U.S. patent application number 12/011312 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-30 for valve for decorative dispensing.
Invention is credited to David J. Gaus, James P. Manning.
Application Number | 20090188950 12/011312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40898199 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090188950 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gaus; David J. ; et
al. |
July 30, 2009 |
Valve for decorative dispensing
Abstract
A dispensing valve is provided for dispensing a fluid substance.
The dispensing valve is pressure-responsive, and may be of a
self-closing type, or define a central discharge aperture through
which a substance being dispensed flows. A substance contact
surface of the dispensing valve defines one or more projections
and/or recesses which can cooperate with the substance being
dispensed to impart a contoured or shaped cross-sectional
configuration to the substance. A decorative effect can thus
desirably be achieved, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the
dispensed substance, such as a whipped dessert topping, toothpaste,
foamed construction material, etc.
Inventors: |
Gaus; David J.; (Saginaw,
MI) ; Manning; James P.; (Sanford, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, PHILLIPS, KATZ, CLARK & MORTIMER
500 W. MADISON STREET, SUITE 3800
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
40898199 |
Appl. No.: |
12/011312 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2008 |
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 for dispensing a substance from a supply of
the substance, said dispensing valve comprising: a peripheral
attachment portion by which said valve may be attached to a
dispensing structure that has a discharge passage through which can
be discharged a substance from a supply of said substance such that
the discharging substance can pass through said valve into the
ambient environment when said valve is in an open configuration; a
flexible, resilient, intermediate portion extending from said
peripheral attachment portion; and a flexible, resilient head
extending from said intermediate portion, at least part of said
valve head being outwardly deflectable to an open configuration
when a sufficient pressure differential exists across said valve,
said valve head having a substance contact surface for contacting
said substance at least during discharge when said valve head is in
said open configuration, said valve head substance contact surface
defining at least one of a projection and a recess for contacting a
portion of said substance as said substance is discharged through
said valve when said valve is in said open configuration, wherein
said valve head defines a central discharge aperture, said
substance contact surface of said valve head defining a plurality
of spaced apart ones of said projections or said recesses extending
generally into said discharge aperture.
2. The valve in accordance with claim 1 for use in dispensing said
substance from the dispensing structure that includes a housing
that defines said discharge passage for the substance and that has
a distal end discharge mouth, and in which said valve is initially
separate from, but subsequently attachable to, said housing
inwardly of said housing mouth.
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. The valve in accordance with claim 1 in which said valve is
included in combination with a separate housing that (1) defines at
least part of said dispensing structure, (2) contains said valve,
and (3) that is adapted for being releasably or permanently mounted
to a container.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. A valve in accordance with claim 2, wherein said dispensing
structure defines at least one discharge opening which joins said
discharge passage in fluid communication with said discharge mouth,
said intermediate portion of said valve closing said discharge
opening in a closed configuration of said valve, said valve head
being outwardly deflected to its open configuration by a pressure
differential acting on said intermediate portion at said discharge
opening defined by said housing.
14. A valve in accordance with claim 13, wherein said housing
defines a plurality of said discharge openings.
15. A valve in accordance with claim 1, wherein said substance
contact surface is configured to effect shaping of the substance
being dispensed.
16. A valve in accordance with claim 1, wherein said substance
contact surface is configured to effect shear thinning of the
substance being dispensed.
17. A valve in accordance with claim 1, wherein said at least one
projection is generally aligned with a flow axis defined by said
dispensing valve.
18. A valve in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one
projection is positioned at an acute angle to a flow axis defined
by said dispensing valve.
19. A valve in accordance with claim 18, wherein said at least one
projection is generally planar.
20. A valve in accordance with claim 18, wherein said at least one
projection is generally arcuate.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a system for
dispensing a substance, and more particularly to a dispensing valve
arrangement or system for dispensing a flowable substance, which
can include, for example, a whipped food topping or the like. The
inventive valve arrangement imparts a decorative, profiled or
contoured shape to a product stream during dispensing to enhance
the aesthetic appeal of a product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS POSED BY THE
PRIOR ART
[0002] The inventor of the present invention has discovered that it
would be advantageous to provide an improved system for dispensing
an extrudable product from a package or other supply of the
product. In particular, the inventor has discovered an innovative
design that provides advantages not heretofore contemplated in the
packaging industry or suggested by the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The inventor of the present invention has invented an
innovative dispensing valve system which, inter alia, can provide a
decorative shape or surface configuration on for an extrudable
substance discharged through the system.
[0004] The inventor of the present invention has discovered that
the dispensing valve can optionally be designed for easily
accommodating its assembly with other components during manufacture
of a dispensing system.
[0005] Also, the dispensing valve can optionally be provided with a
design that accommodates efficient, high quality, large volume
manufacturing techniques with a reduced product reject rate.
[0006] In accordance with the present invention, a dispensing valve
for dispensing a substance such as food product comprises a
peripheral attachment portion, by which the valve may be attached
to an associated dispensing structure. The dispensing structure,
which may comprise, for example, a deformable container, has a
discharge opening through which the substance to be dispensed is
discharged, from an associated supply of the substance, such as
held within the container. The discharging substance passes through
the dispensing valve into the ambient environment when the
dispensing valve is in an open condition.
[0007] The dispensing valve further includes a flexible, resilient,
intermediate portion extending from and joined to the peripheral
attachment portion of the valve.
