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Claims  |
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The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A dispensing package for fluid products, comprising:
a container shaped to retain a selected fluid product therein, and
including a discharge opening;
a dispensing valve for controlling the flow of the fluid product from the
container, including:
a marginal valve flange sealing about
the discharge opening of said container;
a valve head having a marginal edge, interior and exterior sides, and an
orifice extending therebetween which opens to permit fluid flow
therethrough in response to a predetermined discharge pressure within said
container, and closes to shut off fluid flow therethrough upon removal of
the predetermined discharge pressure;
a connector sleeve having a resiliently flexible construction, with one end
thereof connected with said valve flange, and an opposite end thereof
connected with said valve head adjacent the marginal edge thereof, whereby
when pressure within said container is raised above the predetermined
discharge pressure, said valve head shifts outwardly in a manner which
causes said connector sleeve to double over and extend rollingly, and
thereby apply a torque to said valve head which assists in opening said
orifice; and wherein
said exterior side of the valve head includes a curved portion configured
to assume a generally concave orientation when said orifice is closed, and
a generally convex orientation when said orifice is open, such that inward
compression and torque applied to said valve head by said connector sleeve
combine to resiliently maintain said orifice open, whereby that pressure
required to maintain fluid flow through said orifice is substantially less
than said predetermined discharge pressure, so as to provide greater ease
of dispensing and flow control.
2. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
said connector sleeve has said opposite end thereof connected with said
valve head adjacent the exterior side thereof for improved torque assist
in opening said orifice.
3. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 2, wherein:
said container includes a wall in which said discharge opening is
positioned; and
said connector sleeve is configured to permit said valve head to shift
between a fully extended position wherein said orifice is located exterior
of said container wall to facilitate neatly dispensing the fluid product,
and a fully retracted position wherein said orifice is located interior of
said container wall to facilitate safe, leak-resistant storage.
4. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 3, wherein:
said valve head is configured such that when said valve head shifts between
the fully retracted position and the fully extended position, said curved
portion tends to flatten, and said valve head is thereby compressed
inwardly by said connector sleeve in a fashion which causes said orifice
to quickly and positively open and close for improved control of the fluid
flow therethrough.
5. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 4, wherein:
said orifice shifts between a fully open position and a fully closed
position, and is configured such that when said valve head assumes its
generally convex orientation, said orifice automatically shifts to the
fully open position, such that the rate of fluid flow through said orifice
is relatively constant, even when pressures within said container vary
between normal predetermined amounts.
6. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 5, wherein:
said container includes a base shaped to support said container in an
upright, free-standing orientation on a selected surface, wherein said
container wall is disposed in said base, and said valve is oriented
therein for bottom dispensing the fluid product from said container; and
said dispensing valve is configured such that said predetermined threshold
pressure is greater than the maximum hydraulic head pressure of the fluid
product in said container when said discharge opening is oriented
downwardly to prevent advertent leakage of the liquid product from said
dispensing package.
7. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 6, including:
a closure selectively positioned to positively prevent said valve head from
shifting to the fully extended position to facilitate transporting said
dispensing package.
8. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 7, wherein:
said valve head interior side has an arcuate marginal portion which is
shaped generally convex when said valve head is in the fully retracted
position.
9. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 8, wherein:
said valve head interior side has a generally flat center portion in which
said orifice is positioned.
10. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 9, wherein:
said orifice includes first and second slits oriented in a mutually
intersecting relationship.
11. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 10, wherein:
said arcuate shape of said valve head exterior side is defined by a first
radius; and
said arcuate shape of the marginal portion of said valve head interior side
is defined by a second radius, which is greater than said first radius.
12. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 11, wherein:
said connector sleeve comprises a substantially imperforate rolling
diaphragm having a generally cylindrically shaped side wall portion, and a
radially outwardly extending base portion.
13. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 12, wherein:
said diaphragm base portion protrudes outwardly adjacent to said marginal
valve flange to assist rolling motion in said diaphragm as said valve head
is shifted outwardly from the fully retracted position.
14. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 13, wherein:
said valve head has a circular plan shape;
said marginal valve flange has an annular plan shape; and
said diaphragm sidewall portion has an exterior surface positioned in-line
with the marginal edge of said valve head.
15. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 14, wherein:
said dispensing valve has a one-piece construction formed from a silicone
rubber.
16. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 15, wherein:
said dispensing valve is integrally molded from a liquid silicone rubber.
17. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 16, wherein:
said container includes flexible sidewalls which are converged to dispense
the liquid product through said dispensing valve.
18. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 17, wherein:
said container sidewalls have sufficient resiliency to automatically return
to their original shape after being flexed.
19. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
said container includes a wall in which said discharge opening is
positioned; and
said connector sleeve is configured to permit said valve head to shift
between a fully extended position wherein said orifice is located exterior
of said container wall to facilitate neatly dispensing the fluid product,
and a fully retracted position wherein said orifice is located interior of
said container wall to facilitate safe, leak-resistant storage.
20. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
said valve head is configured such that when said valve head shifts between
a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, said curved
portion tends to flatten, and said valve head is thereby compressed
inwardly by said connector sleeve in a fashion which causes said orifice
to quickly and positively open and close for improved control of the fluid
flow therethrough.
21. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
said valve head shifts into a generally convex orientation when said
orifice is open; and
said orifice shifts between a fully open position and a fully closed
position, and is configured such that when said valve head assumes its
generally convex orientation, said orifice automatically shifts to the
fully open position, such that the rate of fluid flow through said orifice
is relatively constant, even when pressures within said container vary
between normal predetermined amounts.
22. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
said valve head interior side has a generally flat center portion in which
said orifice is positioned.
23. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
said orifice includes first and second slits oriented in a mutually
intersecting relationship.
24. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
said valve head curved portion has an arcuate shape defined by a first
radius; and
said valve head interior side has a marginal portion with an arcuate shape
defined by a second radius, which is greater than said first radius.
25. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
said connector sleeve comprises a substantially imperforate rolling
diaphragm having a generally cylindrically shaped side wall portion, and a
radially outwardly extending base portion which protrudes outwardly
adjacent to said marginal valve flange to assist rolling motion in said
diaphragm as said valve head is shifted outwardly.
26. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
said valve head has a circular plan shape;
said marginal valve flange has an annular plan shape; and
said connector sleeve has an exterior surface positioned in-line with the
marginal edge of said valve head.
27. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
said container includes flexible sidewalls which are converged to dispense
the liquid product through said dispensing valve, and have sufficient
resiliency to automatically return to their original shape after being
flexed.
28. A dispensing package for fluid products, comprising:
a container shaped to retain a selected fluid product therein, and
including a discharge opening;
a dispensing valve for controlling the flow of the fluid product from the
container, including:
a marginal valve flange sealing about the discharge opening of said
container;
a valve head having a marginal edge, interior and exterior sides, and an
orifice extending therebetween which opens to permit fluid flow
therethrough in response to a predetermined discharge pressure within said
container, and closes to shut off fluid flow therethrough upon removal of
the predetermined discharge pressure;
a connector sleeve having a resiliently flexible construction, with one end
thereof connected with said valve flanges, and an opposite end thereof
connected with said valve head adjacent the marginal edge thereof, whereby
when pressure within said container is raised above the predetermined
discharge pressure, said valve head shifts outwardly in a manner which
causes said connector sleeve to double over and extend rollingly, and
thereby apply a torque to said valve head which assists in opening said
orifice; and wherein
said valve head shifts into a generally convex orientation when said
orifice is open; and said orifice shifts between a fully open position and
a fully closed position, and is configured such that when said valve head
assumes its generally convex orientation, said orifice automatically
shifts to the fully open position, such that the rate of fluid flow
through said orifice is relatively constant, even when pressures within
said container vary between normal predetermined amounts.
29. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 28, wherein:
said connector sleeve has said opposite end thereof connected with said
valve head adjacent the exterior side thereof for improved torque assist
in opening said orifice.
30. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 28, wherein:
said container includes a wall in which said discharge opening is
positioned; and
said connector sleeve is configured to permit said valve head to shift
between a fully extended position wherein said orifice is located exterior
of said container wall to facilitate neatly dispensing the fluid product,
and a fully retracted position wherein said orifice is located interior of
said container wall to facilitate safe, leak-resistant storage.
31. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 28, wherein:
said valve head interior side has an arcuate marginal portion which is
shaped generally convex when said valve head is in a fully retracted
position.
32. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 28, wherein:
said valve head interior side has a generally flat center portion in which
said orifice is positioned.
33. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 28, wherein:
said connector sleeve comprises a substantially imperforate rolling
diaphragm having a generally cylindrically shaped side wall portion, and a
radially outwardly extending base portion.
34. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 28, wherein:
said valve head has a circular plan shape;
said marginal valve flange has an annular plan shape; and
said diaphragm sidewall portion has an exterior surface positioned in-line
with the marginal edge of said valve head.
35. A dispensing valve adapted for use in conjunction with fluid product
packaging of the type having a container with a discharge opening therein,
comprising:
a marginal valve flange shaped to seal about the discharge opening of the
container;
a valve head having a marginal edge, interior and exterior sides, and an
orifice extending therebetween which opens to permit fluid flow
therethrough in response to communication with a predetermined discharge
pressure, and closes to shut off fluid flow therethrough upon removal of
the predetermined discharge pressure;
a connector sleeve having a resiliently flexible construction, with one end
thereof connected with said valve flange, and an opposite end thereof
connected with said valve head adjacent the marginal edge thereof, whereby
when pressure in excess of the predetermined discharge pressure is applied
to the interior side of said valve head, said valve head shifts outwardly
in a manner which causes said connector sleeve to double over and extend
rollingly, and thereby apply a torque to said valve head which assists in
opening said orifice; and wherein
said valve head exterior side includes a curved portion configured to
assume a generally concave orientation when said orifice is closed, and a
generally convex orientation when said orifice is open, such that inward
compression and torque applied to said valve head by said connector sleeve
combine to resiliently maintain said orifice open, whereby that pressure
required to maintain fluid flow through said orifice is substantially less
than said predetermined threshold pressure, so as to provide greater ease
of dispensing and flow control.
36. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 35, wherein:
said connector sleeve has said opposite end thereof connected with said
valve head adjacent the exterior side thereof for improved torque assist
in opening said orifice.
37. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 36, wherein:
said connector sleeve is configured to permit said valve head to shift
between a fully extended position wherein said orifice is located exterior
of the container to facilitate neatly dispensing the fluid product, and a
fully retracted position wherein said orifice is located interior of the
container to facilitate safe, leak-resistant storage.
38. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 37, wherein:
said valve head is configured such that when said valve head shifts between
the fully retracted position and the fully extended position, said curved
portion tends to flatten, and said valve head is thereby compressed
inwardly by said connector sleeve in a fashion which causes said orifice
to quickly and positively open and close for improved control of the fluid
flow therethrough.
39. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 38, wherein:
said orifice shifts between a fully open position and a fully closed
position, and is configured such that when said valve head assumes its
generally convex orientation, said orifice automatically shifts to the
fully open position, such that the rate of fluid flow through said orifice
is relatively constant, even when pressures within the container vary
between normal predetermined amounts.
40. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 39, wherein:
said valve head interior side has an arcuate marginal portion which is
shaped generally convex when said valve head is in the fully retracted
position.
41. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 40, wherein:
said valve head interior side has a generally flat center portion in which
said orifice is positioned.
42. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 41, wherein:
said orifice includes first and second slits oriented in a mutually
intersecting relationship.
43. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 42, wherein:
said arcuate shape of said valve head exterior side is defined by a first
radius; and
said arcuate shape of the marginal portion of said valve head interior side
is defined by a second radius, which is greater than said first radius.
44. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 43, wherein:
said connector sleeve comprises a substantially imperforate rolling
diaphragm having a generally cylindrically shaped side wall portion, and a
radially outwardly extending base portion.
45. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 44, wherein:
said diaphragm base portion protrudes outwardly adjacent to said marginal
valve flange to assist rolling motion in said diaphragm as said valve head
is shifted outwardly from the fully retracted position.
46. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 45, wherein:
said valve head has a circular plan shape;
said marginal valve flange has an annular plan shape; and
said diaphragm sidewall portion has an exterior surface positioned in-line
with the marginal edge of said valve head.
47. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 46, wherein:
said dispensing valve has a one-piece construction formed from a silicone
rubber.
48. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 47, wherein:
said dispensing valve is integrally molded from a liquid silicone rubber.
49. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 48, wherein:
said container includes flexible sidewalls which are converged to dispense
the liquid product through said dispensing valve.
50. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 35, wherein:
said connector sleeve is configured to permit said valve head to shift
between a fully extended position wherein said orifice is located exterior
of the container to facilitate neatly dispensing the fluid product, and a
fully retracted position wherein said orifice is located interior of the
container to facilitate safe, leak-resistant storage.
51. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 35, wherein:
said valve head is configured such that when said valve head shifts between
a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, said curved
portion tends to flatten, and said valve head is thereby compressed
inwardly by said connector sleeve in a fashion which causes said orifice
to quickly and positively open and close for improved control of the fluid
flow therethrough.
52. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 35, wherein:
said valve head shifts into a generally convex orientation when said
orifice is open; and
said orifice shifts between a fully open position and a fully closed
position, and is configured such that when said valve head assumes its
generally convex orientation, said orifice automatically shifts to the
fully open position, such that the rate of fluid flow through said orifice
is relatively constant, even when pressures within the container vary
between normal predetermined amounts.
53. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 35, wherein:
said valve head interior side has a generally flat center portion in which
said orifice is positioned.
54. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 35, wherein:
said orifice includes first and second slits oriented in a mutually
intersecting relationship.
55. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 35, wherein:
said valve head curved portion has an arcuate shape defined by a first
radius; and
said valve head interior side has a marginal portion with an arcuate shape
defined by a second radius, which is greater than said first radius.
56. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 35, wherein:
said connector sleeve comprises a substantially imperforate rolling
diaphragm having a generally cylindrically shaped side wall portion, and a
radially outwardly extending base portion which protrudes outwardly
adjacent to said marginal valve flange to assist rolling motion in said
diaphragm as said valve head is shifted outwardly.
57. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 35, wherein:
said valve head has a circular plan shape;
said marginal valve flange has an annular plan shape; and
said connector sleeve has an exterior surface positioned in-line with the
marginal edge of said valve head.
58. A dispensing valve adapted for use in conjunction with fluid product
packaging of the type having a container with a discharge opening therein,
comprising:
a marginal valve flange shaped to seal about the discharge opening of the
container;
a valve head having a marginal edge, interior and exterior sides, and an
orifice extending therebetween which opens to permit fluid flow
therethrough in response to communication with a predetermined discharge
pressure, and closes to shut off fluid flow therethrough upon removal of
the predetermined discharge pressure;
a connector sleeve having a resiliently flexible construction, with one end
thereof connected with said valve flange, and an opposite end thereof
connected with said valve head adjacent the marginal edge thereof, whereby
when pressure in excess of the predetermined discharge pressure is applied
to the interior side of said valve head, said valve head shifts outwardly
in a manner which causes said connector sleeve to double over and extend
rollingly, and thereby apply a torque to said valve head which assists in
opening said orifice; and wherein
said valve head shifts into a generally convex orientation when said
orifice is open; and
said orifice shifts between a fully open position and a fully closed
position, and is configured such that when said valve head assumes its
generally convex orientation, said orifice automatically shifts to the
fully open position, such that the rate of fluid flow through said orifice
is relatively constant, even when pressures within said container vary
between normal predetermined amounts.
59. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 58, wherein:
said connector sleeve has said opposite end thereof connected with said
valve head adjacent the exterior side thereof for improved torque assist
in opening said orifice.
60. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 58, wherein:
said connector sleeve is configured to permit said valve head to shift
between a fully extended position wherein said orifice is located exterior
of the container to facilitate neatly dispensing the fluid product, and a
fully retracted position wherein said orifice is located interior of the
container to facilitate safe, leak-resistant storage.
61. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 58, wherein:
said valve head interior side has an arcuate marginal portion which is
shaped generally convex when said valve head is in a fully retracted
position.
62. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 58, wherein:
said valve head interior side has a generally flat center portion in which
said orifice is positioned.
63. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 58, wherein:
said connector sleeve comprises a substantially imperforate rolling
diaphragm having a generally cylindrically shaped side wall portion, and a
radially outwardly extending base portion.
64. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 58, wherein:
said valve head has a circular plan shape;
said marginal valve flange has an annular plan shape; and
said diaphragm sidewall portion has an exterior surface positioned in-line
with the marginal edge of said valve head. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to product packaging, and in particular to a
self-sealing valve for fluid products, and the like.
Many different types of packages or containers are presently available for
packaging 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 have been known to experience some
types of sealing problems, and inconsistent dispensing characteristics,
particularly when the packages are exposed to significant temperature
variations.
