U.S. patent application number 12/031064 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-30 for dispensing valve and a container for holding fluid provided with such a dispensing valve.
This patent application is currently assigned to AVESTO TECH B.V.. Invention is credited to Peter Lodewijk Johannes Nijland, Niels SCHOLTEN.
Application Number | 20080264979 12/031064 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38222073 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080264979 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nijland; Peter Lodewijk Johannes ;
et al. |
October 30, 2008 |
DISPENSING VALVE AND A CONTAINER FOR HOLDING FLUID PROVIDED WITH
SUCH A DISPENSING VALVE
Abstract
The invention relates to a dispensing valve (2) for dispensing
fluid from a container, comprising a central member (20) provided
with a flexible membrane (22) having at least one slit (23), a
flange (40) surrounding the central member for attaching the valve
to the container and connecting means for connecting the central
member to the flange, which connecting means comprise a material
hinge (25). The valve is deformable from a closed position to a
dispensing position upon application of pressure to the fluid in
the container. The central member is further provided with a
support (26) for the flexible membrane, which support is more rigid
than the flexible membrane and extends towards the container in the
secured position of the dispensing valve, wherein the material
hinge directly couples the support to the flange.
Inventors: |
Nijland; Peter Lodewijk
Johannes; (Losser, NL) ; SCHOLTEN; Niels;
(Denekamp, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JENSEN + PUNTIGAM, P.S.
2033 6th Ave, Suite 1020
SEATTLE
WA
98121
US
|
Assignee: |
AVESTO TECH B.V.
Oldenzaal
NL
|
Family ID: |
38222073 |
Appl. No.: |
12/031064 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16K 15/147 20130101;
B65D 47/2031 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/494 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/38 20060101
B65D035/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 14, 2007 |
NL |
EP07102328 |
Claims
1. A dispensing valve for dispensing fluid from a container,
comprising: a central member provided with a flexible membrane
having at least one slit; a flange surrounding the central member
for attaching the valve to the container; and connecting means for
connecting the central member to the flange, which connecting means
comprise a material hinge, wherein the valve is deformable from a
closed position to a dispensing position upon application of
pressure to the fluid in the container, characterized in that, the
central member is further provided with a support for the flexible
membrane, which support is more rigid than the flexible membrane
and extends towards the container in the secured position of the
dispensing valve, wherein the material hinge directly couples the
support to the flange.
2. A dispensing valve according to claim 1, wherein the material
hinge on the one side is located at the upper part of the flange
and on the other side at the lower part of the support.
3. A dispensing valve according to claim 2, wherein the material
hinge on the one side is located at the inner upper edge of the
flange and on the other side at the outer lower edge of the
support.
4. A dispensing valve according to claim 1, comprising a second
material hinge arranged on the central member.
5. A dispensing valve according to claim 4, wherein the second
material hinge is located adjacent the support.
6. A dispensing valve according to claim 4, wherein a first groove
is arranged on the central member for forming the second material
hinge.
7. A dispensing valve according to claim 4, comprising a third
material hinge arranged on the central member between the second
material hinge and the center of the flexible membrane.
8. A dispensing valve according to claim 7, wherein the third
material hinge is arranged in the vicinity of the slit.
9. A dispensing valve according to claim 7, wherein a further
groove is arranged on the central member for forming the third
material hinge.
10. A dispensing valve according to claim 1, wherein the support is
thicker than the flexible membrane.
11. Container for holding fluid, provided with a dispensing valve
as described in claim 1.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing valve.
Dispensing valves are commonly used for dispensing fluid from a
container. Upon application of pressure to the fluid in the
container the valve deforms such that it assumes its open or
dispensing position and allows fluid to be dispensed from the
container. Once the pressure is lifted, the valve automatically
retracts to its closed position sealing the container off.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dispensing valves improve the ease of use of fluid
containers by allowing small quantities of fluid to be dispensed at
a time, while leaving the dispensing opening of the container clean
of fluid after use. In the closed position dispensing valves
provide a reliable seal under all circumstances.
[0003] Generally dispensing valves are suitable for use in a wide
variety of containers or packages for dispensing all sorts of
fluids. The term fluid is used herein to denote any product or
medium capable of flowing. A non-limiting list of examples of
fluids includes among others: beverages, food condiments, hygienic
products.
