WO2021233578A1

WO2021233578A1 - Flapper assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2021233578A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/025184
Authority: WO
Inventors: James P. Ostrosky; Antonio D'Von BUTLER; Mayur POTE; Robert A. Dayton; Vaughn K. Mills
Original assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
Priority date: 2020-05-18
Filing date: 2021-05-18
Publication date: 2021-11-25

Abstract

A flapper assembly for closing an outlet of a valve, and a valve assembly that utilizes the flapper assembly includes a base support and a seal. The seal is secured to the base support. The seal includes a bowed portion that arches over the base support such that the bowed portion is spaced apart from the base support. A method of forming a flapper assembly includes attaching an elastomeric material to a base support to form a seal that includes a bowed portion that arches over the base support such that the bowed portion is spaced apart from the base support. The base support is formed of a rigid material that is different from the elastomeric material.

Description

FLAPPER ASSEMBLY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Indian Provisional Application No. 202011020841, filed on May 18, 2020, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/144171, filed on February 1, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/144152, filed on February 1,

2021, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present teachings generally include a flapper assembly, a valve assembly that utilizes the flapper assembly and a method of forming the flapper assembly.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Fuel tank valves that function to vent vapors from a fuel tank are known.

Generally, the vapors are vented to a canister that stores the vapors and is periodically purged. Fuel tank valves are configured to prevent liquid fuel in the fuel tank from entering the canister even when a vehicle is parked on a grade.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present teachings generally provide a flapper assembly for closing an outlet of a valve. The flapper assembly includes a base support, and a seal secured to the base support. The seal includes a bowed portion that arches over the base support such that the bowed portion is spaced apart from the base support.

[0005] The present teachings also generally provide a valve assembly including a valve body and a float disposed inside the valve body. The valve body includes a seat defining an outlet. The float is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body. The valve assembly further includes a flapper assembly coupled to the float.

The flapper assembly is movable with the float between the first and second positions. The flapper assembly includes the base support, and the seal discussed above.

[0006] The present teachings further provide a method of forming a flapper assembly.

The method includes attaching an elastomeric material to a base support to form a seal that includes a bowed portion that arches over the base support such that the bowed portion is spaced apart from the base support. The base support is formed of a rigid material that is different from the elastomeric material.

[0007] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the present teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. l is a schematic exploded view of a valve assembly that includes a schematic box to genetically illustrate a flapper assembly.

[0009] FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 1 having the flapper assembly genetically shown in a first location relative to a float, with the float in a first position spaced from a seat.

[0010] FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 1 having the flapper assembly genetically shown in a second location relative to a float, with the float in the first position spaced from the seat.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective top side view of one example configuration of a flapper assembly that is suitable for use in the valve assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2B.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom side view of the flapper assembly of FIG. 3.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view from the bottom side of the flapper assembly taken from lines 5-5 of FIG. 4.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective top side view of another example configuration of a flapper assembly that is suitable for use in the valve assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2A.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective bottom side view of the flapper assembly of FIG. 6.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flapper assembly taken from lines 8-8 of FIG. 6.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective top side view of yet another example configuration of a flapper assembly that is suitable for use in the valve assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2B.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flapper assembly taken from lines 10-10 of FIG. 9.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a schematic bottom side view of the flapper assembly of FIG. 9. [0020] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective top side view of another example configuration of a flapper assembly that is suitable for use in the valve assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2A.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom side view of the flapper assembly of FIG. 12.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flapper assembly taken from lines 14-14 of FIG. 12.

[0023] FIG.15 is a schematic perspective top side view of yet another example configuration of a flapper assembly that is suitable for use in the valve assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2B.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective bottom side view of the flapper assembly of FIG. 15.

[0025] FIG. 17 is a schematic top side view of the flapper assembly of FIG. 15.

[0026] FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flapper assembly taken along lines 18-18 of FIG. 17.

[0027] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flapper assembly taken along lines 19-19 of FIG. 17.

[0028] FIG. 20 is a schematic bottom side view of the flapper assembly of FIG. 15.

[0029] FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective top side view of another example configuration of a flapper assembly that is suitable for use in the valve assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2B.

[0030] FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flapper assembly taken along lines 22-22 of FIG. 21.

[0031] FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective top side view of yet another example configuration of a flapper assembly that is suitable for use in the valve assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2B.

[0032] FIG. 24 is a schematic top side view of the flapper assembly of FIG. 23.

[0033] FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flapper assembly taken along lines 25-25 of FIG. 24.

[0034] FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flapper assembly taken along lines 26-26 of FIG. 24.

[0035] FIG. 27 is a schematic bottom side view of the flapper assembly of FIG. 23.

[0036] FIG. 28 is a schematic perspective top view of another example configuration of a flapper assembly that is suitable for use in the valve assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2B.

[0037] FIG. 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flapper assembly taken along lines 29-29 of FIG. 28. [0038] FIG. 30 is a schematic fragmentary bottom side view of an example configuration of a support rib that is suitable for use in the flapper assemblies herein.

[0039] FIG. 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flapper assembly taken along lines 31-31 of FIG. 30.

[0040] FIG. 32 is a schematic fragmentary bottom side view of another example configuration of a support rib that is suitable for use in the flapper assemblies herein.

[0041] FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flapper assembly taken along lines 33-33 of FIG. 32.

[0042] FIG. 34 is a schematic fragmentary bottom side view of yet another example configuration of a support rib that is suitable for use in the flapper assemblies herein.

[0043] FIG. 35 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flapper assembly taken along lines 35-35 of FIG. 34.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that all directional references (e.g., above, below, upward, up, downward, down, top, bottom, left, right, vertical, horizontal, etc.) are used descriptively for the FIGS to aid the reader’s understanding, and do not represent limitations (for example, to the position, orientation, or use, etc.) on the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the term “substantially” can refer to a slight imprecision or slight variance of a condition, quantity, value, or dimension, etc., some of which that are within manufacturing variance or tolerance ranges. The phrase “at least one of’ as used herein should be construed to include the non-exclusive logical “or”, i.e., A and/or B and so on depending on the number of components.

[0045] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a valve assembly 10 is generally shown in FIG. 1. In certain applications, the valve assembly 10 may be utilized with a tank of a vehicle, and the tank may be a fuel tank. Therefore, liquid fluid, such as fuel may be stored in the tank. It is to be appreciated that the valve assembly 10 may be utilized with tanks other than fuel tanks, and other liquid fluids may be stored in the tank.

[0046] In certain applications, the valve assembly 10 may be attached to the tank. The valve assembly 10 may be internally mounted to the tank or externally mounted to the tank. For the internally mounted valve assembly 10, the valve assembly 10 may be supported by a bracket inside the tank. For the externally mounted valve assembly 10, a portion of the valve assembly 10 may be disposed inside the tank and another portion of the valve assembly 10 may be disposed outside of the tank. The features of the valve assembly 10 discussed herein are the same for the internally mounted valve assembly 10 and the externally mounted valve assembly 10. It is to be appreciated that other components may be utilized with the internally or externally mounted valve assembly 10, such as, for example, components that couple the valve assembly 10 to various components outside of the tank.

[0047] Generally, the valve assembly 10 may allow vapors that build up in the tank to be vented out of the tank to a vapor control structure 11. The vapor control structure 11 may store the vapor received from the tank and may be periodically purged. Therefore, under certain conditions, the vapors move or flow from the tank through the valve assembly 10 and into the vapor control structure 11. It is to be appreciated that the vapor control structure 11 may be referred to as a canister, such as a charcoal canister.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, the valve assembly 10 includes a valve body 12 adapted to be attached to the tank. That is, the valve body 12 is attached or mounted to the tank either internally or externally as discussed above. For the externally mounted valve assembly 10, a first portion of the valve body 12 is disposed inside of the tank and a second portion of the valve body 12 is disposed outside of the tank. Therefore, generally, the vapors vented out of the tank move or flow from the first portion into the second portion and out to the vapor control structure 11.

[0049] Turning to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the valve body 12 includes a seat 14 that defines an outlet 16. The outlet 16 may vent the tank. For example, the outlet 16 may vent gaseous fluids, such as vapors, out of the tank. The gaseous fluids vented from the valve body 12 may then be guided or directed to the vapor control structure 11. Specifically, the gaseous fluid may be vented out of the valve body 12 via a port hole 17. The port hole 17 may be in fluid communication with the vapor control structure 11. In certain configurations, the valve body 12 may include a top cap 19 that is attached to a main body 21 of the valve body 12 and the top cap 19 may define the port hole 17.

[0050] Continuing with FIGS. 2A and 2B, the valve body 12 may define a cavity 18, and the seat 14 is disposed in the cavity 18. Therefore, the outlet 16 and the cavity 18 may be in fluid communication with each other, and in fluid communication with the vapor control structure 11 via the port hole 17, to vent the vapors out of the tank and into the vapor control structure 11.

[0051] Again, continuing with FIGS. 2A and 2B, the seat 14 may be secured to a flange 20, and the flange 20 may be secured the valve body 12. In some configurations, as shown, the seat 14, the flange 20 and the valve body 12 may be a unitary, one-piece component. In other configurations, the seat 14, the flange 20 and the valve body 12 may be separate components integrally attached to one another.

[0052] Generally, the flange 20 and the seat 14 are disposed inside the cavity 18. The seat 14 and the flange 20 separate the cavity 18 into a first chamber 22 and a second chamber 24. The top cap 19 and the main body 21 cooperate to close the second chamber 24. The outlet 16 fluidly connects the first and second chambers 22, 24. Therefore, the vapors may move or flow from the first chamber 22 through the outlet 16 and into the second chamber 24, and from the second chamber 24 through the port hole 17 and out to the vapor control structure 11. The seat 14 may present a face 26 which will be discussed further below.

[0053] Turning to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the valve assembly 10 also includes a float 28 disposed inside the valve body 12. More specifically, the float 28 is disposed in the cavity 18 of the valve body 12. Specifically, the float 28 is disposed in the first chamber 22.

Therefore, the main body 21 of the valve body 12 may surround the float 28, and thus, the first chamber 22 is disposed inside of the main body 21.

[0054] Continuing with FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the float 28 is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body 12. Specifically, the float 28 may be movable along a center line axis 29 of the valve assembly 10 inside of the first chamber 22.

In certain configurations, the outlet 16 and/or the port hole 17 is disposed coaxial with the center line axis 29. Furthermore, in certain configurations, the float 28 is disposed coaxial with the center line axis 29. Generally, the float 28 may be movable toward and away from the seat 14 in response to a liquid fluid level inside the tank. When the float 28 is combined with a biasing force, which is discussed further below, the float 28 is buoyant in the liquid fluid, such as fuel, stored in the tank. Thus, the float 28 may move toward and away from the seat 14 depending on the liquid fluid level of the fuel inside the tank. For example, if the liquid fluid level rises, the float 28 moves toward the seat 14. As another example, if the liquid fluid level descends, the float 28 moves away from the seat 14. The float 28 is shown in the first position in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and arrow X is illustrative of the general movement of the float 28 back and forth between the first position and the second position.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2 A and 2B, the float 28 may include a first end surface 30 and a second end surface 32 spaced from each other. Generally, the first end surface 30 faces the seat 14, and the second end surface 32 opposes the first end surface 30. More specifically, the first end surface 30 of the float 28 and the face 26 of the seat 14 face each other.

[0056] It is to be appreciated that the float 28 may optionally include one or more alignment features 34 (see FIG. 1) disposed between the first and second end surfaces 30, 32 to assist in aligning or centering the float 28 relative to the seat 14. The alignment features 34 may include one or more ribs that surround the float 28 and face an inner wall 36 of the valve body 12. In certain configurations, the inner wall 36 is disposed along the main body 21 of the valve body 12. For example, the alignment features 34 assist in aligning or centering the float 28 as the float 28 moves between the first and second positions, which aligns or centers the float 28 relative to the seat 14. Therefore, the alignment features 34 may minimize transverse movement of the float 28 relative to movement between the first and second positions. In other words, the ribs and the valve body 12 cooperate to minimize play in the float 28.

[0057] Additionally, it is to be appreciated that the valve body 12 may optionally include one or more fins disposed in the first chamber 22 such that the fins are disposed between the inner wall 36 of the valve body 12 and the float 28. In certain configurations, the fins are disposed along the inner wall 36 of the main body 21. The fins may also assist in aligning or centering the float 28 relative to the seat 14, and in certain configurations, relative to the center line axis 29. Therefore, the ribs may selectively engage the valve body 12 or the fins during movement of the float 28 between the first and second positions. It is to be appreciated that the ribs and the fins may be any suitable configuration.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 A, and 2B, the valve assembly 10 may further include a biasing member 38 that engages the second end surface 32 of the float 28 to continuously bias the float 28 toward the seat 14. In other words, the biasing member 38 applies the biasing force to the float 28 as discussed above. The biasing force overcomes the weight of the float 28 and frictional forces between the float 28 engaging the inner wall 36/the fins as the float 28 moves between the first and second positions.

