Distribution valve

Abstract

The TPE valve includes a head having a central axis and has an inner surface, an outer surface, and at least one self-sealing slit. The valve includes a peripheral mounting portion spaced laterally from the head and an intermediate portion extending laterally from the head to the peripheral mounting portion. The intermediate portion has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the head and the inner surface of the intermediate portion meet at a first annular intersection. The outer surface of the head and the outer surface of the intermediate portion meet at a second annular intersection. The first annular intersection and the second annular intersection are spaced apart in an axial distance of about 0.30 millimeters or less.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to dispensing valves and systems, and more particularly to valves for dispensing products from containers or other sources, and in a more particular application to such valves suitable for use in dispensing closures for flexible containers that are squeezable to create a pressure differential across the valve. [Background technology]

[0002] One type of valve is a flexible, resilient, self-closing slit-type valve that can be attached to an opening or port of a package or container of a flowable material or can be attached in a conduit for the flowable material. Such valves typically have a single slit or multiple slits that initially define a normally closed orifice in a closed configuration or state. The orifice opens in response to a sufficient pressure differential acting across the valve or in response to mechanical engagement by a sufficiently rigid object, such as a probe, cannula, conduit, or delivery / bleed tool, inserted through the valve, allowing flow through the orifice. Such valves that open in response to a pressure differential are typically designed to automatically close to seal or block flow through the valve in response to a sufficient reduction in the pressure differential acting across the valve. Similarly, mechanically engageable valves are typically designed to automatically close to seal or block flow through the valve when the engaging object is removed.

[0003] Such valves and closure designs using such valves are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,633 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,623. The disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference to the extent relevant and not inconsistent with the present specification. Typically, the closure includes a body or base attached to the container neck to define a seat for receiving the valve, and includes a retaining ring or other structure for holding the valve in the seat of the base. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,623. The valve is normally closed and can withstand the weight of the fluent product even if the container is fully inverted, and liquid will not leak unless the container is squeezed. In such a system, the lid or cap does not need to be reclosed (although it typically is reclosed if the package is shipped to another location, packed in a suitcase, etc.).

[0004] The conventional valve is suitable for use with flowable materials such as liquids and gases, including beverages, foods, lotions, and creams, among others. The conventional valve is preferably molded as a unitary structure (i.e., one-piece structure) from a single substance or material that is flexible, pliable, somewhat elastic, and resilient. This typically includes silicone rubber, such as the silicone rubber sold under the trade names DC99-595 and RBL-9595-40 by Dow Corning Corporation, USA. Another suitable silicone rubber material is sold under the name Wacker 3003-40 by Wacker Silicone Company, USA.

[0005] Typically, such conventional valves are not formed from the same type of plastic as the associated closure and / or container, which can present difficulties during recycling. For example, conventional valves may need to be removed from retaining rings, closures, and / or containers prior to or during the recycling process.

[0006] The present inventors have discovered that, at least in some applications, valves formed from thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) may be more easily and advantageously recycled than conventional silicone valves, but may suffer from undesirable performance (e.g., insufficient closing force, etc.) compared to conventional valves before, during, or after dispensing a flowable material through the TPE valve.

[0007] The present inventors have determined that in at least some applications in which some type of flowable material is contained within a package or container, it may be desirable to provide a TPE valve that can adequately perform the functions of conventional valves.

[0008] The present inventors have also determined that it would be desirable to provide an improved TPE valve that can be configured for use with a flowable material container for at least one or more types of applications, so as to have one or more of the following advantages: (1) ease of manufacture and / or assembly, (2) relatively low cost of manufacture and / or assembly, (3) improved ease of recycling, and (4) adaptation of the valve to be manufactured by efficient, high quality, mass production techniques with reduced product rejection rates to produce a valve having consistent operating characteristics.

[0009] The present inventors have discovered a method of providing such a valve which includes new advantageous features not heretofore taught or contemplated by the prior art and which can accommodate designs having one or more of the benefits or features discussed above. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,614 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Pat. No. 8,678,249 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 6,269,986 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The inventors of the present invention have discovered a method to provide an improved valve formed from a TPE material or TPE materials with improved performance and recyclability compared to conventional valves made of TPE or other materials. The valve of the present invention can be assembled with or provided in a flowable material package or container or a fluid handling system (such as a flowable material dispensing system) that has an opening between the exterior and the interior of the container or system in which the valve can be installed. The valve can also be used in a flowable material container or system that utilizes a probe, cannula, conduit (e.g., a feed / bleed tool), or another engaging article that is mechanically inserted through the valve.