[0004] The dispensing valve for dispensing fluid from a container
according to the invention comprises a central member provided with
a flexible membrane having at least one slit; a flange surrounding
the central member for attaching the valve to the container, and
connecting means for connecting the central member to the flange,
which connecting means comprise a material hinge, wherein the valve
is deformable from a closed position to a dispensing position upon
application of pressure to the fluid in the container.
[0005] Such a dispensing valve is known from U.S. Pat. No.
6,769,577. The known dispensing valve is a self-closing valve
wherein the connecting means comprise a connecting wall having a
first area forming an annular section extending in the same plane
as the flange or parallel to the flange. The connecting wall
further has a second area extending upwardly in curved fashion at
an obtuse angle, i.e. away from the container interior when the
valve is affixed to the container. A transition zone of the
connecting wall near the membrane is configured in hinge-like
manner.
[0006] One disadvantage of the known dispensing valve is that it
has rather complex connecting means with relatively large
dimensions for connecting the central member to the flange.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
dispensing valve of the kind as mentioned above that has a simple
and reliable design allowing easy and economical production.
[0008] According to the present invention this object is achieved
by a dispensing valve characterized in that, the central member is
further provided with a support for the flexible membrane, which
support is more rigid than the flexible membrane and extends
towards the container interior in the secured position of the
dispensing valve, wherein the material hinge directly couples the
support to the flange.
[0009] According to the present invention the connecting means are
simple and reliable as they are formed by the hinge alone. The
hinge takes up a minimal amount of space as it directly couples the
support to the flange. Advantageously this leaves more room for the
flexible membrane that may have larger radial dimensions.
Additionally as the support is more rigid than the flexible
membrane, it cooperates effectively with the hinge to deform the
flexible membrane to the desired dispensing position. Furthermore
as the support extends towards the container interior in the
secured position of the dispensing valve the membrane is positioned
inside the container interior and will remain there even when it
deforms to the dispensing position.
[0010] According to a practical preferred embodiment of a
dispensing valve according to the invention the material hinge on
the one side is located at the upper part of the flange and on the
other side at the lower part of the support. By means of the
position of the hinge the support now forms a pedestal for the
flexible membrane. Preferably the material hinge on the one side is
located at the inner upper edge of the flange and on the other side
at the outer lower edge of the support.
[0011] According to a first preferred embodiment a second material
hinge is arranged on the central member. The second material hinge
improves the functioning of the dispensing valve according to the
invention. Initially, once the pressure is raised in the container,
the second hinge assists in maintaining the shape of the central
member, since it forms a weak point that deforms first under
stress. Once the pressure is raised to a maximum value and the
breaking point of the valve is reached, it will facilitate the
sudden opening of the slit.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment the second material hinge is
located adjacent the support. In an elegant embodiment a first
groove is arranged on the central member for forming the second
material hinge.
[0013] According to a second preferred embodiment a third material
hinge is arranged on the central member between the second material
hinge and the center of the flexible membrane.
[0014] This third hinge will enhance the effect of the second
hinge.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment the third material hinge is
arranged in the vicinity of the slit. In an elegant embodiment a
further groove is arranged on the central member for forming the
third material hinge.
[0016] According to yet another preferred embodiment the support is
thicker than the flexible membrane. Advantageously the support is
more rigid in order to maintain a rather stable form, whereas the
membrane is more flexible.
[0017] The invention also relates to a container for holding fluid,
provided with a dispensing valve according to the present
invention.
[0018] These and other features and advantages of the invention
will be more apparent with a discussion of a preferred embodiment
of the invention and reference to the associated drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The invention will be explained in more detail with
reference to the appended drawings, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1A shows a longitudinal cross section container
provided with a preferred embodiment of a dispensing valve
according to the invention;
[0021] FIG. 1B shows an enlarged view of part of FIG. 1A;
[0022] FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment
of a dispensing valve according to the invention in closed
position;
[0023] FIG. 2B shows the dispensing valve of FIG. 2A in open
position;
[0024] FIG. 2C shows a top view of the dispensing valve of FIG.
2A;
[0025] FIG. 2D shows a top view of the dispensing valve of FIG.