[0059] The valve body 12 may include an end cap 40 that generally closes the first chamber 22 to contain the float 28 inside the first chamber 22. That is, the main body 21 and the end cap 40 cooperate to close the first chamber 22. The biasing member 38 may engage the end cap 40, and provides a surface for the biasing member 38 to react against. The end cap 40 remains stationary as the float 28 moves between the first and second positions. Furthermore, the end cap 40 is spaced apart from the seat 14, and the second end surface 32 of the float 28 faces the end cap 40.

[0060] It is to be appreciated that in a vehicle roll-over situation, the float 28 will move to the second position without the buoyancy of the float 28 affecting the float’s position due to the biasing force applied to the float 28 overcoming the buoyancy of the float 28, the weight of the float 28, and the frictional forces between the float 28 engaging the fins. Therefore, when in the vehicle roll-over situation, the biasing member 38 assists in maintaining the float 28 in the second position. In certain configurations, the biasing member 38 may be a spring, such as a coil spring. It is to be appreciated that the biasing member 38 may be any suitable configuration to continuously bias the float 28 toward the seat 14.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, a flapper assembly 42A-H is coupled to the float 28, and the flapper assembly 42A-H is configured to selectively close the outlet 16 of the seat 14. As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the float 28 may include a post 44 extending outwardly from the first end surface 30, and the flapper assembly 42A-H is coupled to the post 44. In certain configurations, the post 44 is elongated and extends toward the flange 20 or the second chamber 24. The flapper assembly 42A-H may be coupled to the first end surface 30 of the float 28 via the post 44. The flapper assembly 42A-H is movable with the float 28 between the first and second positions. Even though the flapper assembly 42A-H is movable with the float 28, the flapper assembly 42A-H also has some ability to move independently of the float 28. As such, the flapper assembly 42A-H is movable with and movable independently of the float 28 as discussed further below.

[0062] Generally, the flapper assembly 42A-H is configured for closing the outlet 16 of a valve or the valve assembly 10. Referring to FIGS. 3-35, the flapper assembly 42A-H includes a base support 46 and a seal 48 secured to the base support 46. The base support 46 supports the seal 48, and the seal 48 selectively engages the seat 14 to selectively close the outlet 16. More specifically, the seal 48 may engage the face 26 of the seat 14. Therefore, the seal 48 is configured to close the outlet 16, which generally occurs when the float 28 is in the second position, and the seal 48 is spaced apart from the face 26 of the seat 14 when the float 28 is in the first position as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The flapper assembly 42A-H configurations of FIGS. 3-35 may be used in the valve assembly 10 of FIGS. 1, 2 A, and 2B as discussed herein.

[0063] Depending on the application, the valve assembly 10 may include the flapper assembly 42A-H, and the generic box shown in phantom lines (dash-dot-dot-dash lines) in FIG. 1 is to generally represent any of the flapper assemblies 42A-H discussed herein. Furthermore, the seal 48 and the base support 46 are generally shown in phantom lines in FIGS. 2 A and 2B to generally illustrate the associated configurations of the flapper assemblies 42A-H relative to the float 28 and the seat 14, as discussed further below. For all of the flapper assemblies 42A-H herein, the flapper assembly 42A-H may be coupled to the float 28, and the flapper assembly 42A-H is movable with the float 28 between the first and second positions. It is to be appreciated that the flapper assembly 42A-H may be utilized in other applications besides valve assemblies 10.

[0064] With regard to the features that couple the flapper assembly 42A-H to the float 28, as best shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 21, 23, and 28, the base support 46 includes a coupler 50. The coupler 50 may extend outwardly away from the seal 48. Furthermore, the coupler 50 may be spaced apart from the seal 48. Generally, the coupler 50 engages the float 28 to couple the base support 46 to the float 28 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). In certain configurations, the coupler 50 may engage the post 44 to movably couple the base support 46 to the float 28 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B).

[0065] The coupler 50 and the base support 46 may be integrally formed to each other or formed of one piece. In other configurations, the coupler 50 and the base support 46 may be separate pieces attached or secured to each other. It is to be appreciated that the coupler 50 may be attached to the base support 46 by any suitable methods, and non-limiting examples may include molding such as injection molding or overmolding, fasteners, adhesives, etc. Generally, the base support 46 and the coupler 50 are formed of a rigid material, which will be discussed further below.

[0066] Continuing with FIGS. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 21, 23, and 28, the coupler 50 of the base support 46 may include a first appendage 52 and a second appendage 54 spaced apart from each other to define an opening 56 between the first and second appendages 52, 54. The first and second appendages 52, 54 cooperate with each other to receive the post 44 therebetween. As best shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when the flapper assembly 42A-H is coupled to the float 28, the post 44 is disposed in the opening 56, and the first and second appendages 52, 54 surround the post 44. Specifically, the post 44 is disposed in the opening 56 between the first and second appendages 52, 54 such that the coupler 50 couples the base support 46 to the float 28.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 21, 23, and 28, the first and second appendages 52, 54 may generally be a hook-shape configuration to surround the post 44. The first and second appendages 52, 54 may include a distal end spaced apart from each other to define a slot 58 between the distal end of the first and second appendages 52, 54 for coupling the flapper assembly 42A-H to the post 44. Therefore, the flapper assembly 42A-H may be coupled to the post 44 by sliding the first and second appendages 52, 54 around the post 44 (the post 44 enters the slot 58) until the post 44 is disposed in the opening 56 and the appendages 52, 54 surround the post 44. The first and second appendages 52, 54 may flex under force away from one another around the post 44 to increase the width of the slot 58 to attach or detach the base support 46 from the post 44, and then bias back once the post 44 is positioned in the slot 58 or completely removed from the post 44. It is to be appreciated that the coupler 50 may be any suitable configuration, and the FIGS are non-limiting examples. [0068] Turning back to FIGS. 1, 2 A, and 2B, the float 28 may include a stop 60 attached to the post 44 to retain the flapper assembly 42A-H coupled to the float 28. Under certain conditions, the coupler 50 may selectively engage the stop 60. The stop 60 may be attached to an end of the post 44, and the stop 60 may be spaced apart from the first end surface 30 of the float 28. The stop 60 is larger than the opening 56 to prevent the flapper assembly 42A-H from decoupling from the float 28 by sliding off the end of the post 44. Respective sides 62 of the first and second appendages 52, 54 may selectively abut the stop 60 to limit independent movement of the flapper assembly 42A-H relative to the float 28. The independent movement of the flapper assembly 42A-H relative to the float 28 allows the flapper assembly 42A-H to quickly open and close without fluttering as discussed further below. For example, one or more sections of the stop 60 and/or the post 44 may be flat, arcuate, sloped, or angled, etc., depending on the desired movement characteristics of the flapper assembly 42A-H. It is to be appreciated that the stop 60 may be any suitable configuration.

[0069] Referring back to the flapper assembly 42A-H and FIGS. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 21, 23, and 28, the base support 46 may include a tail 64 spaced apart from the coupler 50. The tail 64 may extend outwardly away from the first and second appendages 52, 54 for assisting in balancing the base support 46. In other words, the tail 64 generally counter-balances the coupler 50. The tail 64 and the base support 46 may be integrally formed to each other or formed of one piece. Alternatively, the tail 64 and the base support 46 may be separate pieces attached or secured to each other. It is to be appreciated that the tail 64 may be attached to the base support 46 by any suitable methods. It is to further be appreciated that the tail 64 may be any suitable configuration and location.

[0070] Turning back to the seal 48, as discussed above, the seal 48 is secured to the base support 46. As best shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 21, 23, and 28, generally, the seal 48 includes a bowed portion 66 that arches over the base support 46 such that the bowed portion 66 is spaced apart from the base support 46. That is, the bowed portion 66 is curved, arced, bowed, etc. to arch over the base support 46 to present a smoothly rising and falling surface. In other words, the bowed portion 66 smoothly rises incrementally to a summit 68 and then smoothly falls incrementally to a floor 70 to form a curved configuration, an arced configuration, or a bowed configuration that arches over the base support 46. In certain configurations, the summit 68 may align with the center line axis 29. The seal 48 may be formed of an elastomeric material that is different from the rigid material, which will be discussed further below.

[0071] As best shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 21, 23, and 28, the bowed portion 66 of the seal 48 may include an engagement side 72 that faces away from the base support 46. That is, the engagement side 72 faces the seat 14. The engagement side 72 is spaced apart from the seat 14 when the float 28 is in the first position to allow fluid communication through the outlet 16, and the engagement side 72 engages the seat 14 when the float 28 is in the second position to prevent fluid communication through the outlet 16. More specifically, the engagement side 72 of the seal 48 is configured to selectively engage the seat 14 to close the outlet 16 of the valve. Therefore, the engagement side 72 may be configured to close the outlet 16. Optionally, the engagement side 72 may include a coating, a layer, a fabric, etc., disposed thereon depending on the desired sealing characteristics between the seal 48 and the seat 14.

[0072] Turning to FIGS. 4, 8, 10, 14, 19, 22, 25, 26, 29, 31, 33, and 35, the bowed portion 66 may include a back side 74 that opposes the engagement side 72. The back side 74 faces the base support 46, and more specifically, faces the first end surface 30 of the float 28. Due to the configuration of the bowed portion 66, the engagement side 72 and the back side 74 are curved, arced, bowed, etc. to arch over the base support 46 to present a smoothly rising and falling surface as discussed above. That is, the engagement side 72 and the back side 74 each present a bowed configuration that arches over the base support 46. Hence, the configuration of the bowed portion 66 positions the back side 74 away from the base support 46 to present a pocket 76. Simply stated, the bowed configuration of the back side 74 presents the pocket 76. Furthermore, the portion of the engagement side 72 of the bowed portion 66 that engages the seat 14 is not configured as a flat surface or a substantially parallel surface to the surface of the face 26 of the seat 14.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 21, 25 and 28, the bowed portion 66 may include a first side edge 75 and a second side edge 77 spaced from each other relative to opposite sides of the bowed portion 66. In certain configurations, the first and second side edges 75, 77 may be spaced from the base support 46 to open the pocket 76 from the respective side edges 75, 77. That is, the pocket 76 is in fluid communication with the environment outside of the bowed portion 66. As such, for all of the configurations herein, the pocket 76 is not sealed, i.e., is not completely closed, which allows the bowed portion 66, and more specifically, the engagement side 72, to flex in response to engaging and disengaging from the seat 14. The pocket 76 may extend across the bowed portion 66 to the first side edge 75 and the second side edge 77. The first and second side edges 75, 77 may be spaced apart from the base support 46.

[0074] Furthermore, the bowed portion 66 may include an edge flange 79 (see FIGS. 3,

12, 14, 18, 21, 22, 25, 28, 29, 31, 33, and 35) extending outwardly toward the base support 46. In certain configurations, the bowed portion 66 may include a plurality of edge flanges 79 each extending outwardly toward the base support 46. More specifically, one of the edge flanges 79 may extend outwardly from the first side edge 75 and another one of the edge flanges 79 may extend outwardly from the second side edge 77.

[0075] The edge flanges 79 may be referred to as a first edge flange 79 and a second edge flange 79. Therefore, the bowed portion 66 of the seal 48 may include the first edge flange 79 and the second edge flange 79 spaced apart from each other along a cross axis 94. Generally, the first edge flange 79 and the second edge flange 79 each extend outwardly toward the base support 46. More specifically, the first edge flange 79 may extend outwardly from the first side edge 75 and the second edge flange 79 may extend outwardly from the second side edge 77. The first edge flange 79 and the second edge flange 79 may provide support to the bowed portion 66. For example, when the bowed portion 66 engages the seat 14, the first edge flange 79 and the second edge flange 79 along the respective first and second side edges 75, 77 may move toward the base support 46 or toward a central opening 96 of the base support 46 or into the central opening 96 of the base support 46. The pocket

76 is in fluid communication with the environment outside of the bowed portion 66 via the central opening 96 of the base support 46 and/or via the first and second side edges 75, 77. Furthermore, in certain configurations, the edge flanges 79 may be spaced from the central opening 96 such that the pocket 76 is in fluid communication with the environment outside of the bowed portion 66 between the edge flanges 79 and the central opening 96 (as an example see FIG. 3). As such, the pocket 76 is not sealed, i.e., is not completely closed, which allows the bowed portion 66, and more specifically, the engagement side 72, to flex in response to engaging and disengaging from the seat 14.

[0076] As mentioned above, the edge flanges 79 of the first and second side edges 75, 77 may provide support to the bowed portion 66. For example, when the bowed portion 66 engages the seat 14, the edge flanges 79 along the respective first and second side edges 75,

77 may move toward the base support 46 which changes the shape of the gap between the edge flanges 79 and the base support 46, but the edge flanges 79 will not bottom out to completely close the gap, and may also change the shape of the pocket 76. Furthermore, optionally, the edge flanges 79 of the first and second side edges 75, 77 extend toward the base support 46 to close the pocket 76 along the respective first and second side edges 75, 77. Also, in the configuration of FIGS. 12-14, 28, and 29, the edge flange 79 of the first side edge 75 and/or the second side edge 77 may optionally define an orifice 81. The orifice may open the pocket 76 to the environment outside of the bowed portion 66 or to allow additional movement or flexibility of the bowed portion 66 when the seal 48 engages or disengages the seat 14. It is to be appreciated that any of the configurations herein that include one or more of the edge flanges 79 may optionally define the orifice 81, even if not illustrated in the figures.

