Dispensing valve with hydraulic hammer resistance

(54) Title: DISTRIBUTION VALVE WITH (57) Summary:

RESISTANCE TO HYDRAULIC HAMMER (30) Unionist Priority: 03/27/2007 us 11 / 728,614 (73) Holder (s): Liquid Molding Systems, INC.

(72) Inventor (s): David J. Gaus, Gregory M. Olechowski, Mark R. Honard (74) Attorney (s): Dannemann, Siemsen, Bigler & Ipanema Moreira (86) International Order: pct 11Ξ2008003537 of 18/03 / 2008 (87) International Publication: wo 2008 / 118304of 10/02/2008

<img file="BRPI0809380A2_D0001.tif" />

Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for DISTRIBUTION VALVE WITH RESISTANCE TO HYDRAULIC HAMMER. TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing system for dispensing liquid from a liquid supply through a flexible resilient valve that has a head that defines a normally closed dispensing orifice and that is movable outwardly to an open configuration when the pressure inside the valve exceeds the pressure outside the valve by a predetermined amount.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS PRESENTED BY THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE

Various types of liquid supply systems, including portable dispensing containers, have become popular for use with a variety of fluid substances, including lotions, shampoos, cleaning fluids, beverages, other liquid food products, etc. One type of system includes a container comprising a bottle, generally flexible with a dispensing closure having a dispensing opening and a lid that is hingedly connected, or releasably attached, to the closure body and that can be opened to expose the distribution opening. The bottle can then be tilted, or inverted, and squeezed to discharge the fluid product. The lid can be returned to the closed position to prevent spillage if the container is dropped or tilted. The closed lid can also help to keep the contents fresh and can reduce the entry of contaminants.

A type of closure for these types of containers also includes a slit, self-closing, resilient, flexible delivery valve mounted on the closure over the opening of the container. The valve has a slit or slits that define a normally closed orifice that opens to allow flow through it in response to differentiated increased pressure through the valve (for example, resulting from increased pressure within the container when the container is compressed , or from a reduced external ambient pressure purchased with the pressure inside the container). The valve is typically designed so that it automatically closes to stop the flow through it in removing or reducing the increased internal pressure within the container, or in increasing the external pressure.

The designs of such valves and the closures using such valves are illustrated in US Patent Ν '. 5,271,531, Ν '. 5,927,566 and No. 5,934,512. Typically, the closure includes a body, or base, mounted on the neck of the container to define a seat for receiving the valve and includes a retaining ring or other structure for holding the valve on the seat on the base. See, for example, US Patent No. 6,269,986 and No. 6,616,016. The valve is normally closed and can support the weight of the fluid product when the bottle is completely inverted so that the liquid will not leak out unless the bottle is compressed. With such an improved system, the lid does not need to be closed again (although it is typically closed again if the package is to be transported to another location, packed in a briefcase, etc.).

While such a valve delivery system has significant advantages and works well, it would be desirable to provide an improved system that would better accommodate more robust handling or leak-free abuse. Specifically, when the aforementioned type of valve container is dropped or dropped, the fluid in the bottle can compress the valve with such force that the valve can be momentarily opened, and a small amount of liquid can be discharged. Such effects of hydraulic pressure, accelerated transient are sometimes described as hydraulic hammer, or water hammer.

It would be beneficial to provide an improved valve for such a delivery system that greatly eliminates or minimizes the valve's tendency to open when the liquid container is tipped, dropped or subjected to a sudden impact. Such an improved valve must also accommodate the easy, normal distribution of the fluid product.

It would be desirable if such an improved valve, when used with a liquid product container, would greatly eliminate or minimize leakage resulting from the hydraulic hammer in a number of situations, including, (1) when the user places the container on a surface with substantial force and impact, (2) when the user throws the container in a briefcase or other extension for temporary storage, and which results in vibrations within the container, valve or product in the container, (3) when the user inverts the container and hits or compresses the container against the user's hand and / or against an adjacent hard surface to move the product towards the dispensing end of the container causing multiple impacts to the valve, and (4) when the container or packaging is dropped by the user at an angle on a counter, floor, or other surface creating a side impact on part of the packaging.

It would be particularly advantageous if such an improved valve had the ability to be easily retained within the container or a closure in the container by various means including a retaining ring, or other mechanical means, such as compression adjustment, coining, sonic welding, etc.

It would also be desirable if such an improved valve could also optionally accommodate the assembly with a bulkhead system to reduce the effects of accelerated hydraulic hammer pressure with smooth impact vibrations. In addition, it would be beneficial if such an improved valve could accommodate such a shield that could be removed easily or promptly for cleaning if and when necessary.

It would also be advantageous if such an improved valve could be easily incorporated into a dispensing closure system that could accommodate various liquid supply systems, including bottles, container, sports hydration backpack fluid distribution systems, etc., which have a variety formats and that are constructed from a variety of materials.