2B:
[0026] FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment
of a dispensing valve according to the invention in closed
position;
[0027] FIG. 3B shows the dispensing valve of FIG. 3A in open
position;
[0028] FIG. 3C shows a variant of the second embodiment of FIG.
3A;
[0029] FIG. 3D shows the variant of FIG. 3C in open position;
[0030] FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment
of a dispensing valve according to the invention in closed
position; and
[0031] FIG. 4B shows the dispensing valve of FIG. 4A in open
position.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0032] FIG. 1A schematically shows a longitudinal cross section of
a container 100 provided with a preferred embodiment of a
dispensing valve according to the invention. FIG. 1B shows an
enlarged view of part of the container 100 of FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1B
the container and the dispensing valve are shown in the dispensing
orientation. The direction of fluid flow is indicated by arrow F.
When the terms "upper" or "lower" are used throughout this
description they refer to the dispensing orientation.
[0033] Container 100 comprises a body 110 onto which a cap 120 is
attached. Cap 120 is provided with a preferred embodiment 2 of the
dispensing valve. The preferred embodiment shown is the second
embodiment 2 which will be described in detail below referring to
FIG. 3A. Dispensing valve 2 comprises a central member 20 that is
surrounded by a flange 40 for securing the valve in the container
cap.
[0034] The flange 40 is arranged to be assembled in a snap fit
manner. Thereto the flange 40 is provided with a raised edge 41 for
a snap fit engagement into a space with matching dimensions present
in the interior of the cap of the container. Said space is formed
between the lower edge of the cap 121 and inner support 122.
[0035] In the following figures a number of preferred embodiments
of the dispensing valve according to the invention are shown. All
of them are provided with the same flange, but differ with respect
to the central member.
[0036] FIG. 2A shows cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of
a dispensing valve 1 according to the invention in closed position.
FIG. 2B shows the dispensing valve 1 in open position.
[0037] Dispensing valve 1 comprises a central member 10 that is
provided with a flexible membrane 12 having at least one slit 13. A
flange 40 surrounds the central member 10 for securing the valve 1
to a container (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) and is connected to the
central member 10 by means of a material hinge 15.
[0038] A support 16 for the flexible membrane 12 forms part of the
central member 10. In the secured position of the dispensing valve
the support 16 is arranged such that it extends inwardly into the
container. In the first embodiment shown the support 16 in the
closed position extends substantially parallel to the inner wall of
the container. The material hinge 15 directly couples the support
16 to the flange 40.
[0039] On the one side the material hinge 15 is located at the
upper part of the flange 40, preferably at the inner edge thereof.
On the other side the material hinge 15 is located at the lower
part of the support 16, preferably at the outer edge thereof. The
material hinge is formed by a substantially thinner part of the
dispensing valve allowing the movement of the central member
relative to the flange. The dimensions of the material hinge are
preferably relatively small compared to those of the flange and the
central member.
[0040] The central member 10 has a radially outwardly increasing
thickness. The support 16 is thicker than the flexible membrane 12.
The upper and lower surfaces of the central member are essentially
flat. The corresponding tangent lines are converging under sharp
angles. An angle A is defined between the tangent line of the top
surface of the flexible membrane 12 and the tangent line of the top
surface of the support 16. An angle B is defined between the
tangent line of the top surface of the flexible membrane 12 and the
tangent line of the bottom surface of the support 16. Angle A
differs from angle B. An angle C is defined between the tangent
line of the top surface of the flexible membrane 12 and the tangent
line of the bottom surface of the flexible membrane 12. Angle C may
differ from angle B.
[0041] Once the fluid in the container is pressurized the central
member 10 deforms to its dispensing position shown in FIG. 2B. The
support 16 is pushed outward and the slit 13 opens
automatically.
[0042] FIG. 2C shows a top view of the dispensing valve 1 in closed
position and FIG. 2D shows a top view of the dispensing valve in
open position. As can be seen the shape of the dispensing valve
preferably is generally round. The outer shape of the flange and
the central member are generally cylindrical. The shape of the
material hinge is in conformity therewith.
[0043] FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing valve
20, which is a second embodiment according to the invention, in
closed position. FIG. 3B shows the dispensing valve 20 in open
position.
