WO2017132190A1

WO2017132190A1 - Valve

Info

Publication number: WO2017132190A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/014820
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Gaus
Original assignee: Aptargroup, Inc.
Priority date: 2016-01-26
Filing date: 2017-01-25
Publication date: 2017-08-03

Abstract

A valve (100) for permitting selective communication therethrough is disclosed. The valve (100) includes a membrane (112) that defines a first side surface (114), a second side surface (116), and at least one slit (126, 128) through the membrane (112) from the first side surface (114) to the second side surface (116). The membrane further defines confronting, openable portions (130, 132) along the at least one slit (126, 128) wherein the openable portions (130) can move away from each other for establishing communication through the valve (100). The valve (100) further includes a frangible coating (113) applied to at least a portion of at least one of the first side surface (114) and the second side surface (116). The frangible coating (113) bridges the at least one slit (126, 128) between the confronting, openable portions (130, 132),

Description

VALVE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[0003] Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates generally to a valve, and more particularly a valve that includes a flexible membrane defining a slit or slits which can be opened.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND

TECHNICAL PROBLEMS POSED BY THE PRIOR ART

[0005] One type of valve is a flexible, resilient, self-closing, slit-type valve that can be mounted in an opening or port of a package or container of a fluent substance, or alternatively mounted within a conduit for a fluent substance. Such valves have a single slit or multiple slits which, in an initially closed configuration or condition, define a normally closed orifice that opens to permit flow therethrough in response to either a sufficient pressure differential acting across the valve, or in response to mechanical engagement by a probe, cannula, or conduit (e.g., feed/drain tool) inserted through the valve. Such valves that open in response to a pressure differential are typically designed so that they automatically close to seal or shut off flow therethrough in response to a sufficient reduction of the pressure differential acting across the valve. Similarly, mechanically engageable valves are typically designed so that they automatically close to seal or shut off flow therethrough upon removal of the probe, cannula, or conduit (e.g., feed/drain tool).

[0006] The inventor of the present invention has discovered that, at least in some applications, a valve may prematurely open and/or a fluent substance (e.g., ambient atmosphere or a fluent product) may undesirably leak through the valve after the initially closed valve is installed on a container or other type of fluent substance containing system. Premature, inadvertent, or unplanned ingress or egress of a fluent substance through the valve may result in contamination of a product on one side of the valve or may result in premature or unwanted release of the product from the system. Such instances of ingress or egress may occur during shipping, handling, sterilization, or storage of a container on which the valve is installed

(especially if, for example, the container is subjected to impact, heating, or other pressure increasing or decreasing conditions on one side of the valve).

[0007] The inventor of the present invention has determined that for at least some applications in which some types of fluent substances are contained within a package or container, it may be desirable to provide an improved valve that can eliminate, or at least reduce or minimize, the above-described, undesirable, premature valve opening events and/or ingress or egress leakage events.

[0008] The inventor of the present invention has considered that preventing leakage through, or premature opening of, a slit valve may be effected with a valve having an initially closed slit extending only partway or partially through the thickness of the valve so as to leave a frangible portion that must be subsequently broken to open the valve. However, the inventor of the present invention has discovered that there are significant challenges and difficulties in trying to manufacture such a valve.

[0009] Such a "partial" slit valve - whether made by molding the partial slit in situ, or made by cutting the partial slit after molding the valve body - requires careful control of the slit- forming processes and tolerances. With such designs it can be difficult to accurately provide the desired partial slit depth and to provide the remaining frangible portion having the desired thickness within an acceptable tolerance range. For some critical applications using such valves, a rigorous, 100% inspection of such valves after manufacture may be required to insure that (1) each initially closed valve can be opened by a force or pressure differential that is within a specified tolerance range, and (2) the through-valve flow characteristics fall within specified, desired parameters. The process for manufacturing such valves may have a relatively high product reject rate.

[0010] The inventor of the present invention has discovered that for at least some applications, it would be desirable if at least some portion of a valve can be provided with an improved structure that can seal the valve slit (or slits) closed until the structure is ruptured at the slit (or slits) during an initial opening process or condition.

[0011 ] The inventor of the present invention has further determined that for at least some applications, it may be desirable to chemically bond such a slit sealing structure to the valve to prevent cracking, flaking, delaminaton, or other undesirable mechanical separation of the structure from the valve.

[0012] The inventor of the present invention has further detennined that for at least some applications in which a probe, cannula, or conduit (e.g., feed/drain tool) inserted through a valve, it may be desirable to provide a valve having reduced surface friction properties on one or more surfaces that may engage, or otherwise come into contact with, the probe, cannula, or conduit (e.g., feed/drain tool).

[0013] The inventor of the present invention has also detennined that it would be desirable to provide, at least for one or more types of applications, an improved valve that can be configured for use with a fluent substance container so as to have one or more of the following advantages: (1) ease of manufacture and/or assembly, (2) relatively low cost of manufacture and/or assembly, (3) reduced unit-to-unit variability of the required initial slit opening force or pressure differential; and (4) accommodation of the manufacture of the valve by means of efficient, high-quality, large-volume techniques with a reduced product reject rate to produce valves with consistent operating characteristics.

