MXPA06009826A - Air vented liquid valve - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an air-vented closure assembly for a fluid container. The closure assembly has a valve body and a valve element. The valve body has a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit spaced from the first conduit. The valve body has a mounting sleeve in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, the mounting sleeve having an axis therethrough. The valve member is positioned in the mounting sleeve for reciprocating movement therein from a closed position to an open position in response to rotation of the valve member about the axis. The valve member has a wall having a first end and an opposed second end, the valve member having a third fluid conduit therethrough. A first portion of the wall of the valve member is removed to define an air inlet into the third fluid conduit and a second portion is removed to define an air outlet from the third conduit. When the valve member is in the closed position a portion of the valve member blocks fluid flow through the first conduit and a portion of the mounting sleeve blocks air flow from the air outlet, and when in the open position fluid can flow through the first conduit and air can flow through the air outlet.

Description

VALVE FOR AIR VENTING LIQUIDS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is known to provide molded plastic spouts for use with containers, in particular disposable containers of the popular type for supplying liquids such as water, wine or milk. A well-known type of spigot for this purpose is a so-called push-button spout having a resilient plastic diaphragm which, when pressed, moves the valve to allow liquid to flow from the container. The resilient plastic diaphragm, commonly referred to as a "push button", can be arranged so that it positively pushes the valve in a sealing position when the manual pressure is removed from it. The spout is therefore automatic closing. An alternative to pressure button spigots are the so-called "rotating" spigots. In these, a lid is rotated to turn a rod inside the spout body. The rotation of the rod causes it not to cover an aperture provided in the spout body through which or from which the liquid is distributed. Regardless of the type of spout used with a container, it has been found that uniform liquid flow with a stabilized flow profile can only be achieved Ref. 175307 if either the container is flexible, collapses when the liquid is distributed, or the container It is vented. The reason for this is that otherwise the air must flow into the container to fill the space from which the liquid has vented and equalize the pressure inside the container. The air inlet interrupts the liquid outlet causing it to be uneven and reduces the flow velocity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0002] Air vent closures for a liquid container are described herein, each closure having a specialized liquid duct and a specialized air duct. This allows air to flow into the container without encountering static or flowing liquid in the air duct. In one embodiment, an air vent closure has a body having an assembly member for connecting the closure to a container. The body has a first conduit and a second conduit, the first conduit is adapted to transport liquid and has a liquid outlet, the second conduit is adapted to transport air and has an air inlet. The closure also has a member having first and second opposite ends with a liquid outlet at the first end and an air inlet at the second end. The member is positionable with respect to the body from a closed position where the liquid does not flow through the first conduit to an open position where the liquid can flow through the first conduit. In another embodiment, the closure assembly has a valve body and a valve element. The valve body has a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit spaced from the first conduit. The valve body has a mounting sleeve in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, the mounting sleeve having an axis therethrough. The valve member can be placed in the mounting sleeve for oscillating movement thereon from a closed position to an open position in response to rotation of the valve member about the axis. The valve member has a wall having a first end and a second opposite end, the valve member having a third fluid conduit therethrough. A first portion of the wall of the valve member can be removed to define an air inlet in the third fluid conduit and a second portion can be removed to define an air outlet of the third conduit. When the valve member is in the closed position a portion of the valve member blocks the flow of fluid through the first conduit and a portion of the mounting sleeve blocks the flow of air from the air outlet. When the valve member is in the open position, fluid can flow through the first conduit and air can flow through the air outlet. Also disclosed herein is a fluid container having an air vent closure attached thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is an isometric view of a closure assembly of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the closure of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view in partial cross section of the closure of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of the closure assembly taken along the line X-X of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a