[0077] As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, in certain configurations, the float 28 may optionally include a seal support 78 that protrudes from the first end surface 30 of the float

28, and the seal support 78 is disposed between the first end surface 30 of the float 28 and the seal 48. In certain configurations, the seal support 78 is disposed along the center line axis

29. In other configurations, the seal support 78 is disposed coaxial with the center line axis 29. The seal support 78 acts as a backing to the seal 48. Therefore, when the float 28 is in the second position, the seal support 78 assists in pinching the seal 48 to the seat 14. The bowed portion 66 may flex when the seal support 78 pinches the seal 48 to the seat 14. The seal support 78 may directly engage the base support 46 (see FIG. 2A) or directly engage the seal 48 (see FIG. 2B) when the float 28 is in the second position depending on the configuration of the flapper assembly 42A-H.

[0078] For example, referring to the configurations of FIGS. 3-5, 9-11, and 15-35, the seal support 78 enters the pocket 76 and directly engages the back side 74 of the seal 48 when the float 28 is in the second position to pinch the seal 48 to the seat 14, which corresponds to FIG. 2B. Again, referring to the configurations of FIGS. 3-5, 9-11, and 15-35, the seal support 78 may enter the pocket 76 when the float 28 is in the first position such that the base support 46 rests on the first end surface 30 of the float 28.

[0079] As another example, referring to the configuration of FIGS. 6-8 and the configuration of FIGS. 12-14, the seal support 78 directly engages the base support 46 when the float 28 is in the second position to pinch the seal 48 to the seat 14, which corresponds to FIG. 2A. The seal 48 and the base support 46 are shown genetically in phantom lines (dash- dot-dot-dash lines) in FIGS. 2 A and 2B to generally represent the different configurations of the seal 48 and the base support 46 disclosed herein that are suitable for the respective FIGS.

2 A and 2B. [0080] When the engagement side 72 of the seal 48 engages the face 26, the outlet 16 is sealed by positioning or aligning the engagement side 72 relative to the outlet 16, and the seal support 78 assists in maintaining the seal 48 in that position when the float 28 is in the second position. That is, the seal support 78 may assist in tightly sealing the outlet 16 closed when the engagement side 72 is sealed against the seat 14 when the float 28 is in the second position. The seal 48 of FIG. 2B and the base support 46 of FIG. 2A may optionally rest against the seal support 78 when the float 28 is in the first position.

[0081] The seal support 78 may be any suitable configuration, and non-limiting examples may include a cone, a cylinder, a cylinder having a spherical top, a protrusion, an arcuate configuration, a bulge, a hump, a bump, a cross or plus configuration, etc. The seal support 78 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B are generic illustrations and may be any of the configurations discussed above. The seal support 78 and the float 28 may be integrally formed to each other or formed of one piece, or alternatively may be separate pieces attached or secured to each other. It is to be appreciated that the seal support 78 may be attached to the first end surface 30 of the float 28 by any suitable methods, and non-limiting examples may include molding, fasteners, adhesives, etc.

[0082] The post 44 and the coupler 50 cooperate to position the engagement side 72 of seal 48 relative to the seat 14. As such, the post 44 and the coupler 50 may cooperate to minimize lateral movement of the engagement side 72 relative to the seat 14 when the float 28 is in the second position. For the configurations herein, the seal 48 provides improved opening and closing features of the outlet 16. For example, the seal 48 fully opens quickly when the float 28 moves from the second position back to the first position to provide fully open fluid communication through the outlet 16. The bowed portion 66 of the seal 48 is flexible independently of the base support 46 to provide additional movement of the seal 48 from the base support 46. Therefore, generally for all of the configurations herein, the seal 48 peels away from the seat 14 crisply such that the engagement side 72 does not flutter to partially engage the seat 14 and thus partially cover the outlet 16. That is, the seal 48 of all of the configurations herein may act as a ribbon seal 48, where part of the seal 48 is movable independently of the base support 46, and thus the seal 48 peels angularly from one end, instead of lifting straight up/down. Furthermore, for this design of the seal 48, less force is needed to peel the seal 48 off the seat 14 as compared to a seal that lifts straight up/down.

That is, since the seal 48 peels incrementally from the seat 14, a holding force to the seat 14 (due to the pressure difference between the first and second chambers 22, 24) is reduced initially, and as the seal 48 continues to peel from the seat 14, the holding force is exponentially reduced.

[0083] As another example, the engagement side 72 of the seal 48 seals against the seat 14 to close the outlet 16 when the float 28 is in the second position to prevent fluid communication through the outlet 16, and more specifically, minimize fuel or vapor in the tank from entering the vapor control structure 11. Specifically, the engagement side 72 engages the face 26 of the seat 14 when the float 28 is in the second position to close the outlet 16. The pressure difference between the first and second chambers 22, 24 creates the holding force of the seal 48 to the seat 14. Therefore, for example, when the float 28 is in the second position and the engagement side 72 engages the seat 14 to seal the outlet 16, fuel or vapor in the tank is prevented from entering the vapor control structure 11. The seal 48 closes the outlet 16 quickly and crisply such that the seal 48 does not flutter to partially engage the seat 14 and thus partially cover the outlet 16.

[0084] If the vehicle is partially/fully rolled over, the float 28 may move to the second position and the engagement side 72 of the seal 48 will engage the seat 14 to seal the outlet 16, which minimizes or prevents fuel and vapor in the tank from entering into the vapor control structure 11. Furthermore, if the liquid fluid level is relatively high in the tank and/or the vehicle is on a grade, the liquid fluid or fuel shifts in the tank which may also cause the float 28 to move to the second position and the engagement side 72 will engage the seat 14 to seal the outlet 16, which minimizes fuel and vapor in the tank from entering into the vapor control structure 11. In addition, if the vehicle is being driven such that the fuel is sloshing around in the tank, the engagement side 72 may engage the face 26 of the seat 14 to seal the outlet 16 to minimize fuel in the tank from entering the vapor control structure 11. Therefore, for example, the engagement side 72 and the seat 14 cooperate to seal the outlet 16 when the float 28 is in the second position to prevent liquid fluid or fuel in the tank from entering the vapor control structure 11.

[0085] The details of the flapper assembly 42A-H are discussed below and are best illustrated in FIGS. 3-35. FIGS. 3-5 illustrate one configuration of the flapper assembly 42 A, FIGS. 6-8 illustrate another configuration of the flapper assembly 42B, FIGS. 9-11 illustrate yet another configuration of the flapper assembly 42C, FIGS. 12-14 illustrate another configuration of the flapper assembly 42D, FIGS. 15-20 illustrates yet another configuration of the flapper assembly 42E, FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrates another configuration of the flapper assembly 42F, FIGS. 23-27 illustrates yet another configuration of the flapper assembly 42G, and FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrates yet another configuration of the flapper assembly 42H. Again, each of these configurations of the flapper assembly 42A-H is suitable for use in the valve assembly 10 of FIG. 1 and the respective FIGS. 2 A and 2B. Generally, the bowed portion 66 of the seal 48 is movable independently of the base support 46 in all of the configurations discussed herein, and thus the seal 48 acts as the ribbon seal 48. That is, due to the bowed portion 66 of the seal 48, the engagement side 72 is movable independently of the base support 46 in all of the configurations discussed herein, and thus the seal 48 may act as the ribbon seal 48. It is to be appreciated that movement of the engagement side 72 of the seal 48 may also cause movement of the back side 74 of the seal 48. The details of the flapper assemblies 42A-H of FIGS. 3-35 are discussed next.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 3-35, the base support 46 includes a first side 80 and a second side 82 opposing each other. That is, the first side 80 opposes the second side 82. The base support 46 may also include a front side 84 and a rear side 86 spaced apart from each other along a central axis 88. Furthermore, the base support 46 may include a first longitudinal side 90 and a second longitudinal side 92 spaced from each other along the cross axis 94. Generally, the central axis 88 is transverse to the cross axis 94. In certain configurations, the central axis 88 is perpendicular to the cross axis 94. Furthermore, the center line axis 29 intersects the bowed portion 66, and the central axis 88 and the cross axis 94 are disposed transverse to the center line axis 29. In these configurations, the first side edge 75 and the second side edge 77 may be spaced apart from each other relative to opposite sides of the bowed portion 66. That is, the first side edge 75 and the second side edge 77 may be spaced apart from each other relative to the cross axis 94.

[0087] In some of the configurations herein, the base support 46 closes the pocket 76 such that the seal support 78 may not enter the pocket 76, and in other configurations herein, the base support 46 is open to expose the pocket 76 such that the seal support 78 may enter the pocket 76. In the configurations of FIGS. 3-5, 9-11, and 15-35, the base support 46 may define a central opening 96 extending through the first and second sides 80, 82. The bowed portion 66 arches over the central opening 96, and thus, the pocket 76 is accessible through the central opening 96. The base support 46 may include an inner periphery 98 that defines a boundary of the central opening 96. Optionally, in certain configurations, the seal 48 may be attached to the inner periphery 98 of the base support 46.

[0088] In certain configurations, the edge flanges 79 of the first and second side edges 75, 77 may be disposed inside of the central opening 96 of the base support 46 to close the pocket 76 along the respective first and second side edges 75, 77 (see FIGS. 15, 18, 21, 23, 25, and 28), but the pocket 76 is open to the environment outside of the bowed portion 66 in another location, which will be discussed further below. In other configurations, the edge flanges 79 of the first and second side edges 75, 77 may optionally be attached to the inner periphery 98 of the central opening 96 of the base support 46 to close the pocket 76 along the respective first and second side edges 75, 77 but the pocket 76 is open to the environment outside of the bowed portion 66 in another location, which will be discussed further below. As such, optionally, the seal 48 may include an inner rim 99 disposed along the inner periphery 98 (see FIGS. 18, 19, 22, 25, 26, 29, 31, 33, and 35). In these configurations, the seal support 78 may enter the pocket 76 via the central opening 96. In the configurations of FIGS. 6-8 and 12-14, the central opening 96 of the base support 46 is eliminated, and thus, the pocket 76 is not accessible through the base support 46. That is, the base support 46 closes the pocket 76 in FIGS. 6-8 and 12-14. More specifically, the bowed portion 66 and the base support 46 close the pocket 76 relative to the center line axis 29. As such, in these configurations, the seal support 78 engages the second side 82 of the base support 46, instead of entering the pocket 76.

[0089] For all of the configurations herein, the base support 46 may define a plurality of apertures 100. In various configurations, the apertures 100 are spaced apart from each other, and in other configurations, the apertures 100 may be connected to each other. Generally, the seal 48 is secured to the base support 46 at the apertures 100 (see FIGS. 4, 7, 11, 13, 15-35). More specifically, the first and second sides 80, 82 of the base support 46 may define the plurality of apertures 100 spaced from each other. That is, the apertures 100 are defined through the first and second sides 80, 82. For example, the apertures 100 may be defined completely through the base support 46 to connect to the first and second sides 80, 82. As another example, the apertures 100 may be defined in the first and second sides 80, 82 such that the apertures 100 do not connect through the first and second sides 80, 82 (see FIGS. 19, 22, 26, 29,31, 33, and 35). Therefore, the apertures 100 may be recessed into the base support 46 such that the apertures 100 are not disposed completely through the front and rear sides 84, 86 of the base support 46; and for this configuration (FIGS. 18, 19, 22, 25, 26, 29, 31, 33, and 35), the connection of the seal 48 to the apertures 100 relative to the first and second sides 80, 82 may be along the inner rim 99. Optionally, the apertures 100 relative to the second side 82 may be larger than part of the apertures 100 between the first and second sides 80, 82 to present an indentation that part of the seal 48 may be disposed in to prevent the seal 48 from pulling through the apertures 100 and detaching from the base support 46. That is, a shoulder may be formed inside each of the apertures 100 relative to the second side 82 of the base support 46 to prevent the seal 48 from pulling through the apertures 100. In addition, optionally, the base support 46 may include a column 101 that extends outwardly from within the apertures 100. For example, referring to FIGS. 15-35 the column 101 may extend from the first side 80 and/or the second side 82 of the base support 46, and one or more of the apertures 100 may have one or more columns 101 disposed therein.