In addition, it would be desirable if such an improved valve accommodates large volume, high quality, efficient manufacturing techniques with a reduced product rejection rate to produce a valve characteristic of consistent operation from unit to unit.

The present invention provides an improved delivery valve that can be used in a delivery system, and which optionally can be incorporated into a new arrangement with a bulkhead system, such that the valve or the combination of valve and bulkhead system can accommodate drawings having one or more of the aspects and benefits discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an improved valve, which can be used in a timing lock or other timing system, is provided with increased resistance to the hydraulic hammer by accelerated increases in hydraulic pressure (e.g. increases in liquid pressure) ) inside or inlet side of the valve.

In accordance with a broad aspect of the invention, a fluid delivery valve is provided with a generally circular configuration with respect to a longitudinal axis along which a fluid product or other substance can be delivered from the valve in a flow direction. discharge. The valve has an axially outward direction which is defined by said discharge flow direction. The valve has an axially inward direction which is defined as the direction opposite the axially inward direction.

The valve includes a peripheral mounting part (which may include, but is not limited to, a flange). The valve has a head that is flexible and resilient. The head has a normally closed orifice that is defined by at least one slit and that can open to allow a flow of discharge of the substance. The valve head has a closed, completely retracted position, which is axially into at least another part of the valve. The valve head has an outer surface that can interface with the environment outside the valve and has a generally lowered configuration when viewed from the outside of the valve, when the valve head is in the closed position, completely retracted. The valve head has an interior surface that can interface with the fluid substance inside the valve. The inner surface of the valve head has a ra radially external with a convex arcuate configuration, when viewed from the inside of the valve, when the valve is in the closed position, completely retracted. The inner surface of the valve head has a central inner surface part that (1) is radially within the radially outer surface part, (2) pushes axially inward to project from the radially outer surface part, and (3) has an convex arcuate configuration when viewed from inside the valve when the valve is in the closed position completely retracted.

The valve includes a connector sleeve that (1) is flexible and resilient, (2) defines a generally tubular shape over at least part of the sleeve length, and (3) extends between, and connects, the peripheral mounting part of valve and valve head in a configuration that, when the valve is subjected to a sufficient pressure differential, folds over and extends in a rolling direction in the axially external direction as the valve head moves from the closed position, completely retracted, to an extended position that is axially out of the closed position, completely retracted and that accommodates the opening of the hole.

According to another aspect of the invention, which can be optionally employed with the valve described above, a bulkhead system is provided adjacent the valve when the valve is installed in a closure on a container or other liquid distribution system. In a preferred embodiment, the bulkhead system is incorporated into a retaining ring to retain the valve within a closure or other part, and the bulkhead system further reduces the effects of accelerated hydraulic hammer with further reduction of the effects of impact vibrations. soft. In the preferred embodiment that includes the bulkhead system in a retaining ring, the ring can be removed to allow cleaning of the system components.

When the valve is employed with such a bulkhead system, the tendency of the valve to leak or open prematurely when the valve and / or the fluid is subjected to minor vibrations or side impact is substantially reduced, if not eliminated.

Numerous other advantages and aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, from the claims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the attached drawings forming part of the specification, where equal numerals are used to designate equal parts through them.

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a fluid distribution valve of the present invention contained within an assembly piece comprising a two-piece assembly assembly, whereby the valve and the assembly piece can function together as a closure for a fluid delivery system such as a fluid delivery article, device, apparatus, machine, package including the container of a flowing substance, etc .;

figure 2 is a top plan view of the valve on the assembly part in the form of a two-piece assembly set;

figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken in general along the plane 3-3 in figure 2;

figure 4 is a cross-sectional view in general enlarged in the area of ​​figure 3 within the oval designated figure 4 in figure 3;

figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken in general along the plane 5-5 in figure 2;

figure 6, on sheet 4 of 13 in figure 4, is an enlarged cross-sectional view within the designated oval area of ​​figure 5 Figure 6 in figure 5;

figure 7 is an isometric view of the retaining ring removed from the mounting assembly and as seen from the outside of the mounting ring;

figure 8 is an isometric view of the mounting ring as seen from inside the mounting ring;

figure 9 is an isometric view of the fluid delivery valve as seen from the inside;

figure 10 is a side elevation view of the valve;

figure 11 is a top plan view of the exterior of the valve when taken in general along the plane 11-11 in figure 10;

figure 12 is a bottom plan view of the interior of the valve taken generally along the plane 12-12 in figure 10;

figure 13 is a cross-sectional view, greatly enlarged, taken generally along the plane 13-13 in figure 11;

figure 14 is a view similar to figure 3, but figure 14 shows the valve subjected to a pressure differential (for example, where the pressure from the inside exceeds the pressure from the outside), and the valve is shown moved to a position extended;

figure 15 is a fragmentary view, greatly enlarged of the area of ​​figure 14 within the oval designated figure 15 in figure 14;

figure 16 is a greatly enlarged plan view from the outside of the valve when it begins to open to distribute fluid, and in figure 16 the mounting assembly has been omitted;

figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken in general along the plane 17-17 in figure 16;

figure 18 is an isometric view of the valve when it starts to open in the configuration illustrated in figures 16 and 17; and figure 19 is a cross-sectional view similar to figure 17, but figure 19 shows the valve still open and distributing a drop of fluid.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While this invention is susceptible to modality in many different ways, this report and the accompanying drawings describe only one specific form as an example of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment thus described, however. The scope of the invention is shown in the appended claims.