[0014] The inventor of the present invention has discovered how to provide such a valve that includes novel, advantageous features not heretofore taught or contemplated by the prior art, and which can accommodate designs having one or more of the above-discussed benefits or features. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The inventor of the present invention has discovered how to provide an improved valve for permitting selective communication through the valve (from one side to the other) to accommodate flow of a fluent substance therethrough. The valve may be assembled with, or provided within, a package or container of a fluent substance, or a fluid handling system (such as a fluent substance dispensing system), that has an opening between the exterior and interior of the container or system at which the valve can be installed. The valve may also be used within a fluent substance container or system that utilizes a probe, cannula, or conduit (e.g., feed/drain tool) that is mechanically inserted through the valve.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the valve has a membrane that defines a first side surface, a second side surface, and at least one slit through the membrane from the first side surface to the second side surface. The membrane further defines confronting, openable portions along the at least one slit wherein the openable portions can move away from each other for establishing communication through the valve. The valve further has a frangible coating applied to at least a portion of at least one of the first and second side surfaces. The frangible coating bridges the at least one slit between the confronting, openable portions.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the membrane is molded, and the at least one slit is molded in the membrane.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one slit is formed by cutting the membrane.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one slit has a length, and the frangible coating bridges the at least one slit along the entirety of the slit length.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the frangible coating bridges the at least one slit along only a portion of the slit length.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the membrane and the frangible coating are the same material. [0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the membrane and the frangible coating are different materials.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the frangible coating is chemically bonded to the membrane.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the frangible coating is

mechanically bonded to the membrane.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the frangible coating is applied to both of the first and second side surfaces of the membrane.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, the frangible coating is silicone.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, the frangible coating is a parylene.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the frangible coating has a lower friction coefficient than a friction coefficient of the membrane.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, the frangible coating has a thickness between about 0.012 mm and about 0.3 mm.

[0030] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the valve is provided in combination with a probe wherein relative movement between the probe and valve (while the probe is engaged with one of the frangible coating and the membrane) ruptures the frangible coating during an initial opening of the valve.

[0031 ] According to another aspect of the invention, in one form of the valve the membrane includes a flexible, head portion through which the at least one slit extends. The membrane includes an annular, peripheral attachment portion spaced laterally from the head portion. The membrane also includes a flexible, annular, intermediate portion extending laterally from the head portion to the peripheral attachment portion.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, in one form of the valve the head portion is substantially thicker than the intermediate portion.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, in another form of the valve the head portion, the peripheral attachment portion, and the intermediate portion have a uniform material thickness. [0034] According to one aspect of the invention, in one form of the valve the first side surface is substantially concave and the second side surface is substantially convex.

[0035] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the head portion defines a central axis and a planar portion adjacent the central axis, extending transverse to the central axis.

[0036] Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In the accompanying drawings forming part of the specification, in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

[0038] Fig. 1 is an enlarged, perspective view, taken from above, of only a membrane of a first embodiment of a valve according to the present invention, and Fig. 1 shows the membrane in the as-molded condition prior to application of a coating to the surface of the membrane;

[0039] Fig. 2 is an enlarged, perspective view, taken from below, of the membrane of Fig. 1;

[0040] Fig. 3 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the membrane taken along plane 3-3 in Fig. 1;

[0041] Fig. 4 an enlarged, perspective view, taken from above, of a first embodiment of a valve according to the present invention wherein a coating has been applied to the membrane, and Fig. 4 shows the frangible coating bridging the slits (which are shown in dotted line);

[0042] Fig. 5 is an enlarged, perspective view, taken from below, of the first embodiment of the valve shown in Fig. 4, and Fig. 5shows the frangible coating bridging the slits (which are shown in dotted line);

[0043] Fig. 6 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the valve taken along plane 6-6 in Fig. 4, and in Fig. 6 the thickness of the coating on the first and second side surfaces of the valve has been greatly exaggerated for ease of illustration and clarity; [0044] Fig. 7 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary view of the portion of the valve enclosed in the circle designated as "Fig. 7' in Fig. 6;

[0045] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the valve together with a probe, and Fig. 8 shows the valve in a closed condition prior to initial opening of the valve;

[0046] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 8, however Fig. 9 shows the valve in an open condition whereby movement between the probe and the valve has forced the probe through the valve and has ruptured the coating on the valve membrane;

[0047] Fig. 10 (on the drawing sheet 5/6 with Fig. 12) is a top plan view of a second embodiment and a third embodiment of a valve according to the present invention, and Fig. 10 shows different applications of a coating on the second embodiment of the valve compared to the third embodiment of the valve, wherein the portions of the slits that are beneath the coating are shown in dotted line;

[0048] Fig. 11 is a greatly enlarged, cross-sectional view of the another embodiment of the valve according to the present invention, and Fig. 11 shows a film-type valve having a coating wherein the thickness of the coating on the first and second side surfaces of the valve has been greatly exaggerated for ease of illustration and clarity; and

[0049] Fig. 12 is a greatly enlarged, cross-sectional view of the another embodiment of the valve according to the present invention, and Fig. 12 shows a duckbill-type valve having a coating wherein the thickness of the coating on the first and second side surfaces of the valve has been greatly exaggerated for ease of illustration and clarity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] While the valve of the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only some specific forms as examples of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments so described, however.

[0051] For ease of description, the valve of this invention is described, with reference to the drawings, in a generally vertical orientation for being installed on a fluent substance container or system for use with a probe, wherein the probe can engage and contact the valve from below and extend through and above the valve. The terms "axial" and "radial" are used herein with respect to an axis "A" (Figs. 8 and 9), generally defined by the center of the valve. As employed herein, the phrase "axially inwardly" refers to the direction downwardly in the figures. The phrase "axially outwardly" refers to the direction upwardly in the figures. It will be understood, however, that this invention may be manufactured, stored, transported, used, and sold in orientations other than the orientation shown.

[0052] It will be further noted that the coating or coatings on the valve are shown as having a greatly exaggerated thickness for purposes of illustration only. As discussed in detail hereinafter, the illustrated thickness of the coating or coatings on the surfaces of the valve are not intended to be limiting and are not drawn to scale.

[0053] The valve of this invention is suitable for use with a variety of conventional or special fluent substance containers or systems (e.g., fluent substance handling or processing systems, dispensing systems, etc.) having various designs, the details of which, although not illustrated or described, would be apparent to those having skill in the art and an understanding of such systems.

