WO2006038156A1 - Tap - Google Patents

Abstract

A valve includes a valve body and a core. The body has an outlet and the core has a transfer port for exposing the outlet to flow from a container. The transfer port provides a straight line transition between exposed and not exposed portions of the outlet.

Description

Description

TAP

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[1] The present regular United States Patent Application claims the benefits of United

States Provisional Application Serial No. 60/615,069, filed on October 1, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[2] The present invention generally relates to container valves and, more particularly, the valve of the present invention may be used in so-called 'bag in a box' fluid dispensing applications where it is at of advantage to have a high flow valve or tap assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[3] Flow control valves and tap assemblies have been developed for use to dispense a wide variety of fluids from various types of containers. One known application for disposable taps or valves is the so-called 'bag in a box' products in which a bladder is provided within a cardboard box or other semi-rigid container, and a low cost, disposable tap or valve is provided to dispense the fluid from the bladder. Con¬ structions of this type have been used to dispense water and other beverages such as wine or juice, and other liquids such as various chemicals, lubricants, cooking liquids and the like.

[4] In applications such as bag in a box assemblies, the valve or tap component desirably is formed inexpensively, from low cost materials, since the entire package assembly including the valve is intended to be discarded once the content of the bladder has been fully dispensed. In that regard, the valve is intended only for a single use, although it may be operated many times during that use. Of course, the valve must operate effectively to tightly close and prevent spills or leakage, even after long periods of use with frequent or infrequent opening and closing cycles

[5] Known valves for this purpose have included an outer sleeve with a substantially circular outlet opening and an inner core having an inner volume in flow com¬ munication with the container and a transfer outlet that can be aligned with the sleeve outlet to enable flow therethrough: Known transfer outlets in the core have been circular as well. The hole in the core and the hole in the sleeve can be arranged one in front of the other or side-by-side and pulled or rotated to align all or a portion of the holes for controlled flow from the container to the outside.

[6] One problem associated with tap and valve assemblies as described is experienced on occasion when dispensing relatively high volumes at high flow rates, or when adjusting the valve from a low flow rate to a high flow rate. As the valve is opened wider and wider, the stream pattern changes. The peripheral shape of the outlet stream which is created from the aligned patterns of the transfer opening and the outlet opening change significantly. Consequently, the stream pattern changes and narrow areas in the aligned opening can cause streamlets to flow at erratic angles from the main stream. The major portion of the outflow stream can twist, turn or ripple as the outlet flow rate increases from increasing the size of the aligned outlet holes. The front of the outlet stream nearest to the person dispensing the fluid is often one of the more disrupted portions of the outlet stream, potentially splashing onto the person operating the valve. When the fluid is dispensed into a narrow, shallow or nearly full container, splashing and spillage can occur.

[7] What is needed is a valve that operates easily and provides a well-defined outlet stream at all flow rates and as the valve is being adjusted between closed and fully opened positions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[8] The present invention provides a valve having an inner core with a transfer opening shaped to provide a straight, leading edge for exposing the outer sleeve outlet to flow from the container.

[9] In one aspect thereof, the present invention provides a flow control valve with an outer sleeve having an outlet and a core movable in the sleeve. The core has an inner volume, an inlet opening and a transfer port. The transfer port is positioned for pro¬ gressively exposing and covering the outlet to the inner volume upon movement of the core relative to the sleeve. The transfer port includes a substantially straight segment defining the transition across the outlet during relative movement of the core in the sleeve.

[10] In another aspect thereof, the present invention provides a flow control valve with a sleeve defining an outlet and a core moveably disposed in the sleeve. The core has a transfer port moveable over the outlet to open and close the outlet. The transfer port has a substantially straight edge spanning said outlet during movement of said core.

[11] In a still further aspect thereof, the present invention provides a valve with an outer sleeve having an outlet opening and a hollow core rotatable and axially moveable in the sleeve. The core defines an inner volume. A transfer port through the core is configured for exposing the outlet opening to the inner volume. The transfer port has a shape providing a straight transition between exposed and unexposed portions of the outlet, for any position of the core relative to the sleeve in which a portion of the outlet is covered by the core.

[12] An advantage of the present invention is providing a fluid dispensing valve that creates a well-defined outlet stream of fluid from the container at all flow rates.

[13] Another advantage of the present invention is providing a fluid dispensing valve that operates easily. [14] Still another advantage of the present invention is providing a fluid dispensing valve that can be manufactured inexpensively.

