US20060049208A1

Movatterモバイル変換

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Publication number: US20060049208A1
Application number: US11/220,018
Authority: US
Inventors: Warren Daansen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Daansen USA Inc
Priority date: 2004-09-09
Filing date: 2005-09-06
Publication date: 2006-03-09

Abstract

An improved outlet valve assembly for a pump-type fluid dispenser includes a nozzle and a self-sealing slit valve having a valve head portion bounded by a peripheral sealing portion retained between the pump outlet and the nozzle. In further aspects, improved valve members, fluid dispensers, and a method for making a fluid dispenser are provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/608,239, filed Sep. 9, 2004. The aforementioned provisional application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improved dispenser valves for a fluid dispenser and dispensing nozzle tips employing the same. The valves and nozzle tip assembly in accordance with the present development may advantageously be employed in connection with a dispenser of a bag-in-a-box type and will be described herein primarily by way of reference thereto. However, it will be recognized that the valve and nozzle tip may also be used in connection with all manner of fluid types and fluid dispensers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commonly, a bag-in-a-box dispensing system includes a housing, such as a wall-mounted housing, and a disposable dispensing system. The dispensing system includes a disposable pump assembly coupled to a flexible bag containing a supply of product to be dispensed. Although a wide variety of pump mechanisms have been developed, they generally include a resiliently flexible or deformable chamber having an inlet fluidically coupled to the bag for and a dispensing outlet having a spring loaded valve. The spring loaded valve is normally closed and includes a spring and ball within the flow passageway, wherein the spring urges a ball into sealing engagement with the pump outlet. Commonly, the chamber is of a tube type as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,125 or of a bubble type as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,316, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In operation, a lever or other actuator on the housing is depressed to collapse the deformable chamber to increase the pressure in the chamber. The increased pressure in the chamber displaces the ball and liquid passes through the pump outlet, around the ball, and is expelled. When the actuator is released, the chamber returns from the collapsed state to its original volume, thereby decreasing the pressure within the chamber, thereby causing the ball to return to the seated position and to draw an additional charge of product from the bag into the chamber.

A one-way check valve may also be provided at the dispensing pump inlet to permit flow from the bag into the collapsible chamber, but to prevent product in the chamber from flowing back into the bag when the actuator is depressed. For example, a ball may be held in close proximity to the pump inlet via a perforated retainer. When the pressure in the chamber increases, the ball is seated against the pump inlet, thereby preventing flow of product from the chamber back into the bag. While the chamber returns to its original volume, the reduced pressure unseats the check ball and allows product to pass from the bag, through the pump inlet and around the ball through the perforated ball retainer. The bag collapses upon itself, thereby maintaining constant pressure within the bag.

A common problem with the ball and spring dispenser valves is that they tend to clog and become unusable, particularly when liquid product containing particulate matter is used or for highly viscous liquids. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates new and improved fluid dispenser outlet valves and nozzles which overcome the above-referenced problems and others. The valves and nozzles according to the present development also which reduce pump assembly complexity, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying manufacture and assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like or analogous components throughout the several views, are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

FIG. 1 side cross-sectional view of a dispensing pump for a fluid dispenser incorporating a nozzle outlet assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the valve member shown inFIG. 1.

FIGS. 3-6 are cross-sectional views of nozzle outlet assemblies according to further exemplary embodiments.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are fragmentary cross-sectional views of a nozzle outlet in accordance with still further exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 9-15 are cross-sectional views of some additional exemplary valves according to the present invention.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views of exemplary embodiments employing a vent-resisting baffle.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the vent-resisting baffle shown inFIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative baffle member embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a cross-slit valve similar to the valve appearing inFIG. 3.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative outlet nozzle assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now toFIG. 1, there appears an exemplary embodiment of apump assembly10 incorporating anoutlet valve assembly12 according to the present invention. Thepump assembly10 includes a resiliently flexible dome orbubble14 defining a reservoir orchamber16 for holding a charge of product to be dispensed. Exemplary fluids to be dispensed include, without limitation, liquid soap, shampoo, body wash, hand cream solutions, lotions or lotion soaps, shaving cream, hand sanitizers, or any other flowable liquid.

