illustrated in FIGS. 18-44, the conduit or tube 71B (FIGS. 27 and
28) provides an effective seal with the container 22B. If desired,
other suitable seal structures could be provided instead. Such a
seal structure could be a "crab's claw" seal, a flat seal, a "V"
seal, or some other such conventional or special seal, depending
upon the particular application and depending upon whether or not a
liner is employed.
[0151] As can be seen in FIGS. 37, 38, 39, and 41, the interior of
the closure body base 40B includes a plurality of circumferentially
spaced anti-rotation teeth or ribs 73B. As can been seen in FIGS.
35 and 38, the interior of the closure body base 40B also includes
a plurality of circumferentially spaced inner abutment ribs 75B
located at the top of the anti-rotation ribs 73B. As can be seen in
FIGS. 27 and 28, the abutment ribs 75B engage, and seat upon, the
annular shoulder 31B which surrounds the container spout 29B. The
abutment ribs 75B thus locate the closure body 30B vertically at
the desired location on top of the container 22B.
[0152] As can be seen in FIGS. 28 and 29, when the closure body 30B
is mounted on the top of the neck 26B of the container 22B, the
inwardly projecting teeth or anti-rotation ribs 73B engage the
teeth or serrations 27B on the container neck 26B. This prevents
the relative rotation between the closure body 30B and the
container 22B.
[0153] The second embodiment of the valve 32B (when used in the
third form of the dispensing system 20B) is adapted to be mounted
on the closure body spout or support column 54B as shown in FIGS.
43 and 44. As with the first embodiment valve 32 described above
with reference to the first embodiment of the system illustrated in
FIGS. 1-16, the second embodiment of the valve 32B is a
pressure-actuatable, flexible, slit-type valve which is held on the
outside of the spout or support column 54B by means of the clamp
member 34B as described in detail hereinafter. The second
embodiment of the valve 32B is preferably molded as a unitary
structure from material which is flexible, pliable, elastic, and
resilient. The valve 32B can be molded from the same materials as
the first embodiment valve 32 described above.
[0154] The valve 32B is similar to, and includes the unique
features of, the first embodiment valve 32 described above with
reference to the first embodiment of the system illustrated in
FIGS. 1-16. In particular, the second embodiment of the valve 32B
includes a base 80B (FIGS. 30, 31A and 31B). The base 80B functions
as a peripheral mounting skirt 80B for being clamped by the clamp
member 32B against the closure body 30B as illustrated in FIGS. 43
and 44. When properly clamped, the valve 32B is sealingly engaged
with the frustoconical surface 60B of the closure body 30B as
illustrated in FIGS. 43 and 44. At least part of the valve skirt
80B defines an interior sealing surface 82B (FIGS. 31A and 3B).
Preferably, the interior sealing surface 82B has a frustoconical
configuration to matingly engage, and seal against, the preferred
frustoconical form of the exterior surface 60B of the closure body
support column 54B as can be seen in FIG. 43.
[0155] The valve base or skirt 80B also defines an outwardly
opening annular groove 88B (FIGS. 31A and 31B), and one lower side
surface of the groove 88B is defined by a peripheral, annular
shoulder 89B (FIGS. 31A and 31B) which has a frustoconical surface.
The frustoconical surface of the shoulder 89B diverges relative to
the frustoconical interior sealing surface 82B as can be seen in
FIG. 31A. The frustoconical surface of the shoulder 89B and the
frustoconical interior sealing surface 82B may be characterized as
defining exterior surface portions of an annular mounting flange
86B (FIGS. 31A and 31B). The flange 86B also preferably has an
annular, flat bottom surface 85B (FIGS. 31A and 31B).
[0156] As can be seen in FIGS. 31A and 31B, the valve 32B has a
generally cylindrical surface 87B extending upwardly from the
bottom of the annular groove 88B. The top of the cylindrical
surface 87B terminates at, and defines, the upper end of the valve
skirt or base 80B.
