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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to product packaging, and in particular to a
dispensing package for fluid products, and the like.
Many different types of packages or containers are presently available for
storing non-solid products of the type which are capable of flowing, such
as fluid or fluidized materials, including liquids, pastes, powders, and
the like, which substances are collectively and generically referred to
herein as "fluids." Some such packages include a dispenser which permits a
selected amount of fluid to be discharged from the package, and then
reseals to close the package.
Self-sealing dispensing valves have been used in packaging for certain
types of products, such as the container disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,728,006 to Drobish et al., which is designed for shampoos, conditioners,
and the like. However, such valves can experience sealing problems, and
inconsistent dispensing flow rates, particularly when the packages are
exposed to significant temperature variations. For instance, in most
portions of North America, the ambient temperature varies greatly
throughout the year, which results in some degree of temperature changes
inside even air-conditioned buildings, particularly between nighttime and
daytime. For packages designed for use in special places, such as a
household shower or bath, the temperature in the room can shift quite
drastically during use. Dispensing packages used in such environments
experience difficulty in maintaining consistent flow and sealing
characteristics.
Furthermore, valves constructed from most conventional plastic materials
cannot be used in certain types of packages, since they either react with
or adulterate the product. For instance, in food packaging, care must be
taken to avoid valve materials which contain any type of toxins.
Furthermore, active ingredients in products can cause the valve to either
embrittle or soften, thereby ruining the designed flow rate and/or
self-sealing characteristics of the valve.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is a dispensing package with a crimped
valve retainer arrangement. The dispensing package comprises a container,
with a self-sealing dispensing valve positioned on a lip of the container
to communicate with a discharge opening in the container. The dispensing
valve includes a retainer flange which is resiliently deformable between
opposite faces. A retainer ring is associated with the container, and
includes a crimpable ring which is inelastically deformed about the flange
of the dispensing valve to form a rim which engages the outer face of the
dispensing valve flange, and compresses the flange between the lip of the
container and the rim of the retainer ring to securely mount the
dispensing valve on the container, and simultaneously form a leak
resistant seal therebetween.
Another aspect of the present invention is a method for mounting a
self-sealing dispensing valve in a container. The method includes crimping
a collar portion of the container about a flange portion of the valve, and
compressing the same to form a leak resistant seal between the valve and
the container.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a dispensing package with a
snap-on valve retainer arrangement. The dispensing package comprises a
container having a lip disposed adjacent to the discharge opening, and a
first snap-lock member. A self-sealing dispensing valve is positioned to
communicate with the discharge opening of the container, and includes a
retainer flange which is resiliently deformable between opposite faces.
One of the dispensing valve faces is positioned on the lip of the
container, and is oriented such that the orifice communicates with the
discharge opening. A valve retainer is provided, and includes a rim shaped
to abuttingly engage the outer face of the dispensing valve. The valve
retainer includes a second snap-lock member which is shaped to mate with
the first snap-lock member on the container. With the dispensing valve
positioned between the container and the valve retainer, linear converging
motion between the container and the valve retainer engages the first and
second snap-lock members, and compresses the flange of the dispensing
valve between the lip of the container and the rim of the valve retainer
to securely mount the dispensing valve on the container, and
simultaneously form a leak resistant seal therebetween.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a dispensing package with a
screw-on valve retainer and torque ring arrangement. The dispensing
package comprises a container having a lip disposed adjacent to a
discharge opening and a threaded neck. A self-sealing dispensing valve is
positioned to communicate with the discharge opening of the container, and
includes a retainer flange which is resiliently deformable between
opposite faces. A valve retainer is provided which includes a rim shaped
to abuttingly engage one of the faces of the dispensing valve, and
includes a threaded portion shaped to mate with the threaded neck of the
container to removably interconnect the same. A torque ring is positioned
between the lip of the container, and is rotationally slidable thereon,
whereby with the dispensing valve positioned between the torque ring and
the valve retainer, rotation of the valve retainer with respect to the
container engages the threaded portions, and compresses the flange of the
dispensing valve between the lip of the container and the rim of the valve
retainer to securely mount the dispensing valve on the container, and
simultaneously form a leak resistant seal therebetween.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a ribbed, self-sealing
dispensing valve adapted to be positioned adjacent the discharge opening
of a container. The dispensing valve includes a wall with a least one slit
therethrough which defines an orifice that opens and closes in response to
the application and removal of a predetermined threshold pressure. At
least one rib extends longitudinally along the valve wall to a preselected
distance from the slit, and is located intermediate to the opposite ends
of the slit to selectively stiffen the wall of the valve to insure
complete and timely closure of the orifice upon removal of the threshold
pressure.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a slit forming method for
ribbed valves, wherein the valve is positioned in a slitting jig having an
interior shape substantially identical to the exterior shape of the valve.
