Dispensing valve and a container for holding fluid provided with such a dispensing valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing valve (2) for dispensing fluid from a container, comprising a central member (20) provided with a flexible membrane (22) having at least one slit (23), a flange (40) surrounding the central member for attaching the valve to the container and connecting means for connecting the central member to the flange, which connecting means comprise a material hinge (25). The valve is deformable from a closed position to a dispensing position upon application of pressure to the fluid in the container. The central member is further provided with a support (26) for the flexible membrane, which support is more rigid than the flexible membrane and extends towards the container in the secured position of the dispensing valve, wherein the material hinge directly couples the support to the flange.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to a dispensing valve. Dispensing valves are commonly used for dispensing fluid from a container. Upon application of pressure to the fluid in the container the valve deforms such that it assumes its open or dispensing position and allows fluid to be dispensed from the container. Once the pressure is lifted, the valve automatically retracts to its closed position sealing the container off.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Dispensing valves improve the ease of use of fluid containers by allowing small quantities of fluid to be dispensed at a time, while leaving the dispensing opening of the container clean of fluid after use. In the closed position dispensing valves provide a reliable seal under all circumstances.[0003]Generally dispensing valves are suitable for use in a wide variety of containers or packages for dispensing all sorts of fluids. The term fluid is used herein to denote any product or medium capable of flowing. A non-li...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]It is an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing valve of the kind as mentioned above that has a simple and reliable design allowing easy and economical production.

[0009]According to the present invention the connecting means are simple and reliable as they are formed by the hinge alone. The hinge takes up a minimal amount of space as it directly couples the support to the flange. Advantageously this leaves more room for the flexible membrane that may have larger radial dimensions. Additionally as the support is more rigid than the flexible membrane, it cooperates effectively with the hinge to deform the flexible membrane to the desired dispensing position. Furthermore as the support extends towards the container interior in the secured position of the dispensing valve the membrane is positioned inside the container interior and will remain there even when it deforms to the dispensing position.

[0011]According to a first preferred embodiment a second material hinge is arranged on the central member. The second material hinge improves the functioning of the dispensing valve according to the invention. Initially, once the pressure is raised in the container, the second hinge assists in maintaining the shape of the central member, since it forms a weak point that deforms first under stress. Once the pressure is raised to a maximum value and the breaking point of the valve is reached, it will facilitate the sudden opening of the slit.

[0014]This third hinge will enhance the effect of the second hinge.

Problems solved by technology

One disadvantage of the known dispensing valve is that it has rather complex connecting means with relatively large dimensions for connecting the central member to the flange.

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