US20100096407A1 - Container and valve assembly for storing and dispensing substances, and related method - Google Patents
Container and valve assembly for storing and dispensing substances, and related method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100096407A1 US20100096407A1 US12/646,307 US64630709A US2010096407A1 US 20100096407 A1 US20100096407 A1 US 20100096407A1 US 64630709 A US64630709 A US 64630709A US 2010096407 A1 US2010096407 A1 US 2010096407A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- substance
- storage chamber
- variable
- valve seat
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 15
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000011049 filling Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000036512 infertility Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 8
- 239000003755 preservative agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 244000052616 bacterial pathogen Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000593 degrading effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 2
- -1 moisture Substances 0.000 description 2
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000172 allergic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 208000010668 atopic eczema Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 235000008452 baby food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013351 cheese Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005034 decoration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000092 linear low density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004707 linear low-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001684 low density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004702 low-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004080 milk Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000016709 nutrition Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011837 pasties Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002572 peristaltic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003031 santoprene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000012859 sterile filling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013618 yogurt Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D35/00—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor
- B65D35/44—Closures
- B65D35/46—Closures with valves
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/2018—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
- B65D47/205—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure the valve being formed by a tubular flexible sleeve surrounding a rod-like element provided with at least one radial passageway which is normally closed by the sleeve
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/2018—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
- B65D47/2056—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure lift valve type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/2018—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
- B65D47/2056—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure lift valve type
- B65D47/2081—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure lift valve type in which the deformation raises or lowers the valve port
Definitions
- the present invention relates to containers for dispensing substances including edible substances, and more particularly, to improved containers including one-way valves and collapsible and/or squeeze tubes that maintain the product in an airless and/or sterile condition during repeated dispensing.
- Flexible tubes and the like are used to store a variety of substances including edible foods and beverages having a broad range of viscosities.
- the flexible tubes have a cover which is removed to expose a simple release aperture through which the stored substance is dispensed.
- low pressures are required to dispense the substance thereby causing unwanted oozing and build-up, which ultimately leads to inhibited flow and clogging at the release aperture.
- the traditional tube is opened during operation, the contents are continually exposed to the ambient environment, thus exposing the contents to bacteria, germs and/or other impurities during and/or after the product is dispensed.
- preservatives can cause an allergic or an otherwise undesirable reaction or effect on the user and/or product.
- preservatives do not prevent the bulk product stored within the open container from collecting, and in some cases, facilitating the spread of contamination.
- closure devices such as one-way valves.
- closure devices such as one-way valves.
- One drawback associated with prior art dispensers including one-way valves is that the valves are frequently designed to work with mechanical pumps or like actuators that are capable of creating relatively high valve opening pressures.
- Exemplary dispensers of this type are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. RE 37,047, 6,032,101, 5,944,702, and 5,746,728 and U.S. Publication Nos. US2002/0074362 A1, US2002/0017294 A1.
- Squeeze tube-type dispensers are not capable of creating the necessary valve opening pressures, and therefore such prior art valves do not work effectively with squeeze tubes.
- the invention is directed towards an apparatus having a container and a valve assembly for storing and dispensing a substance therefrom.
- the container includes a squeezable body defining therein a storage chamber for receiving and storing the substance, which can be edible, and a head located at one end of the body.
- the head defines a neck portion and a first axially extending passageway formed therethrough that is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the body and defines an unobstructed axially extending flow path therebetween.
- the valve assembly is a one-way valve assembly mounted on the head that includes a valve body and a valve cover.
- the valve body includes a body base defining a second axially extending passageway coupled in fluid communication with the first axially extending passageway and defining an unobstructed axially extending flow path therebetween, an axially extending valve seat defining a diameter less than a diameter of the body base, and a plurality of flow apertures axially extending through the valve body adjacent to the valve seat and angularly spaced relative to each other.
- the valve cover is formed of an elastic material defining a predetermined modulus of elasticity and includes an outer valve cover shaped to receive a user's mouth, and a valve shield mounted between the valve cover and the outer valve cover.
- the valve shield supports the outer valve cover when a user applies pressure to the outer cover and is fixedly secured to the valve cover and the outer valve cover to prevent axial movement relative thereto.
- a valve portion overlies the valve seat and defines a predetermined radial thickness and a diameter less than a diameter of the valve seat to thereby form an interference fit therebetween.
- valve portion and valve seat define a normally closed, annular, axially extending valve opening therebetween, and the valve portion is movable radially between a normally closed position with the valve portion engaging the valve seat and an open position with a segment of the valve portion spaced radially away from the valve seat to allow the passage of substance at a predetermined valve opening pressure therebetween.
- the valve shield is spaced radially away from the valve portion so as not to interfere with the valve opening.
- the valve assembly has a valve seat, a flexible valve portion overlying the valve seat and acting as discussed in the preceding paragraph, and a valve shield.
- the valve shield has a surface shaped to receive a user's mouth. The valve shield supports the surface when a user applies pressure to the outer valve cover, and is spaced away from the valve portion so as not to interfere with the valve opening.
- the valve assembly further includes first means for progressively opening the valve opening and allowing the passage of substance from the variable-volume storage chamber through the valve opening upon at least one of (i) squeezing the device body and (ii) pumping substance from the device body, and second means for hermetically sealing the valve assembly and preventing ingress of bacteria through the valve assembly and into the device in the normally closed position.