[0157] As can be seen in FIGS. 30, 31A, and 31B, the valve 32B
includes a flexible, outwardly extending, narrowing, dispensing
head 90B. The head 90B extends outwardly from the top of the base
or skirt 80B to a dispensing tip. The head 90B extends over the
interior volume defined within the valve 32B. The head 90B is
generally convex (and, in the preferred embodiment is dome shaped)
as viewed from the exterior of the valve 32B relative to the
interior volume (see FIGS. 31A and 31B). The valve head 90B has an
interior surface 92B (FIG. 31B) that interfaces with the product in
the container 22B. In the preferred the preferred form of the valve
32B, the interior surface 92B tapers or slants outwardly and is
preferably frustoconical below the curved inside surface of the
valve head tip. However, the surface 92B as viewed in FIG. 31B need
not have a uniform or constant taper or slant, and could be
curved.
[0158] As shown in FIG. 31B, the valve head 90B has an exterior
surface 96B which interfaces with the ambient environment. The
exterior surface 96B narrows, converges, or tapers, but such a
narrowing configuration need not be uniform or even continuous. The
surface 96B as viewed in FIG. 31B could be slightly curved.
However, according to one preferred aspect of the invention, the
valve head 90B has a continuous taper or narrowing at least over
most of its height so as to cooperate with, and follow, the general
tapering configuration of the clamp member 34B. The distal end or
tip of the valve 32A is smaller in cross-sectional size than the
skirt flange 86B. In the preferred form of the valve 32B, the
exterior surface 96B is frustoconical between the valve head curved
tip and the upper end of the skirt 80B. In the illustrated
preferred embodiment, the region defined by the exterior surface
96B and interior surface 92B is a wall having a tapering
configuration below the valve tip.
[0159] In the illustrated preferred, second embodiment of valve
32B, the valve 32B has a generally circular configuration about a
central longitudinal axis 99B extending through the valve 32B (FIG.
31B). The head 90B of the valve 32B has a dispensing orifice. In
the preferred embodiment, the orifice is defined by one or more
slits 100B (FIG. 31B). Preferably, there are two or more slits 100B
radiating laterally from the longitudinal axis 99B. More
preferably, there are four slits 100B that radiate from the axis
99B. The four radiating slits 100B may be alternatively
characterized as two intersecting cross slits 100B. A lesser or
greater number of slits 100B could be used. The slits 100B
preferably extend transversely through head portion 90B between the
exterior surface 96B and the interior surface 92B.
[0160] In the illustrated preferred, second embodiment of the valve
32B, the slits 100B extend laterally from a common origin on the
longitudinal axis 99B to define four flaps or petals 104B (FIG. 31)
which can flex outwardly to selectively permit the flow of product
from the container 22B through the valve 32B. Each slit 100B
terminates in a radially outer end that is also the bottom end of
the slit. In the illustrated preferred form of the valve, the slits
100B are of equal length, although the slits 100B could be of
unequal length.
[0161] In the preferred, second embodiment of the valve 32B, each
slit 100B is planar, and the plane of each slit 100B contains the
central, longitudinal axis 99B of the valve 32B. Preferably, the
slits 100B diverge from an origin on the longitudinal axis 99B and
define equal size angles between each pair of adjacent slits 100B
so that the flaps 104B are of equal size. Preferably, the four
slits 100B diverge at 90 degree angles to define two mutually
perpendicular, intersecting, longer slits. Preferably, the slits
100B are formed so that the opposing side faces of adjacent valve
flaps 104B closely seal against one another when the dispensing
orifice is in its normal, fully closed position. The length and
location of the slits 100B can be adjusted to vary the
predetermined opening pressure of the valve 32B, as well as other
dispensing characteristics.
[0162] The tip portion or tip of the valve head 90B includes at
least the upper end portions of the slits 100B. In the preferred
illustrated form of the valve head 90B, the tip portion or tip is
defined as a uniform wall thickness region above (outwardly from)
the tapering wall thickness between the exterior surface 96B and
the interior surface 92.
[0163] In the preferred, second embodiment of the valve 32B as
shown in FIG. 31A, the slits 100B each extends downwardly from the
tip portion into the tapering wall below the tip portion to define
an outside vertical lateral edge 107B parallel to the longitudinal
axis 99B.