[0090] Generally, the apertures 100 may be spaced apart from the central opening 96. Furthermore, the apertures 100 may be disposed around the bowed portion 66 of the seal 48. In the configuration of FIG. 4, the apertures 100 may be defined along the first and second longitudinal sides 90, 92 (through the first and second sides 80, 82 of the base support 46). Alternatively, for the configuration of FIG. 4, the apertures 100 may be defined along the front side 84 and the rear side 86 of the base support 46 (through the first and second sides 80, 82 of the base support 46). In the configuration of FIG. 7, a pair of the apertures 100 are defined along the first and second longitudinal sides 90, 92 at the front side 84 of the base support 46, and one of the apertures 100 is defined along the rear side 86 of the base support 46. The aperture 100 along the rear side 86 of the base support 46 in FIG. 7 may be defined through the tail 64, and the aperture 100 along the rear side 86 may be elongated or larger in size than the apertures 100 along the front side 84. In the configuration of FIG. 11, the apertures 100 are defined along the first and second longitudinal sides 90, 92 and the rear side 86 of the base support 46. That is, in certain configurations of FIG. 11, there are no apertures 100 defined along the front side 84 of the base support 46. In the configuration of FIG. 13, the apertures 100 are defined along the first and second longitudinal sides 90, 92 of the base support 46, as well as the front and rear sides 84, 86 of the base support 46. In the configuration of FIGS. 15-35, the apertures 100 are defined along the front and rear sides 84, 86 of the base support 46. Therefore, the apertures 100 of FIGS. 15-35, are recessed into the base support 46 and the apertures 100 are not disposed completely through the front and rear sides 84, 96 of the base support 46 in certain configurations. It is to be appreciated that the apertures 100 of FIGS. 15-35 may optionally be completely disposed through the base support 46, in addition to, or instead of using the inner rim 99.

[0091] For the configurations discussed herein, the apertures 100 may be in any suitable location along the base support 46, and the figures are non-limiting examples. In certain configurations, as shown in FIG. 13, the apertures 100 are further defined as a first group 102 of apertures 100 having a first configuration and a second group 104 of apertures 100 having a second configuration different from the first configuration. Depending on the number of apertures 100 being used, the first and second groups 102, 104 may change, and additional groups 102, 104 of apertures 100 may also be used. Referring to FIG. 13, for illustrative purposes, the first group 102 of the apertures 100 may be smaller than the second group 104 of the apertures 100. Furthermore, for illustrative purposes as shown in FIG. 13, the first group 102 of the apertures 100 may be circles and the second group 104 of the apertures 100 may be oblong circles. The apertures 100 may be in any suitable arrangement relative to each other, and in certain configurations, more than one of the apertures 100 may be grouped together or evenly spaced apart from each other, or randomly spaced apart, etc. For the configurations discussed herein, the aperture(s) 100 of the base support 46 may be any suitable configuration, and non-limiting examples may include oval, circular, elongated, oblong, star shaped, square, etc., and combinations thereof. Furthermore, for the configurations discussed herein, the aperture(s) 100 may be the same configuration or different configurations from each other.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 21, 23, and 28, the base support 46 may also include an outer periphery 106 that spaces apart the first and second sides 80, 82. The outer periphery 106 may be at an outer side or edge of the base support 46. The outer periphery 106 defines an outer side boundary of the base support 46. The outer periphery 106 opposes the inner periphery 98 for the configurations that include the inner periphery 98. The seal 48 may optionally be spaced from the outer periphery 106. Therefore, part of the base support 46 may surround the seal 48 for all of the configurations herein.

[0093] In certain configurations, the coupler 50 of the base support 46 may be attached to the outer periphery 106 (see FIGS. 3-35). For example, the coupler 50 may be integrally formed to the base support 46 to attach the coupler 50 to the outer periphery 106. In other words, the coupler 50 may be integrally formed with the base support 46 such that the coupler 50 extends from the outer periphery 106. Furthermore, the tail 64 of the base support 46 may be attached to the outer periphery 106. The tail 64 may be integrally formed to the base support 46 to attach the tail 64 to the outer periphery 106. In other words, the tail 64 may be integrally formed with the base support 46 such that the tail 64 extends from the outer periphery 106.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in certain configurations, the base support 46 may define a plurality of recesses 108 spaced from each other. The recesses 108 may be open to the central opening 96. That is, the recesses 108 may adjoin the central opening 96. For example, the recesses 108 may be defined along the front and rear sides 84, 86 of the base support 46. Specifically, the recesses 108 may be defined through the inner periphery 98 in certain configurations. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate one example of the recesses 108, which illustrates three recesses 108 along the rear side 86 and two recesses 108 along the front side 84. Generally, the recesses 108 may be spaced from the apertures 100, and the recesses 108 may be in other locations than illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 14, in certain configurations, the first side 80 of the base support 46 may define a depression 110, and the seal 48 may be disposed inside the depression 110. Generally, the depression 110 does not extend through the second side 82 of the base support 46. That is, the depression 110 is spaced from the second side 82. The depression 110 faces toward the seat 14. Furthermore, the apertures 100 may be aligned along the depression 110. As such, each of the apertures 100 may be in fluid communication with the depression 110. In other words, the apertures 100 extend through the first side 80 to open within the depression 110. As such, the apertures 100 are fluidly connected to the depression 110

[0096] In the configurations with the central opening 96, the depression 110 may surround the central opening 96 (see FIG. 9). In the configurations where the central opening 96 is eliminated, the bowed portion 66 may overlap the first side 80 of the base support 46 inside the depression 110 such that the bowed portion 66 covers the first side 80 to present the pocket 76 between the bowed portion 66 and the first side 80 (see FIG. 14).

[0097] Turning back to the seal 48 and FIGS. 3, 6, 9, 12, 19, 22, 26, 29, 31, 33, and 35, the seal 48 may include a first end 112 and a second end 114 spaced apart from the first end 112. The first end 112 and the second end 114 may be spaced from each other relative to the central axis 88. More specifically, the first end 112 and the second end 114 of the seal 48 may be spaced apart from each other along the central axis 88. Furthermore, the first end 112 and the second end 114 of the seal 48 are spaced apart from each other to define a seal length Ls between the first end 112 and the second end 114. The seal length Ls may extend along the central axis 88, and in certain configurations, the seal length Ls may extend substantially parallel to the central axis 88. As discussed above, generally, the cross axis 94 is transverse to the central axis 88. In certain configurations, the cross axis 94 is perpendicular to the central axis 88.

[0098] The first and second ends 112, 114 of the seal 48 may be secured to the base support 46. In certain configurations, the second end 114 of the seal 48 is attached to the base support 46 within the tail 64 (see FIG. 7). In various configurations, the first and second ends 112, 114 of the seal 48 engages the base support 46 at the recesses 108 to secure the seal 48 to the base support 46 (see FIG. 4). Generally, the bowed portion 66 is disposed between the first and second ends 112, 114 (see FIGS. 3, 6, 9, 12, 19, 22, 26, 29, 31, 33, and 35). [0099] Furthermore, the seal 48 may include a plurality of attachment features 116 secured to the base support 46. The attachment features 116 secure the seal 48 to the base support 46. Said differently, the attachment features 116 attach the seal 48 to the base support 46. Furthermore, the attachment features 116 may be disposed in the apertures 100 and/or the recesses 108 to secure the seal 48 to the base support 46. As best shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 11, 13, 20, and 27, the seal 48 engages the base support 46 at the apertures 100 to secure the seal 48 to the base support 46. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the attachment features 116 are disposed in the apertures 100 and the recesses 108 of the base support 46. Generally, the bowed portion 66 is disposed between the attachment features 116 in the configurations herein. In FIG. 7, the attachment features 116 protrude outside of the base support 46, and more specifically, the attachment features 116 protrude out of the second side 82 of the base support 46. In FIGS. 15-35, the attachment features 116 are disposed in the apertures 100 of the base support 46, and the bowed portion 66 is disposed between the attachment features 116.

[00100] The attachment features 116 may be various configurations, and the figures are non-limiting examples. For example, in certain configurations, the seal 48 may include one or more protrusions 118 that are disposed through a corresponding one of the apertures 100 to secure the seal 48 to the base support 46. Generally, the protrusions 118 extend outwardly from the seal 48, and the protrusions 118 are spaced from the engagement side 72 of the seal 48.

[00101] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 12, the seal 48 may include a rim 122 that is disposed in the depression 110 of the base support 46 to secure the seal 48 to the base support 46. For example, the rim 122 may surround the bowed portion 66. In these configurations, the protrusions 118 may extend from the rim 122.

[00102] The curvature of the bowed portion 66 may be different than as shown by comparing FIGS. 5, 8, 10, 14, 15, 21, 23 and 28. For example, the summit 68 of the bowed portion 66 may be centered relative to the central opening 96 (see FIGS. 5, 19, 21, and 23 as examples) or the base support 46 (see FIG. 8), the bowed portion 66 may be a gradual incline (smaller curve; see FIG. 10), or the bowed portion 66 may have a portion that is a gradual incline and another portion that is a greater incline (larger curve; see FIG. 14). As another example, referring to FIGS. 19, 21, 23, and 28, the summit 68 of the bowed portion 66 may be centered relative to the central opening 96.

[00103] One way to achieve the different curvatures of the bowed portion 66 is using one or more platforms 124, 126 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 or as shown in FIGS. 19, 22, 26, and 29. Therefore, in certain configurations, the seal 48 may include a first platform 124 disposed proximal to the front side 84 of the base support 46 and a second platform 126 disposed proximal to the rear side 86 of the base support 46. In all of the configurations discussed herein, the coupler 50 may be disposed proximal to the first platform 124 and the tail 64 may be disposed proximal to the second platform 126. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 19, the bowed portion 66 is supported via the first and second platforms 124, 126. As also shown in FIGS. 10 and 19, the first platform 124 rises above the first side 80 of the base support 46 to a first height Hi and the second platform 126 rises above the first side 80 of the base support 46 to a second height ¾. The first height Hi is greater than the second height ¾. Using the first and second platforms 124, 126 may assist in gradually peeling the seal 48 from the seat 14 to provide the desired characteristics to re-open the outlet 16 when the float 28 moves back to the first position. Any of the configurations discussed herein may optionally use the first and/or second platforms 124, 126. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that the first and second platforms 124, 126 may be any suitable heights Hi, ¾.

[00104] Referring to the flapper assembly 42E of FIGS. 15-20, the bowed portion 66 of the seal 48 may optionally define a slit 128. The slit 128 is utilized to allow the bowed portion 66 to act as a ribbon seal, where part of the seal 48 is movable independently of the base support 46, and thus the seal 48 peels angularly from one end, instead of lifting straight up/down. Furthermore, for this design of the seal 48, less force is needed to peel the seal 48 off the seat 14 as compared to a seal that lifts straight up/down. That is, since the seal 48 peels incrementally from the seat 14, a holding force to the seat 14 (due to the pressure difference between the first and second chambers 22, 24) is reduced initially, and as the seal 48 continues to peel from the seat 14, the holding force is exponentially reduced.

[00105] As discussed above, the base support 46 may include the front side 84 and the rear side 86 spaced from each other along the central axis 88. The slit 128 is disposed transverse to the central axis 88. That is, the slit 128 extends across the bowed portion 66, which splits the bowed portion 66 into separate parts, as will be discussed further below.

[00106] Furthermore, the base support 46 may include the coupler 50 disposed proximal to the front side 84 and the tail 64 disposed proximal to the rear side 86, as also discussed above. Continuing with the flapper assembly 42E of FIGS. 15-20, the slit 128 is disposed closer to the tail 64 than to the coupler 50. As best shown in FIG. 18, the bowed portion 66 of the seal 48 may define the first side edge 75 and the second side edge 77 spaced from each other along the cross axis 94. The first and second side edges 75, 77 may extend inside of the central opening 96 of the base support 46 (as best shown in FIGS. 15 and 20). More specifically, the first and second side edges 75, 77 may each include the edge flanges 79 that extend toward the central opening 96. In certain configurations, the slit 128 is disposed spaced from and substantially parallel to the cross axis 94. In other configurations, the slit 128 aligns with the cross axis 94. It is to be appreciated that the slit 128 may be any suitable location along the bowed position 66 to separate the seal 48.

[00107] Again, continuing with the flapper assembly 42E of FIGS. 15-20, the slit 128 is disposed completely through the bowed portion 66, the first side edge 75 and the second side edge 77 such that the bowed portion 66 is separated into a first seal portion 134 and a second seal portion 136. Furthermore, the slit 128 is disposed completely through the edge flanges 79 of the first and second side edges 75, 77. That is, generally, the seal 48 is separated into two separate portions, i.e., the first seal portion 134 and the second seal portion 136. The seat 14 selectively engages the first seal portion 134. Therefore, the first seal portion 134 is biasable in response to engagement/disengagement of the seat 14 with the first seal portion 134, and the second seal portion 136 generally remains stationary relative to the first seal portion 134. That is, the second seal portion 136 remains stationary regardless of the position of the seal 48 relative to the seat 14. The first seal portion 134 may pivot relative to the first end 112 of the seal 48 in response to engagement/disengagement of the seat 14 with the first seal portion 134.

[00108] Optionally, the second seal portion 136 may be eliminated, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The discussion herein applies to FIGS. 21 and 22 except for the second seal portion 136 being eliminated. As such, the bowed portion 66 may extend from the first end 112 toward the second end 114 to a distal edge 129 that is spaced apart from the base support 46 to define an open end 131 of the seal 48.