[0012] According to one broad aspect of the invention, the valve of the invention is a flexible, resilient slit valve for enabling selective dispensing of a fluent product from an internal environment to an external environment. The valve includes a flexible, resilient head centered on a central axis and extending laterally from the central axis. The head has an interior surface facing the internal environment, a concave exterior surface facing the external environment, and at least one self-sealing slit through the head. The head has opposing openable portions along the at least one slit that define a normally closed orifice in an unforced state, the openable portions being movable in a first direction toward the external environment to an open orifice configuration and back in an opposite direction to a closed configuration. The valve further includes an annular peripheral mounting portion centered on the central axis and spaced laterally from the head. The valve includes an annular, flexible, resilient intermediate portion centered on the central axis and extending laterally from the head to the peripheral mounting portion. The intermediate portion has an interior surface facing the internal environment and an exterior surface facing the external environment. The inner surface of the head and the inner surface of the intermediate portion meet at a first annular intersection. The outer surface of the head and the outer surface of the intermediate portion meet at a second annular intersection. In the closed configuration of the valve, the first annular intersection and the second annular intersection are spaced apart along the central axis by a distance of about 0.30 millimeters or less. At least the head and the intermediate portion of the valve are formed from a thermoplastic elastomer. More preferably, in the closed configuration of the valve, the first annular intersection and the second annular intersection are spaced apart along the central axis by a distance of about 0.05 millimeters or less.

[0013] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, in a closed configuration of the valve, the first and second annular intersection lines are located at substantially the same location along the central axis.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, in a closed configuration of the valve, the first annular intersection is located axially inward (closer to the interior of the vessel) of the second annular intersection along the central axis.

[0015] According to yet another aspect of the invention, in a closed configuration of the valve, the second annular intersection is located axially inward (closer to the interior of the vessel) of the first annular intersection along the central axis.

[0016] In one form of the invention, the interior surface of the head defines a laterally outwardly facing peripheral region extending laterally outward from the first annular intersection in a direction along the central axis and away from the external environment.

[0017] In another form of the invention, at least a portion of the head is substantially thicker than any portion of the intermediate portion of the valve.

[0018] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the head, peripheral mounting portion, and intermediate portion of the valve are integrally molded from a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0019] In another form of the invention, the valved portion is configured to move from the open orifice configuration to the closed configuration when a pressure differential between the internal environment and the external environment acting across the head is about 2,200 Pascals.

[0020] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, at least the head and middle portion of the valve are formed from one of a TPE-s material or a TPE-o material.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, at least the head and middle portion of the valve are formed from one of a TPE-u material or a TPE-v material.

[0022] In one currently preferred form of the invention, in a closed configuration of the valve, the first annular intersection has a first diameter and the second annular intersection has a second diameter, the ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter being about 1.09.

[0023] In another form of the invention, the intermediate portion has a substantially J-shaped cross-section when viewed in a plane containing the central axis.

[0024] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a valve is provided in combination with a closure and a retaining ring as a subassembly for use with a container of flowable material.

[0025] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a valve is provided in combination with a closure and a container of flowable material, the valve, closure and container of flowable material defining a package.

[0026] According to another broad aspect of the invention, the invention includes a subassembly of a closure, a valve, and a retaining ring for maintaining the valve within the closure. The valve is a flexible, resilient slit valve for allowing selective dispensing of a fluent product from an internal environment to an external environment. The valve includes a flexible, resilient head centered about a central axis and extending laterally from the central axis. The head has an interior surface facing the internal environment, a concave exterior surface facing the external environment, and at least one self-sealing slit through the head. The head has opposing openable portions along the at least one slit that define a normally closed orifice in an unforced state, the openable portions being movable in a first direction toward the external environment to an open orifice configuration and back in an opposite direction to a closed configuration. The valve further includes an annular peripheral mounting portion spaced laterally from the head about the central axis and engaged by said retaining ring and said closure. The valve includes an annular, flexible, resilient intermediate portion about a central axis and extending laterally from the head to a peripheral mounting portion. The intermediate portion has an interior surface facing an internal environment and an exterior surface facing an external environment. The interior surface of the head and the interior surface of the intermediate portion meet at a first annular intersection line. The exterior surface of the head and the exterior surface of the intermediate portion meet at a second annular intersection line. In a closed configuration of the valve, the first annular intersection line and the second annular intersection line are spaced apart along the central axis by a distance of about 0.30 millimeters or less. The valve is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer such that the closure, valve, and retainer subassembly is recyclable without disassembly. Preferably, the first annular intersection line and the second annular intersection line are spaced apart along the central axis by a distance of about 0.05 millimeters or less.

[0027] Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, the claims, and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] In the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, like numerals are used to refer to like parts throughout.

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an enlarged exploded isometric view from above of a first embodiment of a valve according to the present invention prior to assembly with a closure and retaining ring, with FIG. 1 showing the closure in an open state and the valve in an unstressed closed state or configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the assembled valve, closure, and retaining ring of FIG. 1 taken along a vertical plane that includes the central axis of the valve and extends through the center of the hinge of the closure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged isometric view of only the valve of FIG. 1 from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged isometric view from below of the valve of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of the valve of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged bottom view of the valve of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of the valve of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve shown in FIG. 5 taken along section 8-8. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve shown in FIG. 5 taken along section 9-9. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a greatly enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the valve circled and designated as "FIG. 10" in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a portion of a second embodiment of a valve according to the present invention, which is similar to the view of the first embodiment of the valve shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] While the valve of the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only a few specific forms as examples of the invention, but it is not intended that the invention be limited to only those embodiments so described.

