Control valve and associated vessel kits

Abstract

To provide a control valve which is switchable between different states, and to provide a related container kit.SOLUTION: A control valve adapted for a container is provided and includes a valve member 121 and an operating member 122. The valve member is configured to be mounted on the container and resiliently deformable. The operating member is pivotally switchable between a first position and a second position. When the operating member is operated to the second position from the first position, the valve member is resiliently deformed by the operating member, such that the valve member is at least partially separated from the container. Further, a related container kit 1 is also provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control valve and associated container kit that is compatible with a container, and more particularly to a control valve that can be switched between different states by utilizing an operating member, and associated container kit. [Background technology]

[0002] In vacuum and pressure systems, valves are important components for allowing or limiting the balance between the internal and external pressures of containers, such as hard boxes and soft bags, within the vacuum and pressure systems. However, conventional valves are not user-friendly, and improvements are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To solve the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a control valve that can be switched between different states by means of an operating member and an associated container kit.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present invention discloses a control valve adapted for a container, the control valve including: an elastically deformable valve member configured to be attached to the container; and an operating member pivotally switchable between a first position and a second position, such that when the operating member is operated from the first position to the second position, the valve member is elastically deformed by the operating member and the valve member is at least partially separated from the container.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve member includes an abutment portion configured to abut against a first side of the container; and a cover portion connected to the abutment portion and configured to be elastically deformed by at least one of a second side of the container and the operating member.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the operating member is in the first position, the cover portion is not elastically deformed by the operating member; when the operating member is in the second position, the cover portion is elastically deformed by the operating member and is at least partially separated from the second side of the container.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cover portion is attached to the second side of the container and is elastically deformed by the second side of the container when the operating member is in the first position.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the operating member is pivotally arranged on one of the valve member and the container.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the operating member includes at least one pivot portion pivotally connected to one of the valve member and the container; and at least one drive portion protruding from the at least one pivot portion and configured to abut another of the valve member and the container when the operating member is operated from the first position to the second position.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one drive part is formed in a cam shape; when the operating member is in a first position, the at least one drive part does not abut against the other of the valve member and the container; and when the operating member is in a second position, the at least one drive part abuts against the other of the valve member and the container.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the operating member further includes an operating portion; the operating portion is connected to the at least one pivoting portion and configured to be operated to drive the at least one pivoting portion to pivot, thereby switching the operating member between the first position and the second position.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one pivot portion is configured to be pivotally connected to a through-hole structure or a shaft structure formed in one of the cover portion of the valve member and the valve seat of the container.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the operating member is in the second position, a communication channel is formed between the valve member and the container, and the communication channel generates an audible sound due to airflow through the communication channel.

[0014] To achieve the above object, the present invention discloses a container kit including a container, a control valve, an elastically deformable valve member configured to be attached to the container, and an operating member pivotally switchable between a first position and a second position, such that when the operating member is operated from the first position to the second position, the valve member is elastically deformed by the operating member and the valve member is at least partially separated from the container.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve member includes an abutment portion configured to abut against a first side of the container; and a cover portion connected to the abutment portion and configured to be elastically deformed by at least one of a second side of the container and the operating member.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the operating member is in the first position, the cover portion is not elastically deformed by the operating member; when the operating member is in the second position, the cover portion is elastically deformed by the operating member and is at least partially separated from the second side of the container.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cover portion is attached to the second side of the container and is elastically deformed by the second side of the container when the operating member is in the first position.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the operating member is pivotally arranged on one of the valve member and the container.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the operating member includes at least one pivot portion pivotally connected to one of the valve member and the container; and at least one drive portion protruding from the at least one pivot portion and configured to abut another of the valve member and the container when the operating member is operated from the first position to the second position.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one drive part is formed in a cam shape; when the operating member is in a first position, the at least one drive part does not abut against the other of the valve member and the container; and when the operating member is in a second position, the at least one drive part abuts against the other of the valve member and the container.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the operating member further includes an operating portion; the operating portion is connected to the at least one pivoting portion and configured to be operated to drive the at least one pivoting portion to pivot, thereby switching the operating member between the first position and the second position.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one pivot portion is configured to be pivotally connected to a through-hole structure or a shaft structure formed in one of the cover portion of the valve member and the valve seat of the container.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the operating member is in the second position, a communication channel is formed between the valve member and the container, and the communication channel generates an audible sound due to airflow through the communication channel.

[0024] In summary, the control valve of the present invention can be switched between different states that allow or restrict the equilibrium between the internal air pressure and the external air pressure of the container by operating the operating member to different positions. Therefore, the present invention is easy to operate. Furthermore, when the operating member is in the second position, an audible sound can be generated by air flowing through the communication channel formed between the valve member and the container until the internal air pressure and the external air pressure of the container are equilibrated. Therefore, by hearing the audible sound, the user can easily recognize whether the internal air pressure and the external air pressure of the container are equilibrated.

[0025] These and other objects of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1A to 1C are views of a container kit according to a first embodiment of the present invention in different states. [Figure 2] 1A to 1C are views of a container kit according to a first embodiment of the present invention in different states. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the container kit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial view of the container kit from a different perspective in a state where the operating member is in a first position according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a partial view of the container kit from a different perspective in a state where the operating member is in a first position according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container kit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the operating member is in a first position. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a partial view of the container kit from a different perspective in a state where the operating member is in a second position according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a partial view of the container kit from a different perspective in a state where the operating member is in a second position according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container kit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the operating member is in a second position. [Figure 10] 10A-10C are views of a container kit according to a second embodiment of the present invention in different states. [Figure 11] 10A-10C are views of a container kit according to a second embodiment of the present invention in different states. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a container kit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a container kit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, taken along a different cross-sectional line, with an operating member in a first position. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a container kit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, taken along a different cross-sectional line, with an operating member in a first position. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a partial view of a container kit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in a state in which the valve member is not elastically deformed by the operating member in a first position. [Figure 16] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a container kit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, taken along a different cross-sectional line, with the operating member in a second position. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a container kit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, taken along a different cross-sectional line, with the operating member in a second position. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a partial view of a container kit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in a state in which a valve member is elastically deformed by an operating member 2 in a second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terms such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are used with reference to the orientation of the figures being described. Components of the invention may be oriented in many different directions. As such, directional terminology is used for purposes of explanation and is in no way limiting. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Furthermore, unless specified, the term "connect" is intended to mean either an indirect or direct mechanical connection. Thus, when a first device is coupled to a second device, the connection may be via a direct mechanical connection or via an indirect mechanical connection via a connection to another device.

[0028] Please refer to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams of a container kit 1 in different states according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the container kit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the container kit 1 includes a container 11 and a control valve 12 disposed in the container 11. In this embodiment, the container 11 is a hard box. Moreover, when the control valve 12 is in a first state shown in FIG. 1, the control valve 12 is configured to only allow airflow from the interior of the container 11 to an external environment to evacuate the interior of the container 11. Furthermore, when the control valve 12 is in a second state shown in FIG. 2, the control valve 12 is further configured to allow airflow from the interior of the container 11 to the external environment and from the external environment to the interior of the container 11 to devacuumize the interior of the container 11.

[0029] However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the container may be a soft bag. Alternatively, in another embodiment, when the control valve is in a first state, the control valve may be configured to enable airflow only from the external environment to the interior of the container to pressurize the interior of the container. When the control valve is in a second state, the control valve is further configured to enable airflow both from the external environment to the interior of the container and from the interior of the container to the external environment to depressurize the interior of the container.

[0030] 1 to 3, the control valve 12 includes a valve member 121 and an operating member 122. The valve member 121 is configured to be attached to the container 11 and is elastically deformable. To switch the control valve 12 between a first state shown in FIG. 1 and a second state shown in FIG. 2, the operating member 122 is pivotally switchable between a first position P1 shown in FIG. 1 and a second position P2 shown in FIG. 2.

[0031] Please refer to Figures 4 to 9. Figures 4 and 5 are partial views of the container kit 1 from different perspectives when the operating member 122 is in the first position P1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container kit 1 from different perspectives when the operating member 122 is in the first position P1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 7 and 8 are partial views of the container kit 1 from different perspectives when the operating member 122 is in the second position P2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container kit 1 from different perspectives when the operating member 122 is in the second position P2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, when the operating member 122 is in the first position P1, i.e., when the control valve 12 is in the first state, the valve member 121 is not elastically deformed by the operating member 122. As a result, the valve member 121 is attached to the container 11 and is elastically deformed by the container 11 to enable only airflow from the inside of the container 11 to the external environment so as to prevent equilibrium between the internal air pressure of the container 11 and the external air pressure. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, when the operating member 122 is operated from the first position P1 to the second position P2 to switch the control valve 12 from the first state to the second state, the valve member 121 is elastically deformed by the operating member 122. As a result, the valve member 121 is at least partially separated from the container 11. To enable both airflow from the inside of the container 11 to the external environment and airflow from the external environment to the inside of the container 11, a communication channel C is formed between the valve member 121 and the container 11, which can balance the internal air pressure of the container 11 and the external air pressure.

[0032] 4 to 9, the valve member 121 is disposed through an opening structure O formed in the valve seat 111 of the container 11, and includes an abutting portion 1211 and a cover portion 1212 (diaphragm 1212). The abutting portion 1211 is configured to abut against a first side S1 of the container 11. The cover portion 1212 is connected to the abutting portion 1211 and configured to be elastically deformed by at least one of a second side S2 of the container 11 and the operating member 122. In this embodiment, the first side S1 and the second side S2 of the container 11 are the inner side and the outer side of the container 11, respectively. That is, the abutting portion 1211 and the cover portion 1212 of the valve member 121 are disposed adjacent to the inner side and the outer side of the container 11, respectively.

[0033] Preferably, the valve member 121 may be of one piece construction, ie the abutment portion 1211 and the cover portion 1212 may be integrally connected to each other, and the valve member 121 may be formed from an elastomeric material.

[0034] 4 to 6 , the abutting portion 1211 abutting against the first side S1 of the container 11 is configured to apply a first acting force in a first direction D1 to the cover portion 1212, driving the cover portion 1212. When the operating member 122 is in the first position P1, the cover portion 1212 is attached to the second side S2 of the container 11 and is elastically deformed by the second side S2 of the container 11. When the operating member 122 is in the first position P1, the cover portion 1212 is not elastically deformed by the operating member 122. The cover portion 1212 of the operating member 122 in the first position P1 can be forced to at least partially separate from the second side S2 of the container 11 by an airflow from the interior of the container 11 toward the external environment, and therefore the cover portion 1212 of the operating member 122 in the first position P1 enables an airflow from the interior of the container 11 toward the external environment. The cover portion 1212 of the operating member 122 in the first position P1 can be forcibly attached to the second side S2 of the container 11 by airflow from the external environment to the inside of the container 11, so that the cover portion 1212 of the operating member 122 in the first position P1 blocks airflow from the external environment to the inside of the container 11.

[0035] 7 to 9, when the operating member 122 is in the second position P2, the operating member 122 is configured to apply a second acting force to the cover portion 1212 in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. This causes the operating member 122 to elastically deform the cover portion 1212, driving it to at least partially separate from the second side S2 of the container 11. This enables both airflow from the interior of the container 11 toward the external environment and airflow from the external environment toward the interior of the container 11, thereby enabling the internal air pressure of the container 11 to be balanced with the external air pressure.

[0036] 4 to 9, in this embodiment, the operating member 122 is pivotally disposed on the valve member 121. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the operating member may be pivotally disposed on the container.

[0037] Specifically, the operating member 122 includes a pivot portion 1221, two drive portions 1222, and an operating portion 1223. The pivot portion 1221 is pivotally connected to the valve member 121. The two drive portions 1222 protrude from two ends of the pivot portion 1221, respectively, and are configured to abut against the container 11 when the operating member 122 is operated from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The operating portion 1223 is connected to the pivot portion 1221 and is configured to be operated to drive the pivot portion 1221 to pivot, thereby switching the operating member 122 between the first position P1 and the second position P2. However, the number and configuration of the pivot portions and drive portions are not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the operating member may include one drive portion located at only one end of the pivot portion. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the operating member may include two pivoting portions arranged coaxially with each other and two pivoting portions located at the two ends of the two pivoting portions, respectively.

[0038] Preferably, a through-hole structure 1213 is formed in the valve member 121 to realize a pivotal connection between the valve member 121 and the pivot portion 1221 of the operating member 122. The through-hole structure 1213 may be integrally connected to the cover portion 1212 and disposed adjacent to the second side S2 of the container 11. The pivot portion 1221 is formed as a circular shaft structure and configured to pivotally pass through the through-hole structure 1213, so that it is pivotally connected to the through-hole structure 1213 and disposed adjacent to the second side S2 of the container 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the pivot portion may be formed as a hook-like structure that pivotally engages with a shaft structure formed in the valve member.

[0039] Preferably, each of the two drive portions 1222 is formed in a cam shape. When the operating member 122 is in the first position P1, the two drive portions 1222 do not abut against the second side S2 of the container 11. When the operating member 122 is in the second position P2, the two drive portions 1222 abut against the second side S2 of the container 11. During movement of the operating member 122 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the abutment of the two drive portions 1222 against the second side S2 of the container 11 causes the operating member 122 to move in the second direction D2 away from the second side S2 of the container 11 to apply a second acting force in the second direction D2 to the cover portion 1212 of the valve member 121. As a result, the cover portion 1212 of the valve member 121 is elastically deformed in the second direction D2 by the operating member 122 and at least partially separated from the second side S2 of the container 11.

[0040] Preferably, the operating member 122 is configured to abut against a stop 1214 formed on the valve member 121, which may be integrally connected to the cover portion 1212 to stop the operating member 122 in the first position P1 when the operating member 122 is in the first position P1.

[0041] It should be noted that when the operating member 122 is operated from the first position P1 to the second position P2 to release the vacuum inside the container 11, airflow can be introduced from the external environment into the container 11 through the communication channel C formed between the valve member 121 and the container 11 to balance the internal air pressure of the container 11 with the external air pressure. While the internal air pressure of the container 11 and the external air pressure are balanced, the operating member 122 can be held in the second position P2 by the frictional force between the two drive parts 1222 and the second side S2 of the container 11, maintaining the communication channel C at a small size. As a result, the airflow through the communication channel C formed between the valve member 121 and the container 11 can generate an audible sound, for example, until the internal air pressure of the container 11 and the external air pressure are balanced or the pressure difference between the internal air pressure of the container 11 and the external air pressure is reduced to substantially zero. Therefore, in this embodiment, by hearing an audible sound when the vacuum inside the container 11 is released, the user can easily recognize whether the internal air pressure of the container 11 is balanced with the external air pressure.

[0042] Please refer to Figures 10 to 18. Figures 10 and 11 are views of a container kit 1' according to a second embodiment of the present invention in different states. Figure 12 is an exploded view of the container kit 1' according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figures 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views of the container kit 1' according to the second embodiment of the present invention, taken along different cross-sectional lines, when the operating member 122' is at the first position P1'. Figure 15 is a partial view of the container kit 1' according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in a state in which the valve member 121' is not elastically deformed by the operating member 122' at the first position P1'. Figures 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views of the container kit 1' according to the second embodiment of the present invention, taken along different cross-sectional lines, when the operating member 122' is at the second position P2'. Figure 18 is a partial view of the container kit 1' according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in a state in which the valve member 121' is elastically deformed by the operating member 122' at the second position P2'. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 , the container kit 1′ includes a container 11′ and a control valve 12′. Unlike the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the container 11′ is a soft bag. In addition, when the control valve 12′ is in a first state shown in FIG. 10 , the control valve 12′ is configured to enable airflow only from the external environment to the interior of the container 11′ to pressurize the interior of the container 11′. When the control valve 12′ is in a second state shown in FIG. 11 , the control valve 12′ is further configured to enable airflow both from the external environment to the interior of the container 11′ and from the interior of the container 11′ to the external environment to depressurize the interior of the container 11′.

[0043] 12 to 18, in this embodiment, the first side S1' and the second side S2' of the container 11' are the outer side and the inner side of the container 11', respectively. That is, the abutting portion 1211' and the cover portion 1212' of the valve member 121', which are disposed through the opening structure O' on the valve seat 111' of the container 11', are disposed adjacent to the outer side and the inner side of the container 11', respectively.

[0044] Moreover, as shown in Figures 12 to 18, in this embodiment, the operating member 122' is pivotally disposed on the valve seat 111' of the container 11'.

[0045] Specifically, in this embodiment, the operating member 122' includes two pivoting portions 1221', two driving portions 1222', and an operating portion 1223' connected to the two pivoting portions 1221'. The two pivoting portions 1221' of the operating member 122' are arranged coaxially with each other and pivotally connected to the valve seat 111' of the container 11'. The two driving portions 1222' protrude from the two pivoting portions 1221', respectively, and are configured to abut against the cover portion 1212' of the valve member 121' when the operating member 122' is operated from the first position P1' to the second position P2'.

[0046] Preferably, in this embodiment, two shaft structures 1112' are formed on the valve seat 111' of the container 11'. Each of the two pivot portions 1221' is formed into a hook-like structure and configured to be pivotally connected to the corresponding shaft structure 1112'.

[0047] Preferably, in this embodiment, two through slots 1113' are formed in the valve seat 111' of the container 11' and are configured to provide access for the two actuating portions 1222' to abut against the cover portion 1212' of the valve member 121' located adjacent the second side S2' of the container 11'. Furthermore, the two through slots 1113' are configured to be covered by the cover portion 1212' of the valve member 121' to prevent air flow from the interior of the container 11 to the external environment through either of the two through slots 1113' when the operating member 122' is in the first position P1.

[0048] Preferably, in this embodiment, when the operating member 122' is in the first position P1', the operating member 122' is configured to abut against the valve seat 111' to stop the operating member 122' at the first position P1'.

[0049] However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, there may be only one shaft structure and one through-slot formed in the valve seat of the container. The operating member may include one pivot portion pivotally connected to the shaft structure and one drive portion protruding from the pivot portion. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the pivot portion may be formed as a circular shaft structure pivotally passing through a through-hole structure formed in the valve seat.

[0050] 10 and 13 to 15, in this embodiment, when the operating member 122' is in the first position P1', each of the two driving portions 1222' does not abut against the cover portion 1212' of the valve member 121'. As shown in FIG. 11 and 16 to 18, when the operating member 122' is in the second position P2', each of the two driving portions 1222' abuts against the cover portion 1212' of the valve member 121'.

[0051] 10 and 13 to 15, the abutting portion 1211' abutting against the first side S1' of the container 11' is configured to apply a third acting force in the second direction D2 to the cover portion 1212' to drive the cover portion 1212'. When the operating member 122' is in the first position P1', the cover portion 1212' is attached to the second side S2' of the container 11' and is elastically deformed by the second side S2' of the container 11'. When the operating member 122' is in the first position P1', the cover portion 1212' is not elastically deformed by the operating member 122'. The cover portion 1212' of the operating member 122' in the first position P1' can be forcibly attached to the second side S2' of the container 11' by an airflow from the interior of the container 11' to the external environment, so that the cover portion 1212' of the operating member 122' in the first position P1' blocks the airflow from the interior of the container 11' to the external environment. The cover portion 1212' of the operating member 122' in the first position P1' can be forcibly at least partially separated from the second side S2' of the container 11' by an airflow from the external environment to the interior of the container 11', so that the cover portion 1212' of the operating member 122' in the first position P1' enables the airflow from the external environment to the interior of the container 11'.