[0054] Figures illustrating the inventive valve in cooperation with a probe of a fluent substance container show some conventional mechanical or structural features that are known to, and that will be recognized by, one skilled in the art. The detailed descriptions of such features are not necessary to an understanding of the invention, and accordingly, are herein presented only to the degree necessary to facilitate an understanding of the novel aspects of the present invention.

[0055] Figs. 4-7 illustrate a first embodiment of a valve 100 according to the present invention, which includes two primary components: a substrate or membrane 112; and a frangible coating 113 applied to at least a portion of the membrane 112.

[0056] The two components together - the membrane 112 and the coating 113 may be said to define the "valve" 100 per se as set forth in the claims. However, it is to be noted that only the membrane 112 per se may also be referred to as a valve and function as a valve.

[0057] The valve 100 is used for selectively permitting communication through the valve from one side of the valve to the other (e.g., into or out of a fluent substance container or handling or dispensing system, conduit, or package) and the valve 100 typically would be in communication with an interior of such a container or system. The valve 100 is especially adapted to be installed on a fluent substance dispensing system employing a probe (Figs. 8 and 9) that selectively engages and extends at least partway through the valve 100 via relative movement between the probe and the valve 100.

[0058] The fluent substance container may be, for example, a flexible bag, a rigid bottle, a reservoir, a fluent substance processing system, or a fluent substance dispensing system, which contains a fluent substance at ambient atmospheric pressure or above ambient atmospheric pressure (including a system in which the pressure results from the static head of the fluent substance within the system and/or in which the system generates or otherwise creates a pressurized fluent substance therein).

[0059] For ease of discussion, the membrane 112 of the valve 100 is initially addressed in detail herein, followed by a detailed discussion of the coating 113.

[0060] Figs. 1-3 illustrate only the membrane 112 of the valve 100, prior to any application of the frangible coating 113 (Figs. 4-7). In conventional applications, the uncoated membrane 112 may also be simply referred to as, and function as, a valve. The membrane 112 is flexible, resilient, pressure-openable, self-closing, and of the slit-type. Forms of such a type of membrane are disclosed in the U.S. Patent No. 8,678,249 and No. 5,839,614 and may be referred to therein as a 'Valve". The descriptions of those patents are incorporated herein by reference thereto to the extent pertinent and to the extent not inconsistent herewith.

[0061] The membrane 112 is suitable for use with fluent substances, such as liquids and gases, including, inter alia, beverages, lotions, and creams. The membrane 112 is preferably molded as a unitary structure (i.e., one-piece structure) from material which is flexible, pliable, elastic, and resilient. This can include elastomers, such as a synthetic, thermosetting polymer, including silicone rubber, such as the silicone rubber sold by Dow Corning Corporation in the United States if America under the trade designation D.C. 99-595 and RBL-9595-40. Another suitable silicone rubber material is sold in the United States of America under the designation Wacker 3003-40 by Wacker Silicone Company. The membrane 112 could also be molded from other thermosetting materials or from other elastomeric materials, or from thermoplastic polymers or thermoplastic elastomers, including those based upon materials such as thermoplastic propylene, ethylene, urethane, and styrene, including their halogenated counterparts. For example, a particular non-silicone material that may be employed is ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber ("EPDM"), such as sold in the United States of America under the designation Grade Zl 118 by Gold Key Processing, Inc. having an office at 14910 Madison Road, Middlefield, Ohio 44062, United States of America. Another non-silicone material that may be employed is nitrile rubber, such as sold in the United States of America under the designation Grade GK044S081-2 by Graphic Arts Rubber, having an office at 101 Ascot Parkway, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223, United States of America. It is desirable in many applications that the material be substantially inert so as to avoid reaction with, and/or adulteration of, the fluent substance in contact with the membrane 112.

[0062] The membrane 112 has an initially "closed", unactuated, substantially unstressed, rest position or configuration (as best seen in Figs. 1-3). The membrane 112 can be forced to an "open" position or configuration (not illustrated) when a sufficiently high pressure differential acts across the membrane 112, or when the membrane 112 is engaged by a probe or other rigid article coming into contact with the membrane 112.

[0063] With reference to Fig. 3, the membrane 112 has a first side surface 114 and a second side surface 116. In some applications, the first side surface 114 may face an interior of a fluent substance container and the second side surface 116 may face an exterior, ambient environment However, in other applications, the second side surface 116 may face an interior of a fluent substance container and the first side surface 112 may face an exterior, ambient environment In still other applications, the membrane 116 may be contained wholly within a conduit or system for processing, dispensing, or handling a fluent substance.

[0064] The membrane 112 has a peripheral attachment portion or mounting flange 120. The peripheral portion 120 may have any suitable configuration for being mounted to, attached to, connected with, or for otherwise accommodating, a container or system. Typically, this may be achieved through a retention structure or ring (not illustrated) that can mate with a feature on the container (not illustrated) in which the membrane 112 may be installed. The particular configuration of the peripheral attachment portion 120 illustrated in Fig. 3 may be characterized generally as a modified dove-tail configuration when viewed in vertical cross section through axis "A". [0065] As seen in Fig. 3, the peripheral attachment portion 120 includes a first frustoconical surface 121 and second frustoconical surface 122 for being clamped between mating features of a container (not illustrated) for retaining or holding the membrane 112 in place. Preferably, the peripheral attachment portion 120 is somewhat resiliently compressed so as to accommodate the creation of a secure, leak-resistant seal when the peripheral attachment portion 120 is compressively engaged within the container.