- At least one of the valve seat diameter, a degree of interference between the valve cover and valve seat, the predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion, and a predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover material is selected to (1) define a predetermined valve opening pressure generated upon squeezing the container or pumping the substance from the device body that allows passage of the substance from the storage chamber through the valve opening, and (2) hermetically seal the valve and prevent the ingress of bacteria through the valve and into the container in the normally closed position.
- Another aspect of the invention is directed towards methods for storing and dispensing a sterile substance.
- the method includes the steps of providing a dispensing apparatus as described in the above paragraphs, storing substance in the storage chamber, and dispensing an amount of the substance by squeezing the device body and/or pumping the substance from the storage chamber to dispense the substance through the valve opening and into the user's mouth.
- Methods according to the invention permit maintaining the substance throughout the storing and dispensing of the substance in a sterile, hermetically scaled, substantially airless condition, and/or a substantially preservative-free form.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention including a one-way valve and container;
- FIG. 2 is a partial, perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the one-way valve of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the one-way valve of FIG. 1 .
- an apparatus including a one-way valve assembly and container embodying the present invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 . While the exemplary embodiments illustrate a tubular container, it is understood that any shaped container is contemplated, including a cylindrical or bottle shape.
- the apparatus 10 includes a one-way valve assembly 14 that is connectable in fluid communication with a container 16 .
- a cap (not shown) may be releasably connected to the valve assembly 14 for covering the valve assembly when not in use.
- the container 16 comprises a body 20 defining therein a storage chamber 22 ( FIG. 3 ) for receiving and storing a substance and a head 49 at one end of the body 20 .
- the substance includes products that are creamy, pasty, liquid, or other such substance.
- the type of substances that are included are substances that could be ingested, such as cheese, yogurt, milk, nutritional beverages, shakes, and baby food. As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, this list is intended to be exemplary and in no way limiting.
- the container includes any type of container that can hold the substance.
- the container 16 and body 20 can be made from any material that does not substantially alter the contents therein, unless otherwise specified to do so.
- the body 20 may be all plastic, aluminum, a combination thereof, and/or a plurality of other suitable materials well known to those skilled in the art now and later discovered.
- the body 20 is made from a coextruded sheet containing various combinations of LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, tie resins and foil.
- the body 20 can be customized for the application, for example, by color, shape, decoration, coatings and the like.
- the container 16 can be sized to he portable or otherwise as may be desired and can include outer textures for improved comfort, gripping and handling.
- the body 20 also provides a barrier to oxygen, moisture, flavor loss and the like.
- the body 20 may be squeezed in a conventional manner, such as squeezing the body on opposites sides relative to each other and, in turn, transmitting a substantially radially-directed force into the body.
- a conventional manner such as squeezing the body on opposites sides relative to each other and, in turn, transmitting a substantially radially-directed force into the body.
- the container 16 may include a more rigid body and a flexible bladder located in the container that holds the substance, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,761,286, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference as part of the present disclosure.
- the valve assembly 14 releases the substance without exposing the remaining product to the external atmosphere; thus, the sterility and/or airless condition of the storage chamber 22 is maintained and the shelf life of the product is not decreased. Further, bacteria or other contaminants are prevented from passing through the valve and into the storage chamber even when the apparatus is being used, as described further below. Accordingly, even after the apparatus 10 is being used, refrigeration is not necessary to sustain the life of the substance inside the container 16 .
- valve assembly 14 includes a valve body 30 defining a first axially-extending passageway 32 , an axially-extending valve seat 34 , and at least one or a plurality of flow apertures 36 axially extending through the valve body 30 adjacent to the valve seat 34 and coupled in fluid communication with the first axially-extending passageway 32 .
- the valve body 30 may be made of various materials and, in one embodiment, is made of polypropylene.
- the one-way valve assembly 12 further includes a valve cover 38 formed of an elastic material and including a cover base 40 mounted on the valve body 30 and fixedly secured against axial movement relative thereto, and a valve portion 42 overlying the valve seat. In the embodiment shown, the valve body 30 and the cover base 40 are fixedly secured by an annular protuberance 44 formed at the valve body 30 , which prevents axial movement of the cover base 40 with respect to the valve body 30 .
- the valve portion 42 defines a predetermined radial thickness and a progressively increasing inner diameter D 1 .
- the valve seat 34 defines a progressively increasing outer diameter D 2 .
- the valve is designed so that the inner diameter D 1 is less than the outer diameter D 2 to form an interference fit therebetween, as indicated by the overlapping lines in FIG. 3 .
- the valve portion 42 and the valve seat 34 define a normally closed, axially-extending valve opening or seam 46 therebetween.
- the valve portion 42 is movable radially between a normally closed position, as shown in FIG.
- valve portion 42 engaging the valve seat 34 , and an open position (not shown) with at least a segment of the valve portion 42 spaced radially away from the valve seat 34 to connect the valve opening 46 in fluid communication with the flow apertures 36 to thereby allow the passage of substance from the flow apertures 36 through the valve opening 46 .
- the valve portion 42 of the valve cover 38 has a progressively decreasing radial thickness when moving axially in a direction from the protuberance 44 toward an exit 48 .
- the valve seat 34 defines a progressively increasing diameter D 2 when moving axially in a direction from an inner end toward a distal end of the valve seat (or from the interior end toward the exterior end of the valve seat). As a result, progressively less energy is required to open the valve, when moving axially in the direction from the interior toward the exterior of the valve.
- Stored substance is dispensed through the valve by pumping the substance at a sufficient pressure (either by manually, mechanically or electro-mechanically squeezing the tube 14 , or otherwise pumping the substance through the tube or into the valve) through the flow apertures 36 to open the valve opening or seam 46 (the “valve opening pressure”).