Thechamber16 includes aninlet18 and anoutlet20. Theinlet18 of thechamber16 is fluidically coupled to a source of product, preferably a flexible bag (not shown) containing the product to be dispensed via aninlet nipple22. The preferred bag-in-box embodiment is a closed system and venting is unnecessary, since pressure in the bag is maintained as the bag collapses upon itself.

A one-way valve, such as a ball (not shown) held in close proximity to theinlet18 via a perforated retainer (not shown) may be provided to prevent fluid from passing from thechamber16 back into theinlet nozzle18 during operation. Thehemispherical bubble14 is secured to acavity back wall24 via aretaining ring26. Thechamber outlet20 is fluidically coupled apump outlet nipple28 via a conduit30 defining aflow passageway32.

Anoutlet valve assembly12 includes anoutlet nozzle34 having an axial bore orchannel36 therein and acounterbore38, and which is coaxially aligned with theoutlet nipple28. Aslit valve40 is seated in thecounterbore38, which defines a sleeve portion for receiving theoutlet nipple28 and an internal stop or shoulder39. Thevalve40 includes a valve head ormembrane portion42 which is bounded by a peripheral sealing edge orflange44. Theperipheral edge44 is compressed between the end edge surface of theoutlet nozzle28 and the base of thecounterbore portion38 of theoutlet nozzle12 to provide a sealing engagement and prevent fluid from flowing around thevalve member40. Although the valve assembly is shown in connection with a dome-type pump, it will be recognized that the nozzle assembly may be used other pump types, such as tube-type pumps and others.

As best seen inFIG. 2, and with continued reference toFIG. 1, thevalve head portion42 includes one ormore slits46 forming an orifice and defining flexible flaps47. Themembrane42 is formed of a resiliently flexible material, such as flexible plastic, rubber, elastomers, silicone rubber, and the like. Exemplary resilient or flexible materials which may be used in making the valve member include, for example, polyurethane, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, neoprene, butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymers, ethylene-butadiene block copolymers, ethylene-propylene based copolymers including ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM), natural rubber, polychloroprene rubber, polyisoprene-isobutylene copolymers, silicone rubber, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, styrene-isoprene copolymers, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, fluoroelastomers, polyolefins, and so forth, as well as blends thereof. This list is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. The resiliency of the valve head maintains theflaps46 in the closed position, thereby preventing fluid flow therethrough until the fluid pressure reaches some threshold value, i.e., when the dispenser actuator is depressed, whereupon theflaps46 separate and the product is expelled through thevalve orifice46.

The outlet nipple28 is coaxially or telescopically received within thecounterbore38 of theoutlet nozzle34. The inner diameter of thecounterbore region38 and the outer diameter of theoutlet nipple28 are sized to provide a friction or interference fit therebetween. Theoutlet nipple28 outer surface and thecounterbore38 inner surface may optionally include aligned and mating or complimentary surface features. For example, in the depicted embodiment, theoutlet nipple28 includes raised annular ribs orprotrusions48 which engage complimentary annular channels or depressions50 formed in thecouterbore region38. The complimentary surface features48 and50 provide a snap fit between thenozzle outlet34 and thenipple outlet28 and ensure sufficient compression of theperipheral edge44 to prevent fluid from flowing therearound during operation. Alternatively, the respective positions of the complimentary protrusions and depressions could be reversed. Other methods for securing thepump outlet nipple28 and the connector sleeve portion of thenozzle34 include the use of an adhesive, cross-hatching, texturing, or other surface modification of thecounterbore38 inner surface and/oroutlet28 outer surface, providing complimentary helical threads for rotational engagement, and so forth.