[0066] With appropriate modification of the container or system, other shapes could be used for the peripheral attachment portion 120. Some other shapes of flange cross sections which could be employed on the membrane 112 are illustrated in the U.S. Patent No. 5,409,144. In some applications, it may be desirable to configure the peripheral attachment portion 120 for attachment to the container or system by means of adhesive, heat bonding, or other suitable means.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 3, extending generally radially inwardly toward axis "A" and away from the peripheral attachment portion 120 is a generally annular, intermediate portion or sleeve 124 that connects the peripheral attachment portion 120 to a head portion 125. The head portion 125 is flexible and resilient. As can be seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the head portion 125 has a generally circular configuration. The peripheral attachment portion 120, intermediate portion 124, and head portion 125 are oriented in a generally circular configuration and concentric relationship relative to axis "A". A fluid substance can be dispensed (i.e., discharged) through the membrane 112 in a discharge flow direction along the "axis A" when the membrane 112 opens. A probe can also be used to engage and open the membrane 112 (not illustrated in Figs. 1-3).

[0068] The membrane 112 is flexible and changes configuration between (1) a retracted, closed, rest position (as shown closed in Figs. 1, 2, and 3), and (2) an extended, active, open position (Fig. 9). When the membrane 112 is closed, the head portion 125 has a concave configuration (when the membrane 112 is in the closed configuration and viewed in vertical cross section through axis "A").

[0069] Still referring to Fig. 3, the second side surface 116 has a generally convex configuration when the membrane 112 is in the closed configuration and viewed in vertical cross section through axis "A" looking toward the second side surface 116. The first side surface 114 has a partially spherical and concave configuration, when the membrane 112 is in the fully retracted, closed configuration and viewed in vertical cross section through axis "A" looking toward the first side surface 114. The head portion 125 has a planar, circular central region when the membrane 112 is in the fully retracted, closed, position.

[0070] With reference to Fig. 3, the annular region of the head portion 125, on the first side surface 114, lies on a partially spherical locus that defines a circular arc in longitudinal cross section as viewed along a plane containing the axis "A". In addition, the annular region of the head portion 125, on the second side surface 116, lies on a partially spherical locus that also defines a circular arc in longitudinal cross section as viewed along a plane containing the axis "A". The radius of the circular arc of the head portion 125 on the first side surface 114 is smaller (less) than the radius of the circular arc of the head portion 125 on the second side surface 116.

[0071] When the head portion 125 is viewed in cross section as illustrated in Fig. 3, the head portion 125 is somewhat thicker at a radially outer portion, and is thinner at a radially inside portion. This configuration assists in providing a desirable opening action and closing action.

[0072] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the head portion 125 has a normally closed orifice defined by a pair of major slits 126 radiating laterally or radially from the center of the head portion 125. The head portion 125 further has a plurality of minor slits 128 branching from the radially outward ends of the major slits 126. The membrane 112 has two intersecting major slits 126, and eight minor slits 128. A lesser or greater number of slits, or a different geometric arrangement of the slits could be used depending on the flow characteristics required by the application of the membrane 112. The slits 126 and 128 extend transversely, fully through the head portion 125 from the first side surface 114 to the second side surface 116. The slits 126 and 128 may have any length, and can be formed with equal or unequal lengths.

[0073] The major slits 126 define four, generally pentagonal-shaped, equally sized openable portions or major petals 130 (Figs. 1 and 2) in the valve head portion 125. The minor slits 128 define four, generally triangular-shaped, equally sized openable portions or minor petals 132 in the head portion 125. Each major petal 130 has a plurality of transverse faces defined by the major slits 126, and each transverse face seals against a confronting transverse face of an adjacent major petal 130 when the membrane 112 is closed. Likewise, each minor petal 132 has a pair of diverging transverse faces defined by the minor slits 128, and each transverse face seals against a confronting transverse face of an adjacent minor petal 132 when the membrane 112 is closed. Forms of such a type of slits are disclosed in the U.S. Patent No. 8,628,056. The description of that patent is incorporated herein by reference thereto to the extent pertinent and to the extent not inconsistent herewith.

[0074] The membrane 112 can be molded with the slits 126 and 128. Alternatively, the slits 126 and 128 can be subsequently cut or stamped into the head portion 125 of the membrane 112 by suitable conventional techniques. In operation, the openable portions 130 and 132 can be forced to open axially outwardly when a sufficient force is applied to the membrane 112 (e.g., as by subjecting the first side surface 114 to a pressure differential across the head portion 125).

[0075] When the membrane 112 is in the fully retracted, closed configuration as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, the intermediate portion 124 has a tubular configuration to locate the head portion 125 so that a part of the head portion 125 projects axially outwardly beyond the peripheral attachment portion 120 (Fig. 3).

[0076] The intermediate portion 125 of the membrane 112 is preferably configured for use in conjunction with a particular fluent substance supply system or container, and a specific type of fluent substance, so as to achieve the flow characteristics desired. For example, the viscosity and density of the fluent substance are factors to be considered. The rigidity and durometer of the membrane material, and size and thickness of portions of both the head portion 125 and the intermediate portion 124, are additional factors to be considered.

[0077] The membrane 112 can be opened in a number of ways. For example, a probe, conduit, cannula, 200 (Figs. 8 and 9) can be pushed against either side of the head portion 125 and through the head portion 125 as the openable portions 130 and 132 deflect to accommodate penetration by the probe 200. The membrane 112 can also be opened when the membrane 112 is subjected to a sufficient pressure differential (i.e., a lower pressure on one side of the head portion 125 than on the other side of the head portion 125).

[0078] With reference to Figs. 4-9, a first presently preferred embodiment of a valve according to the present invention is illustrated and identified by numeral 100.

