U.S. patent application number 12/646307 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-22 for container and valve assembly for storing and dispensing substances, and related method.
Invention is credited to Julian V. Chan, Daniel Py.
Application Number | 20100096407 12/646307 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36578679 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100096407 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Py; Daniel ; et al. |
April 22, 2010 |
CONTAINER AND VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR STORING AND DISPENSING SUBSTANCES,
AND RELATED METHOD
Abstract
A container and valve assembly for storing and dispensing
substances including edible substances. The container has a body
that has a storage chamber for storing the substance and a head
portion for holding the valve assembly. The valve assembly includes
a valve body and a valve seat surrounded by a flexible outer cover
that includes a valve portion. A seam between the valve portion and
valve seat form a one-way release valve wherein a portion of the
seam remains closed when the substance is dispensed. To dispense
the substance, pressure is applied to the body forcing the
substance into the valve assembly, which in turn, controls the flow
and release of the substance without exposing the remaining
substance to the external atmosphere; thus, the sterility of the
storage chamber and remaining substance is maintained, and the
shelf life of the substance is increased.
Inventors: |
Py; Daniel; (Larchmont,
NY) ; Chan; Julian V.; (Spring Valley, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCCARTER & ENGLISH, LLP HARTFORD;CITYPLACE I
185 ASYLUM STREET
HARTFORD
CT
06103
US
|
Family ID: |
36578679 |
Appl. No.: |
12/646307 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11301659 |
Dec 12, 2005 |
7637400 |
|
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12646307 |
|
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|
|
60634958 |
Dec 10, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/1 ; 220/724;
222/212; 222/491 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 35/46 20130101;
B65D 47/205 20130101; B65D 47/2081 20130101; B65D 47/2056
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/1 ; 222/212;
220/724; 222/491 |
International
Class: |
B65D 37/00 20060101
B65D037/00; B65D 35/46 20060101 B65D035/46; B65D 25/40 20060101
B65D025/40 |
Claims
1. A device for storing and dispensing a substance therefrom,
comprising: a device body including therein a variable-volume
storage chamber for receiving and storing a substance; and a
one-way valve assembly in fluid communication with the
variable-volume storage chamber mounted on the device body
comprising: a valve seat; a valve shield having a surface shaped to
receive thereon a user's mouth to consume the substance from the
storage chamber, wherein the valve shield supports the surface when
a user applies pressure thereto; and a flexible valve portion
overlying the valve seat, wherein the valve portion and valve seat
define a normally closed, annular, axially extending valve opening
therebetween, and the valve portion is movable radially between a
normally closed position with the valve portion engaging the valve
seat and an open position with a segment of the valve portion
spaced radially away from the valve seat to allow the passage of
substance from the variable-volume storage chamber therebetween;
and wherein at least part of the valve shield is spaced away from
the valve portion so as not to interfere with the valve
opening.
2. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of the
valve seat diameter, a degree of interference between the valve
portion and valve seat, the predetermined radial thickness of the
valve portion, and a predetermined modulus of elasticity of the
valve portion material is selected to (1) define a predetermined
valve opening pressure generated upon at least one of (i) squeezing
the device body and (ii) pumping the substance from the device body
that allows passage of the substance from the variable-volume
storage chamber through the valve opening, and (2) hermetically
seal the valve and prevent the ingress of bacteria through the
valve and into the device in the normally closed position.
3. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein a substantially annular
segment of the valve portion engages the valve seat substantially
throughout any period of dispensing substance through the valve
opening to maintain a hermetic seal between the variable-volume
storage chamber and ambient atmosphere.
4. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of (i) the
valve portion and valve body define--a decreasing degree of
interference therebetween in a direction from the interior to the
exterior of the valve assembly, and (ii) the valve portion defines
a decreasing radial thickness when moving axially in a direction
from an inner end toward a distal end of the valve seat.
5. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the device body is one
of (i) a squeezable body, and (ii) a relatively rigid body having a
flexible bladder located therein, the flexible bladder defining the
variable-volume storage chamber.
6. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the device body
comprises a head located at one end of the body, and the head
defines a neck portion and a first axially extending passageway
formed therethrough that is coupled in fluid communication with the
variable-volume storage chamber and defines an unobstructed axially
extending flow path therebetween.