[0008] The dispensing valve further includes a flexible, resilient
head extending from the intermediate portion of the valve. At least
part of the valve head is outwardly deflectable to an open
configuration when a sufficient pressure differential exists across
the valve. In this fashion, a dispensing valve embodying the
principles of the present invention is pressure-responsive,
facilitating convenient dispensing of food products, such as
whipped toppings, condiments, and the like, by consumers.
[0009] The valve head of the dispensing valve has a substance
contact surface for contacting the substance at least during
discharge of the substance when the valve head is in its opened
configuration. In accordance with the present invention, the valve
head substance contact surface defines at least one of a projection
and a recess, for contacting, and optionally shaping a portion of
the substance as the substance is discharged through the valve when
the valve is in the open configuration.
[0010] By this arrangement, the cross-sectional configuration of
the substance being dispensed can be contoured, profiled, or
shaped, in particular to provide a decorative appearance to enhance
the aesthetic appeal of the substance, such as a whipped
dessert-type topping or the like, or toothpaste, or a foam
extrudate that rigidifies after dispensing to form a layer of
material used in building construction or hobby/craft applications,
etc. However, it is within the purview of the present invention
that contact of the substance contact surface with the associated
substance being discharged can effect shear thinning of the
substance, without necessarily imparting a particular shape or
contour to the substance.
[0011] The dispensing valve of the present invention can be
positioned in association with an associated container by various
arrangements. In particular, the valve may be part of a dispensing
structure which includes a housing that defines a discharge passage
for the substance, and it has a distal end discharge mouth. The
dispensing valve can be provided in the form which is initially
separate from, but subsequently attachable to, the housing inwardly
of the housing mouth, to thereby desirably protect the valve from
the environment.
[0012] The intermediate portion of the dispensing valve of the
present invention can be provided in the form of a sleeve, wherein
at least part of the sleeve extends either upwardly or inwardly of
the peripheral attachment portion of the dispensing valve. In this
configuration of the present invention, the valve head extends
completely across the dispensing structure discharge opening, and
includes at least one elongate slit defining at least two openable
regions which each (1) has at least one transverse face for sealing
against a transverse face of another one of the openable regions,
and (2) is normally closed but can open to permit discharge of the
substance therethrough in response to pressure differential across
the valve head.
[0013] In accordance with an illustrated embodiment of the present
invention, the valve head of the dispensing valve defines one of
the projections on each of the openable regions of the valve head.
In a presently preferred embodiment, the valve head includes at
least three intersecting slits to define six of the openable
regions, which each has two of the transverse faces. In this
embodiment, the valve head defines one of the projections on each
of the openable regions of the valve head, to thereby impart a
decorative appearance to the substance dispensed by the dispensing
valve.
[0014] In this embodiment, each of the projections has a finned
configuration, and cooperates with the substance being dispensed to
impart generally V-shaped grooves or flutes to the dispensed
substance.
[0015] Depending upon the specific configuration of the dispensing
valve, the valve head thereof can be configured to have a generally
inwardly concave configuration, or a generally outwardly convex
configuration.
[0016] As noted, a dispensing structure embodying the principles of
the present invention may include a separate housing that (1)
defines at least part of the dispensing structure, (2) contains the
dispensing valve, and (3) that is adapted for being releasably or
permanently mounted to an associated container. In an illustrated
embodiment of the present invention including a separate housing,
the dispensing valve of the structure defines a central discharge
aperture, with the substance contact surface of the valve head
defining a plurality of spaced apart ones of the projections
extending generally into the discharge aperture.
[0017] In this embodiment, the valve head of a dispensing valve is
outwardly deflected to its open configuration by a pressure
differential acting on the intermediate portion of the dispensing
valve at the discharge opening defined by the associated dispensing
structure. In one illustrated embodiment, the housing of the
dispensing structure defines a plurality of the discharge openings,
through which the dispensed substance flows as it acts against the
intermediate portion of the valve to maintain it in its open
configuration, with the substance thereafter passing through the
central discharge aperture of the valve, where the substance can be
shaped or contoured by the one or more projections extending into
the central discharge aperture. In an alternative embodiment, a
retaining ring of the dispensing structure, positioned within an
associated housing, defines a plurality of discharge openings
through which the dispensed substance flows before it passes
through the central discharge aperture of the dispensing valve
[0018] Numerous other advantages and features of the present
invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention, from the claims, and from the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In the accompanying drawings forming part of the
specification, in which like numerals are employed to designate
like parts throughout the same,
[0020] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a dispensing system
sub-assembly incorporating a first embodiment of the dispensing
valve of the present invention, and the dispensing system
sub-assembly is shown prior to installation of the dispensing
system sub-assembly on a container or other reservoir for holding a
substance (e.g., product) to be dispensed (e.g., discharged)
through the valve, and the valve is shown in FIG. 1 in an as-molded
unactuated, closed, rest configuration;
[0021] FIG. 2 is an exploded, isometric view of the components of
the dispensing system sub-assembly shown in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view taken through
the vertical center of the dispensing system sub-assembly shown in
FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but FIG. 4 shows the
valve in the actuated, open, dispensing configuration;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but FIG. 5 shows the
valve in the actuated, open, dispensing configuration corresponding
to FIG. 4;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a view of the interior side surfaces of the valve
in the as-molded, closed, rest configuration prior to installation
of the valve in the dispensing system sub-assembly shown in FIGS.
1-5;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the valve shown in FIG.