- a sufficient pressure either by manually, mechanically or electro-mechanically squeezing the tube 14 , or otherwise pumping the substance through the tube or into the valve
- the valve opening pressure the “valve opening pressure”.
- a substantially annular segment of the valve portion 42 engages the valve seat 34 substantially throughout any period of dispensing substance through the valve opening 46 to maintain a hermetic seal between the valve opening 46 and ambient atmosphere.
- the valve can be configured in other ways in order to require progressively less energy to open the valve (i.e., to decrease the valve opening pressure) when moving in the axial direction from the interior toward the exterior of the valve.
- the valve cover 38 and valve body 30 may define a decreasing degree of interference therebetween when moving in a direction from the interior toward the exterior of the valve assembly.
- the valve cover may define a substantially conically tapered cross-sectional shape.
- the valve assembly may include only one of these features, or may include any desired combination of these features in order to achieve the desired performance characteristics.
- At any point along the normally closed valve opening or seam 46 at least one of the valve seat diameter D 2 , the degree of interference between the valve portion 42 and valve seat 34 (as indicated by the overlapping lines in FIG. 3 ), the predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion 42 , and a predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover 38 material, is selected to (1) define a predetermined valve opening pressure generated upon squeezing the container 16 that allows passage of the substance from the tube through the normally-closed valve opening 46 , and (2) hermetically seal the valve assembly 14 and prevent the ingress of bacteria or contamination through the valve opening 46 and into the container 16 in the normally closed position.
- each of the valve seat diameter D 2 , the degree of interference between the valve portion 42 and valve seat 34 , the predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion 42 , and the predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover 38 material is selected to (i) define a predetermined valve opening pressure generated upon squeezing the tube 14 that allows passage of the substance from the tube (or variable-volume storage chamber 22 coupled in fluid communication thereto) through the valve opening 46 , and (2) hermetically seal the valve opening 46 and prevent the ingress of bacteria through the valve opening and into the tube in the normally-closed position.
- the valve body 30 is secured to the head 49 of the body 20 via a neck portion 50 .
- the valve body 30 further includes a body base 52 that has a connecting portion 54 , which is configured to connect the valve assembly 14 to the container 16 .
- the valve assembly 14 and the container 16 are configured to be threadably connected at the neck 50 , as is illustrated by the threads 56 .
- valve assembly 14 and the container 16 may be connected in any known manner.
- the neck 50 forms an interference fit at a top 57 of neck 50 to hermetically seal the container 16 and the valve assembly 14 .
- the neck 50 defines a second axially extending passageway 58 , which is in fluid communication with the first axially extending passageway 32 .
- the valve assembly 14 further includes a valve shield 60 that extends annularly about the flexible valve cover 38 , and extends axially from the base of the valve cover 38 to a point adjacent to a dispensing tip 62 of the valve assembly 14 but spaced axially inwardly therefrom.
- the valve shield 60 is made of a rigid material so that the valve shield 60 will not deform when pressure is applied to it.
- the valve body 30 defines an annular recess 68 between a peripheral flange 70 and body base 52 .
- the valve shield 60 defines a first corresponding annular protuberance 72 that projects radially inwardly and is snap fit into the recess 68 and engages the flange 70 to lock the valve shield 60 to the valve body 30 .
- the valve shield 60 is spaced radially relative to the valve portion 42 of the valve cover 38 to form an annular, axially extending gap 76 therebetween.
- the gap 76 allows the valve portion 42 to freely expand or move radially outwardly during dispensing of substance through the normally closed valve opening or seam 46 .
- the gap 76 decreases away from a tip 78 of valve shield 60 to an area 80 in which the valve shield 60 contacts to the valve cover 38 .
- the area 80 of contact helps protect and support the valve cover 38 .
- area 80 is aligned with aperture 36 to prevent radial movement of the valve cover 38 and prevent forward flow of any substance that has not entered the valve.
- valve cover 38 extends over valve shield 60 to form an outer valve cover 82 and is secured to body base 52 so that valve shield 60 is enclosed within valve cover 38 .
- valve cover 38 contacts valve shield 60 so as to support the outer valve cover 82 .
- an optional annular protuberance 86 located on an end of the valve shield engages an optional recess 88 in the outer valve cover 82 to further secure the outer valve 82 and shield 60 to the head 49 of the container 16 .
- the gap 76 extends above the tip 78 of the valve shield 60 , which allows valve portion 42 to expand outwardly when the valve opening 46 is in the open position.
- outer valve cover 82 is shaped so that the tip 78 of the valve shield 60 is fully supported by the outer valve cover 82 so that the tip 78 of the valve shield 60 does not bend and contact the valve portion 42 .
- the outer valve cover 82 is shaped to accept a mouth, and in one embodiment, a child's mouth.
- the outer valve cover 82 includes a neck 90 , a concave contour section 92 , and a rounded tip 94 .
- the concave contour section 92 would receive the user's lips.
- the valve shield 60 is shaped similar to the outer valve cover 82 so that the outer valve cover 82 is fully supported along the entire outer cover and also to protect the valve opening 46 . For instance, when the valve assembly 14 is received into a mouth, even if the person was to clamp down on the outer valve cover 82 , the valve opening 46 will not be affected since any pressure on the valve cover 38 would occur at the area 80 , which is outside of the valve opening 46 area. Thus, even when pressure is applied on the outer valve cover 82 , valve opening 46 will he able to expand and dispense the substance from the storage chamber 22 .
