GB2514009A - A valve for a fluid container - Google Patents

Abstract

A valve 10 (fig 1) for controlling the pouring of fluid from out of a flexibly walled container 2 is comprised of longitudinal pressure members 30, 32 spaced in opposition to each other, on opposite sides of the container. The pressure members are joined together on one end 36, opening and closing on a divergent pathway, and are also fixedly attached to the external surface of the container wall, which may be via sealing means 34. The valve may further comprise a transverse member that functions as an actuator 44, enabling the user to squeeze the valve open (fig 3). The actuator may be an extension of one of the pressure members, and may also have interference means 66 that engage with a flap 54 on the opposite pressure member, so as to maintain an open configuration. Adhesive tape 51 with free end 53 may overlie the fluid exit 20 (fig 2), passing under the actuator 44 when closed. The actuator may be spot welded to the tape, breaking the weld and releasing the actuator when the tape is pulled open by a user.

Description

1 A Valve for a Fluid Container 3 The present invention relates to valves for flexibly walled fluid containers that are 4 particularly, but not exclusively, low cost, low weight fluid containers for storing liquids such as milk, wine or juice therein.

7 Many liquids such as milk, juice, disinfectant, detergents etc. are typically sold to 8 consumers in blown or shape formed semi-rigid plastic bottles (often formed from 9 high-density polyethylene (I-tDPE)). One problem with such containers is that they require a relatively large quantity of plastic material which can be wasteful and can 11 increase the total raw material cost, transportation costs and hence the overall 12 environmental impact of the container. In particular, in view of the ubiquitous nature 13 of such containers in the marketplace even relatively small savings on raw material 14 costs and weight can result in significant financial and environmental benefits.

Therefore it is advantageous to have very lightweight containers constructed from 16 lighter flaccid webs, for example bags, that can contain volumes of fluid large 17 enough to pour and have valves and that give a good fluid pour stream.

18 The provision of a valve that is suitable as a low cost disposable and one that 19 especially can suit larger, preferably over one litre, pillow pack top formatted bags that are made from relatively flexible, sometimes flaccid, material sheet and from 21 which fluid can be poured from a top corner, enables a new useful package.

22 Existing art uses taps placed at the base of larger bags or small push-pull' valves 23 placed at the top of smaller bags that do not give a good fluid pour volume.

24 Valves that are formed as screw closures are not ergonomic with flaccid walled containers.

26 The smaller bags are used mostly for fluid deliver directly into the user's mouth.

27 It is also known to supply bag clips to seal flexible bags.

28 The application or fixed attachment of such clips to a flexible bag, to be used for 29 pouring fluids, creates problems to overcome as these valves usually require substantial plastic mass to provide a secure clip arrangement and the weight may 31 disturb the pour spout configuration of flaccid bag material.

32 These valves require to be constructed from considerable mass of plastic due to the 33 ergonomics of the manner of opening the catch.

I Prior art enables the user to locate the container valve and fluid pour exit on the tips 2 or teeth thus enabling direct imbibing of fluid into the user's mouth.

3 By counter intuitively orientating the valve as herein described, not only does the 4 valve enable the same function but also supplies a fluid baffle to prevent fluid splash out of the exit.

6 A particular problem for the design of a disposable valve for pouring fluid, rather than 7 a re-useable valve, applied to the exterior surface of a bag is that of producing a 8 lightweight, low cost structure that is easily opened, can preferably be operated by 9 one hand of the user and that enables a good flow of pouring liquid.

A further issue, especially important where there is fluid in the container, is that of 11 achieving a positive closed catch lock security where there is no thread as in a 12 bottle top and where there is minimal material.

13 Furthermore it is advantageous to work the valve using only one hand yet have the 14 ability to securely lock the valve and at least match the ergonomics of current valves by needing two hands only to unlock.

16 The format of the valve disclosed herein presents a problem in this respect as 17 although a catch means can be produced it is not sufficiently secure.

18 Unlike current milk bottles this would give the advantage of the bag container being 19 able to be safely stored on its side where again it has an advantage that deformation of the flaccid container wall does not distort the screw thread or other closure.

21 Purse catches and other similar easily injection moulded catches generally depend 22 on deformation by the user to operate. In this case a design was required that 23 preferably used pressure forming from sheet material or thin wall construction, such 24 that a hole in the wall' type manufacture would give economic viability.