Thenozzle outlet34 may additionally include one or more exterior surface features (not shown) such as projections, fins, particular geometric shape, etc., which provides a keying function to ensure proper installation of the pump within the dispenser and/or to enable thepump assembly10 to be keyed to fit a specific dispenser pump of like or mating configuration. The use of a separatelyattachable nozzle outlet34 allows a common pump assembly to be readily adapted to fit any desired key configuration by installing an appropriately keyed nozzle outlet.

Referring now toFIG. 3, there is shown an alternativeoutlet nozzle assembly112 including anoutlet nozzle134 defining anaxial bore136 and anannular protrusion138 forming an internal stop member which extends radially into thebore136. Thepump outlet nipple28 is telescopically received within theaxial bore136 of theoutlet nozzle134. The inner diameter of thenozzle136 and the outer diameter of theoutlet nipple28 are sized to provide a friction or interference fit. Avalve member140 includes avalve head portion142 andperipheral edge144 as detailed above and theperipheral edge144 is sealingly retained between the end of theoutlet nipple28 and theannular ring138. An enlarged view of analternative valve140′ similar to thevalve140 appears inFIG. 20.

In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 3, theoutlet nipple28 outer surface and theoutlet nozzle134 inner surface may include optional aligned and mating surface features, e.g., raised annular ribs orprotrusions48 which engage complimentary annular channels or depressions50, as described above.

Theperipheral flange portion144 of thevalve member140 as shown inFIG. 3 is defined on the inward facing surface thereof by an peripheralannular notch141 formed on the inward facing surface of thevalve member140 which is adapted to receive the distal end of theoutlet nipple28. This permits sealing engagement of theedge144 without distortion of the valve head member. In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, theannular notch141 also serves to define aregion143 of reduced cross-sectional thickness with increased flexibility and/or articulability, thereby reducing the pressure necessary to cause thevalve140 to open.

Referring now toFIG. 4, there is shown a nozzle assembly212 including anozzle outlet134 having an inwardly extending retainingridge138 and which telescopically engages apump outlet nipple28. The nozzle assembly212 additionally includes avalve240. Thevalve240 according to a further embodiment of the present invention includes a peripheral flange portion244 bounding avalve head portion242. The flange portion244 is sealingly retained between theoutlet nipple28 and theridge138. Thevalve head portion242 includes an inward or upstream facingsurface245 and exterior or downstream facingsurface247 which is opposite thesurface245. The inwardly facingsurface245 is convex and theexterior facing surface247 is generally concave and cusped in cross-sectional shape. That is, theinterior surface247

cross-sectional shape

247 is defined by a series of curves or arcs defining regions of reducedthickness243 andcusps249 defining regions of increased thickness. The regions of reducedthickness243 increase the flexibility and/or articulability of thevalve240 and reduce the pressure necessary to cause thevalve240 to open.

Referring now toFIG. 5, there appears anozzle assembly312 including anozzle outlet134 having an inwardly extending retainingridge138 and which telescopically engages apump outlet nipple28. Thenozzle assembly312 additionally includes avalve340. Thevalve340 according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention includes aperipheral flange portion344 bounding avalve head portion342. Theflange portion344 is sealingly retained between theoutlet nipple28 and theridge138. Thevalve340 includes a peripheralannular notch341 receiving the distal end of thepump outlet nipple28. A second annular notch or groove351 is disposed on thevalve head portion342, radially inward from theperipheral notch341. Thenotch351 defines a region of reduced valve head thickness, thereby increasing the flexibility and/or articulability of the valve and reducing the pressure necessary to cause the valve to open and fluid to be expelled. Thevalve head portion342 also includes a first generallyconical cavity353 formed in the inward facing surface thereof and a second generallyconical cavity355 formed in the exterior facing surface of thevalve head342. The

conical cavities

353,355 are axially aligned with the slits forming the valve orifice, with the apexes thereof being aligned and facing, whereby the thickness of the displaceable flaps is tapered toward the center of the orifice. This reduced thickness at the orifice reduces the pressure necessary to cause the flaps to open and expel the fluid therethough. The conical cavities described by way of reference toFIG. 3 and elsewhere herein may be replaced with other geometric configurations, such as frustoconical, pyramidical, frustopyramidical, and so forth.