- valve cover 38 and the outer valve cover 82 are shown as an integral piece, it is understood that the two parts are not required to be integral in order for the valve assembly 14 to function properly.
- the valve cover 38 and outer valve cover 82 are made of a material that is capable of deformation, such as santoprene (shore 35 ) or rimflex (shore 25 ). Thus, the covers 38 and 82 are soft and flexible.
- valve seat 34 it maybe desirable to make the outer diameter of the valve seat 34 as large as possible to thereby decrease the requisite valve opening pressure that must be generated upon squeezing the body 20 in order to open the valve and dispense product through the valve.
- the valve opening pressure including the diameter of the valve seat 34 , the modulus of elasticity of the valve cover 38 , the degree of interference between the valve cover 38 and valve seat 34 , and the thickness and shape of the valve seat 34 . All other factors being equal, the volumetric flow rate of material through the valve will he greater for increasing diameters of the valve seat 34 and the requisite valve opening pressure will decrease.
- the path of the valve opening 46 increases in diameter as the valve opening approaches exit 48 .
- the apparatus 10 operates as follows. A user puts the valve assembly in the user's mouth so that the user's lips sit at the concave contour section 92 . The user squeezes the container 16 so that the substance contained in the storage chamber 22 flows from the storage chamber through the passageways 58 and 32 . From the passageways 58 and 32 , the substance flows into at least one flow aperture 36 and through the valve opening 46 and, finally, out the exit 48 and into the user's mouth. As a quantity of substance is dispenses, the remaining non-dispensed product, internal apertures 36 , passageways 32 , 58 , and storage chamber 22 remain in a sterile condition unexposed to the external atmosphere.
- FIG. 4 an alterative embodiment of the valve assembly 14 is shown.
- This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 and, therefore, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “1” are used to indicate like elements.
- the body base 130 is formed integrally with the body 120 .
- Flow apertures 136 are similar to the embodiment in FIG. 3 ; however, the cross-section is taken through a different section to illustrate the flow apertures in a different manner.
- the first axially-extending passageway 132 terminates at the diametrically oppose flow apertures 136 .
- the valve cover 138 extends over the valve shield 160 to form an outer cover 182 as described above.
- the container valve assembly 110 operates in a like manner, in which case squeezing the container allows passage of the substance from the storage chamber 122 through the valve opening and hermetically seals the valve 114 to prevent the ingress of air and bacteria through the valve 114 and into the container 116 .
- valve assembly and tubes disclosed herein may be the same as or similar to aspects of the valves and tubes disclosed in the following commonly assigned patent applications which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety as part of the present disclosure: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/295,274, filed Dec. 5, 2005, entitled “Container and Valve Assembly for Storing and Dispensing Substances, and Related Method”, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/730,520, filed Oct. 26, 2005, entitled “Container and One-Way Valve Assembly for Storing and Dispensing Substances, and related Method”, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/633,332, filed Dec.
- the containers 16 and 116 may be sterilized and filled in the manner such as that disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/600,525, filed on Jun. 19, 2003, entitled “Sterile Filling Machine having Needle Filling Station within E-Beam Chamber” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/983,178, filed on Nov. 5, 2004, entitled “Needle Filling and Laser Sealing Station,” and of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety as part of the present disclosure.
- the container and valve assembly 10 could include a pump (not shown) that is manually or otherwise actuated to dispense substance from the storage chamber 22 through the valve.
- This type of pump could include a piston received within a compression chamber wherein the piston is manually or otherwise actuated to dispense the substance through the valve, or a peristaltic pump that engages a flexible tube connected between the valve and storage chamber. Still even further, at least a portion of at least one of the pump, valve cover 38 , valve body 30 , valve seat 34 , valve shield 60 , a surface of the storage chamber 22 or any other portion of the container and valve assembly 10 the valve 14 could include a needle penetrable and thermally-resealable portion or stopper 200 ( FIG.
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/301,659, filed Dec. 12, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,637,400, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/634,958, filed Dec. 10, 2004, both of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties as part of the present disclosure.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to containers for dispensing substances including edible substances, and more particularly, to improved containers including one-way valves and collapsible and/or squeeze tubes that maintain the product in an airless and/or sterile condition during repeated dispensing.
- 2. Background of the Related Art
- Flexible tubes and the like are used to store a variety of substances including edible foods and beverages having a broad range of viscosities. Generally, the flexible tubes have a cover which is removed to expose a simple release aperture through which the stored substance is dispensed. As a result, low pressures are required to dispense the substance thereby causing unwanted oozing and build-up, which ultimately leads to inhibited flow and clogging at the release aperture. Moreover, when the traditional tube is opened during operation, the contents are continually exposed to the ambient environment, thus exposing the contents to bacteria, germs and/or other impurities during and/or after the product is dispensed. Furthermore, unwanted air is often drawn into the tube which facilitates the spreading of the bacteria, germs and/or other impurities with each subsequent use, and also negatively impacts the flow characteristics of the substance during dispensing, such that the substance is dispensed unevenly, contains air bubbles or continues to ooze out unwantedly. Despite techniques for sterilizing the stored contents prior to opening, this constant exposure to the environment has the negative effect of degrading the stored substance, thereby limiting the shelf-life and range of products suitable for dispensing via tubes. As a result, such products must include preservatives in order to prevent the product remaining in the container from spoiling or otherwise degrading between usages. One of the drawbacks associated with preservatives is that they can cause an allergic or an otherwise undesirable reaction or effect on the user and/or product. In addition, the preservatives do not prevent the bulk product stored within the open container from collecting, and in some cases, facilitating the spread of contamination.