7. A device as defined in claim 6, wherein the device body is
formed integral with the head and the head forms the valve
body.
8. A device as defined in claim 1, the one-way valve assembly
further comprising a valve body including a body base defining a
passageway coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume
storage chamber; at least one flow aperture extending through the
valve body, and wherein the valve body defines the valve seat.
9. A device as defined in claim 8, further defining an
unobstructed, substantially axially extending flow path between the
variable-volume storage chamber and at least one flow aperture.
10. A device as defined in claim 8, wherein the device body
comprises a head located at one end of the body, and the head
defines a neck portion and a first axially extending passageway
formed therethrough that is coupled in fluid communication with the
variable-volume storage chamber and defines an unobstructed axially
extending flow path therebetween.
11. A container and valve assembly as defined in claim 10, wherein
the passageway defined by the body base is a second axially
extending passageway coupled in fluid communication with the first
axially extending passageway and defining an unobstructed axially
extending flow path therebetween, and the valve seat is
axially-extending.
12. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the variable volume
storage chamber is configured to maintain the substance in at least
one of (i) a sterile, hermetically scaled condition, (ii) a
substantially airless condition, and (iii) a substantially
preservative-free form, throughout the storing and dispensing of
the substance.
13. A container and valve assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein
the valve portion defines a predetermined radial thickness and a
diameter less than a diameter of the valve seat to thereby form an
interference fit therebetween.
14. A container and valve assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein
the valve seat is movable radially between the normally closed
position and the open position at a predetermined valve opening
pressure.
15. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
at least one of the variable-volume storage chamber and one-way
valve assembly is penetrable by a needle for filling the
variable-volume storage chamber through the needle with the
substance to be stored therein, and a resulting penetration
aperture is thermally resealable by applying thermal energy
thereto.
16. A device for storing and dispensing a substance therefrom,
comprising: a device body including therein a variable-volume
storage chamber for receiving and storing a substance; and a
one-way valve assembly in fluid communication with the
variable-volume storage chamber mounted on the device body
comprising: a valve seat; a valve shield having a surface shaped to
receive thereon a user's mouth to consume the substance from the
storage chamber, wherein the valve shield supports the surface when
a user applies pressure thereto; and a flexible valve portion
overlying the valve seat, wherein the valve portion and valve seat
define a normally closed, annular, axially extending valve opening
therebetween, and the valve portion is movable radially between a
normally closed position with the valve portion engaging the valve
seat and an open position with a segment of the valve portion
spaced radially away from the valve seat to allow the passage of
substance from the variable-volume storage chamber therebetween;
wherein at least part of the valve shield is spaced away from the
valve portion so as not to interfere with the valve opening; and
wherein the valve assembly further includes first means for
progressively opening the valve opening and allowing the passage of
substance from the variable-volume storage chamber through the
valve opening upon at least one of (i) squeezing the device body
and (ii) pumping substance from the device body, and second means
for hermetically sealing the valve assembly and preventing ingress
of bacteria through the valve assembly and into the device in the
normally closed position.
17. A device as defined in claim 16, wherein the first means is
defined by at least one of the valve seat diameter, a degree of
interference between the valve portion and valve seat, the
predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion, and a
predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve portion material
being selected to define a predetermined valve opening pressure
generated upon at least one of (i) squeezing the device body and
(ii) pumping the substance from the device body that allows passage
of the substance from the variable-volume storage chamber through
the valve opening.
18. A device as defined in claim 16, wherein the second means is
defined by at least one of the valve seat diameter, a degree of
interference between the valve portion and valve seat, the
predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion, and a
predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover material
being selected to hermetically seal the valve and prevent the
ingress of bacteria through the valve and into the device in the
normally closed position.
19. A device as defined in claim 16, the one-way valve assembly
further comprising a valve body including a body base defining a
passageway coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume
storage chamber; at least one flow aperture extending through the
valve body, and wherein the valve body defines the a valve
seat.