Unlike other catches the catch needs to operate and the valve made to open under 26 control, rather than requiring a heavy construction so as not to permanently distort 27 when flicked open.

28 A mechanism using moveable interference wings' is described as a solution for the 29 catch part of the valve that enables superior ease of use of the valve actuator.

In order to compete with other catches whereby a single hand can be used to open 31 and reclose the catch, the wings' have an additional feature to solve the issue of 32 them requiring both of the users hands to squeeze them and orient them vertically 33 in order to enable the actuator to be pushed against the users other hand.

1 Furthermore, on occasion, internal adhesion forces in this type of container, made 2 for pouring fluid, may prevent the walls from separating to form a pouring 3 configuration, this type of clip valve can actively pull them apart.

4 When using this type of valve the fluid exit is better to be opened eg. pre cut during manufacture, and thus is better to be hygienically covered before first use.

7 The invention disclosed herein overcomes these problems.

8 In this patent the words adhesive tape' mean any film or web that is applied to the 9 substrate with adhesive or has adhesive on its structure.

11 According to this invention there is provided valve for attachment to a container, the 12 container comprising flexible walls. The valve controls the flow of fluid from out of 13 the container and is comprised of at least two longitudinal pressure members that 14 are placed in opposition,on opposing sides of the container.

The pressure members are joined at one extremity such that they close on a 16 divergent pathway and further comprise catch means to maintain closure, 17 the bag material being trapped there-between, 18 Preferably the pressure members are characterised as comprising means to 19 be attached to the exterior surface of the walls of the container.

Optionally the valve is part of an assembly that includes a container that 21 comprises walls at least partly made from flexible sheet material.

22 Preferably the valve further comprises a transverse actuating member, that is 23 an extension from a first pressure member, and that during use, extends 24 laterally across a second pressure member, interrupting its length and comprises interference means to interfere with the second pressure member 26 or an extension of the second member on closure, to create a secure catch 27 means.

28 Preferably the second pressure member comprises a user actuator means 29 sited at the extremity beyond the interruption of the first member.

Preferably the valve pressure members are joined at an extremity by a weld 31 and open against flexural resistance supplied by the valve pressure members.

32 Optionally, before initial user opening, adhesive tape overlies the fluid exit, 33 preserving hygiene.

1 Preferably the aforesaid tape folds over the valve and under the actuator and 2 secures the valve and to form a flat top for the container. This construction 3 enables the user, with one pull, to unfold the top, uncover the valve and open 4 the actuator ready for valve use.

Preferably the transverse actuating member comprises a further interference means 6 that interferes with the second member extension to maintain a controlled open 7 configuration.

8 The valve may comprise an assembly that further comprises adhesive tape that 9 overlies the fluid exit, overlies the valve, and passes under the actuator, when closed.

11 The transverse actuating member may comprise at least one extension, hingedly 12 attached to its side, the extension being configured to be moveable to interfere with 13 the opposing valve pressure member extension.

14 Preferably the surface of the opposing pressure member with which the transverse actuating member forms a catch closure, comprises a step or raised interference 16 means.

17 Preferably the valve pressure members are attached together at an extremity by a 18 weld or hinge means.

19 Preferably the valve pressure members are fixedly attached to external wall surface of the container.

21 Preferably the aforementioned attachment is orientated below the bag top seal and 22 the valve is orientated across a top corner of the bag.

23 Optionally the valve is attached to the container wail by adhesive means.

24 Optionally the valve is adhesively attached to the container over at least the lower part of the inside surface of at least one pressure member.

26 Optionally the valve comprises a pressure member that is attached to the container 27 wall by overlying adhesive tape.

28 Preferably the valve catch mechanism comprises two wing' extensions, one on 29 each side of the transverse actuator, a contact interference surface on at least one side being inclined from normal relative to the surface from which it arises.

31 Optionally the valve is attached to the container wall by welding or fusing.

1 Optionally the container wall is pre weakened or cut through to form a pouring 2 aperture and the adhesive tape overlies the valve and seals the aperture, preferably 3 tape being applied on both sides of the container wall.

4 Optionally the bag comprises a fluid exit for pouring that is pre-cut, during manufacture, the valve sealing the fluid exit up-stream.

6 Optionally the valve pressure members are attached to the bag by weld or adhesive 7 means and are joined by weld or hinge means such that they move in an arc during 8 function.