[00109] As mentioned above, the base support 46 defines the central opening 96 extending through the first and second sides 80, 82. The bowed portion 66 arches over the central opening 96, and thus, the pocket 76 is accessible through the central opening 96. The seal support 78 of the float 28 is disposed in the central opening 96 when the float 28 is in the first position or the second position, and the seal support 78 engages the back side 74 of the bowed portion 66 to act as a backing to the seal 48 when the float 28 is in the second position. More specifically, the seal support 78 of the float 28 engages the back side 74 of the bowed portion 66 along the first seal portion 134 when the float 28 is in the second position. Therefore, when the float 28 is in the second position, the seal support 78 assists in pinching the bowed portion 66, or more specifically the first seal portion 134, to the seat 14. The bowed portion 66, or more specifically the first seal portion 134, may flex when the seal support 78 pinches the seal 48 to the seat 14. The seal support 78 may directly engage the seal 48 when the float 28 is in the second position for the configuration of FIGS. 3-5, 9-11, and 15-35.

[00110] Referring to FIGS. 15-35, the flapper assembly 42A-H may optionally include a support rib 138A-D attached to the bowed portion 66 of the seal 48. In certain configurations, the support rib 138A-D may further include a plurality of support ribs 138A-D, and each of the support ribs 138A-D are attached to the first end 112 of the seal 48 and each are spaced apart from the second end 114 of the seal 48. As mentioned above, the bowed portion 66 may include the engagement side 72 and the back side 74 that opposes the engagement side 72. Therefore, in certain configurations, the support rib(s) 138A-D is attached to the back side 74 of the bowed portion 66. The support rib(s) 138A-D adds stiffness to the seal 48, and more specifically to the bowed portion 66, to assist in maintaining the sealing capabilities of the flapper assembly 42A-H. The support rib(s) 138A-D may also provide higher rigidity in the seal 48 to assist in reopening the outlet 16. Furthermore, the support rib(s) 138A-D may also stiffen the seal 48 close or proximal to the first end 112 of the seal 48.

[00111] The support rib(s) 138A-D may be various configurations and various locations, and non-limiting examples of these configurations/locations are described next with reference to FIGS. 15-35.

[00112] Generally, the support rib 138A-D extends from the seal 48 closer to the coupler 50 of the base support 46 than to the tail 64 of the base support 46. That is, the support rib 138A-D does not extend the entire length of the seal 48 between the first end 112 and the second end 114. For example, the support rib 138A-D may be attached to the first end 112 of the seal 48 and in this configuration, is spaced apart from the second end 114 of the seal 48. Therefore, the support rib 138A-D may extend a rib length LR from the first end 112 of the seal 48 toward the second end 114 of the seal 48. The support rib 138A-D generally does not extend beyond a midpoint 137 of the seal 48 relative to the central axis 88 in certain configurations (for example in FIGS. 17, 21, 23, and 28). In certain configurations, the rib length LR is equal to or less than one-half of the seal length Ls. In other configurations, the rib length LR is one-half to one-quarter of the seal length Ls. Generally, the support rib 138A-D may change the amount of flexibility of the bowed portion 66, the amount of rigidity of the bowed portion 66, and/or the amount of stiffness of the bowed portion 66. For example, when the support rib 138A-D extends from the first end 112 of the seal 48, the bowed portion 66 may be stiff er at that end 112 of the seal 48 as compared to the second end 114 of the seal 48. That is, when the support rib 138A-D extends from the first end 112 of the seal 48, the bowed portion 66 may be stiffer closer to the coupler 50 than to the tail 64. [00113] Furthermore, the edge flange 79 may optionally define the orifice 81 spaced from the support rib 138A-D. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the orifice 81 may be disposed closer to the tail 64 than to the coupler 50. That is, the orifice 81 may be disposed closer to the second end 114 than to the first end 112 in certain configurations. In certain configurations, the support rib 138A-D and the orifice 81 may be disposed axially next to each other relative to the central axis 88. In other configurations, the support rib 138B-D and the orifice 81 may be disposed radially next to each other relative to the central axis 88. [00114] The support rib 138A-D may be positioned away from the seal support 78 of the float 28. That is, when the seal support 78 enters the central opening 96, the seal support 78 does not engage the support rib 138A-D. As such, the rib length LR of the support rib 138A- D is short enough to prevent the seal support 78 from engaging the support rib 138A-D. Therefore, regardless of the position of the seal support 78 relative to the seal 48, the seal support 78 may remain spaced apart from the support rib 138A-D. The seal support 78 may selectively engage the back side 74 of the bowed portion 66, while remaining spaced apart from the support rib 138A-D. It is to be appreciated that depending on the location of the seal support 78 and the support rib 138A-D, and depending on the configuration of the seal support 78 and the support rib 138A-D, the seal support 78 may engage the support rib 138A- D in certain configurations.

[00115] Furthermore, the support rib 138A-D extends outwardly from the seal 48 toward the central opening 96. More specifically, the support rib 138A-D extends outwardly from the back side 74 of the bowed portion 66 toward the central opening 96. Generally, the support rib 138A-D is spaced apart from the central opening 96. That is, the support rib 138A-D is spaced above the central opening 96 relative to the base support 46. As such, the support rib 138A-D may be disposed between the bowed portion 66 and the base support 46. The support rib 138A-D extends a first distance Di toward the central opening 96 to a rib face 132. That is, the support rib 138A-D may be various thicknesses extending outwardly toward the central opening 96. Furthermore, the support rib 138A-D may be various thicknesses extending transverse to the central opening 96. The rib face 132 may be spaced apart from the central opening 96. Also, optionally, the rib face 132 may taper inwardly toward the back side 74 of the bowed portion 66 or outwardly away from the back side 74 of the bowed portion 66. [00116] The support rib(s) 138A-D may be any suitable size, length LR, distance Di, orientation, height, thickness, and configuration, depending on the desired sealing and peeling characteristics of the bowed portion 66 relative to the seat 14; and the FIGS are non limiting examples of some of the suitable configurations, orientations, sizes, lengths LR, distances Di, thicknesses, and heights of the support rib(s) 138A-D. The seal 48 with the support rib(s) 138A-D of any of the configurations discussed herein are compatible with the base support 46 as detailed in FIGS. 3-35. Therefore, see FIGS. 3-35 for the details of the base support 46 which may be used as the base support 46 for any of the configurations of the seal 48 in FIGS. 3-35. Similarly, the details of the seal 48 as discussed above are compatible with any of the support rib(s) 138A-D configurations discussed herein. Therefore, see FIGS. 3-35 for the details of the seal 48 which may be used with the support rib(s) 138A-D configurations of FIGS. 15-35. Some of the details of the different examples of the support rib(s) 138A-D are discussed next.

[00117] Turning to FIGS. 15-35, the back side 74 of the bowed portion 66 may include the support rib 138A that attaches to at least one of the first side edge 75 and the second side edge 77. Therefore, the support rib 138A may be attached to the first side edge 75 and/or the second side edge 77. Furthermore, the support rib 138A may be attached to the edge flange 79 of the first and/or second side edges 75, 77. In certain configurations, the support rib 138A is attached to the back side 74 of the bowed portion 66 and one of the edge flanges 79. [00118] Optionally, the support rib 138A-D is defined as a plurality of support ribs 138.

In this configuration, one of the support ribs 138A is attached to the first side edge 75, and another one of the support ribs 138A is attached to the second side edge 77. Therefore, one of the support ribs 138A may be attached to the edge flange 79 of the first side edge 75 and another one of the support ribs 138A may be attached to the edge flange 79 of the second side edge 77. The seal support 78 selectively engages the back side 74 of the bowed portion 66, and is spaced from the support ribs 138A-D. Therefore, regardless of the position of the seal support 78 relative to the seal 48, the seal support 78 remains spaced from the support ribs 138A-D.

[00119] Continuing with FIGS. 16, 18-20, 22, 26, and 29, the seal 48 may optionally include the first platform 124 disposed proximal to the front side 84 of the base support 46 and the second platform 126 disposed proximal to the rear side 86 of the base support 46, as discussed above. Therefore, for example, referring to FIG. 19, the first platform 124 may optionally rise higher above the base support 46 than the second platform 126 rises above the base support 46. It is to be appreciated that the first and second platforms 124, 126 may be any suitable heights Hi, ¾.

[00120] In certain configurations, the support rib 138A-D is attached to the first platform 124. In other configurations, when using the plurality of support ribs 138A-D, one of the support ribs 138A-D may be attached to the first platform 124, and another one of the support ribs 138A-D may be attached to the first platform 124 spaced from the other support rib 138A-D. More specifically, in certain configurations, when using the plurality of support ribs 138A-D, one of the support ribs 138A may be attached to the first side edge 75 and the first platform 124, and another one of the support ribs 138A may be attached to the second side edge 77 and the first platform 124.

[00121] Referring to FIGS. 15-35, the attachment features 116 of the seal 48 are disposed in the respective one of the apertures 100 of the base support 46 to secure the seal 48 to the base support 46. More specifically, one or more of the attachment features 116 are disposed in the respective one or more of the apertures 100 to secure the first seal portion 134 to the base support 46, and additionally, one or more additional ones of the attachment features 116 are disposed in the respective one or more of the other apertures 100 to secure the second seal portion 136 to the base support 46.

[00122] In certain configurations, the support rib 138B, 138C may extend substantially parallel to the central axis 88 (see FIGS. 30 and 32). In other configurations, the support rib 138B may be coaxial with the central axis 88 (see FIG. 30). The support rib 138B-D may be spaced from the first side edge 75 and the second side edge 77.

[00123] When the seal 48 uses the first platform 124 and/or the second platform 126, the support rib 138A-D may be attached to the first platform 124. In yet other configurations, the support rib 138A may be attached to at least one of the first edge flange 79 and the second edge flange 79 (see FIGS. 20 and 27). The edge flange 79 of the first and/or second side edges 75, 77 are optional in the configurations where the support rib(s) 138B-D are not attached to the edge flange 79. In one configuration, the support rib 138A is attached to both of the first edge flange 79 and the second edge flange 79.

[00124] As yet another example, the support rib 138A, 138D may include an arcuate portion 140 (see FIGS. 26 and 34). In certain configurations, the arcuate portion 140 is coupled to the first end 112 of the seal 48 and spaced from the second end 114 of the seal 48. The support rib 138A, 138D may be various configurations utilizing the arcuate portion 140. Generally, the arcuate portion 140 may extend in different orientations and/or attach to the seal 48 in different locations. [00125] For example, referring to FIGS. 26 and 34, the arcuate portion 140 may extend angularly between the central axis 88 and the cross axis 94. The arcuate portion 140 may include a side face 139 that faces the center line axis 29, and the side face 139 curves away from the center line axis 29 to present a concave surface. Due to the concave surface, the support rib(s) 138A may extend to or beyond the midpoint 137 toward the second end 114 in certain configurations because the seal support 78 will be inside of the support rib(s) 138A and not engage the support rib(s) 138A. In this configuration, the support rib 138A may be attached to at least one of the first edge flange 79 and the second edge flange 79, and the first end 112, with the arcuate portion 140 therebetween. In one configuration, the support rib 138A is attached to the first edge flange 79 and the first end 112, with the arcuate portion 140 therebetween, and another support rib 138A is attached to the second edge flange 79 and the first end 112, with the arcuate portion 140 therebetween.

[00126] Continuing with FIGS. 26 and 34, in certain configurations, the arcuate portion 140 of the support rib 138A, 138D is spaced apart from the first edge flange 79 and the second edge flange 79. Therefore, the support rib 138A may include a plurality of connector portions 141 attached to the seal 48, and the arcuate portion 140 may be disposed between the connector portions 141 of the support rib 138A. As such, in certain configurations, one of the connector portions 141 is attached to the first end 112 of the seal 48 and another one of the connector portions 141 is attached to the edge flange 79 (and the arcuate portion 140 is disposed therebetween). Generally, the connector portions 141 have a different shape than the arcuate portion 140. For example, the connector portions 141 may be a linear configuration, and the arcuate portion 140 is a curved configuration.

[00127] As another example, referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, generally, the arcuate portion 140 loops around to attach to the seal 48 in different locations 142, 144. In this configuration, the arcuate portion 140 of the support rib 138D may include a first attachment location 142 along the first end 112 of the seal 48 and a second attachment location 144 spaced apart from the first attachment location 142 along the first end 112 of the seal 48. Therefore, the first attachment location 142 is at the first end 112 of the seal 48 and the second attachment location 144 is spaced apart from the first attachment location 142 at the first end 112 of the seal 48. That is, the first attachment location 142 and the second attachment location 144 are spaced apart from each other along the same end or the same side of the seal 48 such that the arcuate portion 140 loops. The arcuate portion 140 curves outwardly away from the first end 112 to an apex 146 of the arcuate portion 140. Hence, the support rib 138D of FIGS. 34 and 35 appears to be in a horseshoe configuration or C-shaped configuration.

[00128] Optionally, more than one support rib 138A-D may be utilized, as mentioned above. As such, the support rib 138A-D may further include a plurality of support ribs 138A- D spaced apart from each other. The discussion above for the support rib 138A-D applies to the support ribs 138A-D, and therefore, the above discussion will not be repeated.