- In view of the above, several containers have been provided with closure devices such as one-way valves. One drawback associated with prior art dispensers including one-way valves is that the valves are frequently designed to work with mechanical pumps or like actuators that are capable of creating relatively high valve opening pressures. Exemplary dispensers of this type are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. RE 37,047, 6,032,101, 5,944,702, and 5,746,728 and U.S. Publication Nos. US2002/0074362 A1, US2002/0017294 A1. Squeeze tube-type dispensers, on the other hand, are not capable of creating the necessary valve opening pressures, and therefore such prior art valves do not work effectively with squeeze tubes.
- Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome one or more of the above-described drawbacks and/or disadvantages of the prior art.
- In one aspect, the invention is directed towards an apparatus having a container and a valve assembly for storing and dispensing a substance therefrom. In one embodiment of the invention, the container includes a squeezable body defining therein a storage chamber for receiving and storing the substance, which can be edible, and a head located at one end of the body. The head defines a neck portion and a first axially extending passageway formed therethrough that is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the body and defines an unobstructed axially extending flow path therebetween.
- In an embodiment of the invention, the valve assembly is a one-way valve assembly mounted on the head that includes a valve body and a valve cover. The valve body includes a body base defining a second axially extending passageway coupled in fluid communication with the first axially extending passageway and defining an unobstructed axially extending flow path therebetween, an axially extending valve seat defining a diameter less than a diameter of the body base, and a plurality of flow apertures axially extending through the valve body adjacent to the valve seat and angularly spaced relative to each other. The valve cover is formed of an elastic material defining a predetermined modulus of elasticity and includes an outer valve cover shaped to receive a user's mouth, and a valve shield mounted between the valve cover and the outer valve cover. The valve shield supports the outer valve cover when a user applies pressure to the outer cover and is fixedly secured to the valve cover and the outer valve cover to prevent axial movement relative thereto. A valve portion overlies the valve seat and defines a predetermined radial thickness and a diameter less than a diameter of the valve seat to thereby form an interference fit therebetween. The valve portion and valve seat define a normally closed, annular, axially extending valve opening therebetween, and the valve portion is movable radially between a normally closed position with the valve portion engaging the valve seat and an open position with a segment of the valve portion spaced radially away from the valve seat to allow the passage of substance at a predetermined valve opening pressure therebetween. The valve shield is spaced radially away from the valve portion so as not to interfere with the valve opening.
- In another embodiment of the invention, the valve assembly has a valve seat, a flexible valve portion overlying the valve seat and acting as discussed in the preceding paragraph, and a valve shield. The valve shield has a surface shaped to receive a user's mouth. The valve shield supports the surface when a user applies pressure to the outer valve cover, and is spaced away from the valve portion so as not to interfere with the valve opening.
- In yet another embodiment, the valve assembly further includes first means for progressively opening the valve opening and allowing the passage of substance from the variable-volume storage chamber through the valve opening upon at least one of (i) squeezing the device body and (ii) pumping substance from the device body, and second means for hermetically sealing the valve assembly and preventing ingress of bacteria through the valve assembly and into the device in the normally closed position.
- In addition, in some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the valve seat diameter, a degree of interference between the valve cover and valve seat, the predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion, and a predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover material, is selected to (1) define a predetermined valve opening pressure generated upon squeezing the container or pumping the substance from the device body that allows passage of the substance from the storage chamber through the valve opening, and (2) hermetically seal the valve and prevent the ingress of bacteria through the valve and into the container in the normally closed position.
- Another aspect of the invention is directed towards methods for storing and dispensing a sterile substance. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a dispensing apparatus as described in the above paragraphs, storing substance in the storage chamber, and dispensing an amount of the substance by squeezing the device body and/or pumping the substance from the storage chamber to dispense the substance through the valve opening and into the user's mouth. Methods according to the invention permit maintaining the substance throughout the storing and dispensing of the substance in a sterile, hermetically scaled, substantially airless condition, and/or a substantially preservative-free form.