At least one slot is formed through the top of the valve by inserting a
slitting blade through the open end of the valve, into the valve body, and
abutting against the interior surface of the valve top to compress the
same against the associated portion of the slitting jig to sheer cut the
valve dome along a line which extends diametrically between opposite
portions of the valve body interior, and is oriented a preselected angular
measure from the ribs.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a slit and wedge
self-sealing dispensing valve adapted to communicate with the discharge
opening of a container. The valve includes a wall with an interior surface
having at least one slit therethrough to define an orifice that opens and
closes in response to the application and removal of a predetermined
threshold pressure. The slit has a generally linear shape with opposite
ends disposed generally in line. The valve also includes at least one
wedge disposed on the interior surface of the valve adjacent to one end of
the slit. The wedge is oriented generally perpendicular to the slit, and
assists in the opening of the orifice in response to the application of
the threshold pressure, and selectively stiffens the wall of the valve to
insure complete and timely closure of the orifice upon removal of the
threshold pressure.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a conical self-sealing
dispensing valve which is adapted to communicate with the discharge
opening of a container. The dispensing valve includes a wall with at least
one slit therethrough defining an orifice which opens and closes in
response to the application and removal of a predetermined threshold
pressure. The dispensing valve also has a generally frustoconical shape
with a substantially conical sidewall and a substantially flat top wall in
which the orifice is disposed, so as to selectively stiffen the valve to
insure complete and timely closure upon the orifice upon removal of the
threshold pressure.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a pop-up self-sealing
dispensing valve adapted to communicate with the discharge opening of a
container. The dispensing valve includes a base, a sidewall projecting
outwardly from the base, and a top wall closing one end of the sidewall,
with at least one slit therethrough defining an orifice that opens and
closes in response to the application and removal of a predetermined
threshold pressure. The valve sidewall is elastically flexible for
shifting between an extended operational position wherein the top wall is
spaced apart from the base a predetermined distance to permit fluid
product to be dispensed from the container, and a retracted storage
position wherein the top wall is disposed generally flush with the valve
base and the sidewall is doubled over to generate forces in the valve
which prevent the orifice from inadvertently opening.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a suck-back self-sealing
dispensing valve adapted to communicate with the discharge opening of a
container. The dispensing valve includes a top wall with at least one
opening therethrough defining an orifice that opens and closes in response
to the application and removal of a predetermined threshold pressure. The
top wall of the valve has an interior surface with a marginal groove
encircling and spaced a predetermined distance from the orifice. The
groove selectively stiffens the wall of the valve to insure complete and
timely closure of the orifice upon removal of the threshold pressure, yet
permits air to be drawn back into the container through the fluid product,
so that the container does not collapse.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is an adhesive dot closure for
use in conjunction with a self-sealing dispensing valve. A substantially
imperforate patch is provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive on one
side which removably attaches the patch to the exterior surface of the
valve overlying the discharge opening to positively retain the orifice in
a closed position and thereby prevent fluid product from being
inadvertently dispensed from the container.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a shrink wrap closure
arrangement for use in conjunction with self-sealing dispensing valves.
The shrink wrap closure includes a substantially imperforate sleeve
constructed from a heat shrink material, which is shaped to envelop the
exterior surface of the valve, whereby when the sleeve is shrunk in place,
the sleeve covers the dispensing aperture of the valve to positively
retain the orifice closed, and thereby prevent fluid product from being
inadvertently dispensed from the container.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a snap-on cap arrangement
for use in conjunction with self-sealing dispensing valves. The snap-on
cap is a substantially imperforate structure shaped to cover and enclose
the exterior surface of the valve, and is detachably connected with the
container to form a leak resistant fluid seal therebetween.
The principal objects of the present invention are to provide a dispensing
package with a self-sealing valve which securely seals upon the removal of
a predetermined threshold pressure, so as to prevent the fluid product
from drying out, losing flavor, or otherwise changing the product's
original characteristics by virtue of exposure to ambient air. The
self-sealing dispensing valve accurately controls the flow rate of product
out of the container, so as to consistently dispense a predetermined
amount of product at each use, throughout the life of the package.