For ease of description, many of the figures illustrating the invention show a closure engaging a manifold on a two-piece manifold, and the closure is shown in the typical orientation that the closure would have on top of a container when the container is stored standing at its base, and terms such as top, bottom, horizontal, etc. are used with reference to this position. It will be understood, however, that the valve of this invention can be manufactured, stored, transported, used and sold in a different orientation from the position described.

The valve of this invention is suitable for use with a variety of conventional or special delivery systems, including in sports discharge hydration systems and in containers having various designs, the details of which, although not illustrated or described, would be evident to those skilled in the art and an understanding of such containers. Such containers and systems, per se, which are described herein are not part of, and therefore are not intended to limit, the broader aspects of the valve, per se, of the present invention. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that new and non-obvious aspects of the invention are incorporated into the described valve.

Figures 1-19 illustrate a presently preferred embodiment of the delivery valve of the present invention as part of a delivery or closure closure system that is generally designated by reference number 20 in figure 1. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the closure of delivery 20 includes a delivery valve 22 which is held in a mounting piece 24 that is in the form of a two-piece mounting assembly. Valve 22 and part 24 together are seen at closure 20. The preferred illustrated form of closure 20 is specially adapted to be assembled or installed in a container (not shown) that would typically contain a flowing material. The container would typically include (1) a body and / or neck defining an opening for the interior of the container, and (2) an external male thread for engaging the internal male thread in the dispensing closure 20. The distribution lock 20 can also be mounted on other types of apparatus or systems for distributing fluent material.

Where closure 20 is mounted in a container, the container may have a body of any suitable configuration, and the neck projecting upward may have a different size and / or cross-sectional shape than the container body. (Alternatively, the container does not need to have a neck, per se. Instead, the container can consist of just one body with an opening). The container would typically have a somewhat flexible wall or walls.

Although the container, per se, is not a part of the broad aspects of the present invention, per se, it will be appreciated that at least a part of the closure 20 can optionally be provided as a unitary part, or extension, of the top of the container. However, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, the dispensing closure 20 is a completely separate article or unit (for example, a separate dispensing closure 20) that can comprise either one piece or a set of multiple pieces, and that is adapted to be removably or non-removably installed in a previously manufactured container (or other fluent material distribution device). Later on, distribution lock 20 will be referred to more simply as closure 20.

The preferred illustrated embodiment of closure 20 is adapted for use with the container having an opening to provide access to the interior of the container and to a product contained therein. Closure 20 can be used to distribute many materials, including, but not limited to, liquids, suspensions, mixtures, etc. (such as, for example, a material that constitutes a personal care product, a food product, an industrial or household cleaning product, or other material compositions (for example, compositions for use in activities involving manufacturing, commercial or domestic maintenance , construction, agriculture, medical treatment, military operations, etc.)).

The container with which the closure 20 can be used would typically be a compressible container having a flexible wall or walls that can be gripped by the user and pinched or compressed to increase the internal pressure inside the container in order to force the product out of the container. and through open closure. Such a flexible container wall typically has sufficient inherent resilience so that when the compressive forces are removed, the container wall returns to its normal, non-deformed shape. Such a compressible container is preferred in many applications but may not be necessary or preferred in other applications. For example, in some applications it may be desirable to employ a generally rigid container, and to pressurize the inside of the container at selected times with a piston or other pressurization system, or to reduce the outside ambient pressure around the outside of the closure in order to force the product out of the container and through the open closure.

It is presently considered that many applications employing closure 20 will be conveniently carried out by molding at least some of the components of the closing assembly part 24 from suitable thermoplastic material or materials. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the closing assembly part 24 (on which the valve 22 is mounted) includes components molded from a suitable thermoplastic material, such as, but not limited to, polypropylene. The closing components can be molded separately - and they can be molded from different materials. Materials can have the same or different colors and textures. In a modality considered (not shown), the valve could be fixed to a unit assembly piece. The unit assembly part could be molded to form a unitary structure, generally rigid (instead of a multi-part structure), and then valve 22 could be molded by bi-injection into the part to form the complete closure.

As can be seen in figure 3, the presently most preferred form of closure 20 includes three basic components, (1) valve 22, (2) a unitary molded body 30, and (3) a retaining ring, or mounting ring , or holding element 34 that holds the valve 22 in the body 30. The body 30 and the ring 34 together define the mounting piece 24 in the form of a two-piece mounting assembly. The closure 20 could also include a cover (not shown) that is attached with a hinge or chain, or that is completely removable.

