US20040222229A1 - Valve for dispensing liquids and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

The valved liquid dispenser allows hands-free operation of the dispenser while preventing leakage caused by positive pressures within the container. The valved liquid dispenser provides a passageway and diaphragm that operate by applying suction to the proximal end of the valve. In another embodiment of the valved liquid dispenser, the diaphragm includes a duckbill or other venting means that is supported by a diaphragm support to allow liquid to flow through the passageway similar to the first embodiment, but also allows for pressure equalization within the container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The field of invention relates to liquid dispensers, and more particularly, to liquid dispensers with valves.[0001]
PROBLEM
• Liquid containers and the plethora of related caps, tops and closures can be found everywhere. From the office to the softball fields, these containers are used by workers and athletes alike. Many of these containers employ differing valve top technologies that allow a user to close and open a container with their hands without having to thread a top on and off the container. A common top found in many sports drink containers is the ubiquitous push/pull top, which requires a user to pull the outer top shell upward thereby creating a passageway for the liquid to flow through. However these containers require a user to force open and close the top when using the container. In addition, these tops are prone to leak even when closed, because either the seal becomes worn and leaks or because obstructions disallow the complete sealed closure of the top.[0002]
• Another leak-free top technology in use is the slit, or duckbill, valve top arrangement that can be found on other liquid containers. This arrangement provides a valve top material that contains a slit to allow liquid to flow through when sufficient suction is applied to the top. However, these slit arrangements frequently leak under normal usage and usually leak when the pressure in the bottle, either by squeezing or expansion of gases in the liquid, exceeds atmospheric pressure.[0003]
• Information relevant to attempts to address these problems can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,444 issued 18 Apr. 2000 to Sugg; U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,952 issued 28 Dec. 1999 to Lucas; U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,236 issued 4 Dec. 2001 to Wong; U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,570 issued 23 Oct. 2001 to Atkin et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,230 issued 27 Mar. 2001 to Wan et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,589 issued 27 Jun. 2000 to Matsuyama et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,419 issued 16 May 2000 to Kruger et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,471 issued 29 Jul. 1997 to Green; U.S. Pat. No. 4,121,731 issued 24 Oct. 1978 to Okerstrum; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,964,631 issued 22 Jun. 1976 to Albert. However, each one of these references suffers from one or more of the following disadvantages: valve assemblies requiring manual push/pull operation, leaking valve assemblies due to poor seals, and leaking valve assemblies when the container is subjected to pressure. For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a liquid dispenser that allows a user to quickly and easily drink liquids from a container while providing a hands-free operation and a leak-free seal when no suction is applied or when the container is subjected to a compressive force, such as squeezing.[0004]
SOLUTION
• The above-described problems are solved and a technical advance achieved by the present valved liquid dispenser. The invention described herein relies on a novel valve assembly that includes a novel diaphragm arrangement to allow a user to use the container without operating some valve or top. Furthermore, the novel valve assembly prevents leaking of the container even when compressive forces are applied to the container.[0005]
• The novel valve for dispensing liquids from containers comprises: a valve body having a proximal end opening and a distal end opening and defining an axial passageway therebetween; a diaphragm support located within the axial passageway; a diaphragm seat located within the axial passageway between the distal end opening and the diaphragm support, the diaphragm seat comprising a constricted section of the axial passageway; and a diaphragm sealingly engaged within the axial passageway, the diaphragm having a diaphragm hub and a diaphragm body, wherein the diaphragm is supported between the diaphragm seat and the diaphragm support, the diaphragm hub and the axial passageway define a first diaphragm body area adjacent the distal end opening and the hub and said passageway define a second diaphragm body area adjacent the proximal end opening, whereby the diaphragm body flexes toward the proximal end opening when negative pressure is applied to the proximal end opening and the diaphragm body doesn't flex toward the proximal end opening when positive pressure is applied to the distal end opening.[0006]