6;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the valve taken generally along
the plane 8-8 in FIG. 7;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 9-9 in FIG. 8;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
plane 10-10 in FIG. 8;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 9, but FIG. 11 shows the
valve with the valve head moved partway toward the extended, open
position, whereas FIG. 9 shows the valve head in the fully
retracted, closed position;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 10, but FIG. 10 shows the
valve head moved partway toward the extended, open position,
whereas FIG. 10 shows the valve in the fully retracted, closed
position;
[0032] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the valve with the valve
head moved partway to the extended, open position, and the
configuration of the valve in FIG. 13 corresponds to the
configuration of the valve in FIGS. 11 and 12;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 9, but FIG. 14 shows the
valve in the fully opened condition, whereas FIG. 9 shows the valve
in the as-molded, closed, rest configuration (i.e., closed
condition);
[0034] FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 10, but FIG. 15 shows the
valve in the fully open position, whereas FIG. 10 shows the valve
in the retracted, closed condition;
[0035] FIG. 16 is an isometric view looking into the interior side
of the valve and showing the valve in the fully open condition
corresponding to the valve condition shown in FIGS. 14 and 15;
[0036] FIG. 17 is an isometric view looking at the exterior of the
valve in the fully open condition corresponding to the valve
condition shown in FIGS. 14 and 15;
[0037] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a substance or product that
has been discharged through the first embodiment of the valve
illustrated in FIGS. 1-17;
[0038] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of a substance or product which
has been discharged from a valve as shown generally in FIG. 26 of
U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,144. but with three intersecting slits instead
of two intersecting slits, and that has many of the features of the
first embodiment of the valve illustrated in FIGS. 1-17 but does
not have the novel arrangement of the projections on the head of
the valve (as shown generally in FIG. 26 of U.S. Pat. No.
5,409,144) as incorporated in the valve of the present invention
illustrated in FIGS. 1-17;
[0039] FIG. 20 is an exploded, isometric view of components of a
second form of a dispensing system sub-assembly that incorporates a
second embodiment of the valve of the present invention, and the
valve in FIG. 20 is shown in an unactuated, unstressed, as-molded,
rest condition;
[0040] FIG. 21 is a view of the housing of the dispensing
sub-assembly illustrated in FIG. 20;
[0041] FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the housing shown in FIG. 21,
and the view in FIG. 22 is taken along the plane 22-22 in FIG.
21;
[0042] FIG. 23 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the housing
taken generally along the plane 23-23 in FIG. 22;
[0043] FIG. 24 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the housing
taken generally along the plane 24-24 in FIG. 22;
[0044] FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the interior side of the
second embodiment of the valve in the unstressed, as-molded
condition;
[0045] FIG. 26 is an isometric view of the exterior side of the
second embodiment of the valve in the unstressed, as-molded
condition;
[0046] FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of the second embodiment
of the valve in the unstressed, as-molded condition;
[0047] FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the
valve taken generally along the plane 28-28 in FIG. 27;
[0048] FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view of the second embodiment of
the valve taken generally along the plane 29-29 in FIG. 27;
[0049] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment
of the valve taken generally along the plane 30-30 in FIG. 28;
[0050] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment
of the valve taken generally along the plane 31-31 in FIG. 28;
[0051] FIG. 32 is an isometric view of the retaining ring employed
in the second form of the dispensing sub-assembly in which the
second embodiment of the dispensing valve of the present invention
is incorporated;
[0052] FIG. 33 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the
components assembled to create the second form of the dispensing
system sub-assembly wherein the cross-sectional view of the housing
corresponds to the view of the housing in FIG. 24 and wherein the
valve and housing are shown in the normally closed, rest
configuration;
[0053] FIG. 34 is a view similar to FIG. 33, but in FIG. 34 the
valve is shown moved to the open position;
[0054] FIG. 35 is a vertical, cross-sectional view similar to FIG.
34, but in FIG. 35, the cross-sectional view of the housing
corresponds to the cross-sectional view of the housing in FIG.
23;
[0055] FIG. 36 is an exploded, isometric view of a third form of a
dispensing system sub-assembly that also incorporates the second
embodiment of the valve of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 37 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the housing
of the third form of the dispensing system sub-assembly;
[0057] FIG. 38 is an isometric view of the interior side of the
retaining ring prior to assembly in the third form of the
dispensing system sub-assembly illustrated in FIG. 36;
[0058] FIG. 39 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the
components assembled to create the third form of the dispensing
system sub-assembly wherein the valve is in the rest, closed
position;
[0059] FIG. 40 is a view similar to FIG. 39, but FIG. 40 shows the
valve moved to the open configuration;
[0060] FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of a commercially
available valve that may be modified to incorporate the novel rib
or fin features of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in FIG.
41;
[0062] FIG. 43 is a side elevational view of another commercially
available valve that may be modified to incorporate the novel rib
or fin features of the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in FIG.
43;
[0064] FIG. 45 is a side elevational view of another commercially
available valve that may be modified to incorporate the novel rib
or fin features of the present invention;
[0065] FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in FIG.
45;
[0066] FIG. 47 is a side elevational view of another commercially
available valve that may be modified to incorporate the novel rib
or fin features of the present invention;
[0067] FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in FIG.
47;
[0068] FIG. 49 is a side elevational view of another commercially
available valve that may be modified to incorporate the novel rib
or fin features of the present invention; and
[0069] FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in FIG.
49.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0070] 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.
[0071] As discussed in detail hereinafter, the dispensing valve of
the present invention can be incorporated in a dispensing structure
for use with an associated container to facilitate dispensing
substances such as food products, including whipped toppings,
condiments, and the like. Notably, the present dispensing valve can
be configured to dispense product in a decorative fashion, that is,
profile or shape the product stream as it is being dispensed, to
thereby enhance the aesthetic appeal of the dispensed product.