Referring now toFIG. 6, there appears anoutlet valve assembly412 including anozzle outlet134 having an inwardly extending retainingridge138 and which telescopically engages apump outlet nipple28. Thenozzle assembly412 additionally includes avalve440. Thevalve440 according to still a further embodiment of the present invention includes aperipheral flange portion444 bounding avalve head portion442. Theflange portion444 is sealingly retained between theoutlet nipple28 and theridge138. The base surface459 of theflange444 engages theridge138 and extends beyond theridge138 in the radially inward direction. Thevalve440 includes a peripheralannular notch441 receiving the distal end of thepump outlet nipple28. A second annular notch or groove is disposed on thevalve head portion442 radially inward from theperipheral notch441. Thenotch451 defines a region of reduced valve head thickness, thereby increasing the flexibility and/or articulability of the valve, thereby reducing the pressure necessary to cause the valve to open. Thevalve head portion442 also includes a first generallyconical cavity453 formed in the inward facing surface thereof and a second generallyconical cavity455 formed in the exterior facing surface of thevalve head442. The

conical cavities

453,455 are axially aligned with the slits forming the valve orifice, with the apexes thereof being aligned and facing, whereby the thickness of the displaceable flaps is tapered toward the center of the orifice. This reduced thickness at the orifice reduces the pressure necessary to cause the flaps to open and expel the fluid therethough.

Referring now toFIG. 7, there is shown a fragmentary view of anoutlet nozzle assembly512, including anozzle outlet134 having an inwardly extending retainingridge138 and which telescopically engages a pump outlet nipple528. Thenozzle assembly512 additionally includes avalve540. Thevalve540 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes aperipheral flange portion544 bounding a valve head portion542. Theflange portion544 is sealingly retained between the outlet nipple528 and theridge138. Theperipheral flange portion544 is defined on the inward facing surface thereof by an peripheralannular notch541 which is adapted to receive the distal end of the outlet nipple528. The outlet nipple528 includes adistal end529, which is tapered or beveled on its radially inward edge. The angle, theta, of the bevel is preferably in the range of about 5-60 degrees, and preferably about 25-45 degrees, relative to the axial or flowdirection52. Theannular notch541 also serves to define a region543 of reduced cross-sectional thickness with increased flexibility and/or articulability, thereby reducing the pressure necessary to cause thevalve540 to open during operation.

Referring now toFIG. 8, there is shown a fragmentary view of a nozzle assembly612 including anozzle outlet134 having an inwardly extending retainingridge138 and which telescopically engages apump outlet nipple28. The nozzle assembly612 additionally includes a valve640. The valve640 is substantially as shown and described above by way of reference to thevalve340 shown inFIG. 5, except that the conical cavities in the valve head orifice region are omitted. Aperipheral flange portion644 bounds a valve head portion642. Theflange portion644 is sealingly retained between theoutlet nipple28 and theridge138. The valve640 includes a peripheralannular notch641 receiving the distal end of thepump outlet nipple28. A second annular notch or groove651 is disposed on the valve head radially inward from theperipheral notch641. The notch651 defines a region of reduced valve head thickness, thereby increasing the flexibility and/or articulability of the valve and reducing the pressure necessary to cause the valve to open and fluid to be expelled.

Referring now toFIG. 9, there is shown avalve member740 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Thevalve740 includes aperipheral flange portion744 bounding avalve head portion742. Thevalve740 includes a peripheral annular notch741 for receiving the distal end of the pump outlet nipple28 (seeFIGS. 1-8). The notch741 further defines a region743 of reduced valve head thickness, thereby increasing the flexibility and/or articulability of the valve, and thereby reducing the pressure necessary to cause the valve to open. Thevalve head portion742 also includes a generally conical cavity755 formed in anexterior facing surface747 of thevalve head742. The conical cavity755 is axially aligned with the slits forming the valve orifice, with the apex in the depicted embodiment extending roughly one-half of the cross sectional thickness of thevalve head portion742. In this manner, the thickness of the displaceable valve flaps is tapered toward the center of the orifice and reduces the pressure necessary to cause the flaps to open and expel the fluid therethough. The degree of taper and/or degree to which the conical cavity extends through the cross-sectional thickness of the valve head portion may be varied in accordance with the product to be dispensed.