fluid container with the closure assembly of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a side view in partial cross section of the closure assembly in a closed position; Figure 7 is a side view in partial cross section of the closure assembly in an open position; Fig. 8 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an air vent of a valve element in an open position; Fig. 9 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an air vent of a valve element in an open position; Fig. 10 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an air vent of a valve element in an open position; Fig. 11 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an air vent of a valve element in an open position; Fig. 12 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an air vent of a valve element in an open position; Fig. 13 is a graph of the exit area versus the number of turns of the valve member of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an air vent of a valve element in an open position; Figure 15 is a graph of flow velocity versus time showing a discontinuous flow rate; Figure 16 is a graph of flow velocity versus time for a continuous flow rate; Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a valve for venting liquids in a closed position; Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 17 in the open position; Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a valve for venting liquids in a closed position; Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 19 in an open position; and Figure 21 is a front view of a valve member of the valve of Figure 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the currently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without reducing its proposed advantages. Therefore, it is proposed that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. Referring now to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown a lock assembly 10 having a valve body 12 and a valve member 14. The valve body 12 has an assembly member 16, an annular flange 18 and a sleeve assembly 20. The assembly member 16 is for connecting the assembly 10 to a container 22 (figure 5). The annular rim 18 defines a first fluid conduit 24 and a second air conduit 26 extended parallel to each other. The mounting sleeve 20 defines a fluid channel 28 having an axis 30. The fluid channel 28 is dimensioned to coaxially receive the valve member 14. As will be described in more detail herein, the valve member 14 is movable. from a closed position to an open position to allow fluid to flow out of the container through the first fluid conduit 24 while air flows into the container through the second air conduit 26 without having to pass through a static or flowing fluid in the conduit. The valve body 12 is preferably made of a polymeric material and manufactured by a polymer processing technique. In a preferred way, the valve body is manufactured by injection molding. The first fluid conduit 24 and the second air conduit 26 are separated by a wall 32. The wall 32 divides an internal path of the annular flange 18 in the conduits. The first liquid conduit 24 and the second air conduit 26 are shown having volumes that still differ from those contemplated by the invention having the first conduit and the second conduit the same or approximately the same volume. In a preferred form of the invention, the volume of the first conduit has a relation with respect to the second conduit of about 0.3-4.0 and more preferably 0.5-3.0. The first conduit 24 has a fluid inlet end 40 and a fluid outlet 42. The second conduit 26 has an air inlet 44 and an air outlet 46. The mounting sleeve 20 has a generally cylindrically shaped wall having a first end 50, and a second end 52 and an outer surface 54. A pair of circumferentially spaced, spirally extending slots 56 extending from an intermediate portion of the mounting sleeve proximate the first end 50. The slots 56 are shown extended through the full thickness of the sleeve 20. However, it is contemplated that the grooves 56 may be provided on an inner surface of the sleeve 20 that does not extend through the full thickness of the side wall (less than 98% of the thickness) so that the Slots are hidden from view. The slot has an upper edge 58 and a lower edge 60 and an upper stop 62 and a lower stop 64. A protrusion 66 extends from the upper edge 60 near the lower stop 64. An opening 68 separates the protrusion 66 from the lower stop 64 The second end 52 of the sleeve 20 has a conduit 69 having a taper 70 that defines a portion of reduced diameter when compared to the diameter of the remainder of the sleeve 20. The valve member 14 has a first end 80 and a second end 82. The valve member has a generally cylindrically shaped side wall having an external surface, a holding projection 86 at the first end 80 and a pair of pins 88 circumferentially spaced apart. The pins 88 are placed within the slots 56 of the valve body. The rotation of the valve element 14 around the shaft 39 causes the oscillating movement of the valve member 14 along the axis 30. When in the open position the air outlet is in alignment with the air conduit 26, it is not in alignment when it is in the closed position. Figure 6 shows the valve element 14 in the closed position and figure 7 shows the valve element in an open position. The protrusion 66 holds the valve member in the closed position