As can be seen in figure 3, the body 30 includes a skirt 38 that extends downwardly and defines an internal female thread 44 for threaded engagement with the external, male neck of the container neck (not shown) when the dispensing closure 20 is installed on the container neck.

Alternatively, the closing body 30 could be provided with some other container connection means, such as a snap-fit ​​groove or groove (not shown) to engage a groove or groove in the container neck (not shown), respectively. Also, the closure body 30 could instead be permanently attached to the container by means of induction melting, ultrasonic melting, gluing, or the like, depending on the materials used for the closure body 30 and container. The closing body 30 could also be formed as a unitary part, or extension, of the container.

The closure body 30 can have any suitable configuration to accommodate a neck projecting over the container or to accommodate any other part of a received container within the particular configuration of the closure body 30 - even if a container does not have a neck, per if. The main part of the container may have a different cross-sectional shape than the container and closure neck 30. The closing body 30 can also be adapted for mounting on other types of switchgear, machines or equipment.

Preferably an inner annular seal structure 46 (figure 3) descends downwardly from the underside of the closing body 30 adjacent to skirt 38. Such a seal structure could be a conventional double V seal as illustrated, or a seal plug profile, or a crab claw seal, a flat seal, or some other special or conventional seal, depending on the particular application.

As can be seen in figure 3, the closing body 30 includes a nozzle projecting upwards 50. The nozzle 50 includes an annular wall 52 to provide an internal space to accommodate the mounting ring 34 and the movement of the valve 22 from position closed retracted (shown in dashed lines in figure 14) to a partially extended position (shown in solid lines in figure 15) and to the open, fully extended position (figure 19). The interior of the nozzle 50 can be characterized as defining a discharge passage in the closing body 30.

The closing body 30 includes an optional aspect comprising three upwardly projecting walls 57 (figures 1-3), and these walls 57 can help prevent or minimize contact or impact of the nozzle 50 and the valve 22 with objects or exterior surfaces.

An annular flange structure 68 (figure 3) extends internally from the upper end of the annular wall 52 of the nozzle 50. The flange structure 68 defines a distribution opening surrounded by an annular seat 70 (figure 4), preferably in the configuration of a cone stem surface, to be engaged by a peripheral part of the valve 22 as described hereinafter. This accommodates the valve seat 22 in the closing body 30. The surface 70 functions as a downwardly inclined clamping surface for engaging the peripheral part of the valve 22 as explained in detail hereinafter.

The valve 22 is adapted to be mounted on the closing body 30 as shown in figure 3. The preferred embodiment of the valve 22 is a slit, flexible, pressure-actuated valve that is retained inside the closing body 30 by means of retaining ring 34 as described in detail later here.

The valve 22 is preferably shaped as a unitary structure from the material that is flexible, malleable, elastic and resilient. This may include elastomers, such as a synthetic heat-curing polymer, including silicone rubber, such as the silicone rubber sold by Dow Corning Corp. in the United States of America under the trade name DC 99-595-HC. Another suitable silicone rubber material is sold in the United States of America under the name Wacker 3003-40 by Wacker Silicone Company. Both of these materials have a hardness rating of 40 Shore A. Valve 22 could also be molded from other thermosetting materials or from other elastomeric materials, or from thermoplastic polymers or thermoplastic elastomers, including those based on materials such as thermoplastic propylene, ethylene, urethane, and styrene, including their halogenated complements.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, valve 22 incorporates much of the configuration of a commercially available valve design substantially as described in US Patent No. 5,676,289 with reference to valve 46 described in US Patent No. 5,676,289. The configuration and operation of this type of valve are further described with reference to the similar valve which is designated by reference number 3d in US Patent No. 5,409,144.

The valve 22 is flexible and changes the configuration between (1) a rest position, closed, retracted (as shown closed in figure 3 in closure 20 having an orientation that the closure would have, if mounted in a container in a standing package) , and (2) an open, active, extended position (as shown in figure 19 when the package is in an inverted position to distribute a fluid product). Referring to figure 13, valve 22 includes a peripheral mounting part or flange 74, a central, flexible valve head part or head 76, and a connector sleeve 78 that extends between, and connects, flange 74 and head 76. When valve 22 is not actuated, head 76 has a concave configuration (when viewed from the outside of closure 20 as shown in figure 3).

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, valve 22 has a generally circular configuration around the central longitudinal axis 80 extending through valve 22 (figure 3). In the preferred embodiment illustrated, flange 74, sleeve 78, and head 76 are oriented in a generally circular configuration and concentric with respect to a longitudinal axis 80 (figure 3) along which the fluid substance can be distributed to from valve 22 in a direction of discharge flow. The valve 22 (figure 3) can be characterized as having an axially outward direction which is defined by the discharge flow direction. The valve 22 can also be characterized as having an axially inward direction which is defined as a direction opposite the axially inward direction.