20. A method for storing and dispensing a sterile substance
comprising the steps of: providing a device including a device body
including therein a variable-volume storage chamber for receiving
and storing a substance; providing a one-way valve assembly in
fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber
mounted on the device body comprising: a valve seat; a valve shield
having a surface shaped to receive thereon a user's mouth to
consume the substance from the storage chamber, wherein the valve
shield supports the surface when a user applies pressure thereto;
and a flexible valve portion overlying the valve seat, wherein the
valve portion and valve seat define a normally closed, annular,
axially extending valve opening therebetween, and the valve portion
is movable radially between a normally closed position with the
valve portion engaging the valve seat and an open position with a
segment of the valve portion spaced radially away from the valve
seat to allow the passage of substance from the variable-volume
storage chamber therebetween; wherein at least part of the valve
shield is spaced away from the valve portion so as not to interfere
with the valve opening and allow the valve portion to move between
the valve seat and shield; storing within the storage chamber a
quantity of substance; and dispensing an amount of the substance by
at least one of squeezing the device body and pumping the substance
from the storage chamber to dispense the substance through the
valve opening and into the user's mouth.
21. A method as defined in claim 20, further comprising the steps
of: providing at least one of the variable-volume storage chamber
and one-way valve assembly with a needle penetrable portion and
thermally resealable portion; and filling the variable-volume
storage chamber with the substance by penetrating the needle
penetrable and thermally resealable portion with a needle,
introducing the substance through the needle and into the
variable-volume storage chamber, withdrawing the needle and
hermetically resealing a resulting needle hole in the needle
penetrable and thermally resealable portion by applying thermal
energy thereto.
22. A method as defined in claim 20, further comprising the step of
maintaining the substance in at least one of: (i) a sterile,
hermetically sealed condition, (ii) a substantially airless
condition, and (iii) a substantially preservative-free form,
throughout the storing and dispensing of the substance.
23. A device as defined in claim 20, the one-way valve assembly
further comprising a valve body including a body base defining a
passageway coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume
storage chamber; at least one flow aperture extending through the
valve body, and wherein the valve body defines the valve seat.
24. A method as defined in claim 20, further comprising the step of
maintaining the substance at ambient temperature throughout the
storing and dispensing of multiple doses of the substance.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/301,659, filed Dec. 12, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,637,400,
which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/634,958, filed Dec. 10, 2004, both of which are hereby expressly
incorporated by reference in their entireties as part of the
present disclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to containers for dispensing
substances including edible substances, and more particularly, to
improved containers including one-way valves and collapsible and/or
squeeze tubes that maintain the product in an airless and/or
sterile condition during repeated dispensing.
[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0005] Flexible tubes and the like are used to store a variety of
substances including edible foods and beverages having a broad
range of viscosities. Generally, the flexible tubes have a cover
which is removed to expose a simple release aperture through which
the stored substance is dispensed. As a result, low pressures are
required to dispense the substance thereby causing unwanted oozing
and build-up, which ultimately leads to inhibited flow and clogging
at the release aperture. Moreover, when the traditional tube is
opened during operation, the contents are continually exposed to
the ambient environment, thus exposing the contents to bacteria,
germs and/or other impurities during and/or after the product is
dispensed. Furthermore, unwanted air is often drawn into the tube
which facilitates the spreading of the bacteria, germs and/or other
impurities with each subsequent use, and also negatively impacts
the flow characteristics of the substance during dispensing, such
that the substance is dispensed unevenly, contains air bubbles or
continues to ooze out unwantedly. Despite techniques for
sterilizing the stored contents prior to opening, this constant
exposure to the environment has the negative effect of degrading
the stored substance, thereby limiting the shelf-life and range of
products suitable for dispensing via tubes. As a result, such
products must include preservatives in order to prevent the product
remaining in the container from spoiling or otherwise degrading
between usages. One of the drawbacks associated with preservatives
is that they can cause an allergic or an otherwise undesirable
reaction or effect on the user and/or product. In addition, the
preservatives do not prevent the bulk product stored within the
open container from collecting, and in some cases, facilitating the
spread of contamination.
[0006] In view of the above, several containers have been provided
with closure devices such as one-way valves. One drawback
associated with prior art dispensers including one-way valves is
that the valves are frequently designed to work with mechanical
pumps or like actuators that are capable of creating relatively
high valve opening pressures. Exemplary dispensers of this type are
illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. RE 37,047, 6,032,101, 5,944,702, and
5,746,728 and U.S. Publication Nos. US2002/0074362 A1,
US2002/0017294 A1. Squeeze tube-type dispensers, on the other hand,
are not capable of creating the necessary valve opening pressures,
and therefore such prior art valves do not work effectively with
squeeze tubes.