to prevent inadvertent distribution of liquid from the container. A force that can be generated by hand is sufficient to overcome the resistance of the protuberance to the rotation of the valve element 14. In a preferred form of the invention the ratio of volumes of the air outlet (not shown) and the opening of the air duct 26 and the configuration of the air outlet and the air inlet are selected to minimize the vacuum drawn into the contents of the container when the flow of fluid through the duct is activated. It is also desirable to provide a continuous flow during distribution to minimize or eliminate the interrupted flow of the vessel resulting in a familiar "glug" sound. In another preferred form of the invention, a rigid container of 1 1/2 gallon (5,678 1) filled with water can be continuously distributed (See Figures 16, 17) without interruption until the container is emptied. The valve member 14 has an air inlet 92 on an end opposite the fluid outlet (not shown). It is contemplated to position the inlet 92 on the side wall near the first end 50 so that the inlet 92 is covered by the mounting sleeve when the element is in the closed position and is not covered when moving in the open position. The fluid inlet 92 opens to ambient air. It is contemplated to close the fluid inlet 92 with a valve, such as a chameleon valve, which could be opened when the valve member is in the open position. Figure 5 shows the assembly 10 mounted to a container 22. The container can be made of polymeric materials, cardboard, or metal. In a preferred form, the container is a polymeric material formed in a container by any of the suitable polymer processing techniques such as injection molding, blow molding, sealing sheets of material together to define a container or other suitable process. Suitable polymers include, but are not limited to, homopolymers and copolymers of polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters or other suitable material. A particularly suitable material is an ethylene homopolymer and more preferably one having a density greater than about 0.915 g / cc. In another modality, the material is an HDPE. In a preferred container, the sidewalls will have a modulus of elasticity greater than 20,000 psi. In another preferred form of the container, the side walls of the container will not substantially collapse until the contents of the container are emptied. The configuration of the air outlet 94 and air inlet 27 can take many forms as shown in the representative embodiments shown in Figures 8-12 and 14. The shape and size of the air inlet 27 can take many forms including circular , semi-circular, oval, polygonal, irregular or amorphous. The air inlet 27 can also be divided into separate chambers by an extended partition wall between or within the internal surfaces of the valve outlet. It is also contemplated that the air inlet 27 may end with a wall having a singular outlet having one of the many forms described above or having a series of sub-outlets of any shape or combination of shapes. The air outlet 94 can also take various shapes, sizes and configurations as described for the air inlet 27. For brevity, Figures 8-12, and 14 are shown with an air inlet 27 that is semicircular in shape. with the valve element 14 in the full open position. It should be understood that the semi-circular shape of the air inlet 27 can be replaced by one of the forms or configurations described above. Figure 8 shows an air outlet 94 having three sub-outlets of circular shape 100 each of approximately equal area forming a triangular shape, and particularly an equilateral triangle. Accordingly, the sub-outlets may be placed to form a configuration that is circular, semicircular, oval, polygonal, irregular or amorphous. When the valve member is moved from a closed position to an open position, the first sub-outlet 104 comes into alignment with the air inlet 27 followed by the second sub-outlet 106 and then the third sub-outlet 108. The first sub-outlet comes to be in alignment with the air inlet 27 in its greater position on the valve element than the other sub-outlets. The second sub-outlet is at a front edge 110 of the valve element, therefore a front edge portion 107 of the sub-outlet 106 initially becomes in alignment with the air inlet 27 and is then joined by the third one. sub-outlet positioned on a trailing edge 112 of the valve element. Figure 9 shows a similar configuration of sub-outputs as Figure 8 with the exception that the first sub-output 104 has a larger area than the second and third sub-outputs 106, 108. Figures 10 and 11 show an element of valve having two sub-outputs 104 and 106. Figure 10 shows the first sub-outlet 104 positioned above the second sub-exit. The distance between the first sub-inlet and the second sub-inlet can be traversed until the rotation of the valve element by a number of turns about the axis from about 1/8 of a turn to 1 full turn. Figure 11 shows the first sub-outlet 104 positioned at a distance in front of the second sub-exit 106 and this distance should be traversed by a number of turns about the axis from about 1/8 of a turn to 1 full turn. Figure 12 shows a valve element having three sub-outlets having the second sub-outlet 106 spaced at a distance hl and wl from the first outlet and the third sub-outlet 108 spaced at a distance h2 and w2 from the first sub-output 104. Accordingly, the three sub-outputs form a