Dispensing valve for packaging - Patent Review 5439143

We claim:

1. A dispensing package for fluid products, comprising:

a container shaped to retain a selected fluid product therein, and having a discharge opening; and

a dispensing valve for controlling the flow of the fluid product from said container, having a marginal portion sealing about the discharge opening of said container, and a head portion including a central area with an orifice 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; said head portion having an exterior surface which interfaces with ambient environment and has at least at outer portions thereof an inwardly curving arcuate side elevational shape defined by a first radius, and an interior surface which interfaces with the fluid product in said container and has at least at outer portions thereof an inwardly curving arcuate side elevational shape defined by a second radius, which is greater than said first radius, such that said exterior and interior surfaces converge toward the central area of said head portion to provide a tapered construction with reduced thickness adjoining said orifice.

2. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said interior surface of said head portion includes a fiat portion disposed radially inwardly of said arcuate outer portions, at said central area; and

said orifice extends through the flat portion of said central area.

3. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 2, wherein:

said exterior surface of said head portion is continuously arcuate at said central area; and said orifice extends through a central portion of said exterior surface.

4. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 3, wherein:

said head portion has a circular plan shape.

5. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 4, wherein:

said head portion has an outer marginal edge with a generally annular shape.

6. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 5, wherein:

said head portion is configured such that when said orifice is closed, the exterior surface of said head portion assumes a generally concave orientation as viewed from outside said container.

7. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 6, wherein:

said valve head portion is configured such that when said orifice is closed, the interior surface of said valve head portion assumes a generally convex orientation as viewed from inside said container.

8. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 7, wherein:

said exterior surface of said head portion is configured to protrude outwardly when said orifice is open.

9. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 8, wherein:

said orifice includes at least one slit oriented substantially perpendicular to the flat portion on the interior surface of said head portion.

10. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 9, wherein:

said orifice includes at least two slits oriented in a mutually intersecting relationship.

11. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 10, wherein:

said central portion of said valve head exterior surface protrudes outwardly of said outer portions of said exterior surface when said orifice is in the fully open position.

12. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 11, wherein:

said dispensing valve has a one-piece construction formed from a resilient material.

13. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 12, wherein:

said dispensing valve is integrally molded from a silicone rubber.

14. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 13, including a connector sleeve portion disposed intermediate said head portion and said marginal portion of said valve.

15. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 16, wherein said valve is flexible and shifts between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position.

16. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 15, wherein said interior and exterior surfaces of said head portion are configured such that when said orifice shifts from a fully closed position to a fully open position, said curved exterior surface tends to flatten, and said head portion is thereby compressed inwardly by said connector sleeve portion in a fashion which causes said orifice to quickly and positively open and close for improved control of the fluid flow therethrough.

17. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said exterior surface of said head portion is continuously arcuate at said central area: and

said orifice extends through a central area of said exterior surface.

18. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said head portion has a circular plan shape.

19. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said head portion has an outer marginal edge with a generally annular shape.

20. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said head portion is configured such that when said orifice is closed, the exterior surface of said head portion assumes a generally concave orientation as viewed from outside said container.

21. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said valve head portion is configured such that when said orifice is closed, the interior surface of said valve head portion assumes a generally convex orientation as viewed from inside said container.

22. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said exterior surface of said head portion is configured to protrude outwardly when said orifice is open.

23. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said orifice includes at least one slit.

24. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said orifice includes at least two slits oriented in a mutually intersecting relationship.

25. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said orifice extends through a central portion of said exterior surface; and

said central portion of said valve head exterior surface protrudes outwardly of said outer portions of said exterior surface when said orifice is in a fully open position.

26. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said dispensing valve has a one-piece construction formed from a resilient material.

27. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said dispensing valve is integrally molded from a silicone rubber.

28. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, including:

a connector sleeve portion disposed intermediate said head portion and said marginal portion of said valve.

29. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 28, wherein:

said interior and exterior surfaces of said head portion are configured such that when said orifice shifts from a fully closed position to a fully open position, said curved exterior surface tends to flatten, and said head portion is thereby compressed inwardly by said connector sleeve portion in a fashion which causes said orifice to quickly and positively open and close for improved control of the fluid flow therethrough.

30. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said valve is flexible and shifts between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position.

31. A dispensing valve for fluid product packaging of the type having a container with a discharge opening therein, comprising:

a marginal portion for sealing about the discharge opening of the container, and a head portion including a central area with an orifice which opens to permit fluid flow therethrough in response to a predetermined discharge pressure within the container, and closes to shut off fluid flow therethrough upon removal of the predetermined discharge pressure; said head portion having an exterior surface which interfaces with ambient environment and has at least at outer portions thereof an inwardly curving arcuate side elevational shape defined by a first radius, and an interior surface which interfaces with the fluid product in the container and has at least at outer portions thereof an inwardly curving arcuate side elevational shape defined by a second radius, which is greater than said first radius, such that said exterior and interior surfaces converge toward the central area of said head portion to provide a tapered construction with reduced thickness adjoining said orifice.

32. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 31, wherein:

said interior surface of said portion includes a flat portion disposed radially inwardly of said arcuate outer portions, at said central area; and said orifice extends through the flat portion of said central area.

33. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 32, wherein:

said exterior surface of said head portion is continuously arcuate at said central area; and

said orifice extends through a central portion of said exterior surface.

34. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 33, wherein:

said head portion has a circular plan shape.

35. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 34, wherein:

said head portion has an outer marginal edge with a generally annular shape.

36. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 35, wherein:

said head portion is configured such that when said orifice is closed, the exterior surface of said head portion assumes a generally concave orientation as viewed from outside the container.

37. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 36, wherein:

said valve head portion is configured such that when said orifice is closed, the interior surface of said valve head portion assumes a generally convex orientation as viewed from inside the container.

38. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 37, wherein:

said exterior surface of said head portion is configured to protrude outwardly when said orifice is open.

39. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 38, wherein:

said orifice includes at least one slit oriented substantially perpendicular to the flat portion on the interior surface of said head portion.

40. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 39, wherein:

said orifice includes at least two slits oriented in a mutually intersecting relationship.

41. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 40, wherein:

said central portion of said valve head exterior surface protrudes outwardly of said outer portions of said exterior surface when said orifice is in the fully open position.

42. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 41, wherein:

said dispensing valve has a one-piece construction formed from a resilient material.

43. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 42, wherein:

said dispensing valve is integrally molded from a silicone rubber.

44. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 43, including:

a connector sleeve portion disposed intermediate said head portion and said marginal portion of said valve.

45. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 44, wherein:

said valve is flexible and shifts between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position.

46. A dispensing valve as set forth in claim 45, wherein:

said interior and exterior surfaces of said head portion are configured such that when said orifice shifts from a fully closed position to a fully open position, said curved exterior surface tends to flatten, and said head portion is thereby compressed inwardly by said connector sleeve portion in a fashion which causes said orifice to quickly and positively open and close for improved control of fluid flow therethrough.

47. A dispensing package for fluid products, comprising:

a container shaped to retain a selected fluid product therein, and having a discharge opening; and

a dispensing valve for controlling the flow of the fluid product from said container, having a marginal portion sealing about the discharge opening of said container, and a head portion including a central area with an orifice 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; said head portion having an exterior surface which interfaces with ambient environment and has a generally concave shape when viewed from outside said container, and an interior surface which interfaces with the fluid product in said container and has a circular center area and a generally inclined outer portion which tapers inwardly toward said circular center area, such that said exterior and interior surfaces converge toward the central area of said head portion to provide a tapered construction with reduced thickness adjoining said orifice.

48. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 47, wherein:

said exterior surface of said head portion has a generally arcuate shape; and

said orifice extends through a central portion of said exterior surface.

49. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 48, including;

a connector sleeve portion disposed intermediate said head portion and said marginal portion of said valve.

50. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 49, wherein;

said valve is flexible and shifts between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position.

51. A dispensing package as set forth in claim 50, wherein:

said interior and exterior surfaces of said head portion are configured such that when said orifice shifts from a fully closed position to a fully open position, said exterior surface tends to flatten, and said head portion is thereby compressed inwardly by said connector sleeve portion 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 package as set forth in claim 51, wherein:

said outer portion of said interior surface has a generally arcuate shape.