Dispensing of decorative whipped topping is one particular
application which is presently contemplated.
[0072] The dispensing valve of the present invention has the
capability of dispensing a decorative product stream in a manner
which is superior to that achieved by conventional
pressure-responsive valve structures. At the same time, the
pressure-responsive valve arrangement of the present invention
facilitates dispensing of a decorative product in a manner which
improves upon the traditional non-valved dispensing
arrangement.
[0073] It is within the purview of the present invention that
contact of the substance contact surface with the associated
substance being discharged can effect shear thinning of the
substance, without necessarily imparting a particular shape or
contour to the substance. The shear thinning effect can be
quantified in accordance with ASTM D 5478-98. By way of example,
shear thinning during dispensing can be desirable in connection
with dispensing of coatings, such as paint, which would be subject
to shear thinning without shaping or contouring of the
substance.
[0074] Notably, the present invention can be configured as a
dispensing valve which includes a so-called rolling sleeve which
operatively connects a central valve head, which may be invertible,
with a peripheral portion of the valve which facilitates mounting
of the valve in association with an associated container or the
like. A dispensing valve of the present invention has the
capability to be self-retained, or mounted through utilization of a
retaining ring, or other mechanical means, such as swaging,
coining, sonic welding, etc. In applications where cooling the
dispensed product is required, the present valve desirably acts as
a barrier to atmospheric conditions. At the same time, the
dispensing valve desirably acts to prevent contaminants from
contacting the product.
[0075] For ease of description, many of the figures illustrating
the invention show various embodiments of a dispensing valve for
use in preferred forms of dispensing systems in the typical
orientation that the systems have when they are oriented for use,
and terms such as upper, lower, horizontal, etc., are used with
reference to this position. It will be understood, however, that
the dispensing valve of this invention may be manufactured, stored,
transported, sold, and used in an orientation other than the
orientation described.
[0076] The dispensing valve of this invention is suitable for use
with a variety of conventional or special substance holding
systems, including a flexible tubular containment structures,
containers, tanks, vessels, and other equipment or apparatus, the
details of which, although not fully illustrated or described,
would be apparent to those having skill in the art and an
understanding of such systems. Such a substance holding system, or
portion thereof, with which the inventive dispensing valve
cooperates is hereinafter simply referred to as a "reservoir." The
particular reservoir, per se, forms no part of, and therefore is
not intended to limit, the broad aspects 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
exemplary dispensing valve alone.
[0077] A presently preferred first embodiment of a dispensing valve
of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-17 and is
designated generally by reference number 20 in many of those
figures (e.g., in FIG. 1). In the preferred embodiment illustrated,
the dispensing valve 20 is especially suitable for cooperation with
other components that are initially provided and assembled with the
valve 20 to create a dispensing system sub-assembly 22 that can be
subsequently mounted or installed on a reservoir (not shown), such
as a container, that contains a substance to be dispensed. The
illustrated first embodiment of the valve 20 is particularly
suitable for discharging a flowable, low density substance that is
(1) creamy, pasty, or gooey, (2) somewhat stiff, such as pastry
cream, whipped cream, etc., and (3) typically deposited on a target
receiving region for either presentation to a consumer or further
processing.
[0078] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the presently preferred form of
the dispensing system sub-assembly 22 includes the following basic
components which are assembled together: (1) a connecting housing
24, (2) the dispensing valve 20 mounted in the housing 24, and (3)
a retaining ring or clamp member 28 that retains the valve 20 in
the housing 24.
[0079] The housing 24 may be generally characterized as a
dispensing structure or part of a dispensing structure. The housing
24 has an inlet end 32 (FIG. 3) which is adapted to be connected to
a container or other reservoir (not shown) with a screw thread 36
as illustrated or other suitable conventional or special attaching
systems which could be releasable or permanent (not shown). The
housing 24 has an outlet end 40 defined by an annular wall portion
(FIG. 3). The housing outlet end 40 may be further characterized as
defining a distal end discharge mouth at the end of the housing 24
opposite the inlet end 32. The housing 24 may also be characterized
as having an internal discharge passage extending between the inlet
end 32 and the outlet end 40 as can be seen in FIG. 3, with the
housing thus defining a discharge opening at which valve 20 is
generally positioned.
[0080] The housing outlet end 40 defines an interior, annular seat
42 (FIG. 3), preferably in the configuration of a frustoconical
surface, for receiving a peripheral portion of the valve 20 as
described hereinafter. This accommodates the seating of the valve
20 in the housing 24 adjacent the outlet 40. The surface or seat 42
functions as an annular, downwardly angled clamping surface for
sealingly engaging the peripheral part of the valve 20 when the
valve 20 is retained in the housing 24 by means of the retaining
ring 28 as described in detail hereinafter.
[0081] The preferred first embodiment of the valve 20 is a
self-closing, slit-type valve. The valve 20 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 20 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.
[0082] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the valve 20 has
the configuration that is a novel modification of a commercially
available valve substantially as disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No.
5,676,289 with reference to the valve 46 disclosed in the U.S. Pat.
No. 5,676,289. Such a type of commercially available valve is
further described with reference to the similar valve that is
designated by reference number 3d in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,144.
The descriptions of those two patents are incorporated herein by
reference thereto to the extent pertinent and to the extent not
inconsistent herewith.