[00129] Generally, the support ribs 138A-D may be each attached to the first end 112 of the seal 48 and each may be spaced apart from the second end 114 of the seal 48. In certain configurations, the support ribs 138C are spaced apart from each other and disposed substantially parallel to each other (see the solid lines of the support ribs 138C in FIG. 32). Hence, for FIGS. 32 and 33, the support ribs 138C may extend from the first end 112 and each may be spaced apart from the central axis 88, with the support ribs 138C being substantially parallel to the central axis 88. In other configurations, the support ribs 138C are spaced apart from each other and extend from the first end 112 of the seal 48 transverse to the central axis 88 (see the dash-dot-dot-dash lines of the support ribs 138C in FIGS. 32 and 33). That is, the support ribs 138C may be disposed transverse to each other. As such, for FIGS. 32 and 33, the support ribs 138C may extend from the first end 112 of the seal 48 linearly at an angle relative to the central axis 88. Therefore, for example, the support ribs 138C may be a mirror image of each other relative to the central axis 88 (see FIG. 32).

[00130] In yet another configuration (see FIGS. 26 and 27), the support ribs 138A each include a respective arcuate portion 140. The arcuate portion 140 of the support ribs 138A is coupled to the first end 112 of the seal 48, and the support ribs 138A, and more specifically, the arcuate portion 140 of each of the support ribs 138A may be a mirror image of each other relative to the central axis 88. That is, the arcuate portion 140 of one of the support ribs 138A is coupled to the first end 112 of the seal 48 and one of the edge flanges 79, and the arcuate portion 140 of another one of the support ribs 138A is coupled to the first end 112 of the seal 48 and another one of the edge flanges 79.

[00131] In certain configurations, as discussed above, the support rib 138A-D is attached to the first platform 124. In other configurations, when using the plurality of support ribs 138A-D, each of the support ribs 138A-D may be attached to the first platform 124. More specifically, in certain configurations, when using the plurality of support ribs 138A, one of the support ribs 138A may be attached to the first side edge 100/the first edge flange 79 and the first platform 124, and another one of the support ribs 138A may be attached to the second side edge 102/the second edge flange 79 and the first platform 124. [00132] For all of the configurations discussed herein, the seal 48 is attached to the base support 46 by various methods. Therefore, the present disclosure also provides a method of forming the flapper assembly 42A-H. Generally, for all of the configurations discussed herein, the elastomeric material is attached to the base support 46 to form the seal 48 that includes the bowed portion 66 that arches over the base support 46 such that the bowed portion 66 is spaced apart from the base support 46, and in certain configurations, the support rib(s) 138A-D attached to the seal 48 along the bowed portion 66.

[00133] For example, the seal 48 may be secured to the base support 46 by a molding process. The molding process may be injection molding, overmolding, or any other suitable molding process. As such, the elastomeric material may be molded to the base support 46 to form the seal 48 that is secured to the base support 46. For the configuration of FIGS. 15-35, the bowed portion 66, which may include the first seal portion 134, the second seal portion 136 and the support rib(s) 138A-D, are formed during the molding process.

[00134] Generally, during the molding process, the elastomeric material also forms the attachment features 116 in the apertures 100 of the base support 46 that secure the seal 48 to the base support 46. That is, if the base support 46 defines one or more of the apertures 100, the attachment feature(s) 116 of the seal 48 fill the respective aperture(s) 100 of the base support 46 during the molding process. As such, when using the molding process, the protrusions 118 will take the shape of the corresponding one of the apertures 100 due to the way that the seal 48 is attached to the base support 46. Furthermore, the attachment features 116 may fill the recesses 108 and the depression 100 during the molding process if these features are being utilized. The molding process may also form the lip 120 on second side 82 of the base support 46 if the lip 120 is being utilized. Once the seal 48 cures, the seal 48 is attached or secured to the base support 46. Regarding the configuration where the apertures

100 are recessed in the first side 80 and the second side 82 of the base support 46 (i.e., the apertures 100 do not connect directly through the base support 46, during the molding process, the elastomeric material enters the recessed apertures 100 and surrounds the column

101 of the respective recessed apertures 100, as well as flows along the inner periphery 98 to form the inner rim 99 to connect the attachment features 116 to each other and the first and second sides 80, 82 of the base support 46 (see for example, FIGS. 24 and 26). With regards to the configuration of the attachment features 116 of FIGS. 7 and 8, optionally the seal 48 may be formed via the molding process and then once the seal 48 cures, the attachment features 116 are inserted through the respective apertures 100 to attach the seal 48 to the base support 46. [00135] As best shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 9-35, the seal 48 may be secured to the base support 46, such as by injection molding or overmolding the seal 48 to the base support 46. That is, the elastomeric material is injection molded or overmolded to the base support 46 to form the seal 48 that includes the bowed portion 66 that arches over the base support 46 such that the bowed portion 66 is spaced apart from the base support 46, and optionally, the support rib(s) 138A-D attached to the seal 48 along the bowed portion 66. The base support 46 is formed of the rigid material that is different from the elastomeric material.

[00136] In another process, the seal 48 may be pre-formed before attaching to the base support 46, and thus, the attachment features 116 are pre-formed before attaching to the base support 46. Then, the protrusions 118 of the seal 48 may be inserted into the respective apertures 100 of the base support 46 to secure the seal 48 to the base support 46. A portion of the protrusions 118 are exposed outside of the second side 82 of the base support 46 after inserting the protrusions 118 through the respective apertures 100. Optionally, the exposed portion of the protrusions 118 may each include a lip 120 (see FIG. 8) that is pre-formed, or the exposed portion of the protrusions 118 may be heat staked to melt or deform the exposed portion of the protrusions 118 to form the lip 120, that overlaps a portion of the second side 82 of the base support 46 or is disposed in the indentation, thus, attaches or secures the seal 48 to the base support 46. As such, if the protrusions 118 include the lip 120, the lip 120 may overlap a portion of the second side 82 of the base support 46 after the protrusions 118 are inserted through the apertures 100 to secure the seal 48 to the base support 46. Alternatively, the exposed portion of the protrusions 118 may be heat staked to melt or deform the exposed portion of the protrusions 118 to form the respective lip 120 that overlaps a portion of the second side 82 of the base support 46, thus, attaches or secures the seal 48 to the base support 46.

[00137] In yet another process, one or more fasteners may attach the seal 48 to the base support 46. For example, the fastener(s) may pierce through the seal 48 or the seal 48 defines one or more corresponding holes, and the fastener(s) are disposed through the seal 48 and the corresponding one of the apertures 100 of the base support 46; and thus, the protrusions 118 are not needed if using the fasten er(s).

[00138] For all of the configurations discussed herein, the base support 46 is formed of one or more material(s) different from the seal 48. Generally, the base support 46 is formed of one or more material(s) that is more rigid than the seal 48. That is, the base support 46 (which includes the coupler 50 and the tail 64) are formed of the rigid material, and the seal 48 is formed of the elastomeric material different from the rigid material. Generally, the rigid material is stiffer than the elastomeric material. The rigid material of the base support 46 is capable of supporting the seal 48 and providing attachment to/detachment from the post 44 without permanent deformation so that the coupler 50 returns to its original position. The elastomeric material of the seal 48 is capable of being bent, flexed, etc. and return to its original position without permanent deformation. In one process, the different materials of the base support 46 and the seal 48 are bonded together during the molding process.

[00139] The base support 46 may be formed of the rigid material before the molding process with the seal 48 or the other processes discussed herein. In certain configurations, the rigid material of the base support 46 is a polymeric material. For example, the rigid material of the base support 46 may include plastic(s), nylon(s), metal(s), alloy(s), etc.

[00140] Turning to the elastomeric material, for example, the seal 48 may be a fluorinated elastomer. Non-limiting examples of the elastomeric material of the seal 48 include fluorosilicone, fluorocarbon, etc. It is to be appreciated that any other suitable elastomeric material may be utilized. The seal 48, and specifically, the engagement side 72, provides an elastomeric sealing interface with the seat 14 so the desired sealing requirement is met without affecting other characteristics of the valve assembly 10.

[00141] Furthermore, the seal 48 for all of the configurations herein may have a hardness range or durometer of 30-50, Shore A, which assists in providing the desired sealing and peeling characteristics relative to the seat 14. It is to be appreciated that other hardness ranges or durometers may be used to assist in providing the desired sealing and peeling characteristics relative to the seat 14.

[00142] Optionally, various internal components of the valve assembly 10 discussed herein may be utilized in a valve body 12 of another configuration. For example, the float 28 (with the post 44 and the seal support 78, etc.) and the flapper assembly 42A-H may be designed to fit inside another valve body 12. Additionally, the valve assembly 10 may include other components or features, and one non-limiting example includes a head valve or pressure relief valve which may be configured to open the outlet 16 to relieve pressure in the tank under certain conditions, and one non-limiting example of a condition may be during refueling of the tank.

[00143] The following Clauses provide some example configurations of flapper assemblies, valve assemblies, and methods as disclosed herein.

[00144] Clause 1 : A flapper assembly for closing an outlet of a valve, the flapper assembly comprising: a base support; and a seal secured to the base support, wherein the seal includes a bowed portion that arches over the base support such that the bowed portion is spaced apart from the base support.

[00145] Clause 2: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 1 wherein the bowed portion includes a plurality of edge flanges each extending outwardly toward the base support.

[00146] Clause 3: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 2 wherein: the bowed portion of the seal includes a first side edge and a second side edge spaced from each other relative to opposite sides of the bowed portion; one of the edge flanges extends outwardly from the first side edge and another one of the edge flanges extends outwardly from the second side edge. [00147] Clause 4: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 3 wherein the edge flange of the first side edge and/or the second side edge defines an orifice.

[00148] Clause 5: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 3 wherein: the bowed portion includes an engagement side and a back side that opposes the engagement side; the engagement side and the back side each present a bowed configuration that arches over the base support, and the bowed configuration of the back side presents a pocket; and the edge flanges of the first and second side edges extend toward the base support to close the pocket along the respective first and second side edges.

[00149] Clause 6: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 5 wherein the bowed portion includes a support rib attached to the back side of the bowed portion and one of the edge flanges.

[00150] Clause 7: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 1 further including a support rib attached to the bowed portion of the seal.

[00151] Clause 8: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 7 wherein the bowed portion includes an engagement side and a back side that opposes the engagement side, and the support rib is attached to the back side of the bowed portion.

[00152] Clause 9: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 8 wherein: the bowed portion of the seal includes a first side edge and a second side edge spaced apart from each other relative to a cross axis; the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end relative to a central axis; the cross axis is transverse to the central axis; and the support rib is attached to the first end of the seal and is spaced apart from the second end of the seal.

[00153] Clause 10: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 9 wherein the support rib extends substantially parallel to the central axis, and the support rib is spaced from the first side edge and the second side edge. [00154] Clause 11: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 10 wherein the support rib further includes a plurality of support ribs each attached to the first end of the seal and each spaced apart from the second end of the seal.

[00155] Clause 12: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 11 wherein the support ribs are spaced apart from each other and disposed substantially parallel to each other.

[00156] Clause 13: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 11 wherein the support ribs are spaced apart from each other and disposed transverse to each other.

[00157] Clause 14: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 7 wherein: the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end relative to a central axis; and the support rib includes an arcuate portion coupled to the first end of the seal and spaced apart from the second end of the seal.

[00158] Clause 15: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 14 wherein the bowed portion of the seal includes an edge flange, and the support rib is attached to the edge flange.

[00159] Clause 16: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 15 wherein the bowed portion includes a summit that aligns with a center line axis, and the arcuate portion includes a side face that faces the center line axis, and the side face curves away from the center line axis to present a concave surface.

[00160] Clause 17: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 15 wherein: the support rib further includes a plurality of support ribs each attached to the first end of the seal and each spaced apart from the second end of the seal; the edge flange is further defined as a plurality of edge flanges; the support ribs each include a respective arcuate portion, with the arcuate portion of one of the support ribs coupled to the first end of the seal and one of the edge flanges, and the arcuate portion of another one of the support ribs coupled to the first end of the seal and another one of the edge flanges; and the arcuate portion of each of the support ribs is a mirror image of each other relative to the central axis.

[00161] Clause 18: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 15 wherein the support rib includes a plurality of connector portions having a different shape than the arcuate portion, and the arcuate portion is disposed between the connector portions of the support rib, and wherein one of the connector portions is attached to the first end of the seal and another one of the connector portions is attached to the edge flange.

[00162] Clause 19: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 14 wherein the arcuate portion of the support rib includes a first attachment location at the first end of the seal and a second attachment location spaced apart from the first attachment location at the first end of the seal, and wherein the arcuate portion curves outwardly away from the first end to an apex of the arcuate portion.

[00163] Clause 20: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 1 wherein the base support includes a first side and a second side opposing each other, and the base support defines a central opening extending through the first and second sides, and wherein the bowed portion arches over the central opening.

[00164] Clause 21 : The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 20 wherein the bowed portion includes an engagement side that faces away from the base support.

[00165] Clause 22: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 21 wherein: the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced from the first end; and the bowed portion extends from the first end toward the second end to a distal edge that is spaced apart from the base support to define an open end of the seal.

[00166] Clause 23: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 1 wherein the base support defines a plurality of apertures, and the seal is secured to the base support at the apertures. [00167] Clause 24: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 23 wherein the seal includes a plurality of attachment features that engage the base support at the apertures to secure the seal to the base support, and wherein the bowed portion is disposed between the attachment features.