[0164] In the presently preferred, second embodiment of the valve
32B illustrated in FIGS. 20, 30, 31, 31A and 31B, a typical size
valve 32B molded from silicone has four slits 100B. It is to be
understood that the valve dispensing orifice may be defined by
structures other than the illustrated slits 100B. If the orifice is
defined by slits, then the slits may assume many different shapes,
sizes and/or configurations in accordance with those dispensing
characteristics desired. For example, the orifice 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.
[0165] The dispensing valve 32B is preferably 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 can be factors in designing the specific configuration of
the valve 32B 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 the valve head 90B, are also important in
achieving the desired dispensing characteristics, and can be
matched with both the container and the material to be dispensed
therefrom.
[0166] The valve 32B is especially suitable for dispensing flowable
products, such as liquids or even gases, powders, particulates, or
granular material, as well as suspensions of solid particles in a
liquid. The valve 32B is particularly suitable for dispensing
shampoos, liquid toothpaste, thin oils, thick lotions, water, and
the like.
[0167] It is to be understood that, according to the present
invention, portions of the valve 32B may assume different shapes
and sizes, particularly in accommodating the type of container and
product to be dispensed therefrom. The predetermined opening
pressure of the valve 32B 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, multiple streams, variations thereof, and
the like.
[0168] In one presently preferred form of the second embodiment of
the valve 32B illustrated in FIGS. 30, 31, 31A and 31B, many of the
dimensions of the valve head 90B are the same as the corresponding
dimensions of the first embodiment of the valve 32 described above
with reference to FIG. 12 for the dimensions A, B, C, D, E, F, G,
T.sub.1, T.sub.2, X, Y, and Z. In applying the first valve
embodiment FIG. 12 dimensions to the second embodiment shown in
FIG. 31A, the dimensions F and G as applied to FIG. 31A are each
identical to dimension E, and dimension T.sub.3 is identical to
dimension T.sub.2.
[0169] As viewed in the vertical cross section shown in FIG. 31A,
the tip portion at the top of the preferred embodiment of the valve
head 90B has a circular arc interior surface (i.e., partially
spherical) and a circular arc exterior surface (i.e., partially
spherical), and the angle of the circular arc is 136 degrees. In
this preferred configuration, the wall of the tip is an arcuate
(i.e., partially spherical) wall having a uniform thickness equal
to the smallest thickness of the tapering wall extending downwardly
from the tip between the surfaces 96B and 92B.
[0170] Preferably, the wall thickness of the illustrated preferred
form of the valve head 90B continuously decreases over (along) most
of the height from the top of the base or skirt 80B at least to the
valve tip portion. The wall thickness of the valve tip portion is
preferably equal to, or less than, the smallest thickness of such a
tapering wall.
[0171] Further, for one particular preferred embodiment of the
valve head 90B, the overall maximum external diameter of the valve
head 90B at the top of the base or skirt 80B is about 0.250 inch.
The radius of the exterior surface of the valve head tip is 0.067
inch, and the concentric interior surface at the tip has a radius
of 0.047 inch.
[0172] According to presently preferred embodiments of the valve
32B, the width A of the two aligned slits 100B across the valve
diameter (corresponding to dimension "A" in FIG. 12) is preferably
in the range of between about 30% and about 80B % of the maximum
inside diameter of the valve head interior surface 92B (as measured
at the bottom of the slits 100B). Also, preferably, the thickness
of the valve head 90B at the end of the tip (where all four slits
100BB meet) is between about 30% and about 80% of the maximum
thickness of the wall of the valve head 90B at the top of the base
or skirt 80B. Preferably, the height of the valve head 90B from the
top of the base or skirt 80B to the top of the slits at the
exterior of the tip of the valve head 90B is between about 30% and
about 180B % of the maximum inside diameter of the valve head
interior surface 92B at the bottom of the slits 100B.
[0173] Operation of the valve 32B is the same as described for
first embodiment valve 32 illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0174] The illustrated preferred embodiment of the valve 32B
provides an improved dispensing valve with the capability for
allowing the user to readily view, target, and control the
dispensing of the fluent material from the valve. The valve 32B can
function to dispense a product accurately while minimizing the
likelihood of accidental, premature, or undesired product
discharge, and while providing good product cut-off at the
termination of dispensing with little or no mess of product left on
the exterior of the valve (or package containing the valve). The
closed valve can minimize, or at least reduce, the likelihood
either of the product drying out in the package or being
contaminated.