Referring now toFIG. 10, there is shown avalve member840 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. Thevalve840 includes aperipheral flange portion844 bounding avalve head portion842. Thevalve840 includes a peripheralannular notch841 for receiving the distal end of the pump outlet nipple28 (seeFIGS. 1-8). Thenotch841 further defines aregion843 of reduced valve head thickness, thereby increasing the flexibility and/or articulability of the valve, and thereby reducing the pressure necessary to cause the valve to open. Thevalve head portion842 also includes a generallyconical cavity853 formed in an interior-facingsurface845 of thevalve head842. Theconical cavity853 is axially aligned with the slits forming the valve orifice, with the apex in the depicted embodiment extending roughly one-half of the cross sectional thickness of thevalve head portion842. In this manner, the thickness of the displaceable valve flaps is tapered toward the center of the orifice and reduces the pressure necessary to cause the flaps to open and expel the fluid therethough. Again, the degree of taper and/or degree to which the conical cavity extends through the cross-sectional thickness of the valve head portion may be varied in accordance with the product to be dispensed.

Referring now toFIG. 11, there is shown avalve940 according to a further embodiment of the present invention including a peripheral flange portion944 bounding avalve head portion942. Thevalve940 includes a peripheral annular notch941 for receiving the distal end of a pump outlet nipple28 (seeFIGS. 1-8) and defining aregion943 of reduced valve head thickness, thereby increasing the flexibility and/or articulability of the valve and reducing the pressure necessary to cause the valve to open. Thevalve head portion942 also includes a first generallyconical cavity953 formed in the inward facingsurface945 thereof and a second generallyconical cavity955 formed in theexterior facing surface947 thereof. The

conical cavities

953,955 are axially aligned with the slits forming the valve orifice, with the apexes thereof being aligned and facing, whereby the thickness of the displaceable flaps is tapered toward the center of the orifice. This reduced thickness at the orifice reduces the pressure necessary to cause the flaps to open and expel the fluid therethough.FIG. 12 illustrates avalve940′ essentially as described above by way of reference to thevalve940 inFIG. 11, but whereincavities953′ and955′ are of differing taper and extend to a lesser degree through thevalve head942′ in the axial direction.

Referring now toFIG. 13, there appears an outlet valve1040 according to another embodiment of the present invention having aperipheral flange portion1044 bounding avalve head portion1042. Thevalve440 includes a peripheral annular notch1041 receiving the distal end of the pump outlet nipple28 (seeFIGS. 1-8). A series of concentric annular notches orgrooves1057 are formed on theinward facing surface1045 of thevalve head1042. Theannular channels1057 are concentric with anaxial centerline1052 of the valve1040. Likewise, a series of annular notches orgrooves1059 concentric with thecenterline1052 are formed on the outward facing surface1047 of thevalve head1042. The notch1051, thechannels1057, and thechannels1059 provide regions of reduced valve head thickness, thereby increasing the flexibility and/or articulability of the valve, thereby reducing the pressure necessary to cause the valve to open. Thevalve head portion1042 also includes a first generallyconical cavity1053 formed in the interiorly facingsurface1045. In the depicted embodiment, the generallyconical cavity1053 is axially aligned with the slits forming the valve orifice and extends through the majority of the valve head cross-sectional thickness. In this manner, the thickness of the displaceable flaps is tapered toward the center of the orifice to reduce the pressure necessary to cause the flaps to open.FIG. 14 illustrates a valve1040′ essentially as described above by way of reference to the valve1040 inFIG. 13, but whereincavity1053′ is of differing taper and extends to a lesser degree through thevalve head1042′ in the axial direction.