• In addition, the diaphragm seat further comprises a shape to direct liquid toward the diaphragm hub. More specifically, the shape is hour-glass shaped. Moreover, the diaphragm hub may comprise a duckbill. The diaphragm support comprises: prongs extending substantially parallel to the passageway from the diaphragm support toward the distal end opening to support the duckbill. The diaphragm further includes a circumference. The circumference is selected from the group consisting of circular, elliptical, oblong and oval.[0007]
• Numerous other features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.[0008]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-section view of a first embodiment of the present valved liquid dispenser;[0009]
• FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-section view of another embodiment of the present valved liquid dispenser;[0010]
• FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section view of a first embodiment of the valve;[0011]
• FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-section view of the first body member of the embodiment of FIG. 2;[0012]
• FIG. 3B illustrates an end view of the first body member, valve side, of the embodiment of FIG. 2;[0013]
• FIG. 3C illustrates an end view of the first body member, suction side, of the embodiment of FIG. 2;[0014]
• FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-section view of the diaphragm of the embodiment of FIG. 2;[0015]
• FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the diaphragm of the embodiment of FIG. 2;[0016]
• FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-section view of the second body member of the embodiment of FIG. 2;[0017]
• FIG. 5B illustrates an end view of the second body member, container side, of the embodiment of FIG. 2;[0018]
• FIG. 5C illustrates an end view of the second body member, valve side, of the embodiment of FIG. 2;[0019]
• FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-section view of another aspect of the diaphragm of the embodiment of FIG. 2;[0020]
• FIG. 6B illustrates a top view of the diaphragm of FIG. 6A;[0021]
• FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-section view of another aspect of the diaphragm of the embodiment of FIG. 2;[0022]
• FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of the diaphragm of FIG. 7A;[0023]
• FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section view of another embodiment of the present valved liquid dispenser;[0024]
• FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-section view of the first body member of the embodiment of FIG. 8;[0025]
• FIG. 9B illustrates an end view of the first body member, valve side, of the embodiment of FIG. 8;[0026]
• FIG. 9C illustrates an end view of the first body member, suction side, of the embodiment of FIG. 8;[0027]
• FIG. 10A illustrates a cross-section view of the diaphragm of the embodiment of FIG. 8;[0028]
• FIG. 10B illustrates a top view of the diaphragm of the embodiment of FIG. 8;[0029]
• FIG. 11A illustrates a cross-section view of the second body member of the embodiment of FIG. 8;[0030]
• FIG. 11B illustrates an end view of the second body member, container side, of the embodiment of FIG. 8;[0031]
• FIG. 11C illustrates an end view of the second body member, valve side, of the embodiment of FIG. 8;[0032]
• FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section view of another aspect of the first member of the embodiment of FIG. 8;[0033]
• FIG. 13A illustrates a cross-section view of another aspect of the diaphragm of the embodiment of FIG. 8;[0034]
• FIG. 13B illustrates a top view of the diaphragm of FIG. 13A; and[0035]
• FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the valve with the diaphragm in operation.[0036]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Throughout this description, terms of orientation are used to refer to a particular end of the[0037]valves102 and202. For example, the term “container side” means the end ofvalves102 and202 that are in direct contact with and usually attached to thecontainers104 and204. Also, the term “suction side” means the end of thevalves102 and202 that are in direct contact with a suction or negative pressure, either provided by a human or otherwise. In other words, the container side ofvalves102 and202 first contact the liquid in thecontainers104 and204 and then as suction is applied to thevalves102 and202, the liquid flows through thevalves102 and202 toward the suction end to be consumed by a user or to be dispensed for other purposes. In addition, the use of the term “proximal end” means that end closer to a suction source and the use of the term “distal end” means that end closer to the container.