[00168] Clause 25: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 23 wherein: the base support includes a first side and a second side opposing each other; the base support defines a central opening extending through the first and second sides; and the apertures are defined through the first and second sides, and the apertures are spaced from the central opening.

[00169] Clause 26: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 25 wherein the base support defines a plurality of recesses spaced from each other, wherein the recesses are open to the central opening, and the seal is secured to the base support at the recesses.

[00170] Clause 27: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 26 wherein the base support includes an inner periphery that defines a boundary of the central opening, and wherein the recesses are defined through the inner periphery.

[00171] Clause 28: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 27 wherein: the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced from the first end; the bowed portion is disposed between the first and second ends; and the first and second ends of the seal engage the base support at the recesses to secure the seal to the base support.

[00172] Clause 29: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 26 wherein: the base support includes a front side and a rear side spaced from each other along a central axis; the recesses are defined along the front and rear sides; the base support includes a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side spaced from each other along a cross axis, and wherein the central axis is transverse to the cross axis; and the apertures are defined along the first and second longitudinal sides.

[00173] Clause 30: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 1 wherein the base support includes a first side and a second side opposing the first side, and wherein the first side of the base support defines a depression and the seal is disposed inside the depression.

[00174] Clause 31 : The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 30 wherein the bowed portion overlaps the first side of the base support inside the depression such that the bowed portion covers the first side to present a pocket between the bowed portion and the first side.

[00175] Clause 32: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 31 wherein: the base support defines a plurality of apertures spaced from each other, and the seal is secured to the base support at the apertures; and the apertures are further defined as a first group of apertures having a first configuration and a second group of apertures having a second configuration different from the first configuration.

[00176] Clause 33: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 30 wherein the first and second sides of the base support defines a plurality of apertures spaced from each other, and each of the apertures are in fluid communication with the depression.

[00177] Clause 34: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 33 wherein: the base support includes a front side and a rear side spaced from each other along a central axis; the seal includes a first platform disposed proximal to the front side and a second platform disposed proximal to the rear side, and the bowed portion is supported via the first and second platforms; the first platform rises above the first side of the base support to a first height and the second platform rises above the first side of the base support to a second height; and the first height is greater than the second height.

[00178] Clause 35: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 34 wherein the base support includes a coupler disposed proximal to the first platform and a tail disposed proximal to the second platform.

[00179] Clause 36: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 1 wherein the base support includes a coupler that extends outwardly away from the seal.

[00180] Clause 37: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 1 wherein the base support is formed of a rigid material, and the seal is formed of an elastomeric material that is different from the rigid material. [00181] Clause 38: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 1 wherein the bowed portion of the seal defines a slit.

[00182] Clause 39: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 38 wherein the base support includes a front side and a rear side spaced from each other along a central axis and the slit is disposed transverse to the central axis.

[00183] Clause 40: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 39 wherein the base support includes a coupler disposed proximal to the front side and a tail disposed proximal to the rear side, and the slit is disposed closer to the tail than to the coupler.

[00184] Clause 41 : The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 38 wherein the bowed portion of the seal defines a first side edge and a second side edge spaced from each other along a cross axis, and the slit is disposed spaced from and substantially parallel to the cross axis.

[00185] Clause 42: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 41 wherein the slit is disposed completely through the bowed portion, the first side edge and the second side edge such that the bowed portion is separated into a first seal portion and a second seal portion.

[00186] Clause 43 : The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 41 wherein the bowed portion includes an engagement side and a back side that opposes the engagement side, and the back side of the bowed portion includes a support rib that attaches to at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge.

[00187] Clause 44: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 43 wherein: the base support includes a front side and a rear side spaced from each other along a central axis; the seal includes a first platform disposed proximal to the front side of the base support and a second platform disposed proximal to the rear side of the base support; and the support rib is attached to the first platform.

[00188] Clause 45: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 1 wherein: the bowed portion includes an engagement side and a back side that opposes the engagement side, and the back side presents a pocket; and the bowed portion and the base support close the pocket relative to a center line axis.

[00189] Clause 46: A valve assembly comprising: a valve body including a seat defining an outlet; a float disposed inside the valve body and movable between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body; a flapper assembly coupled to the float and movable with the float between the first and second positions, wherein the flapper assembly comprises: a base support; and a seal secured to the base support, wherein the seal includes a bowed portion that arches over the base support such that the bowed portion is spaced apart from the base support. [00190] Clause 47: A method of forming a flapper assembly, the method comprising: attaching an elastomeric material to a base support to form a seal that includes a bowed portion that arches over the base support such that the bowed portion is spaced apart from the base support, and wherein the base support is formed of a rigid material that is different from the elastomeric material.

[00191] Clause 48: A flapper assembly for closing an outlet of a valve, the flapper assembly comprising: a base support; and a seal secured to the base support, wherein the seal includes a bowed portion that arches over the base support such that the bowed portion is spaced from the base support.

[00192] Clause 49: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 48 wherein the base support includes a first side and a second side opposing each other, and the base support defines a central opening extending through the first and second sides, and wherein the bowed portion arches over the central opening.

[00193] Clause 50: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 49 wherein the bowed portion includes an engagement side that faces away from the base support.

[00194] Clause 51 : The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 48 wherein the base support defines a plurality of apertures spaced from each other, and the seal is secured to the base support at the apertures.

[00195] Clause 52: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 51 wherein the seal includes a plurality of attachment features that engage the base support at the apertures to secure the seal to the base support, and wherein the bowed portion is disposed between the attachment features.

[00196] Clause 53: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 51 wherein: the base support includes a first side and a second side opposing each other; the base support defines a central opening extending through the first and second sides; and the apertures are defined through the first and second sides, and the apertures are spaced from the central opening.

[00197] Clause 54: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 53 wherein the base support defines a plurality of recesses spaced from each other, wherein the recesses are open to the central opening, and the seal is secured to the base support at the recesses.

[00198] Clause 55: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 54 wherein the base support includes an inner periphery that defines a boundary of the central opening, and wherein the recesses are defined through the inner periphery.

[00199] Clause 56: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 55 wherein: the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced from the first end; the bowed portion is disposed between the first and second ends; and the first and second ends of the seal engage the base support at the recesses to secure the seal to the base support.

[00200] Clause 57: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 54 wherein: the base support includes a front side and a rear side spaced from each other along a central axis; the recesses are defined along the front and rear sides; the base support includes a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side spaced from each other along a cross axis, and wherein the central axis is transverse to the cross axis; and the apertures are defined along the first and second longitudinal sides.

[00201] Clause 58: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 48 wherein the base support includes a first side and a second side opposing the first side, and wherein the first side of the base support defines a depression and the seal is disposed inside the depression.

[00202] Clause 59: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 58 wherein the bowed portion overlaps the first side of the base support inside the depression such that the bowed portion covers the first side to present a pocket between the bowed portion and the first side.

[00203] Clause 60: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 59 wherein: the base support defines a plurality of apertures spaced from each other, and the seal is secured to the base support at the apertures; and the apertures are further defined as a first group of apertures having a first configuration and a second group of apertures having a second configuration different from the first configuration.

[00204] Clause 61: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 58 wherein the first and second sides of the base support defines a plurality of apertures spaced from each other, and each of the apertures are in fluid communication with the depression.

[00205] Clause 62: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 61 wherein: the base support includes a front side and a rear side spaced from each other along a central axis; the seal includes a first platform disposed proximal to the front side and a second platform disposed proximal to the rear side, and the bowed portion is supported via the first and second platforms; the first platform rises above the first side of the base support to a first height and the second platform rises above the first side of the base support to a second height; and the first height is greater than the second height.

[00206] Clause 63 : The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 62 wherein the base support includes a coupler disposed proximal to the first platform and a tail disposed proximal to the second platform.

[00207] Clause 64: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 48 wherein the base support includes a coupler that extends outwardly away from the seal. [00208] Clause 65: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 48 wherein the base support is formed of a rigid material, and the seal is formed of an elastomeric material that is different from the rigid material.

[00209] Clause 66: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 48 wherein the bowed portion of the seal defines a slit.

[00210] Clause 67: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 66 wherein the base support includes a front side and a rear side spaced from each other along a central axis and the slit is disposed transverse to the central axis.

[00211] Clause 68: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 67 wherein the base support includes a coupler disposed proximal to the front side and a tail disposed proximal to the rear side, and the slit is disposed closer to the tail than to the coupler.

[00212] Clause 69: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 66 wherein the bowed portion of the seal defines a first side edge and a second side edge spaced from each other along a cross axis, and the slit is disposed spaced from and substantially parallel to the cross axis.

[00213] Clause 70: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 69 wherein the slit is disposed completely through the bowed portion, the first side edge and the second side edge such that the bowed portion is separated into a first seal portion and a second seal portion.

[00214] Clause 71 : The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 69 wherein the bowed portion includes an engagement side and a back side that opposes the engagement side, and the back side of the bowed portion includes a support rib that attaches to at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge.

[00215] Clause 72: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 71 wherein: the base support includes a front side and a rear side spaced from each other along a central axis; the seal includes a first platform disposed proximal to the front side of the base support and a second platform disposed proximal to the rear side of the base support; and the support rib is attached to the first platform.

[00216] Clause 73 : A valve assembly comprising: a valve body including a seat defining an outlet; a float disposed inside the valve body and movable between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body; a flapper assembly coupled to the float and movable with the float between the first and second positions, wherein the flapper assembly comprises: a base support; and a seal secured to the base support, wherein the seal includes a bowed portion that arches over the base support such that the bowed portion is spaced from the base support. [00217] Clause 74: A method of forming a flapper assembly, the method comprising: attaching an elastomeric material to a base support to form a seal that includes a bowed portion that arches over the base support such that the bowed portion is spaced from the base support, and wherein the base support is formed of a rigid material that is different from the elastomeric material.

[00218] Clause 75: A flapper assembly for closing an outlet of a valve, the flapper assembly comprising: a base support; a seal secured to the base support, wherein the seal includes a bowed portion that arches over the base support such that the bowed portion is spaced apart from the base support; and a support rib attached to the seal along the bowed portion.

[00219] Clause 76: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 75 wherein the bowed portion includes an engagement side and a back side that opposes the engagement side, and the support rib is attached to the back side of the bowed portion.

[00220] Clause 77: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 76 wherein: the bowed portion of the seal includes a first edge flange and a second edge flange spaced apart from each other along a cross axis; the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end along a central axis; the cross axis is transverse to the central axis; and the support rib is attached to the first end of the seal and is spaced apart from the second end of the seal. [00221] Clause 78: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 75 wherein: the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end along a central axis; and the support rib extends substantially parallel to the central axis.

[00222] Clause 79: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 78 wherein: the base support includes a front side and a rear side spaced apart from each other along the central axis; the seal includes a first platform disposed proximal to the front side of the base support and a second platform disposed proximal to the rear side of the base support; and the support rib is attached to the first platform.

[00223] Clause 80: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 78 wherein the support rib is coaxial with the central axis.

[00224] Clause 81: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 75 wherein the support rib further includes a plurality of support ribs spaced apart from each other.

[00225] Clause 82: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 81 wherein: the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end along a central axis; and the support ribs each include an arcuate portion coupled to the first end of the seal, and the arcuate portion of each of the support ribs is a mirror image of each other relative to the central axis.

[00226] Clause 83: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 81 wherein the support ribs are spaced apart from each other and substantially parallel to each other. [00227] Clause 84: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 81 wherein: the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end along a central axis; the support ribs extend from the first end and each are spaced apart from the central axis; and the support ribs are substantially parallel to the central axis.

[00228] Clause 85: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 81 wherein: the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end along a central axis; and the support ribs are spaced apart from each other and extend from the first end of the seal transverse to the central axis.

[00229] Clause 86: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 75 wherein: the bowed portion includes an engagement side and a back side that opposes the engagement side, and the support rib is attached to the back side of the bowed portion; and the support rib includes an arcuate portion.

[00230] Clause 87: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 86 wherein: the bowed portion of the seal includes a first edge flange and a second edge flange spaced apart from each other along a cross axis; the support rib is attached to at least one of the first edge flange and the second edge flange; and the arcuate portion of the support rib is spaced apart from the first edge flange and the second edge flange.

[00231] Clause 88: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 86 wherein the support rib includes a plurality of connector portions attached to the seal, and the arcuate portion is disposed between the connector portions of the support rib.

[00232] Clause 89: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 86 wherein: the seal includes a first end and a second end opposing the first end; and the arcuate portion of the support rib includes a first attachment location along the first end of the seal and a second attachment location spaced apart from the first attachment location along the first end of the seal.

[00233] Clause 90: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 75 wherein: the base support includes a first side and a second side that oppose each other; the base support defines a central opening extending through the first and second sides; the bowed portion arches over the central opening; and the support rib extends outwardly from the seal toward the central opening. [00234] Clause 91: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 90 wherein the support rib extends a first distance toward the central opening to a rib face, and the rib face is spaced apart from the central opening.