[0044] Dispensing valve 2 is largely similar to dispensing valve 1
described above. All reference numerals in FIGS. 3A and 3B are
incremented with 10 when compared to the reference numerals of
FIGS. 2A and 2B denoting equal parts.
[0045] In addition to dispensing valve 1 dispensing valve 2 is
provided with a second material hinge 21 located on the central
member 20 adjacent the support 26, between the support 26 and the
slit 23.
[0046] On the central member 20 a first groove 24 is arranged for
forming the second material hinge 21. Typically the shape of the
groove 24 will be in conformance with the outer circumference of
the central member of the valve. Preferably the groove 24 is
annular shaped.
[0047] By means of the groove the support 26 is divided into two
segments, 26A and 26B that are coupled by the material hinge
21.
[0048] FIG. 3C shows a variant of the second embodiment of FIG. 3A,
wherein the groove 24 is located at the top surface of the central
member 20.
[0049] Once the fluid in the container is pressurized the central
member 20 deforms to its dispensing position shown in FIG. 3B,
respectively 3D. The support 26 is then pushed outward and in both
embodiments the groove 24 narrows. Once the break through point is
reached, the slit 23 opens automatically.
[0050] FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment
of a dispensing valve according to the invention in closed
position. FIG. 4B shows the dispensing valve of FIG. 4A in open
position.
[0051] Dispensing valve 3 is largely similar to dispensing valve 2
described above. All reference numerals in FIGS. 4A and 4B are
incremented with 10 when compared to the reference numerals of
FIGS. 3A and 3B denoting equal parts.
[0052] In addition to dispensing valve 2 dispensing valve 3 is
provided with a third material hinge 37 arranged on the central
member 30 between the second material hinge 34 and the center of
the flexible membrane 32. In the embodiment shown the hinge 37 lies
on the flexible membrane 32 and runs through the slit 33.
[0053] On the central member 30 a further groove 38 is arranged for
forming the third material hinge 37. Typically the shape of the
groove 38 will be in conformance with the outer circumference of
the central member of the valve. Preferably the groove 38 is
annular shaped.
[0054] By means of the groove 38 a further subdivision of the
central element into three segments, roughly equal to 36A, 36B and
32, is reached, which segments are coupled two-by-two by the
material hinges 31 and 37.
[0055] Once the fluid in the container is pressurized the central
member 30 deforms to its dispensing position shown in FIG. 4B. The
support 36 is then pushed outward and in both embodiments the
grooves 34 and 38 narrow. Once the break through point is reached,
the slit 33 opens automatically.
[0056] The radially outwardly increasing thickness makes the
central member less susceptible to inverting. This is a very
important characteristic as an inverted shape remaining after
pressure relieve renders the dispensing valve useless. As a direct
result of the increasing thickness any deformation of the central
member will cause stress in the resilient central member which will
force the central member to always return to its original shape
when the pressure is relieved.
[0057] Generally the invention is based on the inventive thought of
providing a dispensing valve with a hingeable support having a
double function: firstly it acts as an arm movable due to the hinge
construction and secondly it acts as a pedestal for the
membrane.
[0058] Preferably the dispensing valve or at least the central
member thereof according to the invention is made of a suitable
elastomeric material, such as thermo set or thermoplastic rubber.
The thickness of the support is chosen larger than the thickness of
the membrane. Consequently the support is more rigid in order to
maintain a rather stable form, whereas the membrane is more
flexible. Optionally the material of the flange may be reinforced
to facilitate the assembly of the valve in the cap of the
container.
[0059] It is noted that different variants of the preferred
embodiments shown are possible within the scope of the invention.
In particular the various technical measures of the alternative
embodiments of the central member of the dispensing valve shown in
the accompanying figures can be combined to form other alternative
embodiments which are to be incorporated herein.
[0060] The dispensing valve according to the invention is
preferably universally suitable and can be manufactured in a range
of sizes. The dispensing valve is designed for cost effective
production thus facilitating the use as a disposable article.
[0061] Although the preferred embodiment of the dispensing valve
has been described in the context of a fluid dispensing container
the invention is not limited thereto. A person skilled in the art
will have no difficulty making small changes to the dispensing
valve, such as scaling it up, in order to render it suitable for a
particular intended use outside this field.
* * * * *