9 Preferably the aforesaid valve comprises a transverse actuating member that is an extension from a first pressure member and that during use extends laterally across 11 a second pressure member and interferes with the second pressure member or an 12 extension of the second member, on closure, to create a catch means to obtain 13 secure closure and preferably on opening also interferes with the second member 14 extension to maintain an open configuration.

Preferably the attachment means that joins the opposing valve members is welded 16 or fused during assembly such that the actuator may hold the valve open against 17 the elastic closure force supplied by the fused divergent members.

18 Preferably one actuator comprises moveably hinged means that are moveable by 19 the user, to interfere with the other actuator to keep the valve closed.

Preferably laterally placed moveable hinged interference means extend from the 21 side of the transverse actuator and extend longitudinally towards its free extremity.

22 Optionally the moveable hinged interference means comprise a longer dimension at 23 the outer edge than the side or edge adjacent to the actuator.

24 This outer edge is thus enable to remain upright, and the valve can be worked between two of the user's fingers, as it remains in contact with an extension of the 26 opposing actuator adjacent to the perforation through which it passes.

27 The wings may be securely locked down by depressing them and forcing them in 28 front of the aforesaid extension, preferably one on each side. Two hands are then 29 required to lift the actuator and reset the wings to the vertical position.

Preferably the valve is applied to the bag container after it is filled, the container 31 material is then cut open to establish a fluid exit. Tape material of preferably the 32 same type as that of which the valve is made, optionally HDPE, and that can be 33 spot welded to the actuator, is attached to one side of the bag, over the valve and 34 fluid exit, but under the raised actuator. The tape is then attached to the other side of I the bag. The actuator is now depressed and spot welded to the tape or the valve 2 member. The tape may fold the bag corner and valve over during application.

3 This afore-mentioned format overcomes the issue of maintaining a hygienic fluid exit 4 and the fiddly ergonomics of breaking open the spot weld.

When the user pulls on the tape, the tape may have a free end, the spot weld breaks 6 open, the fluid exit is uncovered and the tape pulls off the bag, all in one easy 7 motion.

8 Constructing a free end to pull by the user may present a problem for production and 9 a similar ergonomic means of releasing overlying tape is provided by the valve body comprising a raised member,eg. feature 68,Fig,4, that spaces the tape from the bag 11,adjacent to the bag top seal, and therefore providing finger entry for the user.

12 Furthermore, a surprising benefit results if the tape creates a material fold upstream 13 of the valve, before initial opening by the user, then the closed valve is subject to 14 less fluid force on drop impact.

Preferably the valve comprises an extension that acts as a fluid baffle, preferably 16 sited in opposition, on each side of the bag. The extensions extend in the plane of 17 the closed valve members above the initial fluid level and arise from below the point 18 of member pivot point such that they do not move when the pressure members 19 move.

Optionally the bag comprises an internal fluid pocket or catchment area, bounded by 21 welding or fusing the walls upstream of the fluid exit, such that on tilting the bag the 22 fluid enters and fills the catchment area, optionally with the valve closed, and then a 23 precise dose is poured out of the bag on opening the valve, the bounded walls 24 preventing the main body of fluid from outpouring.

This valve can be attached to any suitably formed bag that contains fluid and for the 26 first time enables a very low cost and lightweight freestanding container with an 27 ergonomic re-closure, to be lifted to tilt and pour fluid.

28 The transverse actuator of the disclosed valve is a new feature that creates and 29 maintains the open aperture and can enable one handed operation of the valve.

This valve is especially effective to produce a very light-weight pack when used in 31 combination with the bag container disclosed here-in.

32 Furthermore the valve may be constructed from very thin sheet material in a rapid 33 pressure forming process with very little material waste and is suited by its folding 34 format to be applied to the bag by automated assembly.

I Preferably the valve is folded over to form a fiat top for the container when in transit.

2 This aforesaid fold is preferable formed and secured by the use of adhesive tape that 3 covers the pre-cut fluid exit, thus keeping it hygienic.

4 The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the drawing figures, in which, 7 Fig. I is an illustration of a fluid container according to the present invention 8 viewed a side perspective, with valve closed and actuator welded to overlying 9 tape.

Fig. 2 is a more detailed view of one side of a valve arrangement; and 11 3 shows a further view of the valve in opening function and a dosing 12 catchment pocket.