[00235] Clause 92: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 75 wherein: the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from each other to define a seal length between the first end and the second end; the support rib extends a rib length from the first end of the seal toward the second end of the seal; and the rib length is one-half to one-quarter of the seal length. [00236] Clause 93 : A valve assembly comprising: a valve body including a seat defining an outlet; a float disposed inside the valve body and movable between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body; a flapper assembly coupled to the float and movable with the float between the first and second positions, wherein the flapper assembly comprises: a base support; a seal secured to the base support, wherein the seal includes a bowed portion that arches over the base support such that the bowed portion is spaced apart from the base support; and a support rib attached to the seal along the bowed portion.

[00237] Clause 94: A method of forming a flapper assembly, the method comprising: attaching an elastomeric material to a base support to form a seal that includes a bowed portion that arches over the base support such that the bowed portion is spaced apart from the base support and a support rib attached to the seal along the bowed portion, and wherein the base support is formed of a rigid material that is different from the elastomeric material.

[00238] Clause 95 : A flapper assembly for closing an outlet of a valve, the flapper assembly comprising: a base support; and a seal secured to the base support, wherein the seal includes a bowed portion that arches over the base support such that the bowed portion is spaced apart from the base support.

[00239] Clause 96: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 95 wherein the bowed portion includes a plurality of edge flanges each extending outwardly toward the base support.

[00240] Clause 97: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 96 wherein: the bowed portion of the seal includes a first side edge and a second side edge spaced from each other relative to opposite sides of the bowed portion; and one of the edge flanges extends outwardly from the first side edge and another one of the edge flanges extends outwardly from the second side edge.

[00241] Clause 98: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 97 wherein the edge flange of the first side edge and/or the second side edge defines an orifice.

[00242] Clause 99: The flapper assembly as set forth in clauses 97 or 98 wherein: the bowed portion includes an engagement side and a back side that opposes the engagement side; the engagement side and the back side each present a bowed configuration that arches over the base support, and the bowed configuration of the back side presents a pocket; and the edge flanges of the first and second side edges extend toward the base support to close the pocket along the respective first and second side edges. [00243] Clause 100: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 99 wherein the bowed portion includes a support rib attached to the back side of the bowed portion and one of the edge flanges.

[00244] Clause 101: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 95 further including a support rib attached to the bowed portion of the seal.

[00245] Clause 102: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 101 wherein the bowed portion includes an engagement side and a back side that opposes the engagement side, and the support rib is attached to the back side of the bowed portion.

[00246] Clause 103: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 102 wherein: the bowed portion of the seal includes a first side edge and a second side edge spaced apart from each other relative to a cross axis; the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end relative to a central axis; the cross axis is transverse to the central axis; and the support rib is attached to the first end of the seal and is spaced apart from the second end of the seal.

[00247] Clause 104: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 103 wherein the support rib extends substantially parallel to the central axis, and the support rib is spaced from the first side edge and the second side edge.

[00248] Clause 105: The flapper assembly as set forth in clauses 103 or 104 wherein the support rib further includes a plurality of support ribs each attached to the first end of the seal and each spaced apart from the second end of the seal.

[00249] Clause 106: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 105 wherein the support ribs are spaced apart from each other and disposed substantially parallel to each other.

[00250] Clause 107: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 11 wherein the support ribs are spaced apart from each other and disposed transverse to each other.

[00251] Clause 108: The flapper assembly as set forth in one of clauses 101-103 wherein: the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end relative to a central axis; and the support rib includes an arcuate portion coupled to the first end of the seal and spaced apart from the second end of the seal.

[00252] Clause 109: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 108 wherein the bowed portion of the seal includes an edge flange, and the support rib is attached to the edge flange. [00253] Clause 110: The flapper assembly as set forth in clauses 108 wherein the bowed portion includes a summit that aligns with a center line axis, and the arcuate portion includes a side face that faces the center line axis, and the side face curves away from the center line axis to present a concave surface. [00254] Clause 111: The flapper assembly as set forth in clauses 109 wherein: the support rib further includes a plurality of support ribs each attached to the first end of the seal and each spaced apart from the second end of the seal; the edge flange is further defined as a plurality of edge flanges; the support ribs each include a respective arcuate portion, with the arcuate portion of one of the support ribs coupled to the first end of the seal and one of the edge flanges, and the arcuate portion of another one of the support ribs coupled to the first end of the seal and another one of the edge flanges; and the support ribs are a mirror image of each other relative to the central axis.

[00255] Clause 112: The flapper assembly as set forth in one of clauses 109 wherein the support rib includes a plurality of connector portions having a different shape than the arcuate portion, and the arcuate portion is disposed between the connector portions of the support rib, and wherein one of the connector portions is attached to the first end of the seal and another one of the connector portions is attached to the edge flange.

[00256] Clause 113: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 108 wherein the arcuate portion of the support rib includes a first attachment location at the first end of the seal and a second attachment location spaced apart from the first attachment location at the first end of the seal, and wherein the arcuate portion curves outwardly away from the first end to an apex of the arcuate portion.

[00257] Clause 114: The flapper assembly as set forth in one of clauses 95-98 or 101 wherein: the base support includes a first side and a second side opposing each other, and the base support defines a central opening extending through the first and second sides, and wherein the bowed portion arches over the central opening; and the bowed portion includes an engagement side that faces away from the base support.

[00258] Clause 115: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 114 wherein: the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced from the first end; and the bowed portion extends from the first end toward the second end to a distal edge that is spaced apart from the base support to define an open end of the seal.

[00259] Clause 116: The flapper assembly as set forth in one of clauses 95-98 wherein: the base support defines a plurality of apertures, and the seal is secured to the base support at the apertures; and the seal includes a plurality of attachment features that engage the base support at the apertures to secure the seal to the base support, and wherein the bowed portion is disposed between the attachment features.

[00260] Clause 117: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 116 wherein: the bowed portion includes an engagement side and a back side that opposes the engagement side, and the back side presents a pocket; and the bowed portion and the base support close the pocket relative to a center line axis.

[00261] Clause 118: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 116 wherein: the base support includes a first side and a second side opposing each other; the base support defines a central opening extending through the first and second sides; and the apertures are defined through the first and second sides, and the apertures are spaced from the central opening. [00262] Clause 119: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 118 wherein the base support defines a plurality of recesses spaced from each other, wherein the recesses are open to the central opening, and the seal is secured to the base support at the recesses.

[00263] Clause 120: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 119 wherein: the base support includes an inner periphery that defines a boundary of the central opening; the recesses are defined through the inner periphery; the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced from the first end; the bowed portion is disposed between the first and second ends; and the first and second ends of the seal engage the base support at the recesses to secure the seal to the base support.

[00264] Clause 121 : The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 95 wherein the base support includes a first side and a second side opposing the first side, and wherein the first side of the base support defines a depression and the seal is disposed inside the depression.

[00265] Clause 122: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 121 wherein the bowed portion overlaps the first side of the base support inside the depression such that the bowed portion covers the first side to present a pocket between the bowed portion and the first side. [00266] Clause 123: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 122 wherein: the base support defines a plurality of apertures spaced from each other, and the seal is secured to the base support at the apertures; and the apertures are further defined as a first group of apertures having a first configuration and a second group of apertures having a second configuration different from the first configuration.

[00267] Clause 124: The flapper assembly as set forth in clauses 121 or 122 wherein the first and second sides of the base support define a plurality of apertures spaced from each other, and each of the apertures are in fluid communication with the depression.

[00268] Clause 125: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 124 wherein: the base support includes a front side and a rear side spaced from each other along a central axis; the seal includes a first platform disposed proximal to the front side and a second platform disposed proximal to the rear side, and the bowed portion is supported via the first and second platforms; the first platform rises above the first side of the base support to a first height and the second platform rises above the first side of the base support to a second height; and the first height is greater than the second height.

[00269] Clause 126: The flapper assembly as set forth in one of clauses 95-103 wherein the bowed portion of the seal defines a slit. [00270] Clause 127: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 126 wherein: the base support includes a front side and a rear side spaced from each other along a central axis and the slit is disposed transverse to the central axis; and the base support includes a coupler disposed proximal to the front side and a tail disposed proximal to the rear side, and the slit is disposed closer to the tail than to the coupler. [00271] Clause 128: The flapper assembly as set forth in clause 126 wherein: the bowed portion of the seal defines a first side edge and a second side edge spaced from each other along a cross axis, and the slit is disposed spaced from and substantially parallel to the cross axis; and the slit is disposed completely through the bowed portion, the first side edge and the second side edge such that the bowed portion is separated into a first seal portion and a second seal portion.

[00272] While the best modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A flapper assembly for closing an outlet of a valve, the flapper assembly comprising: a base support; and a seal secured to the base support, wherein the seal includes a bowed portion that arches over the base support such that the bowed portion is spaced apart from the base support.

2. The flapper assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the bowed portion includes a plurality of edge flanges each extending outwardly toward the base support.

3. The flapper assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein: the bowed portion of the seal includes a first side edge and a second side edge spaced from each other relative to opposite sides of the bowed portion; and one of the edge flanges extends outwardly from the first side edge and another one of the edge flanges extends outwardly from the second side edge.

4. The flapper assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein the edge flange of the first side edge and/or the second side edge defines an orifice.

5. The flapper assembly as set forth in claims 3 or 4 wherein: the bowed portion includes an engagement side and a back side that opposes the engagement side; the engagement side and the back side each present a bowed configuration that arches over the base support, and the bowed configuration of the back side presents a pocket; and the edge flanges of the first and second side edges extend toward the base support to close the pocket along the respective first and second side edges.

6. The flapper assembly as set forth in claim 1 further including a support rib attached to the bowed portion of the seal.

7. The flapper assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein: the bowed portion includes an engagement side and a back side that opposes the engagement side, and the support rib is attached to the back side of the bowed portion; the bowed portion of the seal includes a first side edge and a second side edge spaced apart from each other relative to a cross axis; the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end relative to a central axis; the cross axis is transverse to the central axis; and the support rib is attached to the first end of the seal and is spaced apart from the second end of the seal.

8. The flapper assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein the support rib extends substantially parallel to the central axis, and the support rib is spaced from the first side edge and the second side edge.

9. The flapper assembly as set forth in claims 7 or 8 wherein the support rib further includes a plurality of support ribs each attached to the first end of the seal and each spaced apart from the second end of the seal.

10. The flapper assembly as set forth in one of claims 6 or 7 wherein: the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end relative to a central axis; and the support rib includes an arcuate portion coupled to the first end of the seal and spaced apart from the second end of the seal.

11. The flapper assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein the bowed portion includes a summit that aligns with a center line axis, and the arcuate portion includes a side face that faces the center line axis, and the side face curves away from the center line axis to present a concave surface.

12. The flapper assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein: the support rib further includes a plurality of support ribs each attached to the first end of the seal and each spaced apart from the second end of the seal; the bowed portion includes a plurality of edge flanges each extending outwardly toward the base support; the support ribs each include a respective arcuate portion, with the arcuate portion of one of the support ribs coupled to the first end of the seal and one of the edge flanges, and the arcuate portion of another one of the support ribs coupled to the first end of the seal and another one of the edge flanges; and the support ribs are a mirror image of each other relative to the central axis.

13. The flapper assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein: the bowed portion includes an edge flange extending outwardly toward the base support; and the support rib includes a plurality of connector portions having a different shape than the arcuate portion, and the arcuate portion is disposed between the connector portions of the support rib, and wherein one of the connector portions is attached to the first end of the seal and another one of the connector portions is attached to the edge flange.

14. The flapper assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein the arcuate portion of the support rib includes a first attachment location at the first end of the seal and a second attachment location spaced apart from the first attachment location at the first end of the seal, and wherein the arcuate portion curves outwardly away from the first end to an apex of the arcuate portion.

15. The flapper assembly as set forth in one of claims 1-4 or 6 wherein: the base support includes a first side and a second side opposing each other, and the base support defines a central opening extending through the first and second sides; and the bowed portion arches over the central opening; and the bowed portion includes an engagement side that faces away from the base support.

16. The flapper assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein: the seal includes a first end and a second end spaced from the first end; and the bowed portion extends from the first end toward the second end to a distal edge that is spaced apart from the base support to define an open end of the seal.

17. The flapper assembly as set forth in one of claims 1-4 wherein: the base support defines a plurality of apertures, and the seal is secured to the base support at the apertures; and the seal includes a plurality of attachment features that engage the base support at the apertures to secure the seal to the base support, and wherein the bowed portion is disposed between the attachment features.

18. The flapper assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein: the bowed portion includes an engagement side and a back side that opposes the engagement side, and the back side presents a pocket; and the bowed portion and the base support close the pocket relative to a center line axis.

19. The flapper assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein: the base support includes a first side and a second side opposing each other; the base support defines a central opening extending through the first and second sides; the apertures are defined through the first and second sides, and the apertures are spaced from the central opening; and the base support defines a plurality of recesses spaced from each other, wherein the recesses are open to the central opening, and the seal is secured to the base support at the recesses.

20. The flapper assembly as set forth in claims 1-4, 6, or 7 wherein the bowed portion of the seal defines a slit.