[0083] In operation, the valve 20 changes configuration between (1)
a closed, generally unstressed, rest position or configuration
(FIGS. 1 and 3), and (2) an active, open position or configuration
(FIGS. 4 and 5) when a pressure differential of sufficient
magnitude acts across the valve 20 as described hereinafter. The
valve 20 includes a flexible, central portion or head 48 (FIGS. 3
and 9). When the valve 20 is closed, the head 48 has an inwardly
concave configuration (when viewed from the exterior of the
dispensing system sub-assembly 22).
[0084] As can be seen FIG. 1, the head 48 preferably has planar,
intersecting, dispensing slits 50 of equal length which together
define a closed dispensing orifice when the valve 20 is closed.
According to the present invention, in the preferred form of the
first embodiment of the valve 20, there are three intersecting
slits 50 (FIGS. 1 and 8) oriented at equal angles of intersection
to define six, generally sector-shaped, equally sized flaps or
petals 52 in the concave, central head 48. The flaps or petals 52
may be also characterized as "openable regions" of the valve 20.
Each flap or petal 52 has a pair of diverging transverse faces
defined by the slits 50, and each transverse face seals against a
confronting transverse face of an adjacent petal 52 when the valve
20 is closed.
[0085] According to one novel aspect of the invention, at least
some, and preferably all, of the flaps or petals 52 each has at
least one projection 60 (FIGS. 6 and 8), which may be provided in
the form of a raised rib, or provided with a finned configuration.
Alternatively, one or more of the petals 52 can be configured to
define a groove or recess, to thereby impart a decorative profile
to product being dispensed. In the presently preferred form, as
illustrated, each of the petals 52 is provided with a respective
one of the projections 60. In the preferred arrangement, as shown
in FIGS. 6, 9, and 10, each projection 60 has a finned
configuration and includes a steeply sloping radial inner surface
64 merging with a high ridge 68. The radially outer end of the
ridge 64 merges with an outer surface 72 that slopes at a less
steep angle back to, and merges with, the main surface of the valve
head 48. In a presently preferred form of the first embodiment of
the present invention valve 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1-17, the ridge
68 of each projection 60 is narrow compared to the width of the
radially inner surface 64 and radially outer surface 72. The
surfaces 64 and 72 each preferably has a width that is greatest at
the base where the surface 64 or 72 merges with the valve head 48,
and width of each surface 64 and 72 tapers to a lesser width as the
surfaces merge with the ridge 68.
[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the projections 60 is
generally aligned with a flow axis defined by the dispensing valve
20. However, it is within the purview of the present invention that
one or more of the projections 60 be positioned at an acute angle
to the flow axis of the dispensing valve. When so positioned, the
projection 60 can be provided with either a generally planar
configuration, such as in the illustrated embodiment, or a
generally arcuate configuration, such as in the nature of a fan
blade, turbine blade, etc.
[0087] The valve 20 can be molded with the slits 50. Alternatively,
the valve slits 50 can be subsequently cut into the central head 48
of the valve 20 by suitable conventional techniques. In operation,
the flaps 52 are forced open outwardly from the intersection point
of the slits 50 when a sufficiently high pressure differential
exits across the valve head 48.
[0088] The valve 20 includes an annular intermediate portion, such
as a skirt or sleeve 80 (FIG. 9), which extends from the periphery
of the valve head 48. The end of the sleeve 80 defines a thin,
annular portion or flange 82 (FIG. 9) which extends generally
radially outwardly from the sleeve 80, but in a reverse angled
orientation when the valve 20 is in the unactuated, rest condition.
The portion or flange 82 of the sleeve 80 joins with an enlarged,
much thicker, peripheral flange 86 which has a generally
dovetail-shaped, transverse cross section (as viewed in FIG.
9).
[0089] To accommodate the seating of the valve 20 in the housing 24
as seen in FIG. 3, the top surface of the dovetail valve flange 86
has the same frustoconical configuration and angle as the
frustoconical surface 42 of the housing 24.
[0090] The other surface (i.e., the outwardly facing bottom
surface) of the valve flange 86 is clamped by the retaining ring 28
(FIG. 3). The retaining ring 28 includes an upwardly facing,
frustoconical, annular clamping surface 90 (FIGS. 2 and 3) for
engaging the outwardly facing surface (i.e., bottom surface) of the
valve flange 86 at an angle which generally matches the angle of
the valve flange outwardly facing surface (i.e., bottom
surface).
[0091] A peripheral portion of the retaining ring 28 defines an
outwardly projecting bead 92 (FIGS. 2 and 3) for snap-fit
engagement with an annular bead 94 (FIG. 3) that is located on the
housing 24 outwardly of the annular seat 42, and this snap-fit
engagement causes the ring 28 to clamp the valve 20 tightly in the
housing 24. During assembly, the retaining ring 28 can be pushed
past the housing retaining bead 94 because there is sufficient
flexibility in the retaining ring 28 and/or housing 24 to
accommodate temporary, elastic deformation of the components as the
retaining ring bead 92 passes over, and inwardly beyond, the
housing bead 94 to create a snap-fit engagement that compresses or
clamps the valve 20 between the opposing frustoconical surfaces 42
and 90 (FIG. 3) This permits the region between the interior
surface of the valve sleeve 80 and the housing 24 (FIG. 2) to be
substantially free and clear so as to accommodate movement of the
valve sleeve 80 when the valve 20 opens as will next be
explained.
[0092] When the valve 20 is properly mounted within the housing 24
as illustrated in FIG. 3, the central portion or head 48 of the
valve 20 lies recessed inwardly away from the retaining ring 28.