[15] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[16] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a valve in accordance with the present invention, with the valve shown connected to a fragment of a container;

[17] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the valve core for the valve in Fig. 1 ;

[18] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the valve sleeve shown in Fig. 1;

[19] Fig. 4 is an elevational view of the valve core shown in Fig. 2;

[20] Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the valve sleeve shown in

Fig. 3;

[21] Fig. 6 is an elevational view of the valve core shown in Fig. 4, but illustrating a different portion of the valve core;

[22] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the bottom of the valve shown in Fig. 1 , illustrating the valve in a closed position;

[23] Fig. 8 is a plan view similar to that of Fig. 7, but illustrating the valve in a partially opened position;

[24] Fig. 9 is a plan view similar to Figs. 7 and 8, but illustrating the valve in a half open position; and

[25] Fig. 10 is a plan view similar to Figs. 7, 8 and 9, but illustrating the valve in a fully opened position.

[26] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of con¬ struction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of 'including', 'comprising' and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[27] Referring now more specifically to the drawings and to Fig. 1 in particular, a flow control valve 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown installed for dispensing fluid from a container 12. It should be understood that valve 10 can be used for dispensing a variety of different types of fluids including beverages, cooking fluids, industrial fluids such as chemicals and lubricants, or the like from different styles and shapes of containers.

[28] Valve 10 includes a valve body 14 and a valve core 16 operable in body 14 for exposing and covering openings therein to allow the flow of fluid from container 12 to the outside through valve 10.

[29] Valve body 14 includes a substantially cylindrical sleeve 20 open at each of an inner end 22 and an outer end 24 thereof. A flange 26 is provided at inner end 22 for attachment of valve 10 to container 12. Flange 26 can be configured for heat sealing type attachment, crimp attachment or other suitable adherence or connection to container 12 and a bladder (not shown) disposed therein. Sleeve 20 defines an outlet 28 and is provided with an extension 30 at outlet 28 for directing fluid flow from valve 10. Outlet extension 30 also can be used for connecting valve 10 to other flow handling systems or devices, conduits, hoses or the like. Thus, while shown to be configured as a substantially smooth sided extension 30, it should be understood that other con¬ figurations including internally threaded or externally threaded bodies can be used.

[30] An internal surface 32 of valve body 14 defines a primary seal bead 34 on the upstream side of outlet 28 and a secondary seal bead 36 on the downstream side of outlet 28. Primary and secondary seal beads 34, 36 operate in sealing arrangement with core 16 to provide a fluid tight relationship between body 14 and core 16, so that fluid does not leak from valve 10. A follower in the nature of a protuberance 38 is provided on internal surface 32 to cooperate with core 16, as will be described hereinafter, during opening and closing of valve 10. Outer end 24 defines a notch for securing the valve in a closed position, as will be described also hereinafter.

[31] Core 16 includes a substantially hollow cylindrical stem 50 and an actuator 52 having a knob 54. Stem 50 has an open end 56 and defines an internal volume 58. A transfer port 60 is defined by stem 50. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, transfer port 60 is configured for selective positioning relative to outlet 28 for exposing all or a portion of outlet 28 to internal volume 58, thereby allowing fluid from container 12 to flow through open end 56 into internal volume 58 and out through transfer port 60 to outlet 28 and extension 30. A wall 62 is provided on the outlet side of transfer port 60 to block fluid flow and to serve as a transition between stem 50 and actuator 52.

[32] On the outer surface of stem 50, a helical slot 64 is provided and defines a path along which protuberance 38 traverses when valve 10 is actuated. An end segment of helical slot 64 defines a locking pitch 66 at a different angle than the major extent of slot 64. Locking pitch 66 receives protuberance 38 when valve 10 is in a fully closed position and is at such an angle as to provide a pre-load against primary seal deed 34 to ensure a sealed and closed arrangement. At the end of helical slot 64, an end stop 68 is provided to inhibit unintentional over rotation of core 16 during opening.

[33] In the exemplary embodiment slots 64 are provided on a diametrically opposite side of stem 50 for receiving a second protuberance 38 (not shown) in body 14. By providing two or more co-operating helical slots 64 and protuberances 38, smooth, balanced operation of valve 10 is facilitated. However, in a small valve one helical slot 64 may be adequate. In particularly large valves more than two helical slots 64 can be used.

[34] With reference now to Fig. 6, transfer port 60 will be described in greater detail.