[0031] For ease of explanation, the valve 20 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings in the substantially horizontal orientation that the valve 20 may assume when installed as a subassembly or assembly 30 (FIG. 2) including a closure 40 (FIGS. 1 and 2 only), the valve 20, and a retainer or retaining ring 42 for use in a flowable material container or system (not shown). The terms "axial", "radial", and "lateral" are used herein with reference to an axis 43 (FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9) generally defined by the center of the valve 20. As employed herein, the phrase "axially outward" refers to a direction upward in the figure relative to a direction along the axis 43 away from the interior of the container in which the closure 40 and the valve 20 may be installed. The phrase "axially inward" refers to a direction downward in the figure relative to a direction along the axis 43 towards the interior of the container in which the closure 40 and the valve 20 may be installed. As employed herein, the phrase "radially inward" refers to a direction perpendicular to and moving toward the axis 43. The phrase "radially outward" refers to directions that are perpendicular to axis 43 and moving away from axis 43. The phrase "laterally outward" refers to directions that are in a plane that is both away from axis 43 and perpendicular to axis 43. However, it will be understood that the present invention may be manufactured, stored, shipped, used, or sold in orientations other than those illustrated.

[0032] The valve 20 of the present invention is suitable for use in a variety of conventional or specialized flowable material containers or systems having a variety of designs (e.g., flowable material handling or processing systems, dispensing systems, etc.), the details of which are not shown or described but will be apparent to those skilled in the art and understanding of such systems.

[0033] 1-10 show a first preferred embodiment of a valve 20 according to the present invention. The valve 20 is used to selectively allow communication from one side of the valve to the other (e.g., into or out of a flowable material container or dispensing system, conduit, or package) via the valve 20, which may typically communicate with the interior of such a container or system. The valve 20 is particularly adapted to be installed within a closure 40 (only in Figs. 1 and 2) that is attached or assembled to an opening of a flowable material dispensing system. The flowable material container may be, for example, a flexible bag or bottle. The valve 20 may also be installed in a reservoir, a flowable material dispensing system, containing a flowable material at or above ambient atmospheric pressure (including systems in which pressure arises from a static head of flowable material within the system, and / or systems in which the system generates or otherwise creates pressurized flowable material therein).

[0034] The closure 40 shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes a generally cylindrical base or body 44 and a lid 46 connected to the body 44 by a hinge 48. The body 44 defines a dispensing orifice 60 that is blocked or covered by the lid 46 in a closed position (not shown) rotated away from the as-molded open position as shown. A top deck 62 of the body 44 surrounding the dispensing orifice 60 articulates with an outer wall or skirt 64 for surrounding the top end of the container when the assembly 30 is installed in the opening of the container. The body 44 further includes attachment means in the form of threads 66 for threadedly engaging with threads on the container (not shown). It will be understood that the body 44 may have other removable or non-removable attachment means or mechanisms for securing the body 44 to the opening or neck of the container, such as, for example, mating snap-fit ​​beads, deformable non-removable bands or flanges, toggle clamps, friction couplings, locks, adhesives, welding, and the like.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1, the hinge 48 may be of any suitable conventional or special design. For example, the hinge 48 shown in the figures may be of a conventional snap action type, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,017 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,824, the details of which do not form part of the present invention. The hinge 48 may also be of a non-snap action type, such as a strap or tether. The lid 46 includes a hollow plug seal 68 extending axially inwardly therefrom for sealing the dispensing orifice 60 when the lid 46 is in its closed position. The body 44 is sufficiently flexible in the area surrounding the dispensing orifice 60 and / or the lid plug seal 68 to accommodate elastic deformation to establish a leak-tight seal therebetween. The lid 46 may have other latching means, such as a snap-fit ​​bead, lock, tab, etc. The lid 46 may be engaged with the body 44 in a generally removable manner, such as by threaded threads, friction, or snap-fit ​​bead. The lid 46 may be omitted entirely in some less preferred applications.

[0036] The first illustrated embodiment of the valve 20 is flexible, resilient, pressure-opening, self-closing, and slit-type. Slit-type valve configurations of a generally relevant type are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,678,249 and 5,839,614, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent relevant and not inconsistent herewith.

[0037] The valve 20 of the present invention is suitable for use with flowable materials such as liquids and gases, including beverages, foods, lotions, and creams, among others. The valve 20 is preferably molded as a unitary structure (i.e., one-piece construction) from a flexible, pliable, elastic, and resilient thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. This may include styrenic block copolymers (TPE-s), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPE-o), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPE-u), or thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPE-v). Preferably, the valve 20 is integrally formed from a TPE-s or TPE-o material. In many applications, it is desirable for the valve material to be substantially inert to avoid reaction with and / or contamination of flowable materials that come into contact with the valve 20.