• In addition,[0038]valves102 and202 may include two valve body pieces, namely a first body member and a second body member, as described below. Typically, the first body member and the second body member each have a valve side, in addition to the container side and suction side, respectively. The term “valve side” means the ends of the first body member and second body member that face the diaphragm of the present valved liquid dispenser. Therefore, the first body member has a container side and a valve side and the second body member has valve side and a suction side.
• FIG. 1A illustrates in[0039]embodiment100 the present valved liquid dispenser including avalve102 andcontainer104. The present valvedliquid dispenser100 is preferably used withcontainers104 that are preferably collapsible. Thesecontainers104 are commonly known and include sacks, bags, packets, and pouches that are capable of containing liquids. In addition,containers104 can be flexible or rigid. FIG. 1B illustrates in anotherembodiment200 the present valved liquiddispenser including valve202 andcontainer204. The present valvedliquid dispenser200 is preferably used withcontainers204 that are preferably rigid. These containers are commonly known and include sports bottles, drink bottles, and plastic bottles. Furthermore,containers204 can be flexible or rigid.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of[0040]valve102 that includes avalve body106. Thevalve body106 can be comprised of a one-piece housing (not shown) or thevalve body106 can be comprised of two or more pieces, such as the two shown in FIG. 2. Thevalve body106 includes afirst body member108 and asecond body member110. Thefirst body member108 and thesecond body member110 are connected together by threads, or alternatively by other similar type fastening methods such as, welded joints, epoxies, resins, glues, screws, or tape. Thefirst body member108 is attached to thecontainer104 by avalve welding126, or alternatively by other similar fastening methods such as, threads or epoxies. Thevalve102 further includes adiaphragm112, which will be discussed in more detail below. FIG. 2 also depicts the firstbody member passageway122 and secondbody member passageway124, which together form a passageway for liquid to pass through thevalve102. The secondbody member passageway124 preferably includes a second bodymember passageway constriction117. The large black arrows depict the liquid flow direction through thevalve102 when suction is applied to the end of thefirst body member108.
• Further, the[0041]diaphragm112 is arranged and supported within thevalve102 by adiaphragm support114 and thediaphragm seat120. Thediaphragm112 is snuggly seated between thediaphragm support114 and thediaphragm seat120. This arrangement creates a diaphragmfirst area116 and a diaphragmsecond area118, both of which are part of the novelty of the present valvedliquid dispenser100.
• FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-section view of the[0042]first body member108 of the embodiment of FIG. 2. As shown, thefirst body member108 includes a firstbody member opening128. FIG. 3B illustrates the valve side end view of thefirst member108. The valve side of thefirst body member108 is opposite the firstbody member opening128. This view illustrates a plurality of firstbody member orifices130, which are orifices for liquid to flow from the container to the suction side of thevalve102. Thefirst body member108 also includes adiaphragm support114. FIG. 3C illustrates the suction side end view of thefirst member108.
• FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-section view of[0043]diaphragm112 of the present valvedliquid dispenser100, which includes adiaphragm hub132 and adiaphragm body134. Thediaphragm hub132 is shaped so as to support and align thediaphragm112 on thediaphragm support114. Further, the shape of the proximal and distal ends of thediaphragm hub132 may be contoured to enable precise fluid flow within thevalve body106, as is shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of thediaphragm112. This view illustratesdiaphragm body indentations136, which further contribute to the novelty of the present valvedliquid dispenser100.
• FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-section view of the[0044]second body member110 of the present embodiment of thevalved liquid dispenser100.Second body member110 includes a secondbody member orifice138 and a secondbody member opening140. The secondbody member orifice138 may be tapered, narrowed or contoured relative to the secondbody member passageway124, to direct the liquid toward the central portion of thediaphragm112. It can also be tapered to decrease the volume of liquid that contacts the diaphragmfirst area116. FIG. 5B illustrates a container side end view of thesecond body member110 and FIG. 5C illustrates a valve side end view of thesecond body member110.
• FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-section view of another aspect of the diaphragm of the present embodiment of valved[0045]liquid dispenser100. In this aspect, thediaphragm142 is thinner thandiaphragm112.Diaphragm142 includesdiaphragm hub144 anddiaphragm body146. FIG. 6B illustrates a top view of the diaphragm of FIG. 6A including diaphragm indentations similar or identical to those of thediaphragm body indentation136 of FIG. 4B.
• In yet another aspect of the present valved[0046]liquid dispenser100, FIG. 7A illustratesdiaphragm148, which includes adiaphragm hub150 and adiaphragm body152. In addition,diaphragm148 includes adiaphragm ridge154, which increases the sealing area between thediaphragm148 and thediaphragm seat120. FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of the diaphragm of FIG. 7A and shows the location of thediaphragm ridge154.
• FIGS. 1A-7B illustrate an embodiment of the[0047]present embodiment100 of thevalve102 for dispensing liquids. In another embodiment of the valve for dispensing liquids, a different diaphragm is used with a different support structure. FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section view of anotherembodiment200 of thevalve202 of the present valved liquid dispenser that includes a valve body206. The valve body206 can be comprised of a one-piece housing (not shown) or the valve body206 can be comprised of two or more pieces, such as the two shown in FIG. 8. The valve body206 includes afirst body member208 and asecond body member210. Thefirst body member208 and thesecond body member210 are connected together by threads, or alternatively by other similar type fastening methods such as, welded joints, epoxies, resins, glues, screws, or tape. Thefirst body member208 is attached to thecontainer204 by avalve welding226, or alternatively by other similar fastening methods such as, threads or epoxies. Thevalve202 further includes adiaphragm212, which will be discussed in more detail below. FIG. 8 also depicts the firstbody member passageway222 and secondbody member passageway224, which together form a passageway for liquid to pass through thevalve202. The secondbody member passageway224 preferably includes a second bodymember passageway constriction217. The large black arrows depict the liquid flow direction through thevalve202 when suction is applied to the end of thefirst body member208.
• Further, the[0048]diaphragm212 is arranged and supported within thevalve202 by adiaphragm support214 and thediaphragm seat220. Thediaphragm212 is snuggly seated between thediaphragm support214 and thediaphragm seat220. This arrangement creates a diaphragmfirst area216 and a diaphragmsecond area218, both of which are part of the novelty of the present valvedliquid dispenser200.
• FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-section view of[0049]first body member208 of the embodiment of the present valvedliquid dispenser200. FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-section view of thefirst body member208 of thevalve202. As shown, thefirst body member208 includes a firstbody member opening228. Further, thefirst body member208 includes one or more of the diaphragm supports214, to support thediaphragm212. FIG. 9B illustrates the valve side end view of thefirst member208. This view illustrates a plurality of firstbody member orifices230, which are orifices for liquid to flow from the container to the suction side of thevalve202. FIG. 9C illustrates the suction side end view of thefirst member208.
• FIG. 10A illustrates a cross-section view of the diaphragm of the[0050]diaphragm212 of the present valvedliquid dispenser200, which includes adiaphragm hub232 and adiaphragm body234. Thediaphragm hub232 includes adiaphragm slit236. FIG. 10B illustrates a container side top view of thediaphragm212. This view illustrates diaphragm body indentations, similar to those ofdiaphragm body indentation136 of FIG. 4B.
• FIG. 11A illustrates a cross-section view of the[0051]second body member210 of the present embodiment of thevalved liquid dispenser200.Second body member210 includes a secondbody member orifice240 and a secondbody member opening238. The secondbody member orifice240 may be tapered, narrowed or contoured relative to the secondbody member passageway224, to direct the liquid toward the central portion of thediaphragm212. It can also be tapered to decrease the volume of liquid that contacts the diaphragmfirst area216. FIG. 11B illustrates a container side end view of thesecond body member210 and FIG. 11C illustrates a valve side end view of thesecond body member210.
• In FIG. 12 another aspect of the[0052]first body member242 is illustrated, depicting slightly longer diaphragm supports244 than those shown indiaphragm support214 of FIG. 9A. These slightly longer diaphragm supports244 are for supporting slightly thinner diaphragms, such asdiaphragm246 shown in FIG. 13A.