Preferably, the dispensing valve is constructed from a liquid silicone
rubber, which is completely inert, and will not react with or adulterate
the product. The opening and closing characteristics of the valve remain
unaltered even when the package is exposed to substantial temperature
fluctuations. The non-stick nature of the liquid silicone rubber valve
prevents the valve from fouling, and assists in cleaning excess product
from the same. The valve is efficient in use, economical to manufacture,
capable of a long operating life, and particularly well adapted for the
proposed uses.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and
appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following
written specification, claims and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded, vertical cross-sectional view of a dispensing
package embodying the present invention, including a container, a
self-sealing dispensing valve, and a closure.
FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispensing package
illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the valve is positioned on a lip of the
container, and the closure is disassembled.
FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispensing package
illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein a collar portion of the container has been
crimped about a flange portion of the valve to securely mount the valve
therein, and the closure is disassembled.
FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispensing package
illustrated in FIG. 3, with the closure attached to the valve.
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary front elevational view of another embodiment of the
present invention, particularly showing a dispensing valve mounted in a
bottom portion of the container.
FIG. 6 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the present
invention, particularly showing a tube type dispensing package with one
end open to fill the tube.
FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the dispensing package illustrated in FIG.
6, wherein the tube has been filled with fluid product through the open
end, and the open end has been closed.
FIG. 8 is an exploded vertical cross-sectional view of another embodiment
of the present invention, particularly showing a self-sealing dispensing
valve crimped into a removable cap.
FIG. 9 is an exploded vertical cross-sectional view of another embodiment
of the present invention, comprising a container, a self-sealing
dispensing valve, a snap-on retainer ring, and a closure cap.
FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispensing package
illustrated in FIG. 9, wherein the valve has been set in place on an upper
lip portion of the container.
FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispensing package
illustrated in FIG. 10, wherein the snap-on retainer ring has been
positioned over the valve, but not yet snapped in place.
FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispensing package
illustrated in FIG. 11, wherein the snap-on retainer ring has been snapped
in place on the container, so as to compress a flange portion of the valve
therebetween.
FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispensing package
illustrated in FIG. 12, wherein the closure cap has been snapped in place
over the valve.
FIG. 14 is an exploded vertical cross-sectional view of another embodiment
of the present invention, comprising a container, a torque ring, a
self-sealing dispensing valve, a valve retainer, and a shrink wrap closure
sheath.
FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispensing package
illustrated in FIG. 14, wherein the valve and the torque ring are
positioned on an upper lip portion of the container.
FIG. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispensing package
illustrated in FIG. 15, wherein the valve retainer has been screwed
loosely onto the container, but not yet tightened.
FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispensing package
illustrated in FIG. 16, wherein the valve retainer has been tightened onto
the container to compress a flange portion of the valve therebetween.
FIG. 18 is an elevational view of the dispensing package illustrated in
FIG. 17, wherein the shrink wrap closure sheath has been positioned over
the valve retainer.
FIG. 19 is an elevational view of the dispensing package illustrated in
FIG. 18, wherein the closure sheath has been shrunk around the valve
retainer to cover and depress the valve into a closed position.
FIG. 20 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the valve retainer shown in
FIGS. 14-19.
FIG. 21 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve
retainer shown in FIGS. 14-19.
FIG. 22 is a top plan view of an alternate torque ring.
FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the torque ring illustrated in FIG.
22.
FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the torque ring illustrated in FIGS. 14-19.
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the torque ring illustrated in FIGS.
14-19 and 24.
FIG. 26 is an exploded vertical cross-sectional view of another embodiment
of the present invention, comprising a container, a self-sealing
dispensing valve, and a valve retainer.
FIG. 27 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispensing package
illustrated in FIG. 26, shown in a fully assembled condition.
FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the dispensing valve illustrated in FIG. 27.
FIG. 29 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispensing valve
illustrated in FIG. 28.
FIG. 30 is a bottom plan view of the dispensing valve illustrated in FIG.
29.
FIG. 31 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispensing valve
illustrated in FIG. 30, shown positioned in a slitting jig, prior to the
formation of a dispensing orifice.
FIG. 32 is a top plan view of an alternate self-sealing dispensing valve
embodying the present invention.
FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing valve illustrated in
FIG. 32, ta | | |