In the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 13 and 14, the concentric annular grooves are depicted on both the interior and exterior valve head surfaces. In further embodiments, the annular grooves may be present on either the exterior surface only. For example, inFIG. 15, avalve head1140 is shown having annular grooves1159 formed on the exterior facing surface only. In a further embodiment (not shown), a like valve head is provided with annular grooves formed only on the interior facing surface. Although the depicted embodiments illustrate concentric channels having curved, e.g., semicircular cross-sectional shapes, it will be recognized that other cross-sectional shapes are contemplated, such as V-shaped, rectangular, or other geometric cross-sectional shape.

The valve members of the present invention are preferably sufficiently resistant to flow in the reverse direction so as to resist venting of ambient air into the pump when the reduced pressure is present in thechamber16, i.e., after product has been dispensed and the actuator has been released. Ambient air is potentially contaminated and, in some cases, may degrade the product to be dispensed. Referring now toFIG. 16, anoutlet valve assembly134 includes a ventresistant member54 located adjacent to an interior facing surface of avalve member140. The ventresistant member54 includes a generally disc-shapedbaffle56 having radially spaced-apartperforations58 at its periphery. During operation, product flows through theperforations58 and through the valve orifice. After the product is expelled and reduced pressure is present in thechamber16, the bafflecentral portion56 prevents opening of the valve flaps in the inward direction, thereby preventing ingress of ambient air through the valve member. Theperforated baffle54 may be integrally formed or comolded with theoutlet nipple28 or may be separately formed and secured in place via an adhesive or other fastening means.

Referring now toFIGS. 17 and 18, anoutlet valve assembly234 incorporating an alternative vent-resistant member154 is shown. The vent-resistingmember154 is located adjacent to an interior facing surface of avalve member140 having avalve head portion142 andperipheral sealing edge144. The ventresistant member154 includes a generally disc-shapedbaffle156 having radially spaced-apartperforations158 at its periphery, an axially extendingannular sidewall160 and aperipheral flange162. Theperipheral flange160 is retained along with thevalve sealing edge144 between the distal end of theoutlet nipple28 and theannular protrusion138.

Referring now toFIG. 19, there is shown an alternative vent-resistingmember254 including transversely extending bars or baffles256 definingperforations258. The vent-resistant member254 also includes an axially extendingannular sidewall260 and aperipheral retaining flange262. In operation, thebaffles256 are adjacent to the inward facing surface of the valve member to prevent the valve flaps from opening inwardly, thereby preventing venting of ambient air following a dispensing operation.

Referring now toFIG. 21, there appears an alternative outlet nozzle assembly including amale outlet nozzle234 received within apump outlet nipple128 defining anaxial bore236. Thepump outlet128 includes anannular protrusion238 forming an internal stop member which extends radially into thebore236. Thepump outlet nipple128 coaxially receives theoutlet nozzle234 within theaxial bore236 of theoutlet nipple128. The inner diameter of thenipple128 and the outer diameter of theoutlet nozzle234 are sized to provide a friction or interference fit. In the depicted embodiment, avalve member140 is sealingly retained between the end edge surface of theoutlet nozzle234 and theannular ring238.

Theoutlet nozzle234 and thepump outlet128 may be secured via a friction fit or any of the methods described above. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 21, theoutlet nozzle234 outer surface and theoutlet nipple128 inner surface include optional aligned and mating surface features as detailed above, e.g., raised annular ribs orprotrusions148 formed on thenozzle234 outer surface which engage complimentary annular channels ordepressions150 on the outlet nipple surface inner surface. Alternatively, the relative positions of theprotrusions148 andchannels150 may be reversed. It will be recognized that the embodiment ofFIG. 21 may be adapted to employ other valve and/or internal stop configurations as described herein. Likewise, it will be recognized that the embodiment ofFIG. 21 may be adapted to employ the vent-resistant members as detailed above, either by directly securing the same to the interior surface of the pump outlet or by providing a vent-resistant member having a retaining flange, e.g., as shown inFIGS. 18 and 19, wherein the retaining flange is retained between the valve peripheral sealing ring and theinternal stop member238.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. For example, the present invention has been shown in connection with a bubble-type dispenser pump. However, it will be recognized that the present outlet valve may also be used to replace the conventional output valves, e.g., spring-loaded outlet valves, employed with other pump types, such as tube-type pumps and others. Also, while the illustrated embodiments are presently preferred, it will be recognized that additional valve member and valve assembly embodiments are contemplated, i.e., resulting from any desired combination of outlet nozzle type, valve sealing flange features, valve head features, and optional vent-resisting members as shown in the depicted embodiments. It is intended that the invention be construed as including these and other modifications and alterations.