[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
overcome one or more of the above-described drawbacks and/or
disadvantages of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect, the invention is directed towards an
apparatus having a container and a valve assembly for storing and
dispensing a substance therefrom. In one embodiment of the
invention, the container includes a squeezable body defining
therein a storage chamber for receiving and storing the substance,
which can be edible, and a head located at one end of the body. The
head defines a neck portion and a first axially extending
passageway formed therethrough that is coupled in fluid
communication with the storage chamber of the body and defines an
unobstructed axially extending flow path therebetween.
[0009] In an embodiment of the invention, the valve assembly is a
one-way valve assembly mounted on the head that includes a valve
body and a valve cover. The valve body includes a body base
defining a second axially extending passageway coupled in fluid
communication with the first axially extending passageway and
defining an unobstructed axially extending flow path therebetween,
an axially extending valve seat defining a diameter less than a
diameter of the body base, and a plurality of flow apertures
axially extending through the valve body adjacent to the valve seat
and angularly spaced relative to each other. The valve cover is
formed of an elastic material defining a predetermined modulus of
elasticity and includes an outer valve cover shaped to receive a
user's mouth, and a valve shield mounted between the valve cover
and the outer valve cover. The valve shield supports the outer
valve cover when a user applies pressure to the outer cover and is
fixedly secured to the valve cover and the outer valve cover to
prevent axial movement relative thereto. A valve portion overlies
the valve seat and defines a predetermined radial thickness and a
diameter less than a diameter of the valve seat to thereby form an
interference fit therebetween. The valve portion and valve seat
define a normally closed, annular, axially extending valve opening
therebetween, and the valve portion is movable radially between a
normally closed position with the valve portion engaging the valve
seat and an open position with a segment of the valve portion
spaced radially away from the valve seat to allow the passage of
substance at a predetermined valve opening pressure therebetween.
The valve shield is spaced radially away from the valve portion so
as not to interfere with the valve opening.
[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, the valve assembly
has a valve seat, a flexible valve portion overlying the valve seat
and acting as discussed in the preceding paragraph, and a valve
shield. The valve shield has a surface shaped to receive a user's
mouth. The valve shield supports the surface when a user applies
pressure to the outer valve cover, and is spaced away from the
valve portion so as not to interfere with the valve opening.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the valve assembly further
includes first means for progressively opening the valve opening
and allowing the passage of substance from the variable-volume
storage chamber through the valve opening upon at least one of (i)
squeezing the device body and (ii) pumping substance from the
device body, and second means for hermetically sealing the valve
assembly and preventing ingress of bacteria through the valve
assembly and into the device in the normally closed position.
[0012] In addition, in some embodiments of the invention, at least
one of the valve seat diameter, a degree of interference between
the valve cover and valve seat, the predetermined radial thickness
of the valve portion, and a predetermined modulus of elasticity of
the valve cover material, is selected to (1) define a predetermined
valve opening pressure generated upon squeezing the container or
pumping the substance from the device body that allows passage of
the substance from the storage chamber through the valve opening,
and (2) hermetically seal the valve and prevent the ingress of
bacteria through the valve and into the container in the normally
closed position.
[0013] Another aspect of the invention is directed towards methods
for storing and dispensing a sterile substance. In one embodiment,
the method includes the steps of providing a dispensing apparatus
as described in the above paragraphs, storing substance in the
storage chamber, and dispensing an amount of the substance by
squeezing the device body and/or pumping the substance from the
storage chamber to dispense the substance through the valve opening
and into the user's mouth. Methods according to the invention
permit maintaining the substance throughout the storing and
dispensing of the substance in a sterile, hermetically scaled,
substantially airless condition, and/or a substantially
preservative-free form.
[0014] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present
invention including a one-way valve and container;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a partial, perspective view of the apparatus of
FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve of the
apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the one-way valve of FIG. 1; and
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the one-way valve of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an apparatus including a one-way
valve assembly and container embodying the present invention is
indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. While the
exemplary embodiments illustrate a tubular container, it is
understood that any shaped container is contemplated, including a
cylindrical or bottle shape. The apparatus 10 includes a one-way
valve assembly 14 that is connectable in fluid communication with a
container 16. A cap (not shown) may be releasably connected to the
valve assembly 14 for covering the valve assembly when not in
use.