line that has an inclination b2 / w2. Fig. 13 shows a graph of the alignment area between the air outlet 94 against the number of turns of the valve element 14 for the mode shown in Fig. 12. Initially the valve element is rotated by an inlet section where there is no alignment between the output 94 and the input 27. When the first sub-output 104 becomes in alignment with the input there is an initial increase in the alignment volume at an increased rate to the point where the first sub-output is half circular 104 has been reached 132, to form a first inflection point, and continues to increase at a declination rate 134 until the first sub-exit 104 is in alignment with the entry. The inflection point 134 is reached when the valve member has traveled a distance corresponding to hl in Figure 12. The area does not change 136 and the curve is flattened until the second circular sub-outlet begins to be in alignment with the air inlet and similarly increases 138 as for the first sub-exit. The third sub-exit then comes into alignment and also increases the area in a similar manner 140 as the first and second sub-exit. Having the sub-outputs placed on the valve element in these orientations allows a sequential and discontinuous increase (interrupted by periods where the rotation of the valve element does not increase the alignment area) in the volume of the area of the sub-outputs that are in alignment with the air inlet 27. Figure 14 shows a valve element with a single air outlet 104 having a triangular shape. The relatively narrow upper part 120 against the wide lower part 122 allows a continuous increase in area of alignment at an always increased speed 150 until the triangle is in full alignment and a maximum area is reached 152 and does not increase 154 after (figure 15) . Figure 15 is a graph of flow velocity over time for a rigid container where the flow rate increases 160 to a speed 162 and then quickly returns to zero 164 or is substantially delayed followed by a rapid increase 166 to a second maximum 168 and so on This is the interrupted flow rate that occurs when a container is not vented properly and is accompanied by a "glug" sound. Figure 16 shows a desired flow rate over time where the flow increases steadily 170 and is leveled at a maximum flow rate 172 that remains relatively constant 174. To use the container 22 and closure assembly 10 of Figure 5, one start with the container 22 having a fluid content with the valve element 14 in the closed position (figure 6) so that the fluid can not flow out of the container. The second end of the valve element 82 blocks the fluid outlet 24. In the rotation of the valve member 14 about the shaft 30, the pins 88 rotate within the grooves 56 beyond the protrusion until the pins reach the stop 62 In this position, the air outlet 94 is in alignment with the air inlet. Further, in the open position, there is an opening 93 (FIG. 7) between the second end 82 of the valve element and the fluid outlet 42. The fluid in the container is free to flow through the fluid inlet 40, through of the duct 24, through the fluid outlet 42, through the opening 93, through the second end of the valve body and finally through the duct 68. Figure 17 shows another embodiment of the closure 10. Most of the The parts are the same and therefore the reference numbers will be used for similar parts. The primary difference is the valve element 14 having a valve stem 200, a septum 202 and a pressure knob 204. The valve stem 200 extends through an annular guide 206 and is connected to the pressure button by an elongate projection 208 depending on a lower surface of the pressure knob. The annular guide has a plurality of openings in it to allow fluid to flow through the guide. The projection 208 forms a tightening fit with the valve stem. It is contemplated to add a second or more than two annular guides 206. The press button is formed of an elastomeric material such as ethylene vinyl acetate (AEV): ethylene-α-olefin copolymers such as VLDPE, LLDPE, ULDPE, and preferably those obtained using a single site catalyst and even more preferably a metallocene catalyst; ethylene homopolymers; synthetic rubbers; latex; ethylene propylene rubber; ethylene propylene diene monomer (MEPD) and styrene and hydrocarbon copolymers and more preferably styrene and hydrocarbon block copolymers including di-block, tri-block, star block and more preferably SEB, SEBS, SEP, SEPS, SIS and the like . The pressure button material can also be manufactured from mixtures of these materials. In a preferred form of the invention the pressure button material is EVA. The pressure button is attached to the first end 50 of the cylindrical body in an annular edge 210 where it forms a tight fit within the edge. In another preferred form of the invention a portion of the cylindrical side wall will be bent over a circumferential portion of the septum to lock it in place. The press button has a slit 212 which is pressed into a closed portion until the button is pressed and the slit opens to form an air inlet 214 (figures 18). While only a single slit 212 is shown, it is contemplated to use more than one slit and place the slit or slits in a position where a user can press the push button without covering the slit. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (49)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the contents of the following claims are claimed as property:

1. Assembly of air vent closure for a container for fluids, characterized in that it comprises: a body having an assembly member to connect the closure to the container, the body has a first conduit and a second conduit, the first conduit is adapted to transport liquid and has a liquid outlet, the second conduit is adapted to transport air and has an air inlet; and a member having first and second opposite ends with a liquid outlet at the first end and an air inlet at the second end, the member is positionable with respect to the body from a closed position where the liquid does not flow through the first conduit to an open position where the liquid can flow through the first conduit.

Closing according to claim 1, characterized in that the first conduit extends in a first direction parallel to the second conduit.

Closure according to claim 2, characterized in that the member has a valve element mounted for oscillating movement in a second direction.

4. Closure according to claim 3, characterized in that the second direction is transverse to the first direction.

Closure according to claim 4, characterized in that the valve element has an axis and is movable in the rotation of the valve element about the axis.

Closure according to claim 5, characterized in that the valve element has a generally cylindrically shaped side wall.

Closure according to claim 6, characterized in that the cylindrically shaped side wall defines a third conduit having a first end and a second end and having a second air inlet proximate the first end.

Closure according to claim 7, characterized in that the cylindrically shaped side wall has an upper wall having a portion removed to define the second air inlet.

Closing according to claim 8, characterized in that the second air inlet is essentially centrally placed on the upper wall.

Closing according to claim 7, characterized in that the cylindrically shaped wall has a continuous upper wall and has a portion removed from the cylindrical side wall near the upper wall.

Closure according to claim 7, characterized in that the second end of the cylindrical wall has a portion of reduced diameter.

Closing according to claim 7, characterized in that the body has a mounting sleeve and the cylindrically shaped side wall is placed in the mounting sleeve.

Closing according to claim 12, characterized in that the mounting sleeve has a spirally extended groove and the cylindrically shaped wall has a pin adjustment in the groove so that the rotation of the wall causes the movement of the wall as length of the axis.

Closing according to claim 13, characterized in that the wall blocks the flow of liquid from the liquid outlet when the member is in the closed position.

Closing according to claim 14, characterized in that in the open position the second air inlet is in alignment with the first air inlet and the wall does not block the liquid outlet.

Closing according to claim 3, characterized in that the member comprises a valve rod and a valve element.

Closing according to claim 16, characterized in that the valve rod has first and second opposite ends having the valve element connected to the second end.

18. Closure according to claim 17, characterized in that the valve rod extends axially through the cylindrical body.

19. Closure according to claim 18, characterized in that the member is inclined in a closed position.

20. Closure according to claim 18, characterized in that it additionally comprises an activator for moving the member from a closed position to an open position.

21. Closure according to claim 20, characterized in that the activator is a push button.

22. Closure according to claim 21, characterized in that the pressure knob is an elastomeric material.

23. Closure according to claim 22, characterized in that the pressing button tilts the member in the closed position.

24. Closure according to claim 23, characterized in that the pressure button is connected to the valve stem.

25. Closure according to claim 24, characterized in that the cylindrically shaped side wall has an upper opening and the pressing button seals the upper opening.