Transfer port 60 is configured to expose outlet 28 to inner volume 58 and fluid flow therefrom and therefore provides a transition between portions of outlet 28 that are exposed and another portion of outlet 28 that is not exposed to inner volume 58. Transfer port 60 has a somewhat teardrop-like overall appearance. Transfer port 60 is partially defined by a substantially straight downstream segment 70 on the downstream side thereof and an adjacent substantially straight wall segment 72 forming a sub¬ stantially right angle with downstream segment 70. Downstream segment 70 is the segment of transfer port 60 that is exposed in outlet 28. Downstream segment 70 traverses along and over outlet 28 as valve 10 is either opened or closed. Segment 72 is provided along the side of transfer port 60 first approaching and exposing outlet 28 from the closed position during operation of valve 10 by rotation of core 16, as will be described more fully hereinafter. Essentially, lead segment 72 traverses along and adjacent the edge of outlet 28. Opposite segment 72, transfer port 60 is defined by a bulbous outwardly curved trailing segment 74 extending from straight downstream segment 70 to an upstream segment 76. A connecting segment 78 of curved con¬ figuration joins upstream segment 76 to straight lead segment 72.

[35] An edge 80 through the thickness of stem 50, between the outer and inner surfaces thereof, which defines the perimeter or border of transfer port 60, is beveled to provide a smooth outlet for an expanding stream of fluid flow from inner volume 58 through transfer port 60.

[36] Actuator 52 is of sufficient length to extend just outwardly of sleeve 20 when valve

10 is closed and stem 50 is inwardly of outlet port 28. An outer surface 82 of actuator 52 defines a tab 84 which settles into notch 40 when valve 10 is closed. Tab 84 in notch 40 provides a 'catch' or slight interference to accidental opening of valve 10. An upstream end of actuator 52 defines a beveled surface 86 to engage primary seal bead 34, preventing leakage when valve 10 is in the closed position.

[37] Figs. 7-10 illustrate valve 10 in various operational positions. As shown in Fig. 7, valve 10 is closed. Accordingly, outlet 28 is not exposed to inner volume 58 which is positioned instead inwardly or upstream from outlet 28 relative to container 12, and rotated away from true alignment with outlet 28. Outer surface 82 covers outlet 28. [38] In the closed position, protuberances 38 are positioned in locking pitches 66 of helical slots 64. The angular relationship of pitches 66 provides a loading force of beveled surface 86 against primary seal 34. Diametrical interference can be provided between portions of primary seal bead 34 and outer surface 82 and between secondary seal bead 36 and outer surface 82. Depending on the volume and fluid head present from fluid container 12, as well as the viscosity and other characteristics of the fluid contained therein, primary and secondary sealing beads 34 and 36 can be ribbed and/or reinforced as necessary to provide an adequate seal to prevent leakage. Primary seal 34 is adequate under most circumstances to prevent leakage; however, if any small amount of leakage does occur, secondary seal 36 inhibits the passing of fluid externally of valve 10 and further prevents leakage.

[39] To actuate valve 10 and begin flow from container 12, knob 54 is rotated in a coun¬ terclockwise direction. As core 16 is rotated in sleeve 20, protuberances 38 are first moved out of locking pitches 66 and then follow along helical slots 64 causing core 60 to move axially outward from body 14 while rotating therein. Exposure of outlet 28 to inner volume 58 occurs as downstream segment 70 passes over outlet 28, thereby aligning portions of outlet 28 with portions of transfer port 60. Continued rotation of core 16 increases the axially outward movement of core 16 relative to body 14 and exposes an ever increasing area of outlet 28 to inner volume 58 through port 60. Fig. 8 illustrates valve 10 in an approximately one-quarter open position, Fig. 9 illustrates a half open position and Fig. 10 illustrates a fully opened position. As can be seen from a comparison of Figs. 7-10, the moving front of a stream flowing from outlet 28 remains- defined at all times by straight wall segment 70, behind which the stream thickens. ' Because of the shape of port 60, all exposed portions of outlet 28 remain exposed as valve 10 is opened more fully. Lead segment 72 follows along the edge of outlet 28 as core 16 simultaneously rotates in sleeve 20 and moves axially outward. Thus, at all times, the fluid stream is defined by the curved wall of outlet 28 in the exposed portion thereof and flat wall downstream segment 70 of transfer port 60, which is moved in¬ creasingly outward relative to outlet 28. The outlet stream remains tightly defined as the flow therefrom increases. The outlet stream is well-formed, without diverging streamlets or rippled, disrupted flow.