However, when the valve 20 opens, then the valve head 48 moves
outwardly from its recessed position to a location beyond the
retaining ring 28 as can be seen in FIG. 5.
[0093] As the valve 20 opens, the outward displacement of the
central head 48 of the valve 20 is accommodated by deformation of
the head 48 and of the relatively thin, flexible sleeve 80. The
sleeve 80 deforms, or moves, from an inwardly projecting,
retracted, rest position (shown in FIG. 3) to an outwardly
displaced (i.e., extended), actuated position, and this occurs by
the sleeve 80 "rolling" along itself outwardly toward the discharge
end of the sub-assembly 22 (toward the position shown in solid
lines in FIG. 5). FIGS. 11-13 show the valve 20 alone with the
other components omitted for ease of illustration, and FIGS. 11-13
show the head 48 of the valve 20 moved only part way toward the
fully extended position while the valve slits 50 remain closed.
FIGS. 14-17 show the valve 20 alone moved completely to the fully
extended position with the valve completely open after the petals
52 have snapped open.
[0094] In the preferred first embodiment of the valve 20
illustrated for use with the preferred first form of the dispensing
system sub-assembly 22, the valve 20 is designed to close when the
pressure differential across the valve head 48 drops below a
predetermined amount. The inherent resiliency of the valve 20
allows the valve 20 to return to the unactuated, closed condition
(by action of the force generated from the resilient valve's
deformational stresses). The valve 20 is sufficiently stiff to
remain closed under the static head of the substance in the housing
24 (and in the attached reservoir (not shown)), but the valve 20 is
flexible enough to open when the valve head 48 is subjected to a
pressure differential greater than a predetermined magnitude.
[0095] If the valve 20 has also been designed to be flexible enough
to accommodate in-venting of ambient atmosphere as described in
detail below, then the closing petals 52 of the valve can continue
moving inwardly to allow the valve to open inwardly when the
pressure on the valve head exterior surface exceeds the pressure on
the valve head interior surface by a predetermined magnitude. For
some dispensing applications, it may be desirable for the valve 20
not only to dispense the product, but also to optionally
accommodate such in-venting of the ambient atmosphere to help
equalize the interior pressure in the housing 24 with the pressure
of exterior ambient atmosphere. 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 48 for the
particular valve material and overall valve size. The shape,
flexibility, and resilience of the valve head, and in particular,
of the petals 52, can be designed or established so that the petals
will deflect inwardly when subjected to a sufficient pressure
differential that acts across the head 48 in a gradient direction
toward the interior of the housing 24. Such a pressure differential
might occur after a quantity of a substance is discharged through
the valve 20, and a partial vacuum is created inside the housing 24
(and in the attached reservoir (not shown)). When the valve 20
closes, if there is a partial vacuum in the housing 24, and if the
pressure differential across the valve 20 is large enough, the
valve petals 52 will deflect inwardly beyond the normal closed
position to permit in-venting of the ambient atmosphere into the
housing 24 to assist in equalizing the internal pressure with the
external pressure. As the external and internal pressures equalize,
the petals 52 will move back out to the normal, closed
position.
[0096] It is to be understood that the dispensing orifice of the
valve 20 may be defined by structures other than the illustrated
straight slits 52. If the orifice is defined by slits, then the
slits may have various different shapes, sizes and/or
configurations in accordance with the dispensing characteristics
desired. For example, the orifice may also include four or more
intersecting slits.
[0097] If it is desired to provide particular dispensing
characteristics, then the dispensing valve 20 is preferably
configured for use in conjunction with (1) the characteristics or
shape of the particular supply reservoir (not shown--but which may
establish the maximum height (i.e., static head) of the substance
or product in the reservoir), (2) the characteristics of the
particular substance or product, and (3) any relevant
characteristics of the other dispensing system sub-assembly
components. For example, the viscosity and density of the product
can be relevant factors in designing the specific configuration of
the valve 20. The rigidity and durometer of the valve material, and
size and shape of the valve head 48, can also be relevant to
achieving some desired dispensing characteristics, and can be
selected for accommodating the normal range of pressure
differential that is expected to be typically applied across the
valve head, and for accommodating the characteristics of the
substance to be dispensed therefrom.
[0098] As will be appreciated from the above description,
projections 60 on petals 52 act to profile, shape, and contour a
substance being dispensed through the valve 20 as the substance
moves through the opening defined by the valve in its open
configuration. As will be appreciated, the finned configuration of
the projections 60 in this illustrated embodiment, act to create
generally V-shaped grooves in the substance being dispensed, with
the resultant cross-sectional profile of the substance being
generally fluted or grooved. This is illustrated in FIG. 18, which
shows a dispensed substance, such as whipped dessert topping,
having an aesthetically pleasing decorative appearance, as created
by the dispensing valve of the present invention. In contrast, FIG.
19 illustrates a like product after dispensing from a
pressure-responsive valve generally of the type disclosed in
above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,144.
[0099] With reference now to FIGS. 20-35, therein is illustrated an
alternative embodiment of the present invention, with elements
thereof corresponding to the previously-described embodiment
designated by like reference numerals in the A-series.
[0100] As will be further described, the dispensing valve 20A of
this embodiment is incorporated in a dispensing system sub-assembly
22A, with the dispensing valve of this embodiment including a valve
head which defines a central discharge aperture which remains open
when the valve is in both its closed and open configurations. In
this embodiment, an associated portion of the dispensing valve
cooperates with an associated housing to open and close a flow path
with an associated container or like reservoir. As in the previous
embodiment, this embodiment of the present dispensing valve can
desirably cooperate with the flow of an associated substance
therethrough to impart a decorative, profiled or shaped,
cross-sectional configuration to the substance.