13 Fig.4 shows further valve detail.

14 Fig. 5 shows a top view of the valve as one piece in the flat open, position at manufacture.

16 Figure 5B shows a section through the wall of the actuator.

17 In the following description, and claims, the term TMfluid" means any substance 18 which has fluidic characteristics and includes for example, liquids and granulated 19 powders which are able to flow in a fluid-like manner and the term bag' means any flexible fluid container that comprises a pillow pack format at its top end.

22 Referring to the figures; 24 In figure 1 and 2 a fluid container 2 comprises a flexible bag portion 4, a reinforcement base portion 6, a handle 8 and a closure valve 10 and a fluid baffle 12.

26 In the present invention, the flexible bag 4 comprises a container for example, a 27 "pillow pack", comprising a pair of flexible walls joined at the top and bottom by a 28 heat weld (the top heat weld 14 is shown). The walls of the flexible bag 4 comprise a 29 thin low-density polyethylene (LOPE) material; however, alternative materials may be used. As shown in Fig.2, the flexible bag 4 may also be provided with a line of 31 weakness for example, perforations 16, and, or a pull tab, not shown, in order to 32 create a corner 18 that can be easily removed from the flexible bag 4 to provide a 33 pouring aperture 20, from which fluid may be poured in direction 5.

1 In the presently described embodiment, the fluid container 2 is illustrated in a filled 2 condition where fluid is contained therein up to a fluid level 22. 3.

4 With particular reference to Figs.2, 3, 4,and 5; the closure valve 10 comprises a first closure member 32 and a second co- 6 operating closure member 30. The first and second closure members 32 and 30 7 may be fixedly attached to the exterior of the bag wall along part of their length and 8 or the valve may be attached by a weld 34.

S The weld 34 may be a heat weld that joins HDPE of the valve together with the LOPE of the bag creating a through seal that is fluid tight.

11 The valve pressure members are shown with flexural means36, such as hinge or 12 elastic deformation, such that the closure valve 10 can be opened and closed, on a 13 divergent pathway, around the portion of the bag 4 adjacent the perforations or pre- 14 cut fluid exit 16. A male ridge 1 and corresponding female recess 3 (not shown) are provided along the inside of the first and second closure members 32 and 30 such 16 that, when the valve 10 is closed1 the flexible bag 4 is sandwiched there-between in 17 order to close and seal the fluid pouring aperture.

18 The first closure member 32 is also provided with a male member 1 projecting 19 inwardly therefrom. The male member 1 engages with a corresponding female aperture 3 provided by the second closure member 30, in order to obdurate the 21 aperture when the closure valve 10 is in a closed configuration to stop fluid flowing in 22 direction 5.

23 In figures 4 and 5 bag 4 is not shown.

24 Actuator member means 44 is an extension of the first closure member 32 that transits across the second pressure member 30 preferably through aperture 70 in 26 second member extension 48 and enables a squeeze or press open action by the 27 fingers 46 of one hand of the user by applying opposing pressure applied across 28 features 44 and 48 in direction 60, Fig.3.

29 In figure 3, fluid pocket 62 is shown bounded by line seal 64 of the bag walls.

The valve closure 10 is heat welded to the bag 4 at weld 34 or adhesively attached 31 to the corner of the flexible bag 4.

32 Attaching the valve closure 10 to the flexible bag 4 in this way provides for the same 33 closing and sealing action previously described whilst simplifying manufacture of the I fluid container 2. The valve members may flex or be hinged independently at hinges 2 36.

3 In figure 4 pressure member 32 is shown with transverse actuator member 44 4 hinged at hinge 52 passing through a perforation 70 formed in the actuator extension 48 of the second pressure member 30. The wings 80 are not shown.

6 Baffle means 95 is shown arising below pivot point 36.

7 The valve is shown slightly open but when fully closed and before initial opening 8 adhesive tape 51 with free end 53 is attached to the bag, not shown, and covers the 9 fluid exit 20 and is attached on the other side of the bag! valve, not shown.

Actuator 44, once depressed, is spot welded to the underlying tape.

11 As a consequence of the tape being under the actuator, when the user pulls the tape 12 the spot weld is broken and the actuator rises to become functional.

13 This feature and the hinged actuator extensions substantially improve the user 14 interface with the valve and are improvements over art already revealed that are commercially important.