• FIG. 13A illustrates a cross-section view of another aspect of the[0053]diaphragm246 of the present valvedliquid dispenser200, which includes adiaphragm hub248 and adiaphragm body250. Thediaphragm hub248 includes adiaphragm slit252 and adiaphragm ridge254. FIG. 13B illustrates a container side top view of thediaphragm246. This view illustrates diaphragm body indentations, similar to those ofdiaphragm body indentation136 of FIG. 4B.
• FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the valve with the[0054]diaphragm112 in operation. The outer circumference of thediaphragm112 is illustrated slightly bent towards the first body member passageway.
• The present valved[0055]liquid dispenser100 is preferably used withcontainers104 that are preferably collapsible. Thesecontainers104 are commonly known and include sacks, bags, packets, and pouches that are capable of containing liquids. In addition,containers104 can be flexible or rigid. The present valvedliquid dispenser200 is preferably used withcontainers204 that are preferably rigid. These containers are commonly known and include sports bottles, drink bottles, and plastic bottles. Furthermore,containers204 can be flexible or rigid.
• Diaphragms[0056]112,142, and148 are preferably one piece, but may comprise several pieces.Diaphragms212 and246 are preferably one piece, but may be two pieces as shown bydiaphragm246.Diaphragms112,142,148,212, and246 can also be made of differing thickness depending on their composition.Diaphragms112,142,148,212, and246 are preferably comprised of a flexible or soft material such as flexible PVC, polyurethane, silicone, TPE, TPR, TPO, Thermoset elastomer, plastics, rubbers, polyolefins, and any copolymers, combinations, and blends, of the above. TPE means a thermoplastic vulcanizate or thermoplastic elastomer alloys and include Butyl/polypropylene, EPDM/polypropylene or other soft elastomeric material. Flexible PVC means poly vinyl chloride modified with plasticizers. TPR means thermoplastic rubber alloys and include soft elastomeric materials. TPO means thermoplastic olefin elastomer. Thermoset elastomers include EDPM, HNBR, NBR, Butyl Rubber, Viton, Nitrile, Neoprene, SBR, Natural rubber, Kypalon, and other similar materials.
• The thickness of[0057]diaphragms112,142,148,212, and246 vary according to their composition. Preferably,diaphragms112,142,148,212, and246 thickness ranges between 0.001 to 1 inch.
• The diameter of[0058]diaphragms112,142,148,212, and246 varies depending on the technology of the molding processes and the desired uses of the valvedliquid dispensers100 and200. Preferably, the diameter ofdiaphragms112,142,148,212, and246 ranges between 0.025 to 12 inches.
• Diaphragms[0059]112,142,148,212, and246 preferably includediaphragm body indentation136, as shown in FIG. 4B. Thesediaphragm body indentations136 preferably are shaped or contoured to decrease the suction required to operate thevalves102 and202 and to increase the volume or flow of liquid that can flow through thevalves102 and202. The shape of thesediaphragm body indentations136 may be any shape that enables the flow of liquid while retaining the novel characteristics of the valve. Some shapes of the circumference of thediaphragms112,142,148,212, and246 include multipointed, non-uniform or asymmetrical shapes, and other shapes such as circular, elliptical, oblong, oval, and star-shaped. These circumference shapes comprise the diaphragm body indentations136.
• [0060]Diaphragm hub234 includes adiaphragm slit252 or other venting means anddiaphragm hub248 includes adiaphragm slit252 or other venting means. These slit arrangements are also commonly known as duckbills. Alternatively, other venting valves such as flapper valves or ball check valves can be utilized. The venting arrangement can be one piece, such asdiaphragm hub234 or can be two or more pieces, such asdiaphragm hub248. When the diaphragm hub is several pieces, the diaphragm slit252 and thediaphragm hub248 or other vent can be the same or different compositions of the materials mentioned above. For example, in FIG.13A diaphragm body234 is LDPE or similar material and diaphragm slit252 comprises TPE, Thermal set rubber, or other similar material.
• [0061]Diaphragm body ridge154 and254 may be a single ridge or a plurality of ridges, preferably the number of ridges is between 1 and 100. Thediaphragm body ridge154 and254 increase the sealing area between thediaphragm seat120 and220 and the diaphragms. Further,diaphragm body ridge154 and254 assists in sealing, between thediaphragm seat120 and220 and the diaphragms, when pulpy, fibrous or viscous material or liquid is dispensed through thevalves102 and202.