[0021] The container 16 comprises a body 20 defining therein a
storage chamber 22 (FIG. 3) for receiving and storing a substance
and a head 49 at one end of the body 20. The substance includes
products that are creamy, pasty, liquid, or other such substance.
In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the type of substances
that are included are substances that could be ingested, such as
cheese, yogurt, milk, nutritional beverages, shakes, and baby food.
As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent
art based on the teachings herein, this list is intended to be
exemplary and in no way limiting.
[0022] The container includes any type of container that can hold
the substance. The container 16 and body 20 can be made from any
material that does not substantially alter the contents therein,
unless otherwise specified to do so. In one embodiment, the body 20
may be all plastic, aluminum, a combination thereof, and/or a
plurality of other suitable materials well known to those skilled
in the art now and later discovered. In another embodiment, the
body 20 is made from a coextruded sheet containing various
combinations of LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, tie resins and foil. The body 20
can be customized for the application, for example, by color,
shape, decoration, coatings and the like. Additionally, the
container 16 can be sized to he portable or otherwise as may be
desired and can include outer textures for improved comfort,
gripping and handling. The body 20 also provides a barrier to
oxygen, moisture, flavor loss and the like.
[0023] In the above embodiments, the body 20 may be squeezed in a
conventional manner, such as squeezing the body on opposites sides
relative to each other and, in turn, transmitting a substantially
radially-directed force into the body. By squeezing the body, the
pressure of the product or other substance contained within the
body is increased until the pressure is great enough to push the
product out the valve assembly 14.
[0024] In yet another embodiment, the container 16 may include a
more rigid body and a flexible bladder located in the container
that holds the substance, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,761,286, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference as
part of the present disclosure.
[0025] The valve assembly 14 releases the substance without
exposing the remaining product to the external atmosphere; thus,
the sterility and/or airless condition of the storage chamber 22 is
maintained and the shelf life of the product is not decreased.
Further, bacteria or other contaminants are prevented from passing
through the valve and into the storage chamber even when the
apparatus is being used, as described further below. Accordingly,
even after the apparatus 10 is being used, refrigeration is not
necessary to sustain the life of the substance inside the container
16.
[0026] Drawing attention to FIG. 3, valve assembly 14 is shown in
greater detail. Accordingly, valve assembly 14 includes a valve
body 30 defining a first axially-extending passageway 32, an
axially-extending valve seat 34, and at least one or a plurality of
flow apertures 36 axially extending through the valve body 30
adjacent to the valve seat 34 and coupled in fluid communication
with the first axially-extending passageway 32. The valve body 30
may be made of various materials and, in one embodiment, is made of
polypropylene. The one-way valve assembly 12 further includes a
valve cover 38 formed of an elastic material and including a cover
base 40 mounted on the valve body 30 and fixedly secured against
axial movement relative thereto, and a valve portion 42 overlying
the valve seat. In the embodiment shown, the valve body 30 and the
cover base 40 are fixedly secured by an annular protuberance 44
formed at the valve body 30, which prevents axial movement of the
cover base 40 with respect to the valve body 30.
[0027] The valve portion 42 defines a predetermined radial
thickness and a progressively increasing inner diameter D1. The
valve seat 34 defines a progressively increasing outer diameter D2.
The valve is designed so that the inner diameter D1 is less than
the outer diameter D2 to form an interference fit therebetween, as
indicated by the overlapping lines in FIG. 3. As can be seen, the
valve portion 42 and the valve seat 34 define a normally closed,
axially-extending valve opening or seam 46 therebetween. As
described further below, the valve portion 42 is movable radially
between a normally closed position, as shown in FIG. 3, with the
valve portion 42 engaging the valve seat 34, and an open position
(not shown) with at least a segment of the valve portion 42 spaced
radially away from the valve seat 34 to connect the valve opening
46 in fluid communication with the flow apertures 36 to thereby
allow the passage of substance from the flow apertures 36 through
the valve opening 46.