- These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention including a one-way valve and container; -
FIG. 2 is a partial, perspective view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the one-way valve ofFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the one-way valve ofFIG. 1 . - Referring to
FIGS. 1-3 , an apparatus including a one-way valve assembly and container embodying the present invention is indicated generally by thereference numeral 10. While the exemplary embodiments illustrate a tubular container, it is understood that any shaped container is contemplated, including a cylindrical or bottle shape. Theapparatus 10 includes a one-way valve assembly 14 that is connectable in fluid communication with acontainer 16. A cap (not shown) may be releasably connected to thevalve assembly 14 for covering the valve assembly when not in use. - The
container 16 comprises abody 20 defining therein a storage chamber 22 (FIG. 3 ) for receiving and storing a substance and ahead 49 at one end of thebody 20. The substance includes products that are creamy, pasty, liquid, or other such substance. In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the type of substances that are included are substances that could be ingested, such as cheese, yogurt, milk, nutritional beverages, shakes, and baby food. As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, this list is intended to be exemplary and in no way limiting. - The container includes any type of container that can hold the substance. The
container 16 andbody 20 can be made from any material that does not substantially alter the contents therein, unless otherwise specified to do so. In one embodiment, thebody 20 may be all plastic, aluminum, a combination thereof, and/or a plurality of other suitable materials well known to those skilled in the art now and later discovered. In another embodiment, thebody 20 is made from a coextruded sheet containing various combinations of LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, tie resins and foil. Thebody 20 can be customized for the application, for example, by color, shape, decoration, coatings and the like. Additionally, thecontainer 16 can be sized to he portable or otherwise as may be desired and can include outer textures for improved comfort, gripping and handling. Thebody 20 also provides a barrier to oxygen, moisture, flavor loss and the like. - In the above embodiments, the
body 20 may be squeezed in a conventional manner, such as squeezing the body on opposites sides relative to each other and, in turn, transmitting a substantially radially-directed force into the body. By squeezing the body, the pressure of the product or other substance contained within the body is increased until the pressure is great enough to push the product out thevalve assembly 14. - In yet another embodiment, the
container 16 may include a more rigid body and a flexible bladder located in the container that holds the substance, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,761,286, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference as part of the present disclosure. - The
valve assembly 14 releases the substance without exposing the remaining product to the external atmosphere; thus, the sterility and/or airless condition of the storage chamber 22 is maintained and the shelf life of the product is not decreased. Further, bacteria or other contaminants are prevented from passing through the valve and into the storage chamber even when the apparatus is being used, as described further below. Accordingly, even after theapparatus 10 is being used, refrigeration is not necessary to sustain the life of the substance inside thecontainer 16. - Drawing attention to
FIG. 3 ,valve assembly 14 is shown in greater detail. Accordingly,valve assembly 14 includes avalve body 30 defining a first axially-extendingpassageway 32, an axially-extendingvalve seat 34, and at least one or a plurality offlow apertures 36 axially extending through thevalve body 30 adjacent to thevalve seat 34 and coupled in fluid communication with the first axially-extendingpassageway 32. Thevalve body 30 may be made of various materials and, in one embodiment, is made of polypropylene. The one-way valve assembly 12 further includes avalve cover 38 formed of an elastic material and including acover base 40 mounted on thevalve body 30 and fixedly secured against axial movement relative thereto, and avalve portion 42 overlying the valve seat. In the embodiment shown, thevalve body 30 and thecover base 40 are fixedly secured by anannular protuberance 44 formed at thevalve body 30, which prevents axial movement of thecover base 40 with respect to thevalve body 30. - The
valve portion 42 defines a predetermined radial thickness and a progressively increasing inner diameter D1. Thevalve seat 34 defines a progressively increasing outer diameter D2. The valve is designed so that the inner diameter D1 is less than the outer diameter D2 to form an interference fit therebetween, as indicated by the overlapping lines inFIG. 3 . As can be seen, thevalve portion 42 and thevalve seat 34 define a normally closed, axially-extending valve opening orseam 46 therebetween. As described further below, thevalve portion 42 is movable radially between a normally closed position, as shown inFIG. 3 , with thevalve portion 42 engaging thevalve seat 34, and an open position (not shown) with at least a segment of thevalve portion 42 spaced radially away from thevalve seat 34 to connect thevalve opening 46 in fluid communication with theflow apertures 36 to thereby allow the passage of substance from theflow apertures 36 through thevalve opening 46. - The
valve portion 42 of thevalve cover 38 has a progressively decreasing radial thickness when moving axially in a direction from theprotuberance 44 toward anexit 48. In addition, as indicated above, thevalve seat 34 defines a progressively increasing diameter D2 when moving axially in a direction from an inner end toward a distal end of the valve seat (or from the interior end toward the exterior end of the valve seat). As a result, progressively less energy is required to open the valve, when moving axially in the direction from the interior toward the exterior of the valve. Stored substance is dispensed through the valve by pumping the substance at a sufficient pressure (either by manually, mechanically or electro-mechanically squeezing thetube 14, or otherwise pumping the substance through the tube or into the valve) through theflow apertures 36 to open the valve opening or seam 46 (the “valve opening pressure”). Once the pressurized substance enters the valve opening orseam 46, progressively less energy is required to radially open respective axial segments of the valve cover when moving axially in the direction from the interior toward the exterior of the valve. As a result, the valve itself operates as a pump to force the substance through the normally-closedvalve opening 46. In one embodiment, a substantially annular segment of thevalve portion 42 engages thevalve seat 34 substantially throughout any period of dispensing substance through thevalve opening 46 to maintain a hermetic seal between thevalve opening 46 and ambient atmosphere. If desired, the valve can be configured in other ways in order to require progressively less energy to open the valve (i.e., to decrease the valve opening pressure) when moving in the axial direction from the interior toward the exterior of the valve. For example, thevalve cover 38 andvalve body 30 may define a decreasing degree of interference therebetween when moving in a direction from the interior toward the exterior of the valve assembly. Alternatively, the valve cover may define a substantially conically tapered cross-sectional shape. If desired, the valve assembly may include only one of these features, or may include any desired combination of these features in order to achieve the desired performance characteristics. - In particular, at any point along the normally closed valve opening or