[0038] Although the valve 20 is shown as being formed from a single piece of material defining a single layer of material, it will be appreciated that in some applications the valve 20 may be formed from a material defined by two or more layers of different materials. For example, one layer of valve material may be formed from a first TPE material and one or more other layers of valve material may be formed from coatings or laminations of one or more different materials.

[0039] The valve 20 initially has a "closed", unactuated and substantially unstressed, rest position or state as shown in the figure. The valve 20 can be forced into an "open" position or state when a sufficiently high pressure differential acts across the valve 20 or when the valve 20 engages an article that is sufficiently rigid that it contacts the material of the valve 20.

[0040] 8 and 9, the material of the valve 20 has a first side 114 and a second side 116. In a preferred application, the first side 114 will face the interior of a flowable material container and the second side 116 will face the external ambient environment. In other applications, the valve 20 may be entirely contained within a conduit or system for processing, distributing, or handling the flowable material.

[0041] 8 and 10, the valve 20 has a mounting flange or peripheral mounting portion 120. The peripheral mounting portion 120 may have any suitable configuration for mounting, attaching, coupling, or otherwise receiving or mounting on or within a closure or container. Typically, this may be accomplished by a retaining structure or retaining ring 42 (FIGS. 1 and 2 only) that may engage with features on the inside of the closure 40 (as shown in FIG. 2) or that may engage with features on a container (not shown) into which the valve 20 may be mounted.

[0042] The particular structure of the peripheral mounting portion 120 shown in Figures 8 and 9 may be generally characterized as a modified dovetail structure when viewed in a vertical cut plane containing the central axis 43. The peripheral mounting portion 120 includes a first frusto-conical surface 121 and a second frusto-conical surface 122 for clamping between the retaining ring 42 (Figure 1) and the closure 40 (Figure 1) to hold or retain the valve 20 in place. Preferably, the peripheral mounting portion 120 is somewhat resiliently compressed to accommodate the creation of a reliable leak-proof seal when the peripheral mounting portion 120 is compressively engaged within the closure 40 or container.

[0043] With appropriate modification of the closure 40 or container, other shapes may be used for the peripheral mounting portion 120. Several other shapes of flange cross-sections that may be employed on the valve 20 are shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,409,144. In some applications, it may be desirable to configure the peripheral mounting portion 120 to be attached to the closure 40 or container by adhesive, thermal bonding, or other suitable means, bi-injection molding, such that the retaining ring 42 may be omitted entirely.

[0044] 8 and 9, extending substantially radially inward toward central axis 43 and away from peripheral mounting portion 120, valve 20 includes a generally annular intermediate portion or sleeve 124 that laterally connects peripheral mounting portion 120 and a central head portion or head 125. Head portion 125 is flexible and resilient. When valve 20 is in a closed position, state, or configuration as shown in FIGS. 1-10, intermediate portion 124 has a tubular structure that positions head portion 125 such that a portion of head portion 125 projects axially inward (e.g., toward the interior of a vessel or system) beyond peripheral mounting portion 120.

[0045] The intermediate portion 124 of the valve 20 is preferably configured for use in combination with a particular flowable material delivery system or container, and a particular type of flowable material, to achieve the desired flow characteristics. For example, the viscosity and density of the flowable material are factors to consider. The stiffness and durometer of the valve material, as well as the size and thickness of both the head portion 125 and the intermediate portion 124 are additional factors to consider.

[0046] As seen in Figure 6, the head portion 125 of the valve 20 has a generally circular shape in plan view. The peripheral mounting portion 120, the intermediate portion 124, and the head portion 125 are oriented in a generally circular shape and concentric relationship with respect to the central axis 43 (visible in Figure 9). A fluidic material may be dispensed (i.e., discharged) through the valve 20 when the valve 20 is opened in an axially outward discharge flow direction substantially along the axis 43, as described in more detail below. An engaging article, such as a probe, may also be used to engage and open the valve 20 to facilitate communication of a fluidic material through the valve 20.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 8, intermediate portion 124 has a generally J-shaped or inverted J-shaped cross-section when valve 20 is in a closed state and viewed along a vertical cut plane containing axis 43, and defines an inner surface 126 for facing the interior of the container, and an outer surface 127 for facing the external environment when valve 20 is installed across dispensing orifice 60 (FIG. 2).

[0048] 8, the valve head 125 has an interior surface 130 that has a generally convex shape when the valve 20 is in the closed state and viewed along a vertical cut plane that includes the axis 43. The interior surface 130 of the head portion 125 has a flat, circular central region 132 that extends laterally outward about the axis 43 when the valve 20 is in the closed state. The interior surface 130 of the valve head 125 further defines or includes a laterally outward facing peripheral region 133 that extends laterally outward in an axially inward direction from the juncture with the intermediate portion 124 toward the vessel interior. The interior surface 130 of the head portion 125 lies on a partially spherical locus that also defines a circular arc in longitudinal cross section when viewed along a plane that includes the axis 43.