26. Closure according to claim 25, characterized in that the cylindrically shaped side wall defines a third conduit having a first end and a second end having a second air inlet proximate the first end.

27. Closure according to claim 26, characterized in that it additionally comprises a device for alternately sealing and opening the second air inlet.

28. Air vent closure assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a valve body having a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit spaced from the first conduit, and a mounting sleeve in fluid communication with the first conduit of fluid and the second fluid conduit, the mounting sleeve has an axis through this; a valve member positioned in the mounting sleeve for movement thereon from a closed position to an open position in response to rotation of the valve member about the axis, the valve member has a wall having a first end and a second opposite end, the valve member has a third fluid conduit therethrough, a first portion of the wall of the valve member is removed to define an air inlet in the third fluid conduit and a second portion is removed to define an air outlet of the third conduit, and wherein when the valve member is in the closed position a portion of the valve member blogs the fluid flow through the first conduit and a portion of the mounting sleeve blocks the flow of air from the air outlet, and when in the open position the fluid can flow through the first duct and the air can flow through the outlet of air.

29. Assembly in accordance with the claim 28, characterized in that the first fluid conduit extends parallel to the second fluid conduit.

30. Assembly in accordance with the claim 29, characterized in that the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis.

31. Assembly according to claim 30, characterized in that the mounting sleeve has a substantially cylindrical wall.

32. Assembly in accordance with the claim 31, characterized in that a portion of the wall of the mounting sleeve is removed to define a spirally extended first groove.

33. Assembly in accordance with the claim 32, characterized in that the mounting sleeve wall has a thickness and an inner surface and wherein the groove extends through a portion of the thickness.

34. Assembly in accordance with the claim 33, characterized by the slot extending through less than 98% of the thickness of the sleeve wall.

35. Assembly in accordance with the claim 34, characterized in that the groove extends through the entire thickness of the sleeve wall.

36. Assembly in accordance with the claim 35, characterized in that the valve body has a first spigot extended from • the wall and mounted in the first slot.

37. Assembly in accordance with the claim 35, characterized in that it additionally comprises a second slot spirally extended on the circumferentially spaced sleeve of the first slot and a second pin on the wall is mounted on the second slot.

38. Assembly according to claim 36, characterized in that when the valve body is in the closed position the first pin is placed at a first end of the first slot and when the valve body is in the open position the first pin is at the second end of the first slot.

39. Assembly according to claim 38, characterized in that the first slot has a protrusion proximate the first end which engages the first pin when the valve body is in the closed position.

40. Assembly according to claim 33, characterized in that the conduit has an internal surface having a first taper portion defining a first portion of reduced internal diameter.

41. Assembly in accordance with the claim 40, characterized in that the valve body has an outer surface having a second taper portion defining a second portion of reduced outer diameter, the second taper portion being concentrically positioned within the first taper portion when the valve body is in the closed position.

42. Assembly according to claim 28, characterized in that the air outlet has a shape selected from the group consisting of circular, semi-circular, oval, polygonal, irregular or amorphous.

43. Assembly in accordance with the claim 42, characterized in that the air outlet comprises a plurality of sub-outlets.

44. Assembly according to claim 43, characterized in that each of the sub-outputs has a shape selected from the group consisting of circular, semi-circular, oval, polygonal, irregular or amorphous.

45. Assembly in accordance with the claim 43, characterized in that the sub-exit is circular.

46. Assembly in accordance with the claim 44, characterized in that the sub-outputs form a configuration.

47. Assembly according to claim 46, characterized in that the configuration is selected from the group consisting of circular, semi-circular, oval, polygonal, irregular or amorphous.

48. Assembly according to claim 46, characterized in that the configuration is a triangle.

49. Assembly according to claim 48, characterized in that the triangle is an equilateral triangle.