seam 46, at least one of the valve seat diameter D2, the degree of interference between thevalve portion 42 and valve seat 34 (as indicated by the overlapping lines inFIG. 3 ), the predetermined radial thickness of thevalve portion 42, and a predetermined modulus of elasticity of thevalve cover 38 material, is selected to (1) define a predetermined valve opening pressure generated upon squeezing thecontainer 16 that allows passage of the substance from the tube through the normally-closedvalve opening 46, and (2) hermetically seal thevalve assembly 14 and prevent the ingress of bacteria or contamination through thevalve opening 46 and into thecontainer 16 in the normally closed position. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, each of the valve seat diameter D2, the degree of interference between thevalve portion 42 andvalve seat 34, the predetermined radial thickness of thevalve portion 42, and the predetermined modulus of elasticity of thevalve cover 38 material, is selected to (i) define a predetermined valve opening pressure generated upon squeezing thetube 14 that allows passage of the substance from the tube (or variable-volume storage chamber 22 coupled in fluid communication thereto) through thevalve opening 46, and (2) hermetically seal thevalve opening 46 and prevent the ingress of bacteria through the valve opening and into the tube in the normally-closed position. - The
valve body 30 is secured to thehead 49 of thebody 20 via aneck portion 50. Thevalve body 30 further includes abody base 52 that has a connectingportion 54, which is configured to connect thevalve assembly 14 to thecontainer 16. In the embodiment shown, thevalve assembly 14 and thecontainer 16 are configured to be threadably connected at theneck 50, as is illustrated by thethreads 56. However, it is understood thatvalve assembly 14 and thecontainer 16 may be connected in any known manner. Theneck 50 forms an interference fit at a top 57 ofneck 50 to hermetically seal thecontainer 16 and thevalve assembly 14. In addition, theneck 50 defines a secondaxially extending passageway 58, which is in fluid communication with the first axially extendingpassageway 32. - The
valve assembly 14 further includes avalve shield 60 that extends annularly about theflexible valve cover 38, and extends axially from the base of thevalve cover 38 to a point adjacent to a dispensingtip 62 of thevalve assembly 14 but spaced axially inwardly therefrom. Thevalve shield 60 is made of a rigid material so that thevalve shield 60 will not deform when pressure is applied to it. Thevalve body 30 defines anannular recess 68 between aperipheral flange 70 andbody base 52. Thevalve shield 60 defines a first correspondingannular protuberance 72 that projects radially inwardly and is snap fit into therecess 68 and engages theflange 70 to lock thevalve shield 60 to thevalve body 30. - The
valve shield 60 is spaced radially relative to thevalve portion 42 of thevalve cover 38 to form an annular, axially extendinggap 76 therebetween. Thegap 76 allows thevalve portion 42 to freely expand or move radially outwardly during dispensing of substance through the normally closed valve opening orseam 46. Thegap 76 decreases away from atip 78 ofvalve shield 60 to anarea 80 in which thevalve shield 60 contacts to thevalve cover 38. Thearea 80 of contact helps protect and support thevalve cover 38. Additionally,area 80 is aligned withaperture 36 to prevent radial movement of thevalve cover 38 and prevent forward flow of any substance that has not entered the valve. - The
valve cover 38 extends overvalve shield 60 to form anouter valve cover 82 and is secured tobody base 52 so thatvalve shield 60 is enclosed withinvalve cover 38. On anexterior side 84 ofvalve shield 60, valve cover 38contacts valve shield 60 so as to support theouter valve cover 82. In one embodiment, an optional annular protuberance 86 located on an end of the valve shield engages anoptional recess 88 in theouter valve cover 82 to further secure theouter valve 82 andshield 60 to thehead 49 of thecontainer 16. Thegap 76 extends above thetip 78 of thevalve shield 60, which allowsvalve portion 42 to expand outwardly when thevalve opening 46 is in the open position. In addition,outer valve cover 82 is shaped so that thetip 78 of thevalve shield 60 is fully supported by theouter valve cover 82 so that thetip 78 of thevalve shield 60 does not bend and contact thevalve portion 42. - The
outer valve cover 82 is shaped to accept a mouth, and in one embodiment, a child's mouth. Theouter valve cover 82 includes aneck 90, aconcave contour section 92, and arounded tip 94. Theconcave contour section 92 would receive the user's lips. In addition, thevalve shield 60 is shaped similar to theouter valve cover 82 so that theouter valve cover 82 is fully supported along the entire outer cover and also to protect thevalve opening 46. For instance, when thevalve assembly 14 is received into a mouth, even if the person was to clamp down on theouter valve cover 82, thevalve opening 46 will not be affected since any pressure on thevalve cover 38 would occur at thearea 80, which is outside of thevalve opening 46 area. Thus, even when pressure is applied on theouter valve cover 82,valve opening 46 will he able to expand and dispense the substance from the storage chamber 22. - While the
valve cover 38 and theouter valve cover 82 are shown as an integral piece, it is understood that the two parts are not required to be integral in order for thevalve assembly 14 to function properly. Thevalve cover 38 andouter valve cover 82 are made of a material that is capable of deformation, such as santoprene (shore 35) or rimflex (shore 25). Thus, thecovers - In addition, it maybe desirable to make the outer diameter of the
valve seat 34 as large as possible to thereby decrease the requisite valve opening pressure that must be generated upon squeezing thebody 20 in order to open the valve and dispense product through the valve. There are a variety of factors that can affect the valve opening pressure, including the diameter of thevalve seat 34, the modulus of elasticity of thevalve cover 38, the degree of interference between thevalve cover 38 andvalve seat 34, and the thickness and shape of thevalve seat 34. All other factors being equal, the volumetric flow rate of material through the valve will he greater for increasing diameters of thevalve seat 34 and the requisite valve opening pressure will decrease. It may be desirable to (1) increase the diameter of thevalve seat 34 in comparison to prior art valves in order to decrease the requisite valve opening pressure that must be created upon squeezing the tube; (2) decrease the head loss of the product flowing through the valve in comparison to prior art valves; and (3) decrease the stored elastic energy in the valve upon dispensing the product through the valve in order to, in turn, decrease the residual seepage of product through the valve. As such, the path of thevalve opening 46 increases in diameter as the valve opening approachesexit 48. - The