[0049] 8 along a vertical cut plane including axis 43. The radius of the arc of head portion 125 at exterior surface 134 is less than (is smaller than) the radius of the arc of head portion 125 at interior surface 130 when valve 20 is in the closed state.

[0050] 8 and 9, when head portion 125 is viewed in cross section, a majority of head portion 125 is substantially thicker than the relatively thin intermediate portion 124 of valve 20. In addition, head portion 125 is thicker at a radially outer portion and thinner at a radially inner portion closer to axis 43. This configuration helps provide the desired opening and closing action of valve 20.

[0051] Although the illustrated first embodiment of valve 20 has distinct head portion 125, intermediate portion 124, and peripheral mounting portion 120, it will be understood that in one broad aspect of the invention, valve 20 need not be limited to such a structure. For example, in one contemplated application of valve 20, peripheral mounting portion 120, if provided, may be a rigid member (e.g., a thermoplastic ring or retainer) attached to the remainder of valve 20. Alternatively, valve 20 may be molded with closure 40 or container such that closure 40 or container itself forms the peripheral mounting portion.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 5, the head portion 125 of the valve 20 has a pair of self-sealing intersecting slits 140 each extending across and completely through the head portion 125. The slits 140 extend substantially radially from the center of the head portion 125. The slits 140 define openable flaps, segments, sections, or petals 144 in the valve head portion 125 to define normally closed orifices. Each petal has two cross sections defined by the slits 140, each cross section sealing against the opposing cross section of an adjacent petal when the valve orifice is closed. Variations and forms of such openable sections are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,628,056, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent relevant and not inconsistent herewith.

[0053] As best shown in FIG. 10, in a normally closed position or configuration of the valve 20, the interior surface 130 of the head 125 (including the laterally outward facing peripheral region 133) and the interior surface 126 of the intermediate portion join or intersect at a first annular intersection 150 (also seen in FIG. 4). In addition, the exterior surface 134 of the head 125 and the exterior surface 127 of the intermediate portion 124 join or intersect at a second annular intersection 154 (also seen in FIG. 3). In a first preferred exemplary embodiment of the valve 20 shown in FIG. 10, the first annular intersection 150 and the second annular intersection 154 are located at substantially the same axial location along the central axis 43 (FIG. 8). Preferably, the first annular intersection 150 and the second annular intersection 154 are spaced apart along the central axis by a distance of about 0.30 millimeters (0.011 inches) or less. More preferably, the first and second orbital intersection lines 150, 154 are spaced apart along the central axis by a distance of about 0.05 millimeters (0.002 inches) or less.

[0054] With reference to FIG. 8, in a closed configuration of the valve 20, the first annular intersection 150 defines a first diameter and the second annular intersection 154 defines a second diameter, with the ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter being approximately 1.09.

[0055] The inventors have found that the TPE valve 20 disclosed herein, having first and second annular intersections 150 and 154 located at substantially the same axial location, can address many of the dispensing performance problems encountered with conventional TPE valves. For example, the valve 20 of the present invention has been found to significantly improve (i.e., increase) the closing force of the valve 20 against pressure by 10-25% as compared to conventional valves made of TPE. Specifically, the valve 20 has been found to close or reclose against an internal pressure differential relative to the valve's internal face of about 10.4 inH20 (2590 Pascals), whereas conventional valves made of TPE have been found to close against an internal pressure differential relative to the valve's internal face of about 8.0 inH20 (1990 Pascals). Preferably, the openable portion of the valve 20 will close (i.e., move from an open orifice configuration to a closed configuration) even when subjected to an internal pressure differential between the internal and external environments of about 2,200 Pascals (i.e., +400 / -100 Pascals) acting on the internal surface 130 of the valve head 125.

[0056] The inventors have found that to provide a functional TPE valve for many applications, the first and second annular intersection lines 150, 154 should be spaced apart by no more than about 0.30 millimeters (0.011 inches) in either direction along the central axis. Furthermore, the inventors have found that to achieve at least a 10% improvement or increase in valve closure force versus pressure compared to conventional TPE valves, the first and second annular intersection lines 150, 154 should be spaced apart by no more than about 0.05 millimeters (0.002 inches) in either direction along the central axis. Specifically, it has been found that a variation of the TPE valve 20 in which the intersection line 154 is located axially outboard of the intersection line 150 by no more than about 0.05 millimeters will close against an internal pressure of about 9.0 inH20 (2242 Pascals). Additionally, it has been found that variations of the TPE valve 20 in which the line of intersection 150 is located axially outboard of the line of intersection 154 by a distance of about 0.05 millimeters or less will close against an internal pressure of about 8.9 inH20 (2217 Pascals). The present invention contemplates that the spacing between the lines of intersection 150 and 154 may be in either direction along the central axis 43, with the line of intersection 150 being located axially outboard of the line of intersection 154, or the line of intersection 154 being located axially outboard of the line of intersection 150.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the valve 20, the valve 20 is injection molded from a TPE material and the slits 140 are then cut or punched into the head portion 125 by suitable specialized or conventional techniques. Alternatively, the valve 20 may be molded to define the slits 140. It will be understood that in some applications the valve 20 may be provided with one slit 140 or two or more slits 140 arranged in a configuration different than that shown.

[0058] The inventors have found that the valve 20 of the present invention may improve the transportability and / or storage characteristics of a container or other system in which the valve 20 is installed, as compared to conventional TPE valves. In particular, the improved valve 20 may eliminate, or at least reduce or minimize, undesirable premature valve opening events or other ingress or egress leakage events during transport, storage, heating, or over-pressurization of a flowable material container or system in which the valve 20 is installed.

[0059] In some applications, it may be desirable to modify the valve 20 to remain closed even at even greater pressure differentials, for example, (i) if the valve is installed within the package in an orientation different from that shown, (ii) if the package in which the valve is installed undergoes a longer or higher temperature pasteurization process, or (iii) if the package in which the valve is installed may experience greater bumps and shocks during transport.

[0060] A second embodiment of a valve 20A according to the present invention is shown in Figure 11. The second illustrated embodiment of valve 20A may be formed from the same TPE material or materials as discussed in detail above with respect to the first illustrated embodiment of valve 20. Similar elements between the first illustrated embodiment of valve 20 and the second illustrated embodiment of valve 20A are designated with the same numbers (the first embodiment has no suffix and the second embodiment has the suffix "A").

[0061] The second illustrated embodiment of valve 20A has the same basic elements and functions in the same basic manner as the first illustrated embodiment of valve 20. Valve 20A includes a peripheral mounting portion 120A for fastening to an opening of a closure or container and an intermediate portion 124A connecting peripheral portion 120A to a central valve head 125A, these components or portions of valve 20A having the same basic shapes as described above with respect to the first illustrated embodiment of valve 20. Valve head 125A includes a pair of intersecting slits 140A arranged in the same orthogonal manner as described above with respect to the first illustrated embodiment of valve 20.

[0062] 11 differs from the previously described first illustrated embodiment of valve 20 in that valve 20A has a modified arrangement of the internal and external connections between intermediate portion 124A and head 125A. Specifically, a first annular intersection 150A on the inside of valve 20A and a second annular intersection 154A on the outside of valve 20A are spaced apart along the central axis by a distance "D" of about 0.05 millimeters (0.002 inches) or less, and first annular intersection 150A on the inside of valve 20A is located axially inward (i.e., toward the interior of the vessel or distribution system) of second annular intersection 154A.

[0063] Although not shown, the present invention encompasses a modified valve design in which a first annular intersection 150A on the inside of the valve 20A and a second annular intersection 154A on the outside of the valve 20A are spaced apart along the central axis by a distance "D" of about 0.05 millimeters (0.002 inches) or less, and the second annular intersection 154A on the outside of the valve 20A is located at a point axially inward of the first annular intersection 150A (i.e., toward the interior of the container or distribution system).

[0064] In one broad aspect of the invention, the invention may be limited to only the valves disclosed herein. In another broad aspect of the invention, the invention may include a fully recyclable subassembly of the valves, retaining rings, and closures disclosed herein. In yet another broad aspect of the invention, the invention may include a fully recyclable package including the valves and closures disclosed herein (with or without retaining rings) and a container of flowable material. The container may have any conventional or special design.

[0065] It will be understood that, although various theories and explanations have been set forth herein as to how the configuration and arrangement of components may affect the operation of the valve of the present invention, no intention is intended to be bound by such theories and explanations.Furthermore, it is intended that any structure falling within the scope of the appended claims should not be excluded from the scope of the claims merely because the operation of such valve cannot be explained by the explanations and theories set forth herein.

[0066] Various modifications and alterations to the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Illustrative embodiments and examples are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A flexible, resilient slit valve for enabling selective dispensing of a fluent product from an internal environment to an external environment, said valve comprising: a flexible, resilient head centered about a central axis and extending laterally from said central axis, said head having an interior surface facing said interior environment, a concave exterior surface facing said exterior environment, and at least one self-sealing slit therethrough; an opposing openable portion along at least one of the slits defining a normally closed orifice in an unforced state, the openable portion being movable in a first direction towards the external environment to an open orifice configuration and movable back in an opposite direction to a closed configuration; an annular peripheral mounting portion centered on said central axis and spaced laterally from said head; an annular, flexible, resilient intermediate portion centered about the central axis and extending laterally from the head to the peripheral mounting portion, the intermediate portion having an inner surface facing the interior environment and an outer surface facing the exterior environment; Equipped with the interior surface of the head and the interior surface of the intermediate portion intersect at a first circular intersection line; the exterior surface of the head and the exterior surface of the intermediate portion intersect at a second annular intersection line; In the closed structure, the first and second orbital intersections are spaced apart along the central axis by a distance of about 0.30 millimeters or less; At least the head and the intermediate portion are formed from a thermoplastic elastomer. valve.