Valves constructed from most conventional plastic materials cannot be used
in at least certain types of packages, since they either react with or
adulterate the product. For instance, in food packaging, care must be
taken to avoid the use of valve materials which might contain any type of
toxin. 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.
Liquid silicone rubber valves have recently been used in some types of
packaging, and have proven particularly advantageous since the material is
inherently quite inert, and will therefore not either adulterate or react
with the packaged product. Examples of such packaging are provided in
applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,655 to Brown. Although liquid silicone
rubber possesses many attributes for use in packaging, it also has other
characteristics which render such applications problematic. For example,
the surfaces of liquid silicone rubber parts are extremely tacky or
sticky, having a very high coefficient of friction. As a result, in
attempting to attach a dispensing valve to a container by a conventional
threaded collar arrangement, the surfaces of the valve flange will stick
tightly to the adjacent surfaces of the container and collar before the
collar can be tightened securely enough to create a leak-resistant seal.
Tightening of the collar often causes the valve flange, as well as the
entire valve to distort from its designed shape, thereby preventing the
formation of a secure seal, and/or changing the intended dispensing and
sealing characteristics of the valve.
Another drawback associated with the us of liquid silicone rubber in
dispensing valves for product packaging is that there is presently no
available adhesive capable of connecting the valve to a container in a
manner that will withstand the operating pressures to which the valve and
container are repeatedly subjected. The unique imperforate nature of the
surfaces of the liquid silicone rubber valve precludes the use of
conventional adhesives. Hence, the attachment of the liquid silicone
rubber valve to a container in a manner that will not leak, and will
withstand repeated pressurization and depressurization of the dispensing
package is an important consideration.
Another problem experienced with prior dispensing packages relates to
achieving a proper design balance between the package container, valve,
and fluid product, so that the product can be repeatedly dispersed without
requiring excess force, and will neatly discharge only that amount of
product which is desired by the user, particularly in keeping with the
type of product involved. For instance, when dispensing highly
concentrated fluid products, such as hand soaps, and the like, the user
will typically require only a small amount or dollop of soap per
application to achieve satisfactory results. In contrast, when using other
types of fluid products, such as skin moisturizers, tanning formulas, and
the like, larger quantities of product are typically required by the user
for each application. The ability of the valve to quickly and readily open
in response to moderate pressure on the container is important, as is the
ability of the valve to quickly and securely close when the pressure has
been released. Also important is the amount of pressure which must be
maintained on the container to sustain fluid through the valve once the
valve is opened. The ability to quickly and accurately achieve a proper
balance between all of these factors is very desirable in designing
dispensing packages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is a dispensing package for fluid
products and the like, comprising a container having a dispensing valve
mounted therein. The dispensing valve includes a marginal flange which
seals about a discharge opening of the container, and a valve head with an
orifice therethrough which opens and closes in response to the application
and release of a predetermined discharge pressure to control fluid flow
therethrough. The valve includes a connector sleeve having one end
connected with the valve flange, and an opposite end connected with the
valve head adjacent a marginal edge thereof. The connector sleeve has a
resiliently flexible construction, whereby when pressure within the
containers raised above the predetermined discharge pressure, the valve
head shifts outwardly in a manner which causes the connector sleeve to
double over and then extend rollingly, and thereby apply a torque to the
valve head which assists in opening the orifice.
Another aspect of the present invention is a dispensing valve for fluid
product packaging and the like, having a marginal valve flange shaped to
seal about a discharge opening of the container. The valve includes a
valve head having a marginal edge, interior and exterior sides, and an
orifice extending therebetween which opens to permit fluid flow
therethrough in response to communication with a predetermined discharge
pressure, and closes to shut off fluid flow therethrough upon removal of
the predetermined discharge pressure. A connector sleeve with a
resiliently flexible construction, has one end connected with the valve
flange, and the opposite end connected with the valve head adjacent to the
marginal edge thereof, whereby when pressure in excess of the
predetermined discharge pressure is applied to the interior side of the
valve head, the valve head shifts outwardly in a manner which causes the
connector sleeve to double over and then extend rollingly, and thereby
apply a torque to the valve head which assists in opening the orifice.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a dispensing package for
fluid products and the like, comprising a container having a dispensing
valve mounted therein for controlling the flow of fluid product from the
container. The dispensing valve includes a marginal valve flange, a valve
head with an orifice which permits fluid flow therethrough, and a
connector sleeve having one end connected with the valve flange, an | | |