The head 76 of the valve 22 has a dispensing orifice which, in the preferred embodiment, is defined by one or more slots 82 (figures 9, 11 and 13). Preferably, there are two or more slits 82 radiating from the longitudinal axis 80. More preferably, there are four slits 82 that radiate from the axis 80. The four radiating slits 82 can alternatively be characterized as two intersecting transverse slits 82. One greater or lesser number of slits could be used. The slots 82 preferably extend transversely through the thickness of the head 76 parallel to the longitudinal axis 80.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, slots 82 extend laterally from a common origin on the longitudinal axis 80 to define four flaps or petals 83 (figure 11) that can flex outward (as seen in figure 19) to selectively allow the flow of container product through valve 22. The flaps 83 open outwardly from the intersection point of the slits 82 in response to an increasing pressure differential across the valve, when the pressure differential is of sufficient magnitude as generally described in US Patent No. 5,409,144.

Each slot 82 ends at a radially external end in the valve head 76. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the slots 82 are of equal length, although the slots 82 could be of uneven length. In the preferred embodiment, each slot 82 is planar, and the plane of each slot 82 contains the central longitudinal axis 80 of valve 22. Preferably, the slots 82 diverge from an origin on the longitudinal axis 80 and define angles of equal size between each pair of adjacent slots 82 so that the flaps 83 are of equal size. Preferably, the four slots 82 diverge at 90 degree angles to define two longest, intersecting, perpendicular slits. Preferably, slots 82 are formed so that the opposite side faces of adjacent valve flaps 83 tightly seal against each other when the dispensing orifice is in its completely closed, normal position. The length and location of the slits 82 can be adjusted to vary the predetermined opening pressure of the valve 22, as well as other distribution characteristics.

Valve 22 could be molded with slits 82. Alternatively, valve slits 82 could subsequently be cut in the central head 76 of valve 22 by suitable conventional techniques.

The connector skirt or sleeve 78 of the valve 22 extends from the central wall of the valve 76 to the peripheral mounting part 74. At the outer end of the sleeve 78, there is a thin annular flange 88 (figure 13) that extends peripherally as part of the sleeve 78 in an inverse inclined orientation. The thin flange 88 merges with the much thicker, enlarged peripheral mounting part or flange 74 which has a longitudinal cross-section generally in the form of a dovetail (as seen in figure 13).

To accommodate the valve seat 22 in the closing body 30 (as shown in figures 3 and 4), the top surface of the dovetail valve flange 74 has the same cone trunk and angle configuration as the trunk surface cone body of lock 70.

The other surface (i.e., the bottom surface) of valve flange 74 is secured by retaining ring 34 (figures 3 and 4). The retaining ring 34 includes an upwardly facing, cone-shaped, tapering surface 90 (figures 3 and 4) for engaging the inner surface (i.e., bottom surface) of valve flange 74 at an angle that corresponds with the angle of the adjacent inner surface of the dovetail configuration valve flange 74.

The peripheral part of the retaining ring 34 includes a projecting protrusion or protrusion 94 (figures 6 and 7) for snap-fit ​​engagement with the interior of the closing body nozzle 50 adjacent to a flange 98 (figure 6) if projecting inwardly from the annular wall of nozzle 52, and it securely attaches the ring to nozzle 50 so as to hold valve 22 firmly within nozzle 50. The interior of the ring 34 is large enough to allow the region adjacent to the inner surface of the valve sleeve 78 to be substantially open, free, and clean to accommodate the movement of the valve sleeve 78 as described later here.

The new configuration of valve 22 below will be more specifically described with reference to figure 13. The valve head 76 can be characterized as having an outer surface 102. The outer surface 102 may interface with the environment outside the valve. The outer surface 102 has a generally lowered configuration when viewed from the outside of the valve when the valve head 76 is in the closed position, completely retracted (as shown in figures 3 and 13).

The valve head 76 also includes an inner surface 104. The inner surface 104 can interface with the fluid substance inside the valve. As can be seen in Figures 10, 12 and 13, the inner surface of valve head 104 includes a radially outer surface portion 106 with a convex arcuate configuration when viewed from inside the valve when the valve is in the closed, fully retracted position. The inner surface of the valve head 104 further includes a central inner surface portion 108 that (i) is radially within the radially outer surface portion 106, (ii) bulges axially inward (towards the interior of the container or other apparatus). distribution in which the closure 20 is mounted) so that it protrudes from the radially outer surface part 106, and (iii) has an arched, convex, when viewed from inside the valve when the valve is in the closed position, completely retracted.

As can be seen in figure 13, in the preferred embodiment of valve 22, the valve orifice slits 82 extend radially outward at least to the radially outer surface portion 106 (see also figure 9).

Connector sleeve 78 extends from the peripheral part of valve head 76 and defines a generally tubular shape over at least part of the sleeve length. Connector sleeve 78 is relatively flexible and resilient so that when valve 22 is subjected to a sufficient pressure differential, sleeve 78 can bend over and roll out (figures 14 and 15) in an axially outward direction (for away from the inside of the container) when valve head 76 moves from the closed position, completely retracted (figures 3 and 13) to an extended position (figure 19) which is axially out of the closed position, completely retracted where the hole opening defined by slots 82 is accommodated.