[0101] As illustrated, dispensing system sub-assembly 22A includes
a connecting housing 24A by which the sub-assembly can be mounted
in operative association with a container or like reservoir, the
sub-assembly further including an annular retaining ring or clamp
member 28A configured for snap-fit cooperation with the housing
24A. The housing 24A has an inlet end 32A which is adapted to be
connected to a container or other reservoir (not shown). The
housing 24A defines an internal discharge passage through which the
substance to be dispensed moves axially through the housing to an
outlet end 48A within which dispensing valve 24A is generally
positioned. The outlet end 48 of the housing defines a discharge
mouth through which product is dispensed attendant to operation of
the dispensing system.
[0102] The housing 24A defines an interior, annular valve seat 42A,
preferably in a configuration of a frusto-conical surface, for
receiving a peripheral flange portion 86A of the associated
dispensing valve 20A. The annular seat 42A functions as an annular,
downwardly angled clamping surface for sealingly engaging the
peripheral portion of the valve 20A when the valve 20A is retained
in the housing 24A by an associated annular retaining ring 28A.
[0103] To this end, the retaining ring 28A includes an upwardly
facing, frusto-conical, annular clamping surface 90A which defines
an outwardly projecting bead 92A for snap-fit engagement with an
annular bead 94A located generally outwardly of annular seat 42A of
housing 24A. This snap-fit engagement causes the ring 28A to clamp
valve 20A tightly in the housing 24A. During assembly, the
retaining ring 28A can be pushed past the housing retaining bead
94A because there is sufficient flexibility in the retaining ring
28A and/or housing 24A to accommodate a temporary, elastic
deformation of the components as the retaining ring bead 92A passes
over, and inwardly beyond, the housing bead 94A to create a
snap-fit engagement that compresses or clamps the peripheral
portion 86 of the dispensing valve 20 between the opposing
frusto-conical surfaces 42A and 90A.
[0104] As in the previous embodiment, dispensing valve 20A includes
a valve head 48A extending from an intermediate portion 80A of the
dispensing valve, such that at least part of the valve head is
outwardly deflectable in an open configuration, when a sufficient
pressure differential exists across the valve. In this embodiment,
the dispensing valve 20A defines a central discharge aperture 49A,
which aperture remains open as the valve head moves between its
open and closed configurations.
[0105] Control of flow through the dispensing valve assembly is
provided by cooperation between the intermediate portion 80A of the
dispensing valve 20A, and an interior wall 26A of the housing 24A
which defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced, discharge
openings 27A. The opening action of this embodiment of the present
dispensing system is illustrated in FIGS. 33, 34, and 35, with FIG.
33 illustrating dispensing valve 20A in its closed configuration,
and FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrating dispensing valve 20A in its open
configuration. As will be observed, as the dispensing valve is
displaced from internal wall 26A under the influence of
differential pressure created across the valve, and in particular
differential pressure acting on intermediate portion 80A of the
dispensing valve at discharge openings 27A, the central valve head
48A moves downwardly, whereby product can flow through the
discharge passage of housing 24A, through discharge openings 27A,
between the internal wall 26A and the dispensing valve 20A, and
outwardly through the central discharge aperture of the dispensing
valve.
[0106] In order to impart the desired decorative cross-sectional
profile to product being dispensed, the valve head 48A of
dispensing valve 20A includes a substance contact surface that
defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections 60A,
which extend generally inwardly of the valve head at the central
discharge aperture thereof. As illustrated, each of projections 60A
has a generally V-shaped configuration, that is, tapering generally
radially inwardly to a generally pointed, free end of each
projection, to thereby impart generally V-shaped grooves to a
substance being dispensed by the dispensing system. As will be
appreciated, projections 60A can be otherwise configured to impart
other, differing profiles to the substance being dispensed by the
dispensing arrangement.
[0107] FIGS. 36-40 illustrate a further alternative embodiment of
the present invention, with elements thereof corresponding to the
previously-described embodiments designated by like reference
numerals in the B-series.
[0108] As will be recognized, in this illustrated embodiment of the
present invention, a dispensing valve 20B is provided in a
configuration similar to that of above-described dispensing valve
20A, in that the dispensing valve includes an outwardly deflectable
valve head that defines a central discharge opening which remains
open attendant to deflectable movement of the valve head. This
embodiment differs from the previously-described embodiment, in
that this embodiment includes a retaining ring or clamp member 28B
which defines an internal wall, and plurality of discharge
openings, with which the associated dispensing valve cooperates in
a pressure-responsive fashion to control the flow of a substance
through the illustrated dispensing structure.
[0109] Housing 24B of this embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 37,
includes an inlet end 32B which is adapted to be connected to a
container or other reservoir (not shown) with an internal thread
36B, as illustrated, or other suitable conventional or special
attaching systems which can be releasable or permanent (not shown).
The housing 24B has an outlet end 40B defined by an annular wall
portion. The housing outlet end 40B may be further characterized as
defining a distal end discharge mouth at the end of the housing
24B, opposite the inlet end 32B. The housing 24B may also be
characterized as having an internal discharge passage extending
between the inlet end 32B and the outlet end 42B, as can be seen in
FIG. 37, with the housing further defining a frusto-conical valve
seat 42B against which the associated valve 20B is positioned.
[0110] Dispensing valve 20B of this embodiment is generally similar
to dispensing valve 20A of the previously-described embodiment.