[0175] The illustrated preferred embodiment of the valve 32B has a
sleek, directional appearance. Because the valve head tapers
(becomes narrow) toward the end of the tip portion (where the
intersecting slits 100B meet), and because the wall thickness is
thinner in the tip portion, the valve has less resistance to
opening than some other valve configurations that lack such a
configuration. Thus, the valve 32B can be easier to open (e.g.,
requiring less squeezing pressure on a container to which the valve
is mounted). Because the wall of the valve 32B is increasingly
thicker in the direction away from the dispensing tip portion, the
valve 32B can exhibit a desired, sufficient re-closing strength to
close the petals 104B in response to a predetermined decrease in
differential pressure across the open valve petals.
[0176] As can be seen in FIG. 27, the valve 32B is preferably
installed so that (1) the annular interior sealing surface 82B of
the valve 32B is seated in engagement with the annular surface 64B
of the body 30B, and (2) the valve flange bottom surface 85B is
seated on the annular shoulder 64B of the body 30B. The valve 32B
is held tightly engaged with the body spout or support column 54B
by the clamp member 34B. The clamp member 34B functions to retain
the valve 32B in the proper position and also provides a decorative
or aesthetic function of covering a lower portion of the valve 32B
and a lower portion of the body 30B.
[0177] As can be seen in FIGS. 32-34, the clamp member 34B
preferably has a frustoconical portion 120B and a lower cylindrical
wall 121B. At the upper end of the frustoconical portion 120B, the
clamp member 34 extends radially laterally inwardly toward the
valve 32B to define an annular, distal lip or retention lip 122B
(FIG. 33). The retention lip 122B defines an aperture 124B through
which the valve 32B projects as can be seen in FIG. 2. As can be
seen in FIG. 28, the clamp member annular, retention lip 122B is
received in the valve skirt annular groove 88B to retain the valve
skirt 80B around the body support column 54B so that the valve
skirt interior surface 82B sealingly engages the exterior surface
60B of the support column 54B.
[0178] The clamp member 34B includes at least one, and preferably
two, retention flanges 130B (FIGS. 32, 33, and 34) which extend
radially inwardly. When the body 30B, valve 32B, and clamp member
34B are assembled as shown in FIG. 44, each clamp member flange
130B extends under the body teeth or serrations 47B so that the
retention flange 130B is engaged with the bottom ends of the
closure body teeth 47B.
[0179] As can be seen in FIGS. 29, 33 and 34, the clamp member 34B
also has radially inwardly projecting splines or teeth 133B which
engage the closure body anti-rotation teeth 47B (as shown in FIG.
29) to prevent relative rotation between the clamp member 34B and
body 30B.
[0180] The clamp member 34B cylindrical wall 121B includes a
radially outwardly projecting snap-fit retention bead 135B (FIGS.
21 and 23) for cooperating with the overcap 36B. The clamp member
34B also includes a radially outwardly projecting bottom flange
137B.
[0181] To initially assemble the closure components, the valve 32B
is first disposed on the support column 54B of the closure body
30B, and then the clamp member 34B is pushed down over the valve
32B until the clamp member lip 122B is received in the valve
annular groove 88B as shown in FIGS. 43 and 44. The valve 32B is
sufficiently resilient and can temporarily deform so as to
accommodate the proper seating of the clamp member lip 122B in the
valve annular groove 88B. As the clamp member 34B is pushed
downwardly over the valve 32B, the body support column 54B inside
the valve 32B maintains the valve 32B in position and prevents
collapse of the valve base or skirt 80B.
[0182] As the clamp member 34B is pushed down over the valve 32B,
the underside of each clamp member flange 130B engages the body
base annular shoulder or frustoconical surface 48B (i.e., lead-in
surface) and slides downwardly along it. As the clamp member 34B is
pushed downwardly with sufficient force, the clamp member flanges
130B expand or spread apart laterally outwardly (temporarily and
elastically) so that the flanges 130B first move along the
frustoconical surface 48B of the body base 40B to the bottom edge
(i.e., outer edge) of the teeth 47B at the lower end of the
frustoconical surface 48B and then move vertically downwardly along
the teeth 47B so that the flanges 130B can snap under the bottoms
of the closure body teeth 47B (FIG. 44) owing to the inherent
resiliency of the material from which the clamp member 34B is made
(e.g., polypropylene in a presently preferred embodiment). The
sealing of the valve interior surface 82B against the body surface
60B (FIG. 44) is effected through a combination of longitudinally
and laterally directed force components, and this is very effective
in providing proper sealing, and this arrangement accommodates ease
of assembly.