With reference to figure 14, and with particular reference to the phantom position of valve 22 shown in dashed lines, sleeve 78 has a general J-shaped cross section when valve 22 is positioned so that the longitudinal axis is vertically oriented with the valve head up and the peripheral mounting part 74 down. Also, as can be seen in figure 13, in the preferred embodiment, the tubular wall of the connector sleeve 78 has a generally uniform cross section.

In the presently preferred embodiment illustrated in figure 13, the outer surface of valve head 102 is in a partially spherical place that defines a circular arc in the longitudinal cross section when viewed along a plane containing the longitudinal axis 80. The radius of the surface spherical circular arc exterior 102 is designated in figure 13 by the reference character Ri.

As shown in Figure 10, the radially external surface portion of the inner surface of the head 106 is partially spherical, and as can be seen in Figure 13, the partially spherical radially external surface portion 106 defines a circular arc R₂, when viewed in longitudinal cross section along a plane containing the longitudinal axis 80.

As can be seen in figure 10, the central inner surface part of the inner surface of valve head 108 is a partially spherical surface, and as can be seen in figure 13, the inner surface of the partially spherical central inner surface part 108 defines a circular arc having a radius R3, when viewed in longitudinal cross section along a plane containing the longitudinal axis 80.

The combination of circular arc configurations and associated radii Ri, R₂ and R3 are a preferred embodiment only, and are not intended to limit the particular surface shapes of the valve head 76.

In the preferred embodiment, the thickness of the central part of the valve head 76 between the outer surface 102 and the inner surface of the central inner surface part 108 is not uniform. In the presently most preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 13, the circular arc radius of the central inner surface part of valve head R3 is only slightly less than the radius R1 of the partially spherical outer surface of valve head 102, and the radius R1 origin is located farther outwardly along axis 80 compared to radius R origin₃.

In a presently more preferred form of the invention for a typical valve size, the outermost diameter of the connector sleeve 78, where it attaches to the peripheral mounting part 74, is about 12.98 mm as indicated by the reference character A in figure 13 .

The outermost diameter of the valve head 76 is indicated by the reference character B in figure 13, and in the presently most preferred embodiment for a typical valve size, B is about 10.67 mm.

In the presently most preferred form of the invention for a typical valve size, the diameter of the central inner surface part 108, designated on the circumference of the central inner surface part 108 by the reference character C in figure 13, is about 5.08 mm . The diameter C can also be characterized as the diameter that corresponds to the inner radius of the partly spherical outer surface part 106.

For a typical valve size, the preferred radius R-ι is about 6.35 mm, the preferred radius R₂ is about 9.78 mm, and the preferred radius R₃ is about 6.15 mm. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the radius of the outer surface of valve head 102 is slightly greater than the radius of the central inner surface part of the inner surface of valve head 108 so that the thickness of valve head 76 in the center of the slits intersection 82, as designated by the reference character T₂ in figure 13, it is slightly larger than the valve head thickness 76 at the periphery of the central inner surface part 108, as indicated by the reference character T-ι in figure 13. In the presently preferred form of the invention for a typical valve size Ti is about 0.86 mm and T₂ is about 0.97 mm.

As illustrated in figure 13, the central inner surface part 108 projects an amount X externally beyond its periphery or circumference, which is defined in the inner radius of the radially outer surface part 106. In the presently preferred embodiment, the dimension of the X projection is about 0.65 mm.

In a typical valve size for a presently preferred embodiment, the following ratios are preferred:

The projection dimension X (figure 13) is about 65% of the valve head thickness Τ_Ί on the periphery of the central inner surface part 108, the diameter C of the periphery of the central inner surface part 108 is about 47% of the outer diameter of valve head B, and the outer diameter of valve head B is about 80% of the peripheral diameter of valve sleeve A when measured where valve sleeve 788 connects to valve mounting part 74.

Additionally, in a presently preferred embodiment, the radius R3 (figure 13) of the central inner surface part 108 is about 97% of the radius R_t the outer surface of valve head 102 (figure 13).

Additionally, in the presently preferred embodiment, the valve head thickness T₂ in the center of the valve head is about 65% of the thickness T1 of the valve head 76 on the outer periphery or circumference of the central inner surface part 108.

Also, in the preferred embodiment, the projection distance X (figure 13) of the central inner surface part 108 is about 11% of the diameter C of the central inner surface part 108 (figure 13).

In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention for a typical valve size, the following ratios are preferred:

the outer diameter of the central inner surface part of the inner surface of valve head C is between 33% and about 66% of the outer diameter of the radially outer surface part of the inner surface of valve head B;

the distance X that the central inner part of the inner surface of the valve head 108 protrudes or bulges in the direction axially inward beyond the axial location of the circumference of the central inner surface part of the inner surface of the valve head 108 (defined in diameter C ) is between about 5% and 25% of the diameter C of the central inner part of the inner surface of valve head 108; and the central inner part of the inner surface of the valve head bulges in the direction axially inward from its circumference by a distance X between about 25% and about 75% of the thickness of the valve head in the center along the longitudinal axis .