• [0062]Valve body106 and206 may be comprised of rigid moldable materials. Preferablyvalve body106 and206 are comprised of materials selected from polyester, polystyrene, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), polyamide polyacetal, polyolefins including polypropylene and polyethylene, polycarbonate, PVC, PVDC, and EVOH. Further, the composition ofvalve body106 and206 may be copolymers, or blends of the above stated materials or other materials that provide a rigid body. In addition, since thefirst body members108 and208 andsecond body members110 and210 are molded or hand made parts, they can be of any dimension.
• As mentioned above, diaphragm supports[0063]214 and244 may be different lengths or shapes to supportdiaphragms212 and246 of differing thicknesses or other venting means. Also, diaphragm supports214 and244 may comprise one, two or more supports Preferably, thefirst body member208 includes four diaphragm supports214 and244, respectively.
• The[0064]diaphragm support214 functions by supporting thediaphragms212 and246 between thediaphragm seat220 and thediaphragm support214, while allowing thediaphragms212 and246 to flex or bend when suction or negative pressure is applied to the firstbody member opening228.Diaphragms112,142, and148 and theirrespective diaphragm hubs132,144, and150 support thediaphragms112,142, and148 against thediaphragm seat120 so as to allow thediaphragms112,142, and148 to bend or flex when suction or negative pressure is applied to the firstbody member opening128. Thediaphragm support244 operates in the same manner.
• The amount of suction required to operate the[0065]valves102 and202 depends on several factors. Furthermore, some of these factors contribute to the novel feature of the valve to overcome positive pressures created by compressive forces placed on thecontainers104 and204. One such factor is the width of the second bodymember passageway constrictions117 and217. These second bodymember passageway constrictions117 and217 direct the flow of liquid toward the central portion of thediaphragms112,142,148,212, and246. As the width of the second body member passageways124 and224 are increased, more diaphragm surface area is exposed to the liquid pressure and therefore less suction is required to activate thevalves102 and202.
• In addition, another factor is the thickness and composition of material of the[0066]diaphragm body134,146,152,234, and250. For example, ifdiaphragm body134,146,152,234, and250 is composed of a LDPE type material or other similar material, then the thickness would be less than if it were composed of a more soft or flexible material, such as TPE. In other words, the thickness and composition of thediaphragm body134,146,152,234, and250 can be varied depending on use, container and desired application. For a soft flexible material, thediaphragm body134,146,152,234, and250 would be a greater thickness than for material of less soft material.
• Further, another factor is the diameter of the diaphragm[0067]first areas116 and216 relative to the diameter of thediaphragm body134,146,152,234, and250. Where the diameter of thediaphragm body134,146,152,234, and250 is substantially wider than the diaphragmfirst areas116 and216, the greater resistance to positive pressure within thecontainers104 and204 thevalves102 and202 will be able to oppose.
• The above-described[0068]valves102 and202 can be used with all types of containers. Preferably, thevalve202, as described herein, can be used with flexible sports bottles to provide a sports bottle with a hand-free top. Moreover,valve202 can be used with flexible soft drink bottles and containers. Furthermore,valve202 can be used in all types of liquid containers, besides liquid dispensers. For instance, when a user pumps liquid soap from a dispenser, negative pressure is created within the container. This negative pressure may be equalized with the atmospheric pressure by the use of thevalve202. In addition,valve202 can be welded to empty collapsible containers that will be filled at a later time.
• Preferably,[0069]valve102 can be used with collapsible drink containers such as children's collapsible drink containers or boxes. In addition,valve102 can be used with the soft drink syrup storage boxes that presently have connections that leak when connecting and disconnecting from the delivery system,valve102 as described herein would eliminate this leaking problem.
• Further, the[0070]valves102 and202, as described herein, could be used with all types of bottles, cans, jars and boxes that contain and dispense liquids, fluids, and other types of flowable matter.
• The[0071]valved liquid dispenser200 may be filled by connecting thevalve202 to an apparatus that is provides liquid under positive pressure and allowing the liquid to flow through the diaphragm slit236 into thecontainer204. In this aspect of this process, anempty container204 is attached to avalve202 and then filled by the apparatus.
• Variations on the material of the diaphragms, containers, and bodies may be made to accommodate other uses or desires of the present valved liquid dispenser. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description.[0072]