2. 2. The valve of claim 1, wherein in the closed configuration, the first and second annular intersections are spaced apart along the central axis by a distance of about 0.05 millimeters or less.

3. The valve of claim 1 , wherein in the closed configuration, the first and second orbital intersections are substantially co-located along the central axis.

4. The valve of claim 1 , wherein in the closed configuration, the first annular intersection is axially inward of the second annular intersection along the central axis.

5. The valve of claim 1 , wherein in the closed configuration, the second annular intersection is axially inward of the first annular intersection along the central axis.

6. 2. The valve of claim 1, wherein an interior surface of the head defines a laterally outwardly facing peripheral region extending laterally outward from the first annular intersection in a direction along the central axis and away from the external environment.

7. The valve of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the head is substantially thicker than the intermediate portion.

8. 10. The valve of claim 1, wherein said head, said peripheral mounting portion, and said intermediate portion are integrally molded from a thermoplastic elastomer.

9. 2. The valve of claim 1, wherein the retractable portion is configured to move from the open orifice configuration to the closed configuration when a pressure differential between the internal environment and the external environment acting across the head is about 2,200 Pascals.

10. The valve of claim 1 , wherein at least the head and the intermediate portion are formed from one of TPE-s or TPE-o.

11. The valve of claim 1 , wherein at least the head and intermediate portion are formed from one of TPE-u or TPE-v.

12. 2. The valve of claim 1, wherein in the closed configuration, the first annular intersection has a first diameter and the second annular intersection has a second diameter, and a ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter is about 1.

09.

13. 2. The valve of claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion has a substantially J-shaped cross-section when viewed in a plane containing the central axis.

14. 10. The valve of claim 1 in combination with a closure and a retaining ring for use with a container of flowable material.

15. 10. The valve of claim 1 in combination with a closure and a container of flowable material, the valve, closure and container of flowable material defining a package.

16. 1. A subassembly comprising: Closures and A valve and a retaining ring for maintaining the valve within the closure; Equipped with The valve is i) a flexible, resilient head centered about a central axis and extending laterally from said central axis, said head having an interior surface facing an interior environment, a concave exterior surface facing an exterior environment, and at least one self-sealing slit therethrough; ii) opposing openable portions along at least one of the slits defining a normally closed orifice in an unforced state, the openable portions being movable in a first direction towards the external environment to an open orifice configuration and back in an opposite direction to a closed configuration; iii) an annular peripheral mounting portion centered about said central axis and spaced laterally from said head; iv) an annular, flexible, resilient intermediate portion centered about said central axis and extending laterally from said head to said peripheral mounting portion, said intermediate portion having an inner surface facing said interior environment and an outer surface facing said exterior environment; Including, the interior surface of the head and the interior surface of the intermediate portion intersect at a first annular line, and the exterior surface of the head and the exterior surface of the intermediate portion intersect at a second annular line; In the closed structure, the first and second orbital intersections are spaced apart along the central axis by a distance of about 0.30 millimeters or less; the valve being formed from a thermoplastic elastomer such that the subassembly is recyclable without disassembly; Subassembly.

17. A flexible, resilient slit valve (20, 20A) for enabling selective dispensing of a fluent product from an internal environment to an external environment, said valve (20, 20A) comprising: a flexible, resilient head (125, 125A) centered on a central axis (43) and extending laterally from said central axis (43), said head (125, 125A) having an interior surface (130, 132, 133; 130A, 132A, 133A) facing said interior environment, a concave exterior (134, 134A) surface facing said exterior environment, and at least one self-sealing slit (140, 140A) through said head (125, 125A); an opposed openable portion (144) along at least one of said slits (140, 140A) defining a normally closed orifice in an unforced state, said openable portion (144) being movable in a first direction towards said external environment to an open orifice configuration and back in an opposite direction to a closed configuration; an annular peripheral mounting portion (120, 120A) centered about said central axis (43) and spaced laterally from said head (125, 125A); an annular, flexible, resilient intermediate portion (124, 124A) centered about said central axis (43) and extending laterally from said head (125, 125A) to said peripheral mounting portion (120, 120A), said intermediate portion (124, 124A) having an inner surface (126, 126A) facing said internal environment and an outer surface (127, 127A) facing said external environment; Equipped with said internal surface (130, 132, 133; 130A, 132A, 133A) of said head (125, 125A) and said internal surface (126, 126A) of said intermediate portion (124, 124A) intersect at a first circular intersection line (150, 150A); the outer surface (134, 134A) of the head (125, 125A) and the outer surface (127, 127A) of the intermediate portion (124, 124A) intersect at a second annular intersection line (154, 154A); In the closed configuration, the first annular intersection line (150, 150A) and the second annular intersection line (154, 154A) are spaced apart along the central axis (43) by a distance of about 0.30 millimeters or less; At least the head (125, 125A) and the intermediate portion (124, 124A) are formed from a thermoplastic elastomer. Valve (20, 20A).