In some applications, it is preferable to use valve 22 with an optional bulkhead structure on the inside of the valve. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, a bulkhead structure is incorporated as part of the retainer ring 34 as will be explained in more detail below, with reference to figures 6, 7 and 8 which illustrate the retainer ring 34.

As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, the retaining ring has a generally annular wall, extending downwards 120. Through the bottom of the annular wall 120 is a generally square bulkhead plate 122 connected in each of its four corners at the annular wall 120. The bulkhead plate 122 has four side edges 124 which are spaced inwardly from the annular wall 120 to define four peripheral openings 128 that accommodate a flow of fluid product or other substance to be dispensed from the container or other dispensing apparatus.

As can be seen in Figure 6, the portion of the bulkhead plate 122 within the edges 124 has a disk-shaped configuration defined by a cone-shaped upper wall 130 and a circular, generally flat bottom wall 132. The walls 130 and 132 of the bulkhead plate 122 define a slightly recessed configuration (recessed inwards towards the interior of the container) that corresponds to, or follows, the configuration projecting internally from the valve head 76 as can be seen in figure 6. Additionally, as can be seen in figure 6, the central bottom wall 132 of the bulkhead plate 122 has approximately the same diameter as the slots 82, and the bottom wall of the bulkhead plate 132 is generally aligned in register with the slots 82 with respect to the longitudinal axis 80. In addition, with reference to figure 6, it will be noted that the openings of the bulkhead plate 128 are located adjacent the edge of the outer periphery of the valve head 76 so that a fluid substance flowing through the openings 128 to the valve 22 impacts first on the peripheral edge or circumference of valve head 76 and on the inner side of valve connection sleeve 78.

In order to distribute the product, the packaging is typically tilted downwards, or completely inverted, and then tightened. Figure 14 shows the orientation of a valve 22 when the package is inverted and the container is tightened. (Or, alternatively, the atmospheric pressure could be reduced adjacent to the outside of valve 22). The container is typically compressed to increase the pressure inside the container above the ambient ambient atmospheric pressure. This forces the product in the container to and against valve 22, and forcing valve 22 from the lowered or retracted position (shown with dashed lines in figure 14) to an outwardly extending position (shown with dashed lines in figures 14 and 15 ). The displacement out of the central head 76 of the valve 22 is accommodated by the flexible, relatively thin sleeve 78. Glove 78 moves from a seated position, projecting inward (shown in dashed lines in figure 15) to a pressurized position, displaced outward, and this occurs as a result of rolling glove 78 along itself to out towards the outer end of the package (to the position shown in solid lines in figures 14 and 15).

During the valve opening process, valve head 76 is initially moved outwards while still maintaining its closed configuration, which is generally concave (figures 14 and 15). The initial outward displacement of the closed, concave head 76 is accommodated by a flexible, relatively thin glove 78. The sleeve 78 moves from a resting position, lowered to a pressurized position where the sleeve 78 extends outwards in the direction, and can preferably extend beyond the open end of the structure on which the valve is mounted. That is, sleeve 78 extends axially outward (that is, outwardly in the direction of discharge of the substance being dispensed through valve 22). However, valve 22 does not open (i.e., slots 82 do not open) until the valve head has moved substantially all the way to a fully extended position. In fact, when the valve head 76 moves outwardly, the valve head 76 is subjected to compressive forces directed radially inward which tend to still resist opening of the slits 82. In addition, valve head 76 generally retains its closed configuration as it moves forward and even after sleeve 78 and valve head 76 reach the fully extended position (approximately as shown in figure 15). However, when the internal pressure becomes large enough compared to the external pressure, then the slots 82 in the extended valve head 76 open quickly to distribute the product (figures 16-19). The flowing material is then expelled or discharged through the open slits 82.

The dispensing action of valve 22 discussed above would typically occur only after (1) the lid (if any) has been moved to the open position, (2) the package has been tilted or inverted, and (3) the container is tight. The pressure inside the valve 22 will cause the valve to open when the differential between the indoor and outdoor pressures reaches a predetermined amount. Preferably, valve 22 is designed to open only after a sufficiently large pressure differential acts through the valve - as caused by squeezing the container with sufficient force (if the container is not a rigid container), and / or caused by pressure sufficiently reduced (i.e. vacuum) applied to the outside of the nozzle 50.

Depending on the particular valve design, open valve 22 may close when the pressure differential decreases, or the valve may remain open even if the pressure differential decreases to zero. In the preferred embodiment of valve 22, illustrated for the preferred embodiment of the system shown in figures 1-9, valve 22 is designed to close when the pressure differential decreases to, or below, a predetermined magnitude. Thus, when the compression pressure in the container is released, valve 22 closes, and valve head 76 retracts to its lowered resting position within the spout 52.