[0079] As best shown in Fig. 6, a frangible coating 113 that has been applied to both the first side surface 114 and second side surface 116 of the membrane 112 after the slits 126 and 128 have been formed in the head portion 125 (either through cutting or integral molding). Once the frangible coating 113 has been applied to membrane 112, the frangible coating 113 spans or bridges the slits 126 and 128 between the confronting, openable portions 130 and 132 (Figs. 4 and 5). In this manner, the frangible coating 113 initially covers or overlies the slits 126 and 128 at least until an initial opening of the valve 100 is sufficient to rupture, crack, or shear the frangible coating 113, as will be discussed in detail hereinafter.

[0080] It will be noted that the thickness of the frangible coating 113 in Figs. 6 and 7 has been greatly exaggerated for illustrative purposes only. As such, the thickness of the frangible coating 113 is not drawn to scale in the accompanying figures. For example, in one

contemplated design, the thickness Ti of the center of the head portion 125, in the direction along axis "A", is about 1.68 mm, and the preferred range of thicknesses T2 and T3 of the frangible coating 113 on each side surface 116 and 114, respectively, is between about 0.012 mm and 0.3 mm, and even more preferably between about 0.012 mm and 0.03 mm. In one presently preferred embodiment, the thickness Ti of the center of the head portion 125 is between about 56 to 140 times greater than the thickness of the frangible coating 113 (either T2 or T3).

[0081] The frangible coating 113 may be applied as a thinner or thicker layer upon the membrane 112 depending on several variables, such as the maximum or minimum initial opening force required to initially rupture of the frangible coating 113 during initial opening of the valve 100. For example, if the valve 100 is to be used with a probe 200 (Figs. 8 and 9) that mechanically opens the valve 100, then the probe 200 may have a maximum allowable opening force requirement for the mechanisms powering and/or driving the probe 200 through the valve 100. In other applications, the valve 100 may also, or instead, have a minimum allowable opening force requirement for the initial rupture of the frangible coating 113 to prevent premature or unintended opening of the valve 100.

[0082] While Figs. 4-6 show that the frangible coating 113 extends over the entirety of the first side surface 114 and the second side surface 116, and extends along, and beyond, the entire length of the slits 126 and 128, it will be understood that the frangible coating 113 may be applied to only a portion of the first side surface 114 and second side surface 116. In this manner, the frangible coating 113 may extend along only part of the length of the slits 126 and 128. [0083] Furthermore, while Fig. 6 shows that the frangible coating 113 is applied to both the first side surface 114 and the second side surface 116 of the valve 100, it will be understood that for some applications only one of the surfaces 114 and 116 may require the frangible coating 113.

[0084] The inventor has found that applying a frangible coating 113 on one or both of the side surfaces 114 and 116 (such that the frangible coating 113 spans or bridges the slits 126 and 128 between the confronting, openable portions 130 and 132) may improve the transportability and/or storage characteristics of a container or other system in which such a coated valve 100 is installed. In particular, the improved valve 100 may eliminate, or at least reduce or miriimize, potential undesirable, premature valve opening events or other ingress or egress leakage events during transportation, storage, heating, over-pressurization of the fluent substance container or system in which the valve 100 is installed.

[0085] The inventor has further found that a valve with a frangible coating 113 on one or both of the side surfaces 114 and 116 (such that the frangible coating 113 spans or bridges the slits 126 and 128 between the confronting, openable portions 130 and 132) may be more easily manufactured when compared to an un coated "partial slit" membrane, which has slits that extend transversely only partially, through the head portion of the membrane 112. The inventor has discovered that there can be significant disadvantages or problems associated with providing a valve having slits initially extending only partway through a membrane (for example, either by molding only partial slits into, but not all the way through, a membrane or alternatively only partially cutting or stamping slits into a membrane). Such disadvantages or problems can include the following: (1) a requirement for a high degree of control of the two dimensional position of the membrane (in the plane perpendicular to the direction of cutting) during the slit formation process; (2) a high variability in the depth of the partial slit in the membrane head portion; (3) a large number of nonconforming or unsuitable membranes characterized in that the remaining uncut material in the head portion is outside of acceptable tolerances; and/or (4) an undesirably high initial force requirement for initially opening the membrane to rupture the remaining uncut material in the head portion. Any one of these problems with a partial slit, uncoated membrane may lead to greatly increased manufacturing and inspection costs and may require more time for mass production and quality control inspection of the valve. [0086] Providing a valve 100 with a membrane 112 having a frangible coating 113 may address one or all of the above-discussed problems associated with a partial slit, uncoated membrane. Specifically, the inventor has discovered that a valve 100 with a frangible coating 113 on a membrane 112 that spans or bridges the slits 126 and 128 between the confronting, openable portions 130 and 132 may have one or more of the following advantages: (1) application of the frangible coating 113 does not require precise control of the position of the membrane during application of the coating; (2) little part-to-part variation with respect to the initial opening or rupture force required to rupture the frangible coating 113 and open the valve 100; (3) a design that more readily accommodates manufacture of the valve 100 within acceptable dimensional and operational tolerances; (4) a design that more readily accommodates manufacture of the valve 100 with an acceptable predetermined force for initially opening the valve 100 to rupture the frangible coating 113 (in some applications it may be desirable for the valve 100 to open at a relatively low initial force, while in yet other applications it may be desirable for the valve 100 to open at a relatively high initial force).

[0087] The material of the frangible coating 113 may be selected depending on the particular application of the valve 100 and/or the particular fluent substance that may be communicated through the valve 100. In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the frangible coating 113 is a liquid silicone rubber that is chemically bonded with the membrane 112. A presently preferred liquid silicone rubber material is sold under the trade name SLICK SIL and is manufactured by Surface Solutions Group, LLC having offices located at 5170 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago, IL 60630. The inventor has found that chemical bonding of the frangible coating 113 with the underlying membrane 112 is preferable to mechanical bonding. With mechanical bonding, the frangible coating 113 may tend to flake, separate, delaminate, shear, etc. away from the membrane 112. It will be understood that other materials could be used for the frangible coating 113, such as a parylene. It will also be understood that in other applications the frangible coating 113 may be mechanically adhered to the membrane 112.