Dispensing valve 20B includes a valve head 48B which is deflectable
attendant to pressure-responsive activation of the valve, and an
intermediate portion 80B surrounding the valve head 48B. The
dispensing valve 20B further includes a peripheral flange portion
86B, to which intermediate portion 80B is joined, with the
peripheral flange portion 86B facilitating mounting of the valve on
the valve seat 42B of housing 24B.
[0111] In accordance with the present invention, valve head 48B of
dispensing valve 20B defines a central discharge aperture at which
a substance contact surface of the valve head defines a plurality
of circumferentially spaced projections 60B, each having a
generally radially inwardly tapering configuration, whereby
generally V-shaped grooves are formed in an associated substance as
the substance flows through the central discharge opening of the
valve head.
[0112] This embodiment further includes an annular retaining ring
or clamp member 28B configured for snap-fit cooperation with the
housing 24B, whereby the dispensing valve 20B is held in position
within the housing for dispensing cooperation with the retaining
ring 28B of the dispensing structure. In particular, the retaining
ring 28B defines a generally outwardly projecting bead 92B for
snap-fit engagement with an annular bead 94B of the housing 24B.
This snap-fit engagement causes the retaining ring 28B to clamp the
valve 20B tightly in the housing 24B. The retaining ring 28B
defines a frusto-conical surface 90B (FIG. 39) which cooperates
with frusto-conical surface 42B of the housing 24B to grip and
retain the peripheral flange portion 86B of the dispensing valve
20B when the valve and retaining ring are assembled in position
within the housing 24B.
[0113] As noted, retaining ring 28B defines a plurality of
discharge openings through which a dispensing substance flows prior
to flow through the central discharge aperture defined by the
associated dispensing valve 20B. In particular, the retaining ring
28B includes an internal wall 26B (FIG. 38), and a plurality of
circumferentially spaced discharge openings 27B.
[0114] Operation of this embodiment of the present invention will
be readily apparent from comparison of FIG. 39, wherein the
dispensing valve 20B is in its closed configuration, and FIG. 40,
wherein the dispensing valve is in its open configuration.
Specifically, in the closed configuration of the valve, the
intermediate portion 80B of the valve engages the internal wall 26B
of the retaining ring 28B, thus preventing communication between
the inlet and outlet ends of the housing 24B.
[0115] When a pressure differential is created across the
dispensing valve, particularly at the intermediate portion 80B of
the dispensing valve at the discharge openings 27B, the valve head
48B is deflected away from the internal wall 26B, thereby
permitting flow of the substance to be dispensed from the inlet end
of the housing 24B, through the discharge openings 27B, through the
central discharge aperture of the valve head 28B, and out of the
outlet end of the housing 40B generally at the discharge mouth
thereof. Attendant to flow in this manner, the substance being
dispensed is shaped and contoured by cooperation of the projections
60B with the substance as it flows through the central discharge
aperture of the valve head 48B. The substance is thus imparted with
the desired decorative appearance for enhanced aesthetic
appeal.
[0116] While presently preferred embodiments of the present
invention have been described hereinabove, it is to be understood
that a dispensing valve, and dispensing structure, embodying the
principles of the present invention can be provided in a variety of
configurations, that is, embodied as a variety of different
pressure-responsive dispensing valves which include one or more
deflectable elements which can be configured to contour or shape an
associated substance as it passes through the valve structure. The
direction of flow during dispensing is indicated by the arrow shown
with each of these dispensing valves (illustrated in FIGS. 40, 42,
44, 46, 48, and 50), with a substance contact surface C, which can
be configured to define at least one projection (not shown) and/or
recess (not shown) in accordance with the present invention.
[0117] For example, FIGS. 41 and 42 illustrate a dispensing valve
120, of a configuration generally like previously-described
dispensing valve 20, which may be configured to conclude one or
more projections (not shown) and/or recesses (not shown) defined by
(i.e., as part of) a substance contact surface C thereof for
contouring or shaping a substance being dispensed by the valve.
[0118] FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate a dispensing valve 220 including
an intermediate portion 280 which remains relatively fixed
attendant to pressure-responsive activation of the valve, in
distinction from the "rolling" intermediate portion 80 of
previously-described dispensing valve 20. The substance contact
surface C can be configured to include one or more projections (not
shown) and/or recesses (not shown) to shape or contour substances
being dispensed through the open valve.
[0119] FIGS. 45 and 46 illustrate a dispensing valve 320 which may
be configured in accordance with the present invention to shape or
contour a substance being dispensed by the valve. In this
embodiment, grooves or recesses 360 are defined by a substance
contact surface C on each petal of the dispensing valve for
contouring or shaping a substance being dispensed through the open
valve. Each recess 360 can be, for example, a generally V-shaped
groove in contact surface C.
[0120] FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate a further pressure-responsive
dispensing valve 420 which can be configured to include one or more
projections (not shown) or recesses (not shown) at a substance
contact surface C thereof in order to contour or shape a substance
to be dispensed through the deflectable portions of the valve head
of the dispensing valve.
[0121] FIGS. 49 and 50 illustrate a dispensing valve 520 which
includes generally laterally deflectable portions at a valve head
thereof, which valve can again be modified in accordance with the
present invention to include one or more projections (not shown)
and/or recesses (not shown) at a substance C contact surface
thereof to contour or shape a substance as it is dispensed through
the valve structure.
[0122] It will be readily observed from the foregoing detailed
description of the invention and from the illustrations thereof
that numerous other variations and modifications may be effected
without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel
concepts or principles of this invention.
* * * * *