Claims (25)

What is claimed:

1. A valved liquid dispenser comprising:

a container having at least one opening;

a valve body having a proximal end opening and a distal end opening and defining an axial passageway therebetween, said distal end opening in contact with said at least one container opening;

a diaphragm support means located within said axial passageway;

a diaphragm seat means located within said axial passageway; and

a diaphragm means, sealingly engaged within said axial passageway and supported between said diaphragm seat means and said diaphragm support means, responsive to negative pressure at said proximal end opening and non-responsive to positive pressure at said distal end opening.

2. The valved liquid dispenser ofclaim 1 wherein said diaphragm support means comprises:

pronged support means for supporting said diaphragm means and not preventing said liquid to flow through said axial passageway.

3. The valved liquid dispenser ofclaim 1 wherein said diaphragm seat means comprises:

an axial passageway constriction means for supporting said diaphragm means and directing said liquid toward a central part of said diaphragm means.

4. The valved liquid dispenser ofclaim 1 wherein said diaphragm means comprises:

a venting means for venting air back into said container to equalize pressure.

5. The valved liquid dispenser ofclaim 4 wherein said venting means is selected from the group consisting of duckbills, flapper valves, and ball check valves.

6. The valved liquid dispenser ofclaim 1 wherein said valve body comprises:

a first body member and a second body member, wherein said first body member and a second body member are joined substantially near said diaphragm means.

7. The valved liquid dispenser ofclaim 1 wherein said valve body is a material selected from the group consisting of polyester, polystyrene, ABS polyamides, polyacetal, polyolefins including polypropylene, and polyethylene, polycarbonate, PVC, PVDC and EVOH.

8. The valved liquid dispenser ofclaim 7 wherein said material further comprises copolymers, or blends of said materials.

9. The valved liquid dispenser ofclaim 1 wherein said diaphragm is a material selected from the group consisting of an elastomeric material.

10. The valved liquid dispenser ofclaim 1 wherein said diaphragm is a material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyurethanes, plastics, silicone TPE, TPR, TPO, Thermoset elastomer, rubbers including Butyl/polypropylene, EPDM/polypropylene, EDPM, HNBR, NBR, Butyl, Viton, Nitrile, Neoprene, SBR, Natural rubber and Kypalon.

11. The valved liquid dispenser ofclaim 10 wherein said material further comprises blends and copolymers of said materials.

12. A beverage dispenser operable by a user applying suction comprising:

a container having at least one opening;

a valve body having a proximal end opening and a distal end opening and defining an axial passageway therebetween, said distal end opening in contact with said at least one container opening;

a diaphragm support located within said axial passageway;

a diaphragm seat located within said axial passageway between said distal end opening and said diaphragm support, said diaphragm seat comprising a constricted section of said axial passageway; and

a diaphragm sealingly engaged within said axial passageway, said diaphragm having a diaphragm hub and a diaphragm body, wherein said diaphragm is supported between said diaphragm seat and said diaphragm support, said diaphragm hub and said axial passageway define a diaphragm first area adjacent said distal end opening and said hub and said passageway define a diaphragm second area adjacent said proximal end opening, whereby said diaphragm body flexes toward said proximal end opening when suction by said user is applied to said proximal end opening and said diaphragm body doesn't flex toward said proximal end opening when positive pressure is applied to said distal end opening.

13. The beverage dispenser ofclaim 12 wherein said axial passageway further comprises a first body member passageway and a second body member passageway.