[0088] In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the frangible coating 113 is applied to the membrane 112 in the form of a spray. The frangible coating 113 may also be applied to the membrane 112 by dipping some portion or all of the membrane 112 in the coating material, rolling the coating material onto the membrane 112, depositing the coating material via gas deposition, or by other suitable conventional or special means. Depending on the material used for the frangible coating 113, a secondary curing or drying process may be necessary after the frangible coating 113 has been applied to the membrane 112.

[0089] With reference to Figs. 8 and 9, the valve 100 is shown with an associated hollow probe 200 of a fluent substance container (not illustrated). The valve 100 is shown arranged on one side of the probe 200, wherein the structures of the fluent substance supply system that would retain or clamp the peripheral mounting portion 120 and coating 113 of the valve 100 are not illustrated. In Fig. 8, the frangible coating 113 is illustrated as intact prior to rupture of the frangible coating 113 and initial opening of the valve 100. The probe 200 has a distal end 204 for abutting and contacting the valve 100 and a proximal end 208 that would be in

communication with a fluent substance (not illustrated). The probe 200 is hollow and has an interior surface 212 defining a through passage 214 for accommodating the flow of the fluent substance through the probe 200. The probe 200 has a port or aperture 216 located near the distal end 204 for directing the fluent substance into or out of the through passage 214

(depending on the application) after the valve 100 has been initially opened.

[0090] In Fig. 9, the frangible coating 113 has been ruptured upon initial opening of the valve 100 as next discussed. The distal end 204 of the probe 200 initially contacts the frangible coating 113 on the first side surface 114 of the valve 100, and the probe 200 is pushed against the frangible coating 113 on the head portion 125 of the valve 100 such that the valve head portion 125 distends axially outward. Upon rupture frangible coating 113 on both the first side surface 114 and second side surface 116, the valve head portion 125 continues to distend axially outwardly such that the openable portions 130 and 132 open to create an orifice. The rupture of the frangible coating 113 on the first side surface 114 may be designed to occur simultaneously with, before, or after, the rupture of the frangible coating 113 on the second side surface 116 (depending on the thickness of the membrane 112 and thickness of the coating 113 on each side 114 and 116 of the membrane 112). With the frangible coating 113 ruptured on both side surfaces 114 and 116, the openable portions 130 and 132 are free to move away from each other for allowing movement of the probe through an open orifice in the valve 100. Fig. 9 illustrates that the probe 200 has moved far enough through the open valve 100 such that the port 216 is located axially outwardly of the valve 100, whereby a fluent substance may travel into the through channel 214 and out of the port 216 (or, in an alternate process, a fluent substance may drain into the port 216 and out through the probe proximal end 208).

[0091 ] The inventor has discovered that it may be advantageous to apply a frangible coating 113 made of a particular material to the particular valve side surface 114 or 116 that makes initial contact with the probe distal end 204, wherein the material used for the frangible coating 113 has a lower coefficient of friction (static and kinetic) than the material of the membrane 112. In this manner, the force required to initially open the valve 100 and rupture the frangible coating 113 may significantly reduced compared to a membrane 112 without the frangible coating 113. For example, if the probe 200 contacts an uncoated membrane 112 made of silicone, the opening force might be relatively high due to inherent tackiness or a high coefficient of friction of the silicone material. Application of a frangible coating 113 having a lower coefficient of friction (static and kinetic) to the valve side surface 114 or 116 that makes initial contact with the probe distal end 204 has been found to greatly reduce the opening force of the valve 100. In some applications, this reduction of force approaches 50%.

[0092] It will be understood that while Figs. 8 and 9 show the valve 100 opening in response to the mechanical force of an appropriately-sized probe 200, a probe 200 may not be required for some applications. For example, the valve 100 may be installed or arranged on the opening of a fluent substance container, and the head portion 125 may be subjected to a sufficient pressure differential to rupture the frangible coating 113 and open the valve 100 to permit flow of the fluent substance therethrough.

[0093] Referring now to Fig. 10, a second embodiment of a valve 300 according to the present invention is illustrated. The second embodiment of the valve 300 has a membrane 312 that is identical in all respects to the membrane 112 of the first embodiment of the valve 100. The valve 300 is provided with a frangible coating 313 on a first side surface 314. The valve 300 also has a pair of major slits 326, each end of which terminates in a pair of minor slits 328 that extend radially outwardly therefrom. The slits 326 and 328 extend fully, transversely through the membrane 312. The valve 300 differs from the valve 100 in that only a relatively small area of the first side surface 314 has an application of a frangible coating 313. Specifically, the frangible coating 313 has been applied so as to span or bridge only the major slits 326, while leaving the minor slits and 328 uncovered. Such an application of the frangible coating 313 may be beneficial for purposes of increasing or decreasing the force (by lowering the surface friction for use with a probe) required to initially open the valve 300, wherein the valve otherwise inherently has a sufficiently high slit opening force requirement to prevent premature ingress or egress of fluent substance or contamination through the valve 300.