Description Submit all comments and votes

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 use 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 dispensed 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 container is 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, and an opposite end connected with the valve head adjacent a marginal edge thereof, such that the dispensing valve assumes a generally hat-shaped, side elevational configuration which normally projects inwardly toward the interior of the container. The connector sleeve has a resiliently flexible construction which permits the valve head to shift outwardly through the valve flange by doubling over the connector sleeve, which then extends rollingly outwardly.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a dispensing valve, comprising a marginal valve flange, and a valve head with an orifice therethrough which selectively opens to permit fluid flow in response to communication with a predetermined discharge pressure. The valve head is configured such that it assumes a generally convex orientation when the orifice is open. The dispensing valve also includes a connector sleeve, which has a resiliently flexible construction, with one end connected with the valve flange, and an opposite end connected with the valve head adjacent 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 resiliently snaps the valve head into its convex orientation to quickly and fully open the orifice.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a self-sealing dispensing valve for fluid product packaging and the like, comprising a marginal valve flange, and a valve head with an orifice therein which selectively permits fluid flow through the valve. The interior side of the valve head has an outwardly curving arcuate side elevational shape defined by a first radius, while the exterior side of the valve head has an outwardly curving arcuate side elevational shape defined by a second radius, which is less than the first radius. A connector sleeve is provided with a resiliently flexible construction, and has one end connected with the valve flange, and the opposite end connected with the valve head.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a self-sealing dispensing valve for fluid product packaging and the like, comprising a marginal valve flange, and a valve head having a discharge opening therein to selectively permit fluid flow. The valve head includes an exterior side having an outwardly curving arcuate side elevational shape defined by a first radius, and an interior side with a center portion having a generally flat side elevational shape, and a marginal portion having an outwardly curving arcuate side elevational shape defined by a second radius, which is greater than the first radius. The discharge orifice extends from the center portion of the exterior surface to the interior surface of the valve head to achieve easy and complete opening of the discharge orifice when the predetermined discharge pressure is applied thereto, and secure and complete closing of the discharge opening when the predetermined discharge pressure is released.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a dispensing valve for fluid product packaging, comprising a marginal valve flange, and a valve head having an orifice therein which opens to permit fluid flow therethrough in response to a predetermined discharge pressure, and closes to shut off fluid flow therethrough upon removal of the predetermined discharge pressure. The dispensing valve includes a substantially imperforate rolling diaphragm positioned between and interconnecting the valve flange and the valve head, which has a flexible construction which permits the valve head to shift between a retracted position on an interior side of the marginal flange for storage, and an extended position on an exterior side of the marginal flange for dispensing. When pressure in excess of the discharge pressure is applied to the container, the valve head first shifts to the extended position, and then opens the orifice to discharge the fluid product therethrough. Upon release of the pressure, the orifice first closes to shut off the flow of fluid product therethrough, and the valve head then shifts to the retracted position for storage.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a valve, comprising a marginal valve flange, and a valve head having a marginal edge, interior and exterior sides, and an orifice extending therebetween which in response to communication with a predetermined discharge pressure, shifts to a fully open position to permit fluid flow therethrough. A connector sleeve is provided, having a resiliently flexible construction, with one end connected with the valve flange, and an opposite end connected with the valve head adjacent the marginal edge thereof, which permits the valve head to shift with respect to the marginal valve flange in a manner which causes the connector sleeve to double over and then extend rollingly, and thereby apply an outwardly directed torque to the valve head which tends to open the orifice. The valve head is configured with a plan shape which expands or dilates as the orifice is shifted to the fully open position, which expansion is resisted by the connector sleeve, so as to inwardly compress the valve head, which inward compression and torque applied to the valve head by the connector sleeve combine to resiliently maintain the orifice in the fully open position, whereby that pressure required to maintain fluid flow through the orifice is substantially less than the predetermined threshold pressure, so as to provide greater ease of dispensing and flow control.

The principle objects of the present invention are to provide a dispensing package which is capable of easily and neatly dispensing a wide variety of different types of fluid products. The dispensing package includes a self-sealing valve which is matched with both the container and the type of fluid product to be dispensed, so as to quickly and securely seal, yet readily and fully open when the user applies modest pressure to the container. The valve includes a resiliently flexible connector sleeve which is configured to double over and then extend rollingly so as to apply a torque to the valve head which assists in opening the orifice. The connector sleeve has sufficient flexibility that pressure increases in the interior of the container, such as those caused by thermal expansion, are offset by shifting the valve head on the connector sleeve, so as to alleviate excess pressure on the orifice. The connector sleeve is also configured to provide sufficient flexibility that any misalignment and/or distortion of the valve flange when attached to the associated container are not transmitted to the valve head, thereby permitting unhindered opening and closing of the orifice. The connector sleeve is also configured to provide sufficient flexibility that shock impact forces, and the like applied to the container are absorbed by shifting the valve head on the connector sleeve, so as to avoid inadvertent opening of the valve orifice. The valve is configured to provide a generally constant flow rate therethrough, even when exposed to a relatively wide range of container pressures. For those products wherein a substantial amount of material is typically dispensed per application, the valve is configured such that once the orifice is shifted open, the amount of pressure required to maintain fluid flow through the orifice is reduced, so as to provide greater ease of operation, without sacrificing secure sealing of the valve. The dispensing package is extremely versatile, and particularly adapted for use in conjunction with bottom dispensing containers, and other similar packaging. The valve is very durable, while having reduced manufacturing costs, and an uncomplicated design. The overall package is efficient in use, economical to manufacture, capable of a long operating life, and particularly well adapted for many different 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 a perspective view of a dispensing package embodying the present invention, wherein a portion thereof has been broken away to reveal a self-sealing valve mounted in a bottom portion of an associated container.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the dispensing package, wherein a portion thereof has been broken away to reveal the valve, which is shown in a fully retracted and fully closed position.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the dispensing package, wherein a portion thereof has been broken away to reveal the valve, which is shown in a fully extended and fully open position.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary top view of the valve.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, side elevational view of the valve.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the valve.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the valve installed in an associated container, with the valve shown in the fully closed and fully retracted position.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the valve installed in an associated container, with the valve shown in a fully closed, and partially retracted position.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the valve installed in an associated container, with the valve shown in a fully closed and partially extended position.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the valve installed in an associated container, with the valve shown in a fully closed and fully extended position.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the valve installed in an associated container, with the valve shown in a fully closed and fully extended position, wherein a valve head