16 The tape may further be used to rotate and fold over the bag corner and valve,on 17 application, creating a temporary fold, not shown, just upstream of the bag seal 18 that further dissipates fluid pressure on the bag seal if the bag is dropped.

19 In use, sides 56 or other part of extension 48 and or the sides 83 of actuator 44 may 21 temporarily deform to allow passage of extension actuator 44 to then engage and 22 catch interference means 58 formed on extension 48.

23 Transverse actuator 44 may be moved towards and overlie the pressure member 30 24 and be welded to it at manufacture with a user breakable weld, shown broken at 79, thus forming a secure closure. Unexpectedly this actuator depression tends to 26 tighten the grip and improve the fluid seal provided by the opposing pressure 27 members.

28 Actuator 48 may comprise interference means, for example a slot 66 cut in its top 29 surface, or a raised dimple1 to engage with the flap 54 to hold the valve open.

This valve actuator 44 lies closed at an angle to the outer surface of the pressure 31 member 30, that enables the user to easily engage it with fingers to break open the 32 security means and open the valve to pour all in one simple movement of two fingers 33 by rotating the actuator 44 in direction 50 to lever it up and break the security seal 79 34 and then to squeeze fingers together as shown in figure 3,to open the valve 10.

1 In figure 5 valve 10 is shown made from planar material with a perforation aperture 2 70 formed in the surface of actuator 48.

3 The area 61 comprises a small hollow cylindrical depression 67 such that a screw 4 means, not shown,may enter and grip and form a temporary attachment to a pick and place automatic handling means, not shown.

6 When the valve is configured by bending it in direction 42 around hinge 38, male 7 member 32 rotates towards female member 30, and actuator 44 bends around hinge 8 38 and passes through the aperture 70.

9 Slot 66 may engage catch means 54 to hold the valve open.

To hold the valve closed, raised interference means 58 passes through aperture 70 11,the top of which engages with catch means 54.

12 The valve preferably has adhesive means 40 applied as shown on its under-surface, 13 before being closed over the bag during initial assembly.

14 The valve members are preferably welded together at area 34 preferably with the bag material between the members. The valve members may be supplied as two 16 separate pieces or supplied with a hinge 38 that is closed and welded shut the 17 valve flexing open above the weld.

16 Moveable rotate-able extensions or wings' side extensions 80 with hinges 83 19 extend from the sides of actuator 44.

To open the valve, the wings are pressed upwardly by the user and pass through 21 slots 68 as the actuator 44 is pushed through the aperture 70 of actuator 48.

22 Once the valve is dosed the actuator 44 and wings 80 may be depressed such that 23 the forward edges 81 of wings 80 interfere with the top surface 85 of actuator 48 24 preventing accidental opening of the valve ID.

That then raises two other problems, that of ergonomic user finger engagement with 26 the actuator to provide a single simple movement and also the problem of the 27 transverse actuator self seeking -re-entry through the co-operating actuator 48.

28 In figure SB only one side of the actuator 44 is shown. A step or raised part 90 is 29 formed extending from surface 84. Edge 85 extends above the top surface 84, to form a step means 87 with a sloping end, the top of which interferes with area 81 of 31 wing 80 and locks the wings down when they are depressed.

32 In this figure the wings' 80 are shown held upright, ready for one handed use.

33 Edge 85, on being squeezed outwardly moves down and outwardly past the plane 34 90 ard to rotate outwards and allow the valve 10 to be locked.

1 Where edge 81 meets the edge 85 at least one of them may be sloped or set at an 2 angle to the other.

3 Preferably the apices of the triangular shapes formed by edges 81 and 85 interfere 4 with each other and the wings' lock past, in a flattened position, until urged upwards to open the valve.

6 The wings' 80 may be moulded in a biased upwardly orientation.

7 The valve comprises planar or flat sections, at least in part, that enable welding or 8 adhesive attachment to the container.

9 Hinged wings solve the problem that neither the valve geometry nor the material from which it is made are suitable for formatting a sufficiently elastically deformable 11 part, as in other plastic catches.

12 Although particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein in 13 detail, this has been done by way of example and for the purposes of illustration 14 only. It is anticipated that various feature may be combined or omitted as required.

The aforementioned embodiments are not intended to be limiting with respect to the 16 scope of the appended claims.