18. 18. The valve of claim 17, wherein in the closed configuration, the first annular intersection (150, 150A) and the second annular intersection (154, 154A) are spaced apart along the central axis by a distance of about 0.05 millimeters or less.

19. 18. The valve (20) of claim 17, wherein in the closed configuration, the first annular intersection (150) and the second annular intersection (154) are substantially co-located along the central axis (43).

20. 20. The valve (20A) of claim 17, wherein in the closed configuration, the first annular intersection (150A) is axially inward of the second annular intersection (154A) along the central axis (43).

21. 20. The valve (20A) of claim 17, wherein in the closed configuration, the second annular intersection (154A) is axially inward of the first annular intersection (150A) along the central axis (43).

22. 22. The valve (20, 20A) of any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the interior surface (130, 132, 133; 130A, 132A, 133A) of the head (125, 125A) defines a laterally outwardly facing peripheral region (133, 133A) extending laterally outwardly from the first annular intersection line (150, 150A) in a direction along the central axis (43) and away from the external environment.

23. A valve (20, 20A) according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein at least a portion of the head (125, 125A) is substantially thicker than the intermediate portion (124, 124A).

24. The valve (20, 20A) of any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the head (125, 125A), the peripheral mounting portion (120, 120A), and the intermediate portion (124, 124A) are integrally molded from a thermoplastic elastomer.

25. The valve (20, 20A) of any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the openable portion (144) is configured to move from the open orifice configuration to the closed configuration when a pressure differential between the internal environment and the external environment acting across the head (125, 125A) is about 2,200 Pascals.

26. The valve (20, 20A) of any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein at least the head (125, 125A) and the intermediate portion (124, 124A) are formed from one of TPE-s or TPE-o.

27. The valve (20, 20A) of any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein at least the head (125, 125A) and the intermediate portion (124, 124A) are formed from one of TPE-u or TPE-v.

28. 28. The valve (20, 20A) of any one of claims 17 to 27, wherein in the closed configuration, the first annular intersection (150, 150A) has a first diameter and the second annular intersection (154, 154A) has a second diameter, and the ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter is about 1.

09.

29. A valve (20, 20A) according to any one of claims 17 to 28, wherein the intermediate portion (124, 124A) has a substantially J-shaped cross-section when viewed in a plane containing the central axis (43).

30. A valve (20, 20A) according to any one of claims 17 to 29 in combination with a closure (40) and a retaining ring (42) for use with a container of flowable material.

31. The valve (20, 20A) of any one of claims 17 to 29 in combination with a closure (40) and a container of flowable material, said valve (20, 20A), closure (40) and container of flowable material defining a package.

32. A subassembly (30), comprising: A closure (40); A valve (20, 20A); a retaining ring (42) for maintaining the valve (20, 20A) within the closure (40); Equipped with The valve (20, 20A) i) a flexible, resilient head (125, 125A) centered on a central axis (43) and extending laterally from said central axis (43), said head (125, 125A) having an interior surface (130, 132, 133; 130A, 132A, 133A) facing an internal environment, a concave exterior (134, 134A) surface facing an external environment, and at least one self-sealing slit (140, 140A) through said head (125, 125A); ii) opposing openable portions (144) along at least one of said slits (140, 140A) defining a normally closed orifice in an unforced state, said openable portions (144) being movable in a first direction towards said external environment to an open orifice configuration and back in an opposite direction to a closed configuration; iii) an annular peripheral mounting portion (120, 120A) centered about said central axis (43) and spaced laterally from said head (125, 125A); iv) an annular, flexible, resilient intermediate portion (124, 124A) centered about said central axis (43) and extending laterally from said head (125, 125A) to said peripheral mounting portion (120, 120A), said intermediate portion (124, 124A) having an inner surface (126, 126A) facing said internal environment and an outer surface (127, 127A) facing said external environment; Including, said internal surface (130, 132, 133; 130A, 132A, 133A) of said head (125, 125A) and said internal surface (126, 126A) of said intermediate portion (124, 124A) intersect at a first circular intersection line (150, 150A); the outer surface (134, 134A) of the head (125, 125A) and the outer surface (127, 127A) of the intermediate portion (124, 124A) intersect at a second annular intersection line (154, 154A); In the closed configuration, the first annular intersection line (150, 150A) and the second annular intersection line (154, 154A) are spaced apart along the central axis (43) by a distance of about 0.30 millimeters or less; The valve (20, 20A) is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer so that the subassembly (30) is recyclable without disassembly. Subassembly (30).

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