[0028] The valve portion 42 of the valve cover 38 has a
progressively decreasing radial thickness when moving axially in a
direction from the protuberance 44 toward an exit 48. In addition,
as indicated above, the valve seat 34 defines a progressively
increasing diameter D2 when moving axially in a direction from an
inner end toward a distal end of the valve seat (or from the
interior end toward the exterior end of the valve seat). As a
result, progressively less energy is required to open the valve,
when moving axially in the direction from the interior toward the
exterior of the valve. Stored substance is dispensed through the
valve by pumping the substance at a sufficient pressure (either by
manually, mechanically or electro-mechanically squeezing the tube
14, or otherwise pumping the substance through the tube or into the
valve) through the flow apertures 36 to open the valve opening or
seam 46 (the "valve opening pressure"). Once the pressurized
substance enters the valve opening or seam 46, progressively less
energy is required to radially open respective axial segments of
the valve cover when moving axially in the direction from the
interior toward the exterior of the valve. As a result, the valve
itself operates as a pump to force the substance through the
normally-closed valve opening 46. In one embodiment, a
substantially annular segment of the valve portion 42 engages the
valve seat 34 substantially throughout any period of dispensing
substance through the valve opening 46 to maintain a hermetic seal
between the valve opening 46 and ambient atmosphere. If desired,
the valve can be configured in other ways in order to require
progressively less energy to open the valve (i.e., to decrease the
valve opening pressure) when moving in the axial direction from the
interior toward the exterior of the valve. For example, the valve
cover 38 and valve body 30 may define a decreasing degree of
interference therebetween when moving in a direction from the
interior toward the exterior of the valve assembly. Alternatively,
the valve cover may define a substantially conically tapered
cross-sectional shape. If desired, the valve assembly may include
only one of these features, or may include any desired combination
of these features in order to achieve the desired performance
characteristics.
[0029] In particular, at any point along the normally closed valve
opening or seam 46, at least one of the valve seat diameter D2, the
degree of interference between the valve portion 42 and valve seat
34 (as indicated by the overlapping lines in FIG. 3), the
predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion 42, and a
predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover 38 material,
is selected to (1) define a predetermined valve opening pressure
generated upon squeezing the container 16 that allows passage of
the substance from the tube through the normally-closed valve
opening 46, and (2) hermetically seal the valve assembly 14 and
prevent the ingress of bacteria or contamination through the valve
opening 46 and into the container 16 in the normally closed
position. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention,
each of the valve seat diameter D2, the degree of interference
between the valve portion 42 and valve seat 34, the predetermined
radial thickness of the valve portion 42, and the predetermined
modulus of elasticity of the valve cover 38 material, is selected
to (i) define a predetermined valve opening pressure generated upon
squeezing the tube 14 that allows passage of the substance from the
tube (or variable-volume storage chamber 22 coupled in fluid
communication thereto) through the valve opening 46, and (2)
hermetically seal the valve opening 46 and prevent the ingress of
bacteria through the valve opening and into the tube in the
normally-closed position.
[0030] The valve body 30 is secured to the head 49 of the body 20
via a neck portion 50. The valve body 30 further includes a body
base 52 that has a connecting portion 54, which is configured to
connect the valve assembly 14 to the container 16. In the
embodiment shown, the valve assembly 14 and the container 16 are
configured to be threadably connected at the neck 50, as is
illustrated by the threads 56. However, it is understood that valve
assembly 14 and the container 16 may be connected in any known
manner. The neck 50 forms an interference fit at a top 57 of neck
50 to hermetically seal the container 16 and the valve assembly 14.
In addition, the neck 50 defines a second axially extending
passageway 58, which is in fluid communication with the first
axially extending passageway 32.
[0031] The valve assembly 14 further includes a valve shield 60
that extends annularly about the flexible valve cover 38, and
extends axially from the base of the valve cover 38 to a point
adjacent to a dispensing tip 62 of the valve assembly 14 but spaced
axially inwardly therefrom. The valve shield 60 is made of a rigid
material so that the valve shield 60 will not deform when pressure
is applied to it. The valve body 30 defines an annular recess 68
between a peripheral flange 70 and body base 52. The valve shield
60 defines a first corresponding annular protuberance 72 that
projects radially inwardly and is snap fit into the recess 68 and
engages the flange 70 to lock the valve shield 60 to the valve body
30.
