An opening-force-maximizing device of an underpressure-activated valve for a drinking container

Abstract

An opening-force-maximizing device of an underpressure-activated valve for a drinking container (2). The device includes a partition wall (6, 106, 206) enclosing an outlet opening (4) and being provided with a wall opening (8, 108, 208) in pressure-sealing contact with an axially movable valve sealing member (22, 122, 222) being in position of rest. It also includes a continuous membrane (12, 112, 212) being arranged to the container (2) and about a valve axis (14) through the wall opening (8, 108, 208). The membrane (12, 112, 212) has an axial extent and consists of an attachment end (12a, 112a, 212a) fixedly connected to the partition wall (6, 106, 206), and a movable maneuvering end (12b, 112b, 212b) placed at an axial distance from the attachment end (12a, 112a, 212a). The maneuvering end (12b, 112b, 212b) is arranged in a tensile-force-transmitting manner to said sealing member (22, 122, 222). By arranging the membrane (12, 112, 212) with a maximum longitudinal extent when at rest in its inactive position, and by being arranged radially flexible and deflectable and also being arranged in a manner inhibiting axial stretching, a maximum valve opening force is achieved when underpressure-activated.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a device for maximizing the opening force of a low pressure activated self-regulating valve for a drinking vessel. The container can hold pressurized or unpressurized soft drinks or other liquefied foods. The device is for use with the beverage spout of the container. Background technique [0002] Low pressure actuation devices for automatic opening of beverage valves are known from prior patent publications including US 6,290,090. The opening mechanism according to US 6,290,090 comprises a pressure responsive membrane for actuating a valve of a beverage can containing a pressurized beverage containing carbon dioxide. The valve allows the contents of the canister to overflow freely for drinking. The membranes forming the operating member of the beverage valve are concentric, forming approximately planes around the longitudinal axis of the beverage can, said planes being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The me...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, this also reduces the functionality and user-friendliness of the valve

[0008] With regard to common bottle caps and carbonated beverages, the main problem with this membrane structure is therefore that its effective membrane area is too small to provide sufficient valve opening force, especially during the valve opening phase

For this reason, the valve arrangement according to US 6,290,090 is considered to be less practical and less user-friendly

Images