[0094] Still referring to Fig. 10, a third embodiment of a valve 400 according to the present invention is illustrated. The third embodiment of the valve 400 has a membrane 412 that is identical in all respects to the membrane 112 of the first embodiment of the valve 100. The valve 400 is provided with a frangible coating 413 on a first side surface 414. The valve 400 also has a pair of major slits 426, each end of which terminates in a pair of minor slits 428 that extend radially outwardly therefrom. The slits 426 and 428 extend fully, transversely through the membrane 412. The valve 400 differs from the valve 100 in that the first side surface 414 has an application of a frangible coating 413 which does not cover the entire first side surface 414. Specifically, the frangible coating 413 has been applied so as to span or bridge both the major slits 426 and the minor slits and 428, while leaving some radial outward area of the first side surface 414 without the frangible coating 413. Such an application of the frangible coating 413 may be beneficial for purposes of increasing or decreasing the force (by lowering the surface friction for use with a probe) required to initially open the valve 400, wherein the valve otherwise inherently has a sufficiently high slit opening force requirement to prevent premature ingress or egress of fluent substance through the valve 400. The coating 413 may also be used on either or both side surfaces of a valve which is not intended to be mechanically opened by a probe, and that instead is opened by a pressure differential. In such an application, the coating 413 will increase the opening force or pressure differential required to open the valve. This may permit the membrane to be thinner— requiring less membrane material.

[0095] Referring now to Fig. 11 , a fourth embodiment of a valve 500 according to the present invention is illustrated. The fourth embodiment of the valve 500 has a membrane 512 that is formed from a thin layer of material or sheet which has been deformed to create the geometry of the membrane 512. The membrane 512 has a generally uniform thickness of less than about 0.5 mm. Such a membrane 512 is described as a "valve" in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015-0014369 Al . The description of that patent application is incorporated herein by reference thereto to the extent pertinent and to the extent not inconsistent herewith. The valve 500 has a coating 513 applied to both a first side surface S14 and a second side surface 516 of the membrane 512. A pair of intersecting slits 526 extends fully and transversely through the central portion of the membrane 512. The slits 526 define petals or openable portions 530 in a confronting configuration when the membrane 512 is in the as-formed, initially closed configuration. The frangible coating 513 is applied so as to span or bridge the slits 526. Such an application of the frangible coating 513 may be beneficial for purposes of increasing or decreasing the force (by lowering the surface friction for use with a probe) required to initially open the valve 500, wherein the valve inherently has a sufficiently high slit-opening force requirement to prevent premature ingress or egress of a fluent substance through the valve 500. Such an application of the frangible coating 513 may be beneficial for purposes of increasing or decreasing the force (by lowering the surface friction for use with a probe) required to initially open the valve, wherein the valve otherwise inherently has a sufficiently high slit opening force requirement to prevent premature ingress or egress of fluent substance through the valve. The coating 513 may also be used on either or both side surfaces of a valve which is not intended to be mechanically opened by a probe, and that instead is opened by a pressure differential. In such an application, the coating 513 will increase the opening force or pressure differential required to open the valve. This may permit the membrane to be thinner— requiring less membrane material.

[0096] Referring now to Fig. 12, a fifth embodiment of a valve 600 according to the present invention is illustrated. The fourth embodiment of the valve 600 has a membrane 612 that is formed from to create a duckbill geometry. Such a duckbill type membrane 612 is described as a "valve" in U.S. Patent No. 4,524,805. The description of that patent is incorporated herein by reference thereto to the extent pertinent and to the extent not inconsistent herewith. The valve 600 has a coating 613 applied to both a first side surface 614 and a second side surface 616 of the membrane 612. A single slit 626 extends fully and transversely through the central portion of the membrane 612. The slit 626 defines a pair of openable portions 630 in a confronting configuration when the membrane 612 is in the as-formed closed configuration. The frangible coating 613 is applied so as to span or bridge the slit 626. Such an application of the frangible coating 613 may be beneficial for purposes of increasing or decreasing the force (by lowering the surface friction for use with a probe) required to initially open the valve 600, wherein the valve inherently has a sufficiently high slit-opening force requirement to prevent premature ingress or egress of a fluent substance through the valve 600. Such an application of the frangible coating 613 may be beneficial for purposes of increasing or decreasing the force (by lowering the surface friction for use with a probe) required to initially open the valve, wherein the valve otherwise inherently has a sufficiently high slit opening force requirement to prevent premature ingress or egress of fluent substance through the valve. The coating 613 may also be used on either or both side surfaces of a valve which is not intended to be mechanically opened by a probe, and that instead is opened by a pressure differential. In such an application, the coating 613 will increase the opening force or pressure differential required to open the valve. This may permit the membrane to be thinner— requiring less membrane material.

[0097] In another embodiment that is not illustrated, the valve membrane slit or slits could be molded in situ so that the slits are not initially leak tight in the initially manufactured condition of the membrane. The frangible coating could then be applied to the membrane to initially seal the slits closed in an initially leak-tight condition. Upon the first use of the valve, the coating would rupture when subjected to a sufficient mechanical engagement or fluid pressure differential and the valve could then be fully opened. It will be understood that in the application of the coating to such a membrane with as-molded slits, some amount of coating may be located within the slit, between the confronting, openable portions. In such a configuration, it may be necessary to account for this additional amount of frangible coating which may increase the initial opening/rupture force, and may further alter the flow characteristics of a fluid moving through the open valve after rupture of the frangible coating.

[0098] It will be appreciated that while various theories and explanations have been set forth herein with respect to how the component configurations and arrangements may affect the operation of the valve and the frangible coating, there is no intention to be bound by such theories and explanations. Further it is intended that all structures falling within the scope of the appended claims are not to be otherwise excluded from the scope of the claims merely because the operation of such valve structures may not be accounted for by the explanations and theories presented herein.