14. The beverage dispenser ofclaim 13 wherein said second body member passageway comprises a second body member passageway constriction.

15. The beverage dispenser ofclaim 14 wherein said constriction section is hour-glass shaped.

16. The beverage dispenser ofclaim 12 wherein said diaphragm hub comprises a duckbill, said duckbill extending substantially toward said distal end opening.

17. The beverage dispenser ofclaim 12 wherein said diaphragm support comprises:

prongs extending substantially parallel to said axial passageway from said diaphragm support toward said distal end opening to support said duckbill.

18. The beverage dispenser ofclaim 12 further wherein said diaphragm further includes a circumference.

19. The beverage dispenser ofclaim 17 wherein said circumference is asymmetrical or nonuniform.

20. The beverage dispenser ofclaim 19 wherein said circumference is selected from the group consisting of circular, elliptical, oblong, oval, star-shaped or multipointed.

21. A beverage valve comprising:

a first body member having a first body member proximal end and a first body member distal end;

a second body member having a second body member proximal end and a second body member distal end, wherein said first body member distal end and said second body member proximal end are sealingly connected to create an axial beverage passageway therebetween; and

a flexible diaphragm sealingly engaged with said axial beverage passageway, wherein said flexible diaphragm defines a plug to prevent said beverage from flowing from said second body member distal end to said first body member proximal end, and said diaphragm defines a passageway from said body distal end to said housing proximal end when suction is applied to said distal end.

22. The valve ofclaim 21 wherein said flexible diaphragm is a material selected from the group consisting of Polyolefins, polyurethanes, plastics, silicone TPE, TPR, TPO, Thermoset elastomer, rubbers including Butyl/polypropylene, EPDM/polypropylene, EDPM, HNBR, NBR, Butyl, Viton, Nitrile, Neoprene, SBR, Natural rubber and Kypalon.

23. The valve ofclaim 21 wherein said first body member and said second body member is a material selected from the group consisting of polyester, polystyrene, ABS polyamides, polyacetal, polyolefins including polypropylene, and polyethylene, polycarbonate, PVC, PVDC and EVOH.

24. A method for dispensing a liquid from a dispenser operable by applying suction, said dispenser comprising a container having at least one container opening; a valve body having a proximal end opening and a distal end opening and defining an axial passageway therebetween, said distal end opening in contact with said at least one container opening; a diaphragm support located within said axial passageway; a diaphragm seat located within said axial passageway between said distal end opening and said diaphragm support, said diaphragm seat comprising a constricted section of said axial passageway; and a diaphragm sealingly engaged within said axial passageway, said diaphragm having a diaphragm hub and a diaphragm body, wherein said diaphragm is supported between said diaphragm seat and said diaphragm support, said diaphragm hub and said axial passageway define a diaphragm first area adjacent said distal end opening and said hub and said passageway define a diaphragm second area adjacent said proximal end opening, said method comprising:

applying suction to said proximal end opening;

flexing said diaphragm toward said proximal end opening when suction is applied by said user to said proximal end opening;

flowing liquid through said passageway; and

dispensing said liquid from said proximal end opening.

25. A method for filling a valved liquid dispenser with liquid, said valved liquid dispenser comprising a container having at least one opening; a valve body having a proximal end opening and a distal end opening and defining an axial passageway therebetween, said distal end opening in contact with said at least one container opening; a diaphragm support located within said axial passageway; a diaphragm seat located within said axial passageway between said distal end opening and said diaphragm support, said diaphragm seat comprising a constricted section of said axial passageway; a diaphragm sealingly engaged within said axial passageway, said diaphragm having a diaphragm hub and a diaphragm body, wherein said diaphragm is supported between said diaphragm seat and said diaphragm support, said diaphragm hub and said axial passageway define a diaphragm first area adjacent said distal end opening and said hub and said passageway define a diaphragm second area adjacent said proximal end opening, said method comprising:

connecting an apparatus capable of dispensing liquid under pressure to said proximal end opening;

dispensing said liquid through said valve; and

filling said container.

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