[40] As valve 10 reaches a fully open condition, with outlet 28 fully exposed to inner volume 58 through transfer port 60, protuberances 38 encounter end stops 68 in helical slots 64, thereby preventing over-rotation of core 16 and potential disengagement of core 16 from body 14.

[41] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of one protuberance or follower 38, illustrating an ad¬ vantageous feature thereof. Protuberance 38 is a semicircular in shape and has a flat sided 90 on the inlet side of the valve. The increased surface area provided by flat side 90 readily accepts an increased load if container 12 is under pressure. There is less chance for core 16 creep toward an opened position as the core is forced outwardly and locking pitch 66 is urged against flat side 90.

[42] Those skilled in the art will understand readily that helical slots 64 can be provided with notches or configurations into which protuberances 38 can settle to provide defined points for various valve openings and flow volumes. Thus, valve 10 can be provided with semi-fixed opened positions into which core 16 can be adjusted to provide prolonged flow at fixed outlet stream sizes.

[43] For assembly purposes, lead-in or assembly slots can be provided from the end of stem 50 to helical slots 64, thereby bypassing end stops 68 during assembly. Such assembly slots (not shown) are substantially axially oriented from the outer end of stem 50 to an intersection with helical slots 64. During assembly, protuberances 38 are positioned at the entrance slot and core 16 is pushed axially into sleeve 20.

[44] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute ^■ various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include al¬ ternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[45] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

Claims

[I] A flow control valve comprising: an outer sleeve having an outlet; a core movable in said sleeve, said core having an inner volume, an inlet opening and a transfer port, said transfer port positioned for progressively exposing and covering said outlet to said inner volume upon movement of said core relative to said sleeve; and said transfer port including a substantially straight segment defining the transition across said outlet during relative movement of said core in said sleeve. [2] The flow control valve of claim 1, said outlet being substantially circular.

[3] The flow control valve of claim 1, said transfer port having a shape for fully exposing said outlet exposed by said segment.

[4] The flow control valve of claim 3, said outlet being substantially circular.

[5] The flow control valve of claim 4, said sleeve and said core having cooperative structure guiding relative movement between said sleeve and said core. [6] The flow control valve of claim 5, an edge of said transfer port defined through said core being beveled. [7] The flow control valve of claim 5, one of said sleeve and said core defining a helical groove segment and the other of said sleeve and said core having a follower disposed in said groove. [8] The flow control valve of claim 7, said helical slot having a terminal segment at a different pitch. [9] A flow control valve comprising: a sleeve defining an outlet; a core moveably disposed in said sleeve, said core having a transfer port moveable over said outlet to open and close said outlet; said transfer port having a substantially straight edge spanning said outlet during movement of said core. [10] The flow control valve of claim 1, said outlet being substantially circular.

[I I] The flow control valve of claim 10, said sleeve and said core having cooperative structure guiding relative movement between said sleeve and said core.

[12] The flow control valve of claim 11, an edge of said core defining said transfer opening being non-radial. [13] The flow control valve of claim 9, one of said sleeve and said core defining a helical path and the other of said sleeve and said core having a follower disposed in said path. [14] The flow control valve of claim 13, said helical path lot having a terminal segment at a different pitch.

[15] The flow control valve of claim 9, said core having a knob disposed outwardly of said sleeve.

[16] The flow control valve of claim 9, said substantially straight edge being a downstream edge of said transfer port and said transfer port further having a sub¬ stantially straight lead segment defining a substantially right angle with said downstream segment.

[17] The flow control valve of claim 16, an edge opposite said lead segment being a trailing segment outwardly curved.

[18] A valve comprising: an outer sleeve having an outlet opening; a hollow core rotatable and axially moveable in said sleeve, said core defining an inner volume; a transfer port defined through said core and configured for exposing said outlet opening to said inner volume; said transfer port having a shape providing a straight transition between exposed and unexposed portions of said outlet, for any position of said core relative to< said sleeve in which a portion of said outlet is covered by said core.

[19] The valve of claim 18, said outlet being substantially circular.

[20] The valve of claim 18, said transfer port having two substantially straight segments immediately adjacent and forming substantially a right angle therebetween.

[21] The flow control valve of claim 20, one of said substantially straight segments providing said substantially straight transition and the other of said substantially straight segments being immediately adjacent thereto; and an outwardly curved segment opposite said other of said substantially straight segments.

[22] The valve of claim 18, one of said sleeve and said core defining a helical path, and the other of said sleeve and said core having a follower disposed in said path.