[0032] The valve shield 60 is spaced radially relative to the valve
portion 42 of the valve cover 38 to form an annular, axially
extending gap 76 therebetween. The gap 76 allows the valve portion
42 to freely expand or move radially outwardly during dispensing of
substance through the normally closed valve opening or seam 46. The
gap 76 decreases away from a tip 78 of valve shield 60 to an area
80 in which the valve shield 60 contacts to the valve cover 38. The
area 80 of contact helps protect and support the valve cover 38.
Additionally, area 80 is aligned with aperture 36 to prevent radial
movement of the valve cover 38 and prevent forward flow of any
substance that has not entered the valve.
[0033] The valve cover 38 extends over valve shield 60 to form an
outer valve cover 82 and is secured to body base 52 so that valve
shield 60 is enclosed within valve cover 38. On an exterior side 84
of valve shield 60, valve cover 38 contacts valve shield 60 so as
to support the outer valve cover 82. In one embodiment, an optional
annular protuberance 86 located on an end of the valve shield
engages an optional recess 88 in the outer valve cover 82 to
further secure the outer valve 82 and shield 60 to the head 49 of
the container 16. The gap 76 extends above the tip 78 of the valve
shield 60, which allows valve portion 42 to expand outwardly when
the valve opening 46 is in the open position. In addition, outer
valve cover 82 is shaped so that the tip 78 of the valve shield 60
is fully supported by the outer valve cover 82 so that the tip 78
of the valve shield 60 does not bend and contact the valve portion
42.
[0034] The outer valve cover 82 is shaped to accept a mouth, and in
one embodiment, a child's mouth. The outer valve cover 82 includes
a neck 90, a concave contour section 92, and a rounded tip 94. The
concave contour section 92 would receive the user's lips. In
addition, the valve shield 60 is shaped similar to the outer valve
cover 82 so that the outer valve cover 82 is fully supported along
the entire outer cover and also to protect the valve opening 46.
For instance, when the valve assembly 14 is received into a mouth,
even if the person was to clamp down on the outer valve cover 82,
the valve opening 46 will not be affected since any pressure on the
valve cover 38 would occur at the area 80, which is outside of the
valve opening 46 area. Thus, even when pressure is applied on the
outer valve cover 82, valve opening 46 will he able to expand and
dispense the substance from the storage chamber 22.
[0035] While the valve cover 38 and the outer valve cover 82 are
shown as an integral piece, it is understood that the two parts are
not required to be integral in order for the valve assembly 14 to
function properly. The valve cover 38 and outer valve cover 82 are
made of a material that is capable of deformation, such as
santoprene (shore 35) or rimflex (shore 25). Thus, the covers 38
and 82 are soft and flexible.
[0036] In addition, it maybe desirable to make the outer diameter
of the valve seat 34 as large as possible to thereby decrease the
requisite valve opening pressure that must be generated upon
squeezing the body 20 in order to open the valve and dispense
product through the valve. There are a variety of factors that can
affect the valve opening pressure, including the diameter of the
valve seat 34, the modulus of elasticity of the valve cover 38, the
degree of interference between the valve cover 38 and valve seat
34, and the thickness and shape of the valve seat 34. All other
factors being equal, the volumetric flow rate of material through
the valve will he greater for increasing diameters of the valve
seat 34 and the requisite valve opening pressure will decrease. It
may be desirable to (1) increase the diameter of the valve seat 34
in comparison to prior art valves in order to decrease the
requisite valve opening pressure that must be created upon
squeezing the tube; (2) decrease the head loss of the product
flowing through the valve in comparison to prior art valves; and
(3) decrease the stored elastic energy in the valve upon dispensing
the product through the valve in order to, in turn, decrease the
residual seepage of product through the valve. As such, the path of
the valve opening 46 increases in diameter as the valve opening
approaches exit 48.
[0037] The apparatus 10 operates as follows. A user puts the valve
assembly in the user's mouth so that the user's lips sit at the
concave contour section 92. The user squeezes the container 16 so
that the substance contained in the storage chamber 22 flows from
the storage chamber through the passageways 58 and 32. From the
passageways 58 and 32, the substance flows into at least one flow
aperture 36 and through the valve opening 46 and, finally, out the
exit 48 and into the user's mouth. As a quantity of substance is
dispenses, the remaining non-dispensed product, internal apertures
36, passageways 32, 58, and storage chamber 22 remain in a sterile
condition unexposed to the external atmosphere.