[0183] After assembly, the clamp member 34B cannot rotate relative
to the closure body 30B because the clamp member splines 133B
engage the closure body teeth 47B. Compared to the first and second
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 18-44 (wherein the clamp member
flanges 130 must be oriented in registry with the closure body
slots 50), third embodiment clamp member splines 133B and closure
body teeth 47B eliminates any necessity for rotationally orienting
the clamp member 34B and closure body 30B during assembly.
[0184] When the clamp member flanges 130B are snapped in under the
bottom edges of the closure body teeth 47B (FIG. 44), the clamp
member 34B functions to maintain the lower portion of the valve
skirt 80B (including the flange 86B) in compression against the
closure body support column 54B, and preferably also against the
closure body upwardly facing shoulder 64B (FIG. 44). This
arrangement locks together the three components (i.e., the valve
32B, the body 30B, and the clamp member 34B) in the desired
assembled relationship with the appropriate sealing surfaces
tightly engaged.
[0185] The angle of the large frustoconical exterior surface of the
frustoconical portion 120B of the clamp member 34B is preferably
designed to generally match the angle of the head 90B of the valve
32B (see FIGS. 44 and 18) so that the closure 20B (after removal of
any overcap 36B) appears to the user to have a sleek, generally
smooth, tapering or narrowing configuration which assists in
helping the user aim the dispensing product to a desired target
region. The overall tapering design of the dispensing system
provides or enhances the capability to more easily direct the
discharge of the product being dispensed from the dispensing system
20B. The generally smooth, clean, tapering configuration is also
relatively easy to keep clean.
[0186] In the preferred third form of the dispensing system
illustrated in FIGS. 18-44, the overcap 36B is adapted to be
engaged in a snap-fit relationship with the closure body 30B. The
overcap 36B has a skirt 184B (FIG. 25) and a top portion 186B (FIG.
25). An internal bead 185B is provided in the lower portion of the
inside surface of the overcap skirt 184B (FIG. 25) to snap over,
and engage, the clamp member bead 135B as shown in FIG. 44.
[0187] The overcap top portion 186B is preferably provided with a
downwardly open, arcuate surface 188B (FIG. 25) in a flange 189B
for covering the outer, distal end surface of the tip portion of
the valve head 90B (as shown in FIG. 44) when the overcap 36B is
installed. The close fitting relationship between the overcap
surface 188B and the valve head 90B serves to prevent unintended
opening of the valve 32B during shipping, storage, and handling if
the container 22B is accidentally subjected to impact forces of a
magnitude that would be sufficient to cause opening of the valve
32B in the absence of the overcap.
[0188] The assembly of the overcap 36B, valve 32B, clamp member
34B, and body 30B can next be mounted to the container 22B as shown
in FIGS. 27 and 28. To this end, the assembly is pushed down over
the container neck 26B until the inwardly facing sides of the
closure body base flanges 46B ride over the container neck flange
25B. The closure body base flanges 46B and wall 44B temporarily and
elastically deflect radially outwardly until the top surface of the
flanges 46B reach the bottom of the container neck flange 25B and
then return to the undeflected position under the container neck
flange 25B (FIG. 28). The abutment ribs 75B inside the closure body
30B limit the downward movement of the closure body 30B.
[0189] As can be seen in FIGS. 27 and 28, the bottom of the overcap
skirt 184B can be pushed down on the clamp member flange 137B
during installation of the dispensing assembly (i.e., the assembly
of the overcap 36B, valve 32B, clamp member 34B, and body 30B) on
the container neck 26B. As can be seen in FIGS. 28 and 29, after
the dispensing assembly is installed, the engagement of the closure
body teeth or ribs 73B with the container neck teeth 27B prevents
relative rotation between the dispensing assembly and the
container.
[0190] 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.
* * * * *