[0099] Various modifications and alterations to this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. Illustrative embodiments and examples are provided as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A valve (100) for permitting selective communication therethrough, said valve (100) comprising:

a membrane (112) defining

i. a first side surface (114),

ii. a second side surface (116),

iii. at least one slit (126,128) through said membrane (112) from said first side surface (114) to said second side surface (116), iv. confronting, openable portions ( 130, 132) along said at least one slit

(126,128) wherein said openable portions (130,132) can move away from each other for establishing communication through said valve (100); and a frangible coating (113) applied to at least a portion of at least one of said first side surface (114) and said second side surface (116), said frangible coating (113) bridging said at least one slit (126,128) between said confronting, openable portions (130,132).

2. The valve (100) of claim 1 wherein said membrane (112) is molded and said at least one slit (126,128) is molded in said membrane (112).

3. The valve (100) of claim 1 wherein said at least one slit (126,128) is formed by cutting said membrane (112).

4. The valve (100) of claim 1 wherein said at least one slit (126,128) has a length, and said frangible coating (113) bridges said at least one slit (126,128) along the entirety of said length.

5. The valve (100) of claim 1 wherein said at least one slit (126,128) has a length, and said frangible coating (113) bridges said at least one slit (126,128) along only a portion of said length.

6. The valve (100) of claim 1 wherein said frangible coating (113) and said membrane (112) are the same material.

7. The valve (100) of claim 1 wherein said frangible coating (113) and said membrane (112) are different materials.

8. The valve (100) of claim 1 wherein said frangible coating (113) is chemically bonded to said membrane (112).

9. The valve (100) of claim 1 wherein said frangible coating (113) is mechanically bonded to said membrane (112).

10. The valve (100) of claim 1 wherein said frangible coating (113) is applied to both of said first side surface (114) and said second side surface (116).

11. The valve (100) of claim 1 wherein said frangible coating (113) is silicone.

12. The valve (100) of claim 1 wherein said frangible coating (113) is a parylene.

13. The valve (100) of claim 1 wherein said frangible coating (113) has a lower friction coefficient than a friction coefficient of said membrane (112).

14. The valve (100) of claim 1 wherein said frangible coating (113) has a thickness between about 0.012 mm and about 0.3 mm.

15. The valve (100) of claim 1 together in combination with a probe (200), wherein relative movement and engagement of said probe (200) with one of said frangible coating (113) and said membrane (112) ruptures said frangible coating (113) during an initial opening of said valve (100).

16. The valve (100) of claim 1 wherein said membrane (112) includes i. a flexible, head portion (125) through which said at least one slit (126,128) extends, ii. an annular, peripheral attachment portion (120) spaced laterally from said head portion (125), and

iiL a flexible, annular, intermediate portion (124) extending laterally from said head portion (125) to said peripheral attachment portion (120).

17. The valve (100) of claim 16 wherein said head portion (125) is substantially thicker than said intermediate portion (124).

18. The valve (100) of claim 16 wherein said head portion (125), said peripheral attachment portion (120), and said intermediate portion (124) have a uniform material thickness.

19. The valve (100) of claim 16 wherein said head portion (125) first side surface (114) is substantially concave and said head portion (125) second side surface (116) is substantially convex.

20. The valve (100) of claim 16 wherein said head portion (125) defines a central axis and a planar region adjacent said central axis, extending transverse to said central axis.

21. A valve (100) for permitting selective communication therethrough, said valve (100) comprising:

a membrane (112) defining

i. a first side surface (114),

ii. a second side surface (116),

iii. at least one slit (126,128) through said membrane (112) from said first side surface (114) to said second side surface (116), iv. confronting, openable portions (130, 132) along said at least one slit

22. The valve (100) in accordance with claim 21 wherein said membrane (112) is molded and said at least one slit (126,128) is molded in said membrane (112).

23. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-22 wherein said at least one slit (126,128) is formed by cutting said membrane (112).

24. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-23 wherein said at least one slit (126,128) has a length, and said frangible coating (113) bridges said at least one slit

(126,128) along the entirety of said length.

25. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-24 wherein said at least one slit (126,128) has a length, and said frangible coating (113) bridges said at least one slit

(126,128) along only a portion of said length.

26. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-25 wherein said frangible coating (113) and said membrane (112) are the same material.

27. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-26 wherein said frangible coating (113) and said membrane (112) are different materials.

28. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-27 wherein said frangible coating (113) is chemically bonded to said membrane (112).

29. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-28 wherein said frangible coating (113) is mechanically bonded to said membrane (112).

30. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-29 wherein said frangible coating (113) is applied to both of said first side surface (114) and said second side surface (116).

31. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-30 wherein said frangible coating (113) is silicone.

32. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-31 wherein said frangible coating (113) is a parylene.

33. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-32 wherein said frangible coating (113) has a lower friction coefficient than a friction coefficient of said membrane (112).

34. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-33 wherein said frangible coating (113) has a thickness between about 0.012 mm and about 0.3 mm.

35. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-34 together in combination with a probe (200), wherein relative movement and engagement of said probe (200) with one of said frangible coating (113) and said membrane (112) ruptures said frangible coating (113) during an initial opening of said valve (100).

36. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-35 wherein said membrane (112) includes i. a flexible, head portion ( 125) through which said at least one slit (126, 128) extends, ii. an annular, peripheral attachment portion (120) spaced laterally from said head

portion (125), and

iii. a flexible, annular, intermediate portion (124) extending laterally from said head portion (125) to said peripheral attachment portion (120).

37. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-36 wherein said head portion (125) is substantially thicker than said intermediate portion (124).

38. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-37 wherein said head portion (125), said peripheral attachment portion (120), and said intermediate portion (124) have a uniform material thickness.

39. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-38 wherein said head portion (125) first side surface (114) is substantially concave and said head portion (125) second side surface (116) is substantially convex.

40. The valve (100) in accordance with any preceding claims 21-39 wherein said head portion (125) defines a central axis and a planar region adjacent said central axis, extending transverse to said central axis.