[0038] Drawing attention to FIG. 4, an alterative embodiment of the
valve assembly 14 is shown. This embodiment is similar to the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 and, therefore, like reference
numerals preceded by the numeral "1" are used to indicate like
elements. In this embodiment, the body base 130 is formed
integrally with the body 120. Flow apertures 136 are similar to the
embodiment in FIG. 3; however, the cross-section is taken through a
different section to illustrate the flow apertures in a different
manner. In addition, the first axially-extending passageway 132
terminates at the diametrically oppose flow apertures 136. In this
embodiment, the valve cover 138 extends over the valve shield 160
to form an outer cover 182 as described above. Furthermore, the
container valve assembly 110 operates in a like manner, in which
case squeezing the container allows passage of the substance from
the storage chamber 122 through the valve opening and hermetically
seals the valve 114 to prevent the ingress of air and bacteria
through the valve 114 and into the container 116.
[0039] May aspects of the valve assembly and tubes disclosed herein
may be the same as or similar to aspects of the valves and tubes
disclosed in the following commonly assigned patent applications
which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their
entirety as part of the present disclosure: U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/295,274, filed Dec. 5, 2005, entitled "Container and
Valve Assembly for Storing and Dispensing Substances, and Related
Method", U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/730,520, filed Oct.
26, 2005, entitled "Container and One-Way Valve Assembly for
Storing and Dispensing Substances, and related Method", U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/633,332, filed Dec. 5, 2005, entitled
"One-Way Valve, Apparatus and Method of Using the Valve", U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/640,500, filed Aug. 13, 2003,
entitled "Container and Valve Assembly for Storing and Dispensing
Substances, and Related Method", U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/174,939, filed Jan. 27, 2003, entitled "Container and Valve
Assembly", U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/188,310, filed Aug.
15, 2003, entitled "Tube and Valve Assembly", U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 29/191,510, filed Oct. 7, 2003, entitled
"Container and Valve Assembly", and U.S. Patent Application Ser.
No. 60/528,429, filed Dec. 10, 2003, entitled "Valve Assembly and
Tube Kit for Storing and Dispensing Substances, and Related
Method," U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/539,602, filed Jan.
27, 2004, entitled "Container and One-Way Valve Assembly for
Storing and Dispensing Substances, and Related Method," each of
which is assigned to the Assignee of the present invention and is
hereby expressly incorporated by reference as part of the present
disclosure.
[0040] Having thus described the inventive embodiments, it should
be known that the containers 16 and 116 may be sterilized and
filled in the manner such as that disclosed in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/600,525, filed on Jun. 19, 2003, entitled
"Sterile Filling Machine having Needle Filling Station within
E-Beam Chamber" and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/983,178,
filed on Nov. 5, 2004, entitled "Needle Filling and Laser Sealing
Station," and of which are hereby expressly incorporated by
reference in their entirety as part of the present disclosure.
Furthermore, the container and valve assembly 10 could include a
pump (not shown) that is manually or otherwise actuated to dispense
substance from the storage chamber 22 through the valve. This type
of pump could include a piston received within a compression
chamber wherein the piston is manually or otherwise actuated to
dispense the substance through the valve, or a peristaltic pump
that engages a flexible tube connected between the valve and
storage chamber. Still even further, at least a portion of at least
one of the pump, valve cover 38, valve body 30, valve seat 34,
valve shield 60, a surface of the storage chamber 22 or any other
portion of the container and valve assembly 10 the valve 14 could
include a needle penetrable and thermally-resealable portion or
stopper 200 (FIG. 5) to enable filling the storage chamber 22 with
the substance by: penetrating the thermally-resealable portion with
a needle, introducing the substance through the needle and into the
storage chamber 22, withdrawing the needle, and hermetically
resealing the a resulting needle hole/aperture in the needle
penetrable and thermally-resealable portion by applying thermal
energy thereto,
[0041] While the invention has been described with reference to
exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be
made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings
of the invention without departing from the essential scope
thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be
limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out
this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments
falling within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *