valve

Abstract

Valve 100 includes a base 110 defining a central axis 114. Valve 100 includes struts 118 coupled to base 110 and extending axially outward from base 110 in a direction along central axis 114. Valve 100 includes at least one flow opening 122 in one or both of base 110 and / or struts 118. Valve 100 further includes a flexible membrane 126 having an orifice 130 in a non-discharging configuration, where orifice 130 is positioned proximate to strut 118 to minimize communication through valve 100. Flexible membrane 126 has a discharging configuration, where orifice 130 is spaced from strut 118 to establish communication through valve 100.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 093,514, filed October 19, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to valves for dispensing flowable materials from containers. [Background technology]

[0003] A valve may be mounted at an opening or port in a closure for a container of a flowable material, or alternatively, within a container or conduit for the flowable material. Such valves typically have a single slit or multiple slits through a flexible, resilient valve material to define a normally closed orifice in an initial, closed configuration or state. The orifice opens to allow flow therethrough 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 or cannula, inserted through the valve. Such valves that open in response to a sufficiently high pressure differential acting across the valve are typically designed to automatically close to seal or block flow therethrough 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 therethrough upon removal of the engaging object.

[0004] Valve configurations of this type are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,629,999 and 5,729,999, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent appropriate and not inconsistent herewith.

[0005] Such prior art conventional valves may be particularly suitable for use with flowable substances such as liquids and gases, including foods, beverages, lotions, and creams. Such valves are typically molded as a unitary (i.e., one-piece) structure from a single substance or material that is flexible, pliable, and has some degree of elasticity and resilience. This may include elastomers, such as synthetic thermosetting polymers, including silicone rubbers, such as those sold in the United States by Dow Corning Corporation under the trade designations DC99-595 and RBL-9595-40. Another suitable silicone rubber material is sold in the United States by Wacker Silicone Company under the trade designation Wacker 3003-40.

[0006] A conventional valve has a first side and a second side, and in one known application, the first side faces the interior of the flowable material container and the second side faces the external ambient environment.

[0007] Conventional valves have a peripheral mounting portion or mounting flange for attaching or mounting to a container of flowable material. Typically, this can be achieved via a retaining structure or ring that can mate with a feature on the closure or container into which the valve can be installed.

[0008] The inventors of the present invention have found that, in at least some applications, conventional valves may be inappropriate for some containers of flowable material, and that conventional valves requiring separate retaining rings may be cost prohibitive.

[0009] The present inventors have determined that for at least some applications in which some types of flowable material are contained within a package or container, it may be desirable to provide an improved valve that can eliminate, or at least reduce or minimize, the undesirable occurrence of the valve prematurely opening, leaking, or spilling during transport and / or handling of the container in which the valve is installed.

[0010] The inventors of the present invention have also determined that it may be desirable to provide an improved valve that may be configured for use with a flowable material container to have one or more of the following advantages compared to conventional slit-type silicone valves for at least one or more types of applications: (1) ease of manufacturing and / or assembly; (2) relatively low manufacturing and / or assembly costs; and (3) adaptability to techniques for efficiently manufacturing valves at high quality and on a large scale with reduced product rejection rates, to produce a valve with consistent operating characteristics.

[0011] The present inventors have discovered a way to provide a valve that has new advantageous features not heretofore taught or contemplated by the prior art and that can be adapted to designs having one or more of the benefits or features described above. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,839,614 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 8,678,249 Summary of the Invention

[0013] The present inventors have discovered a way to provide an improved, low-cost valve system that allows selective communication (from one side to another) through the valve to ensure the flow of a flowable material therethrough. The valve may be assembled with or provided within a flowable material package or container, or a fluid handling system (such as a flowable material dispensing system), having an opening between the exterior and interior of the container or system in which the valve may be installed.

[0014] According to one broad aspect of the invention, a valve includes a base defining a central axis and struts coupled to the base and extending axially outward from the base in a direction along the central axis. The valve includes at least one flow opening, which may be formed in one or both of the base and / or the struts. The valve further includes a flexible membrane defining an orifice, the orifice defining a non-dispensing structure disposed proximate the strut to minimize or at least limit communication of a flowable material through the valve. The flexible membrane is in a dispensing structure, the orifice being spaced from the non-dispensing structure proximate the strut to establish or enable substantial communication of a flowable material through the valve.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the valve is formed as a unitary structure, preferably from a single thermoplastic elastomer, for installation into a closure for a container or directly within the container without the need for a retaining ring or adhesive.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the base and flexible membrane are connected by a hinge. Preferably, the base and flexible membrane are generally planar in an as-molded configuration, and the flexible membrane is configured to pivot about the hinge to transition from the generally planar as-molded configuration to a non-dispensing configuration, with the orifice disposed about the post. Preferably, the orifice in the flexible membrane is circular.

[0017] In another aspect of the invention, the at least one flow opening has the form of a pair of diametrically opposed flow openings extending through each of the base and the strut.

[0018] In yet another aspect of the invention, the struts are generally cylindrical and terminate at distal ends. Preferably, the distal ends extend axially outward of the flexible membrane relative to the central axis in the non-dispensing configuration. According to one preferred embodiment, the struts terminate at distal ends that have a frustoconical cross-sectional shape when viewed in a vertical plane containing the central axis. In another embodiment, the struts terminate at a substantially flat distal end.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the flexible membrane includes a peripheral wall for sealing against a portion of the base and a transverse wall extending laterally inward from the peripheral wall and defining an orifice. Preferably, the peripheral wall defines a top end and a bottom end, and the transverse wall extends from the bottom end and is located axially inward (toward the interior of the container along the central axis) of the top end when the flexible membrane is in the non-dispensing (i.e., ready-to-dispense) configuration. Even more preferably, the transverse wall is substantially flat when the flexible membrane is in the non-dispensing configuration.

[0020] In another aspect of the invention, the base includes an outer wall surrounding the support post and an inner wall extending laterally inward from the outer wall. Preferably, the flexible membrane includes a peripheral wall for sealing against the outer wall of the base and a transverse wall extending laterally inward from the peripheral wall and defining an orifice. According to one preferred aspect, the peripheral wall includes at least one annular projection or other friction means for maintaining the flexible membrane in a non-dispensing configuration relative to the base. Preferably, the outer wall includes a flange extending laterally outward therefrom for securing the base to the closure or container. Preferably, the valve is disposed within the closure at a position axially inward of the opening in the closure.

[0021] In a preferred form of the invention, the flexible membrane does not contact the outer surface of the post and is spaced laterally from the outer surface when the flexible membrane is in the non-dispensing configuration.

[0022] In another aspect of the invention, the flexible membrane seals against the outer surface of the post when the flexible membrane is in the non-dispensing configuration.

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the flexible membrane does not contact the distal ends of the struts and is spaced axially outward from the distal ends when the flexible membrane is in the non-dispensing configuration.

[0024] In another aspect of the invention, the flexible membrane seals axially against the distal end of the post when the flexible membrane is in the non-dispensing configuration.

[0025] In yet another aspect of the invention, the flexible membrane portion is resilient and configured to be moved from the ejection configuration to the non-ejection configuration when the flexible membrane portion is subjected to a pressure differential below a predetermined threshold.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, the flexible membrane further includes an air vent introduction structure that allows the flexible membrane to move axially inward from the non-discharging structure to allow air to flow through the valve.

[0027] According to one broad aspect of the invention, a valve includes a base defining a central axis, a strut connected to the base, at least one flow opening in the base and / or the strut, and a flexible membrane. The membrane includes an orifice, the orifice being a non-dispensing structure disposed proximate the strut to minimize or inhibit communication of a flowable material through the valve. The membrane defines a dispensing structure, the orifice being spaced from the strut to establish communication of a flowable material through the valve. The base, strut, and membrane are of unitary construction.

[0028] According to another broad aspect of the invention, a valve includes a base defining a central axis, a strut connected to the base, at least one flow opening in the base and / or the strut, and a flexible membrane. The membrane includes an orifice having a non-dispensing structure disposed proximate the strut to minimize or inhibit communication of a flowable material through the valve. The membrane defines a dispensing structure, the orifice being spaced from the strut to establish communication of a flowable material through the valve. The base and membrane are each separately formed structures.

[0029] According to yet another broad aspect of the invention, a valve includes a base defining a central axis, a strut connected to the base, at least one flow opening in the base and / or the strut, and a flexible membrane. The membrane includes an orifice, the orifice being in a non-dispensing configuration disposed proximate the strut to minimize or inhibit communication of a flowable material through the valve. The membrane defines a dispensing configuration, the orifice being spaced from the strut to establish communication of a flowable material through the valve. The flexible membrane has an air inlet configuration that allows the flexible membrane to be displaced inward from the non-dispensing configuration to allow air to flow through the valve.

[0030] 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.

[0031] In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, like reference numerals are used to refer to like parts throughout the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an enlarged isometric view from above of a valve according to the present invention, showing the valve in an unstressed, as-manufactured, open configuration prior to repositioning into an operating configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged isometric view of the valve of FIG. 1 from below. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the valve of FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 1 taken along plane 4-4 in FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 1 taken along plane 5-5 in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the valve of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged isometric view from above of the valve of FIG. 1, showing the valve rearranged or folded into a ready-to-dispense configuration for receipt within the opening of a container (not shown). [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is an enlarged isometric view from below of the valve of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the valve of FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 7 taken along the plane 10-10 in FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 7 taken along the plane 11-11 in FIG. 9, showing the valve mounted at the top end of the closure for placement at the opening of a container of flowable material. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the valve of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] While the valve of the present invention is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, this specification and accompanying drawings disclose only some specific forms as examples of the invention, but it is not intended that the invention be limited to the embodiments so described.

[0034] For ease of explanation, the valve of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings in the generally horizontal orientation that the valve may have when installed on an upright flowable material container or system. The terms "axial," "radial," and "lateral" are used herein with reference to a central axis (114 in FIGS. 5 and 10) generally defined by the center of the base or body of the valve. As used herein, the term "axially outward" refers to a direction upward in the figures along axis 114 away from the interior of a container in which the valve may be installed (i.e., the discharge direction). The term "axially inward" refers to a direction downward in the figures along axis 114 toward the interior of a container in which the valve may be installed (i.e., the vent introduction direction). As used herein, the term "radially inward" refers to a direction perpendicular to axis 114 and moving toward axis 114. The term "radially outward" refers to a direction perpendicular to axis 114 and moving away from axis 114. The term "laterally outward" refers to a direction away from axis 114 and in a plane perpendicular to axis 114. The term "laterally inward" refers to directions toward axis 114 and in a plane perpendicular to axis 114. However, it will be understood that the present invention may be manufactured, stored, shipped, used, or sold in orientations other than those illustrated.

[0035] The valve of the present invention is suitable for use with 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 these systems are not shown or described, but will be apparent to those skilled in the art and understanding of such systems.

[0036] 1-12 show a first embodiment of a valve 100 according to the present invention. Valve 100 is used to selectively allow communication through valve 100 from one side of the valve to another (e.g., into or out of a flowable material container, handling or dispensing system, conduit, or package), with valve 100 typically being in communication with the interior of such a container or system. Valve 100 is particularly adapted to be installed within a closure 200 (FIG. 11 only) for installation in an opening of a container for a flowable material dispensing system (not shown).

[0037] The fluid material container can be, for example, a flexible bag or a rigid bottle, and the valve 100 can be installed in a reservoir containing a fluid material at or above ambient pressure, a fluid material processing system, or a fluid material dispensing system (including systems where the pressure comes from the hydrostatic head of the fluid material within the system and / or generates or otherwise produces pressurization of the fluid material therein).

[0038] The first illustrated embodiment of valve 100 is flexible, resilient, pressure-relieving, and self-closing, and is intended for applications currently served by prior art slit-type valves. Prior art slit-type valve configurations are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,623,999 and 5,729,233, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent appropriate and not inconsistent herewith.

[0039] Valve 100 is suitable for use with flowable substances, such as beverages, foods, and liquids, including lotions and creams. Valve 100 is preferably molded as a unitary (i.e., one-piece) structure from a flexible, pliable, resilient, and elastic material, which may include an elastomer, such as a synthetic thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0040] Valve 100 may be molded from thermoset materials or from thermoplastics such as propylene, ethylene, urethane, and styrene (including their halogenated counterparts). For example, a particular non-silicone material that may be employed is ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber ("EPDM"). Another non-silicone material that may be employed is nitrile rubber. In many applications, it is desirable for the material to be substantially inert to avoid reaction with and / or adulteration of fluid substances that may come into contact with valve 100.

[0041] Although valve 100 is shown as being formed from a material that is a single substance defining a single layer of material, it will be understood that in some applications, valve 100 may be formed from a material defined by two or more layers of different materials. For example, one layer of material of valve 100 may be formed from silicone rubber, and one or more other layers of material of valve 100 may be formed from coatings or laminates of one or more different materials.

[0042] 1 and 5, valve 100 has the following basic components: a body or base 110 defining a central axis 114 (only apparent in FIG. 5), struts 118 extending axially outward from base 110, one or more flow openings 122 extending through base 110 and / or struts 118, and a flexible membrane 126, described below, for restricting flow around struts 118. In its molded shape, valve 100 has a somewhat planar structure, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, with flexible membrane 126 positioned or rotated away from struts 118. Valve 100 must then be manipulated or folded onto itself into a primed or non-primed configuration with flexible membrane 126 positioned adjacent to or around struts 118. In the non-dispensing configuration (FIGS. 7-12), the flexible membrane portion 126 is positioned laterally adjacent to the struts 118 to restrict or at least inhibit the flow of the flowable material through the valve 100 (i.e., through the annular region between the struts 118 and the flexible membrane portion 126, as described in more detail below).

[0043] The valve 100 is in the "open" position, i.e., the dispensing configuration, when a sufficiently high pressure differential acts on opposite sides of the flexible membrane portion 126, moving it (axially and / or radially) away from the support post 118 and creating a flow path for the flowable material.

[0044] 1 and 2, the base 110 of the valve 100 is hollow and cup-shaped, with the struts 118 extending axially outward from a concave central portion of the base 110. Pairs of diametrically opposed flow openings 122 extend through the base 110 and the struts 118 to allow flow of a flowable material from a first side below the base 110 to a second side above the base 110. In one intended application, the first side (bottom) of the valve 100 faces the interior of a container of flowable material, and the second side (top) faces the external ambient environment. The flow openings 122 have a kidney- or butterfly-shaped configuration and are located on diametrically opposed sides of the struts 118. It will be appreciated that the base 110 may have only one opening 122 or may have more than two openings 122, which may be formed only in the concave portion of the base 110 and may not extend into the post 118. Furthermore, in some embodiments (not shown), the openings 122 may be located only in the outer annular or cylindrical portion of the base 110 or in the post 118.

[0045] In the embodiment of valve 100 shown in Figures 1-12, struts 118 are generally cylindrical in shape and terminate at distal ends 138 that have a tapered, frustoconical cross-sectional shape when viewed in a vertical plane containing central axis 114 (e.g., Figures 4 and 5).

[0046] 4 and 5, the base 110 defines a generally cylindrical outer wall 162 that surrounds the post 118 and a transverse inner wall 166 that extends laterally inward from the outer wall 162 to the post 118. A flange or annular retention projection 163 extends laterally outward from the outer wall 162 for engaging a portion of the closure 200 or container (not shown) to secure the valve 100 at the opening of the closure 200 or container. The flange 163 includes a channel or notch 164 (FIG. 1) that allows movement of the flexible membrane portion 126 relative to the base 110 when the valve 100 is placed in its non-dispensing configuration.

[0047] 1, 3, and 6, the valve 100 includes a tether or hinge 134 connection between the base 110 and the flexible membrane 126. The hinge 134 is preferably a living hinge comprised of a relatively thin section of material when the base 110 and the flexible membrane 126 are an integrally formed structure. As previously mentioned, the valve 100 is generally planar in its as-molded configuration when manufactured as an integral structure. The flexible membrane 126 can be pivoted about the hinge 134 relative to the base 110 from its generally planar as-molded configuration to a non-dispensing configuration to position the orifice 130 around or adjacent the post 118 (e.g., this configuration is shown in FIGS. 7-12). It will be appreciated that in some applications, the hinge 134 may be omitted. For example, the base 110 and flexible membrane 126 may be formed separately and then assembled by press fitting, clamping, adhesives, etc. Additionally, the base 110 and flexible membrane 126 may be co-injection molded in a non-ejecting configuration. Additionally, any of the posts 118, base 110, and / or membrane 126 may be formed together or comprised of any number of sub-components.

[0048] In the first illustrated embodiment of valve 100, distal ends 138 of struts 118 extend axially outward of (and beyond) flexible membrane portion 126 in the aforementioned non-discharging configuration. Flexible membrane portion 126 is also somewhat cup-shaped and hollow and includes a peripheral or annular wall 142 for nesting within and sealing against a portion of outer wall 162 of base 110 by a friction fit in the aforementioned non-discharging configuration. Flexible membrane portion 126 further includes a bottom or transverse wall 146 extending laterally inward of peripheral wall 142. Transverse wall 146 terminates at and defines orifice 130. The orifice 130 is preferably circular in shape to receive the cylindrical post 118, although the orifice 130 may have other shapes, such as polygonal, square, elliptical, or irregular, asymmetrical shapes, depending on the shape of the post 118.

[0049] The peripheral wall 142 has a top end (axially outer end) and a bottom end (axially inner end), with a transverse wall 146 extending from the bottom end and axially inward of the top end in a non-discharge configuration with the flexible membrane portion 126 surrounding the post 118. The transverse wall 146 of the valve 100 is substantially flat or planar.

[0050] In the presently preferred illustrated embodiment of valve 100, flexible membrane portion 126 does not contact, but is laterally spaced from, annular or outer surface 119 of post 118 when in the non-discharging configuration.

[0051] The inventors have discovered that providing valve 100 with flexible membrane portion 126 that does not contact, but is laterally spaced from, outer surface 119 of post 118 when flexible membrane portion 126 is in the non-dispensing configuration can function favorably to replace prior art slit-type valves in containers or other systems in which valve 100 is installed. In particular, improved valve 100 eliminates the need for retaining rings, adhesives, or other expensive means to hold valve 100 in a closure or container opening, thus significantly reducing the cost and manufacturing complexity of the valve and / or closure. Valve 100 can be used with relatively high viscosity flowable materials (e.g., ketchup, lotion, gel) to prevent, or at least reduce or minimize, undesirable valve opening or other leakage or spillage during transportation, storage, heating, or over-pressurization of the flowable material container or system in which valve 100 is installed. The inventors have further discovered that positioning the flexible membrane portion 126 laterally spaced from the support post 118 can enable beneficial air venting into the interior of the container after the fluid material has been expelled through the valve 100 (when the membrane portion 126 moves to an inwardly biased position or shape).

[0052] When used with relatively low viscosity flowable substances (e.g., juice, oil, liquid soap, etc.), it may be desirable to modify valve 100 so that flexible membrane portion 126 seals against or contacts outer surface 119 of post 118 when flexible membrane portion 126 is in its non-dispensing configuration.

[0053] In yet another configuration for relatively high viscosity flowable materials, flexible membrane 126 may be configured such that when flexible membrane 126 is in its non-dispensing configuration, it does not contact, but is spaced axially outward from, distal ends 138 of struts 118 (rather than outer surfaces 119 of struts 118). For use with relatively low viscosity flowable materials, it may be desirable to modify valve 100 in this configuration so that flexible membrane 126 seals against or contacts distal ends 138 of struts 118 when flexible membrane 126 is in its non-dispensing configuration.

[0054] The flexible membrane 126, flow openings 122, and the spacing (or lack thereof) between the flexible membrane 126 and the posts 118 of the valve 100 are preferably configured for use in combination with a particular flowable material supply system or container and a particular type of flowable material to achieve desired flow characteristics. For example, the viscosity and density of the flowable material are factors to be considered. The stiffness and durometer of the material of the valve 100, as well as the size and thickness of the flexible membrane 126, are additional factors to be considered.

[0055] Valve 100 is flexible and changes shape under pressure between (1) a closed, resting position or non-dispensing configuration (e.g., FIG. 11 ) and (2) an open position or dispensing configuration. In the dispensing configuration, flexible membrane portion 126 is displaced axially outward slightly from its position adjacent posts 118 in FIG. 11 , increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the gap or annular space around posts 118 to allow a desired flow rate of the flowable material through valve 100.

[0056] A flowable material within a container in which valve 100 is installed can be said to be constrained or restrained from moving axially outwardly beyond flexible membrane portion 126 (to establish communication through valve 100) by the inherent stiffness of membrane portion 126. The term "constrained" means that the interface of flexible membrane portion 126 and struts 118 substantially prevents the flow of the flowable material, or at least prevents the flow of more than a predetermined leakage rate, when valve 100 is subjected to an opening force or opening pressure differential not exceeding a predetermined design value.

[0057] 11, the valve 100 is preferably disposed within the closure body 200 at a location axially inward of the opening 210 of the closure body 200. It will be appreciated that the valve 100 may also be mounted directly at the opening of a container (not shown) or other dispensing system.

[0058] A second embodiment of a valve according to the present invention is contemplated but not illustrated. The second embodiment of the valve may be formed from the same material or materials as described in detail above with respect to the first embodiment of the illustrated valve 100. The second embodiment of the valve has the same basic components: a body or base defining a central axis, struts extending axially outward from the base, one or more flow openings extending through the base and / or struts, and a flexible membrane. The second embodiment of the valve assumes a somewhat planar configuration in its as-molded shape, with the flexible membrane positioned away from the struts. The valve must then be manipulated or folded onto itself into a ready-to-dispense or non-dispense configuration, with the flexible membrane positioned adjacent to the outer or annular side of the strut. In the non-dispense configuration, the flexible membrane is positioned adjacent to the struts and restricts or at least inhibits the flow of a flowable material through the valve.

[0059] The second embodiment of the valve is in the "open" position or dispensing configuration when a sufficiently high pressure differential acts on opposite sides of the flexible membrane, moving it away from the support post and creating a flow path for the flowable material.

[0060] The second embodiment of the valve differs in many respects from the previously described first embodiment of the valve 100. For example, the flow openings of the second embodiment of the valve take the form of pairs of opposing square slots in the base and post.

[0061] Furthermore, in a second embodiment of the valve, the strut is generally cylindrical in shape and terminates in a substantially flat distal end that terminates just beyond (axially outward from) the flexible membrane in its non-discharging configuration, with the opening necessarily located below the flexible membrane in the non-discharging configuration.

[0062] The base also defines a cylindrical outer wall surrounding the support posts and a transverse inner wall extending laterally inward from the outer wall to the connection of the support posts. A flange or annular retention protrusion extends laterally outward from the outer wall for engaging a protrusion or portion of the closure body or container to secure the valve in the closure body or container opening. The valve is preferably disposed within the closure body at a location axially inward of the closure body opening. The flange includes a channel or notch that allows movement of the flexible membrane portion relative to the base when the valve is pivoted about the hinge and placed in the non-dispensing operating configuration.

[0063] It will be understood that in some applications the hinge may be omitted. For example, the base and flexible membrane may be formed separately and then assembled by press fitting, clamps, adhesives, etc. Additionally, the base and flexible membrane may be co-injection molded in a non-ejecting configuration. Additionally, any of the post, base, and / or membrane may be formed together or comprised of any number of sub-components.

[0064] In a second contemplated embodiment of the valve, the flexible membrane is also somewhat cup-shaped and hollow, and includes a peripheral or annular wall for nesting within and sealing against a portion of the outer wall of the base by a friction fit in the non-dispensing configuration described above. The flexible membrane and base each include one or more annular beads for sealingly retaining the periphery of the flexible membrane within the base. The transverse wall terminates in and defines an orifice. The orifice is preferably circular in shape to receive a cylindrical post, although the orifice may have other shapes, such as square, other polygonal, elliptical, or irregular and asymmetrical, depending on the shape of the post.

[0065] The peripheral wall has a top end (axially outer end) and a bottom end (axially inner end), and the transverse wall extends from the bottom end and is located axially inward of the top end with the flexible membrane portion in the non-discharging configuration. The transverse wall of the second embodiment of the valve is planar and has a plurality of concentric annular ribs to assist and control the deflection or opening of the flexible membrane portion from its non-discharging configuration to its discharging configuration when subjected to a sufficiently high pressure differential.

[0066] In a second embodiment of the valve, the flexible membrane is such that when in the non-dispensing configuration, the flexible membrane does not contact the outer surface of the post and is only minimally spaced laterally from said outer surface.

[0067] When used with relatively low viscosity flowable substances (e.g., juice, oil, liquid soap, etc.), it may be desirable to modify the second embodiment of the valve so that the flexible membrane seals against or contacts the outer surface of the post when the flexible membrane is in its non-dispensing configuration.

[0068] In yet another configuration for relatively high viscosity flowable materials, the flexible membrane may be configured such that when the flexible membrane is in its non-dispensing configuration, it does not contact the distal ends of the struts but is spaced axially outwardly therefrom. For use with relatively low viscosity flowable materials, it may be desirable to modify the valve in this configuration so that the flexible membrane seals against or contacts the distal ends of the struts when in the non-dispensing configuration.

[0069] The flexible membrane, flow openings, and spacing (or lack thereof) between the flexible membrane and the valve posts are preferably configured for use in combination with a particular flowable material delivery system or container and a particular type of flowable material to achieve desired flow characteristics. For example, the viscosity and density of the flowable material are factors to be considered. The stiffness and durometer of the valve material, as well as the size and thickness of the flexible membrane are additional factors to be considered.

[0070] A second embodiment of the valve is flexible and changes shape between (1) a closed, resting position or non-dispensing configuration and (2) an open position or dispensing configuration, in which the flexible membrane portion is moved axially outward from a position adjacent the post, increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the gap around the post to allow a desired flow rate of the flowable material through the valve.

[0071] A flowable material within a container in which the valve is installed can be said to be constrained or inhibited from moving axially outwardly past the flexible membrane (to establish communication through the valve) by the inherent stiffness of the membrane. The term "constrained" means that the interface of the flexible membrane and the support posts substantially prevents the flow of the flowable material, or at least prevents the flow of more than a predetermined leakage rate, when the valve is subjected to an opening force or opening pressure differential not exceeding a predetermined design value.

[0072] 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 present valve 100, it will be understood that no limitation is intended by such theories and explanations. Moreover, any structure falling within the scope of the appended claims is not intended to 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.

[0073] Various modifications and alterations to this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. Illustrated embodiments and examples are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A valve (100) allowing selective communication of a flowable material therethrough, the valve (100) comprising: a base (110) defining a central axis (114); a support post (118) connected to the base (110); at least one flow opening (122) in said base (110) and / or said strut (118); a flexible membrane portion (126) having an orifice (130); Including, the flexible membrane portion (126) has a non-dispensing configuration in which the orifice (130) is positioned in close proximity to the post (118) to minimize communication of the flowable material through the orifice (130); the flexible membrane portion (126) has a discharge configuration in which the orifice (130) is spaced from the support post (118) to establish communication of the flowable material through the orifice (130); The base (110), the struts (118), and the flexible membrane (126) are of unitary construction. The valve.

2. 2. The valve (100) of claim 1, wherein the base (110), the strut (118), and the flexible membrane (126) are injection molded unitary structures formed from a thermoplastic elastomer.

3. 3. The valve (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the base (110) and the flexible membrane (126) are connected by a hinge (134).

4. 4. The valve of claim 1, wherein the base and flexible membrane are connected by a hinge and have a generally planar as-molded configuration, the flexible membrane being configured to pivot about the hinge from the generally planar as-molded configuration to the non-discharging configuration, and the orifice is disposed about the post.

5. 5. The valve (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one flow opening (122) has the form of a pair of diametrically opposed flow openings (122) extending through each of the base (110) and the strut (118).

6. 6. The valve (100) of claim 1, wherein the strut (118) includes a distal end (138) that extends axially outward of the flexible membrane portion (126) relative to the central axis (114) in the non-ejecting configuration.

7. 7. The valve (100) of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane portion (126) includes a peripheral wall (142) for sealing against a portion of the base (110), and a transverse wall (146) extending laterally inward of the peripheral wall (142) and defining the orifice (130).

8. 8. The valve of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane portion includes a peripheral wall for sealing against a portion of the base portion and a transverse wall extending inwardly of the peripheral wall and defining the orifice, the peripheral wall defining a top end and a bottom end, the transverse wall extending from the bottom end and being located axially inwardly of the top end relative to the central axis when the flexible membrane portion is in the non-discharging configuration.

9. 9. The valve (100) of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane portion (126) includes a peripheral wall (142) for sealing against a portion of the base (110) and a transverse wall (146) extending laterally inward of the peripheral wall (142), the transverse wall (146) being substantially flat when the flexible membrane portion (126) is in the non-discharging configuration.

10. 10. The valve (100) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base (110) includes an outer wall (162) surrounding the strut (118) and an inner wall (166) extending laterally inward from the outer wall (162).

11. 11. The valve (100) of claim 1, wherein the base (110) includes an outer wall (162) surrounding the strut (118) and an inner wall (166) extending laterally inward from the outer wall (162), and the flexible membrane portion (126) includes a peripheral wall (142) for sealing against the outer wall (162) of the base (110) and a transverse wall (146) extending laterally inward from the peripheral wall (142) and defining the orifice (130).

12. 12. The valve (100) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the base (110) includes an outer wall (162) surrounding the post (118), and the flexible membrane portion (126) includes a peripheral wall (142) for sealing against the outer wall (162) of the base (110), and the outer wall (162) and / or the peripheral wall (142) include at least one annular protrusion for maintaining the flexible membrane portion (126) in the non-discharging configuration.

13. 13. The valve (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the flexible membrane portion (126) does not contact an outer surface (119) of the post (118) and is laterally spaced from the outer surface (119) when the flexible membrane portion (126) is in the non-discharging configuration.

14. 13. The valve (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the flexible membrane portion (126) seals against an outer surface (119) of the post (118) when the flexible membrane portion (126) is in the non-dispensing configuration.

15. 13. The valve (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the flexible membrane portion (126) does not contact the distal end (138) of the support post (118) and is spaced axially outward from the distal end (138) when the flexible membrane portion (126) is in the non-discharging configuration.

16. 13. The valve (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the flexible membrane portion (126) seals axially against the distal end (138) of the post (118) when the flexible membrane portion (126) is in the non-discharging configuration.

17. 17. The valve (100) of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the base (110) includes an outer wall (162) surrounding the strut (118), the outer wall (162) including a flange (163) extending laterally outward therefrom.

18. 18. The valve (100) of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the base (110) includes an outer wall (162) surrounding the post (118), the outer wall (162) including a flange (163) extending laterally outward therefrom, the flange (163) including a channel (164) that allows movement of the flexible membrane portion (126) relative to the base (110) from an as-molded configuration to the non-dispensing configuration.

19. 19. The valve (100) of any one of claims 1 to 18 in combination with a closure (200) for a container, wherein the valve (100) is disposed within the closure (200) at a position axially inward of an opening (210) in the closure (200).

20. 20. A valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 19 in combination with a closure (200) for a container, the valve (100) including a flange (163) extending laterally outwardly therefrom, the closure (200) including at least one protrusion (220) for engaging the flange (163) to retain the valve (100).

21. A valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in combination with a closure (200) and a container of flowable material.

22. 22. The valve (100) of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the flexible membrane portion (126) further comprises an air vent introduction structure whereby the flexible membrane portion (126) is moved inwardly relative to the central axis (114) from the non-discharging structure to allow the inflow of air through the orifice (130).

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