[0052] 13 to 18, when the operating member 122' is operated from the first position P1' to the second position P2' to reduce the pressure inside the container 11', the operating member 122' is configured to apply a fourth acting force in the first direction D1 to the cover portion 1212' of the valve member 121' by abutting the two drive portions 1222' and the cover portion 1212'. As a result, the cover portion 1212' of the valve member 121' is elastically deformed in the first direction D1 by the operating member 122' and at least partially separated from the second side S2' of the container 11'. In this way, a communication channel C' is formed between the valve member 121' and the container 11' to introduce airflow from the inside of the container 11' to the external environment so as to balance the internal air pressure of the container 11' and the external air pressure. While the internal and external air pressures of the container 11' are balanced, the operating member 122' may be held in the second position P2' by the frictional force between the two drive portions 1222' and the cover portion 1212', thereby maintaining the communication channel C' at a small size. As a result, airflow from the interior of the container 11' to the external environment through the communication channel C' can generate an audible sound, for example, until the internal and external air pressures of the container 11' are balanced or until the pressure difference between the internal and external air pressures of the container 11' is reduced to substantially zero. Therefore, in this embodiment, by hearing the audible sound, the user can easily recognize whether the internal and external air pressures of the container 11' are balanced.

[0053] Other details of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description will be omitted in this specification for the sake of simplicity.

[0054] In contrast to the background art, the control valve of the present invention can be switched between different states that allow or restrict the equilibrium between the internal air pressure and the external air pressure of the container by operating the operating member to different positions. Therefore, the present invention is easy to operate. Furthermore, when the operating member is in the second position, an audible sound can be generated by air flowing through the communication channel formed between the valve member and the container until the internal air pressure and the external air pressure of the container are equilibrated. Therefore, by hearing the audible sound, the user can easily recognize whether the internal air pressure and the external air pressure of the container are equilibrated.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that numerous modifications and variations of the apparatus and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the above disclosure be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control valve adapted to fit into the vessel, The control valve is a valve member configured to be attached to the container, the valve member being disposed in an opening structure of the container and being elastically deformable relative to the opening structure; an operating member pivotally switchable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the operating member is operated from the first position to the second position, the valve member is elastically deformed by the operating member and the valve member is at least partially separated from the container; and a pivot support means having an axis and supporting the operating member pivotably around the axis, The operating member is an operating portion configured to stand in a predetermined direction relative to the container when the operating member is rotated from the first position to the second position; at least one cam-shaped drive portion having a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, the small diameter portion corresponding to the first position and the large diameter portion corresponding to the second position, the small diameter portion being larger in diameter than the small diameter portion; the reduced diameter portion is configured to allow the valve member to block the opening structure when the operating member is in the first position; When the operating member is pivoted from the first position to the second position, the large diameter portion presses the container or the valve member in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, releasing the valve member from the opening structure and opening it; A control valve, wherein the at least one cam-shaped drive portion is two drive portions, the two drive portions are arranged along the axis, and the operating portion is disposed between the two drive portions.

2. The valve member an abutment portion configured to abut against a first side of the container; 2. The control valve of claim 1, further comprising a cover portion connected to the abutment portion and configured to be elastically deformed by at least one of the second side of the container and the operating member.

3. When the operating member is in the first position, the cover portion is not elastically deformed by the operating member, The control valve of claim 2 , wherein the cover portion is elastically deformed by the operating member and at least partially separated from the second side of the container when the operating member is in the second position.