apparatus 10 operates as follows. A user puts the valve assembly in the user's mouth so that the user's lips sit at theconcave contour section 92. The user squeezes thecontainer 16 so that the substance contained in the storage chamber 22 flows from the storage chamber through thepassageways passageways flow aperture 36 and through thevalve opening 46 and, finally, out theexit 48 and into the user's mouth. As a quantity of substance is dispenses, the remaining non-dispensed product,internal apertures 36,passageways - Drawing attention to
FIG. 4 , an alterative embodiment of thevalve assembly 14 is shown. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3 and, therefore, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “1” are used to indicate like elements. In this embodiment, thebody base 130 is formed integrally with thebody 120.Flow apertures 136 are similar to the embodiment inFIG. 3 ; however, the cross-section is taken through a different section to illustrate the flow apertures in a different manner. In addition, the first axially-extendingpassageway 132 terminates at the diametrically opposeflow apertures 136. In this embodiment, the valve cover 138 extends over thevalve shield 160 to form anouter cover 182 as described above. Furthermore, thecontainer valve assembly 110 operates in a like manner, in which case squeezing the container allows passage of the substance from thestorage chamber 122 through the valve opening and hermetically seals thevalve 114 to prevent the ingress of air and bacteria through thevalve 114 and into thecontainer 116. - May aspects of the valve assembly and tubes disclosed herein may be the same as or similar to aspects of the valves and tubes disclosed in the following commonly assigned patent applications which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety as part of the present disclosure: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/295,274, filed Dec. 5, 2005, entitled “Container and Valve Assembly for Storing and Dispensing Substances, and Related Method”, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/730,520, filed Oct. 26, 2005, entitled “Container and One-Way Valve Assembly for Storing and Dispensing Substances, and related Method”, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/633,332, filed Dec. 5, 2005, entitled “One-Way Valve, Apparatus and Method of Using the Valve”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/640,500, filed Aug. 13, 2003, entitled “Container and Valve Assembly for Storing and Dispensing Substances, and Related Method”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/174,939, filed Jan. 27, 2003, entitled “Container and Valve Assembly”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/188,310, filed Aug. 15, 2003, entitled “Tube and Valve Assembly”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/191,510, filed Oct. 7, 2003, entitled “Container and Valve Assembly”, and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/528,429, filed Dec. 10, 2003, entitled “Valve Assembly and Tube Kit for Storing and Dispensing Substances, and Related Method,” U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/539,602, filed Jan. 27, 2004, entitled “Container and One-Way Valve Assembly for Storing and Dispensing Substances, and Related Method,” each of which is assigned to the Assignee of the present invention and is hereby expressly incorporated by reference as part of the present disclosure.
- Having thus described the inventive embodiments, it should be known that the
containers valve assembly 10 could include a pump (not shown) that is manually or otherwise actuated to dispense substance from the storage chamber 22 through the valve. This type of pump could include a piston received within a compression chamber wherein the piston is manually or otherwise actuated to dispense the substance through the valve, or a peristaltic pump that engages a flexible tube connected between the valve and storage chamber. Still even further, at least a portion of at least one of the pump,valve cover 38,valve body 30,valve seat 34,valve shield 60, a surface of the storage chamber 22 or any other portion of the container andvalve assembly 10 thevalve 14 could include a needle penetrable and thermally-resealable portion or stopper 200 (FIG. 5 ) to enable filling the storage chamber 22 with the substance by: penetrating the thermally-resealable portion with a needle, introducing the substance through the needle and into the storage chamber 22, withdrawing the needle, and hermetically resealing the a resulting needle hole/aperture in the needle penetrable and thermally-resealable portion by applying thermal energy thereto, - While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (24)
Priority Applications (1)
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US12/646,307 US20100096407A1 (en) | 2004-12-10 | 2009-12-23 | Container and valve assembly for storing and dispensing substances, and related method |
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US63495804P | 2004-12-10 | 2004-12-10 | |
US11/301,659 US7637400B2 (en) | 2004-12-10 | 2005-12-12 | Container and valve assembly for storing and dispensing substances, and related method |
US12/646,307 US20100096407A1 (en) | 2004-12-10 | 2009-12-23 | Container and valve assembly for storing and dispensing substances, and related method |
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US20100096407A1 true US20100096407A1 (en) | 2010-04-22 |
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US12/646,307 Abandoned US20100096407A1 (en) | 2004-12-10 | 2009-12-23 | Container and valve assembly for storing and dispensing substances, and related method |
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CN102209630B (en) * | 2008-10-10 | 2014-12-03 | 丹尼尔·皮 | Device with co-extruded body and flexible inner bladder and related apparatus and method |
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US11952168B2 (en) * | 2021-09-07 | 2024-04-09 | Anne Marie Bree | Linking structure and container assembly to facilitate liquid transfer from a donor container to a recipient container |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2006063360A3 (en) | 2007-04-19 |
WO2006063360A2 (en) | 2006-06-15 |
US7637400B2 (en) | 2009-12-29 |
EP1824746A2 (en) | 2007-08-29 |
EP1824746A4 (en) | 2010-12-29 |
US20060131340A1 (en) | 2006-06-22 |
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Owner name: DR. PY INSTITUTE LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MAEJ LLC, C/O O'DONNELL & TESSITORE LLP;REEL/FRAME:032847/0231 Effective date: 20140312 |
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