Preferably, valve 22 is designed to support the weight of the fluid inside valve 22 when the container is completely inverted. With such a design, if the container is inverted while valve 22 is closed, but the container is not being tightened, then the mere weight of the flowing material in valve 22 does not cause valve 22 to open, or remain open. In addition, if the container, on which the closed valve 22 is mounted, inadvertently tilts (after a lid, if any, is opened), then the product still does not flow out of valve 22 because valve 22 remains closed.

In a preferred embodiment, valve petals 83 open outward only when valve head 76 is subjected to a predetermined pressure differential acting in a pressure gradient direction where the pressure on the inner surface of the valve head exceeds - by a predetermined amount - the local ambient pressure on the outer surface of the valve head. The product can then be delivered through the open valve 22 until the pressure differential drops below a predetermined magnitude, and the petals 83 then close completely.

Valve 22 can also be designed to be flexible enough to accommodate ambient atmosphere ventilation as described in detail below, so that the closing petals 83 can continue to move further inward to allow valve 22 to open to in when the pressure differential gradient direction reverses, and the pressure on the outer surface of valve head 102 exceeds the pressure on the inner surface of valve head 104 by a predetermined magnitude.

For some dispensing applications, it may be desirable for valve 22 to not only dispense the product, but also to accommodate such ventilation of the ambient atmosphere (for example, to allow a tightening container (on which the valve is mounted) to return to its original format). Such ventilation capacity can be provided by selecting a material suitable for valve construction, and selecting thicknesses, shapes and dimensions appropriate for various parts of valve head 76 for the particular valve material and total valve size. The shape, flexibility, and resilience of the valve head, and in particular, of the petals, can be designed or set so that the petals will flex inward when subjected to a sufficient pressure differential acting through the head 76 and in a gradient direction which is the inverse or opposite of the pressure differential gradient direction during product distribution. Such a reverse pressure differential can be established when a user releases a resilient, compressed container on which the valve 22 is mounted. The resilience of the container wall (or walls) will return the wall to its normal, higher volume setting. The swelling inside the container will cause a transient, temporary drop in interior pressure. When the internal pressure drops sufficiently below the external ambient pressure, the pressure differential across valve 22 will be large enough to flex the petals inward to allow ventilation of the ambient atmosphere. In some cases, however, the desired rate or amount of ventilation may not occur until the tight container is returned to a substantially upright orientation that allows the product to flow under the influence of gravity away from the valve 22.

It should be understood that the valve delivery orifice can be defined by structures other than the illustrated slits 82. If the orifice is defined by the slits, then the slits can assume other shapes, dimensions and / or configurations, according to those distribution characteristics desired. For example, the hole may also include five or more slits.

The delivery valve 22 is preferably configured for use in conjunction with a particular container, and a specific type of product, in order to obtain the desired exact delivery characteristics. For example, the viscosity and density of the fluid product can be factors to designate the specific configuration of valve 22 for liquids, such as the shape, size and strength of the container. The rigidity and durometer of the valve material, the size and shape of the valve head 76, are also important to obtain the desired distribution characteristics, and can be combined with the container and the fluent substance to be dispensed from it.

It has been found that the new configuration of valve 22, especially valve head 76, provides improved performance with respect to the effects of transient, accelerated hydraulic pressure or hydraulic hammer. If the package containing the valve closure is placed or moved against a surface with substantial force and impact, the valve resists opening from transient pressure or hydraulic hammer forces. The increased resistance to opening the valve when subjected to a hydraulic hammer is significant in situations where much or most of the product or other fluid substance contained has been discharged, and the user hits or impacts the package against a surface to deposit the remaining fluid product in a end of the container that tends to cause multiple impacts on the valve. Under such conditions, the new valve of the present invention is less likely to open and leak.

In addition, when the valve is incorporated into a closure with the bulkhead plate, such as the bulkhead plate 122 provided in the retaining ring as discussed above, the bulkhead plate will further enhance the valve's ability to resist opening in response to pressure hydraulic hammer when the packaging is compressed, and the bulkhead plate arrangement is particularly effective in minimizing premature opening leakage through the valve, when the package is thrown on a surface that could create vibrations in the closure and the fluid substance or when the package is dropped at an angle causing a lateral impact on the package.

The valve's resistance to premature opening, when the valve is subjected to transient pressure effects from internal hydraulic hammer, is believed to be, at least in part, the result of providing the central part of the valve head with a bulging protruding axially inwards and a slightly thicker thickness in the center of the domed part where the cracks intersect.

Additionally, the convex arched configuration (when viewed from inside the valve) of the valve in the closed condition is believed to also contribute to the improved characteristics of resisting the effects of internal hydraulic hammer transient pressure. Although there is no intention to be limited by any particular theory of operation, it is believed that the new configuration will provide a more stable, as well as more rigid seal configuration in the closed position.

It will be easily seen from the following detailed description of the invention and from the illustrations of it that numerous other variations and modifications can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the new concepts or principles of this invention.