4. The control valve of claim 2 , wherein the cover portion is attached to the second side of the container and is elastically deformed by the second side of the container when the operating member is in the first position.

5. 2. The control valve of claim 1, wherein the operating member is pivotally disposed on one of the valve member and the container.

6. The operating member is at least one pivot portion pivotally connected to said one of said valve member and said container, said pivot support means; 6. The control valve of claim 5, wherein the large diameter portion is configured to abut against another one of the valve member and the container when the operating member is operated from the first position to the second position.

7. 7. The control valve of claim 6, wherein the reduced diameter portion does not abut the other one of the valve member and the container when the operating member is in the first position.

8. 7. The control valve of claim 6, wherein the operating portion is connected to at least one of the pivoting portions and configured to be operated to drive the at least one of the pivoting portions to pivot, switching the operating member between the first position and the second position.

9. 7. The control valve of claim 6, wherein at least one of the pivot portions is configured to be pivotally connected to a through-hole structure or a shaft structure formed in one of the cover portion of the valve member and the valve seat of the container.

10. 2. The control valve of claim 1, wherein when the operating member is in the second position, a communication channel is formed between the valve member and the container, the communication channel generating an audible sound due to air flow through the communication channel.

11. A container and a control valve; The control valve a valve member configured to be attached to the container, the valve member being disposed in an opening structure of the container and being elastically deformable relative to the opening structure; an operating member pivotally switchable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the operating member is operated from the first position to the second position, the valve member is elastically deformed by the operating member and the valve member is at least partially separated from the container; and a pivot support means having an axis and supporting the operating member pivotably around the axis, The operating member is an operating portion configured to stand in a predetermined direction relative to the container when the operating member is rotated from the first position to the second position; at least one cam-shaped drive portion having a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, the small diameter portion corresponding to the first position and the large diameter portion corresponding to the second position, the small diameter portion being larger in diameter than the small diameter portion; the reduced diameter portion is configured to allow the valve member to block the opening structure when the operating member is in the first position; When the operating member is pivoted from the first position to the second position, the large diameter portion presses the container or the valve member in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, releasing the valve member from the opening structure and opening it; The at least one cam-shaped driving portion is two driving portions, the two driving portions are arranged along the axis, and the operating portion is disposed between the two driving portions. Container kit.

12. The valve member an abutment portion configured to abut against a first side of the container; The container kit of claim 11 , further comprising: a cover portion connected to the abutment portion and configured to be elastically deformed by at least one of the second side of the container and the operating member.

13. When the operating member is in the first position, the cover portion is not elastically deformed by the operating member, The container kit of claim 12 , wherein when the operating member is in the second position, the cover portion is elastically deformed by the operating member and at least partially separated from the second side of the container.

14. The container kit of claim 12 , wherein the cover portion is attached to the second side of the container and is elastically deformed by the second side of the container when the operating member is in the first position.

15. 12. The container kit of claim 11, wherein the operating member is pivotally disposed on one of the valve member and the container.

16. The operating member is at least one pivot portion pivotally connected to said one of said valve member and said container, said pivot support means; 16. The container kit of claim 15, wherein the enlarged diameter portion is configured to abut against another one of the valve member and the container when the operating member is operated from the first position to the second position.

17. 17. The container kit of claim 16, wherein the reduced diameter portion does not abut the other one of the valve member and the container when the operating member is in the first position.

18. 17. The container kit of claim 16, wherein the operating portion is connected to at least one of the pivoting portions and configured to be operated to drive the at least one of the pivoting portions to pivot, thereby switching the operating member between the first position and the second position.

19. 17. The container kit of claim 16, wherein at least one of the pivot portions is configured to be pivotally connected to a through-hole structure or a shaft structure formed in one of the cover portion of the valve member and the valve seat of the container.

20. 12. The container kit of claim 11, wherein when the operating member is in the second position, a communication channel is formed between the valve member and the container, and the communication channel generates an audible sound due to air flow through the communication channel.

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