Claims

1. An outlet valve assembly for a fluid dispenser, the fluid dispenser being of a type having a pump which has a pump inlet coupled to a fluid reservoir and a pump outlet, said outlet valve assembly comprising:

an annular sleeve having a radially inwardly extending annular internal stop member;

a hollow conduit member having an end edge surface defining an opening coaxially received within said annular sleeve; and

a resiliently deformable valve member disposed within said annular sleeve, said valve member including a valve head portion having one or more slits defining an orifice and a peripheral sealing ring bounding said valve head portion, said peripheral sealing ring sealingly retained between said annular internal stop and said edge surface.

2. The outlet valve assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said hollow conduit member defines the pump outlet and said annular sleeve defines a nozzle tip.

3. The outlet valve assembly ofclaim 2, wherein said annular sleeve includes a dispensing nozzle tip portion defining an axial bore and a connector portion defining a counterbore for coaxially receiving said valve member and the pump outlet.

4. The outlet valve assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said hollow conduit member defines a nozzle tip and said annular sleeve defines the pump outlet.

5. The outlet valve assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said annular internal stop comprises an annular protrusion.

6. The outlet valve assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said annular sleeve portion is adapted to frictionally engage the hollow conduit member.

7. The outlet valve assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising:

said annular sleeve having an inward facing surface for engaging an outward facing surface on the hollow conduit;

said inward facing surface having one or both of: (1) one or more projections for engaging complimentary depressions on the outward facing surface; and (2) one or more depressions for engaging complimentary protrusions the outward facing surface.

8. The outlet valve assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said valve member is formed of a material selected from silicone rubber, neoprene, chloroprene rubber, and ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM).

9. The outlet valve assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a vent-resistant member axially adjacent said valve head portion.

10. The outlet valve assembly ofclaim 9, wherein said vent-resistant member includes:

a peripheral flange for retention between said valve peripheral sealing ring and one of said edge surface and said annular internal stop;

a perforated baffle axially adjacent said valve head portion; and

an axially extending sidewall extending between said perforated baffle and said peripheral flange.

11. A valve member for a fluid dispenser, comprising:

a valve head portion having one or more slits defining an orifice;

a peripheral sealing ring bounding said valve head portion;

a first annular groove formed on a first surface of said sealing ring wherein a clamping applied to said annular groove and a second surface of the sealing ring opposite said first side does not cause distortion of the valve head member.

12. The valve member ofclaim 11, wherein said first annular groove includes a first surface perpendicular to an axial direction and a second surface perpendicular to the axial direction.

13. The valve member ofclaim 11, wherein said first annular groove includes a first surface perpendicular to an axial direction and a second surface which is inclined relative to the axial direction

14. The valve member ofclaim 11, further comprising a second annular groove formed on the valve head portion adjacent to and concentric with respect to the first annular groove.

15. A valve member for a fluid dispenser, comprising:

a valve head portion having a first, generally convex surface; a second, generally concave surface opposite said first surface; and one or more slits defining an orifice;

a peripheral sealing ring bounding said valve head portion; and

an annular groove formed on said second surface adjacent to the peripheral sealing ring to define a region of reduced valve head thickness adjacent to the peripheral sealing ring.

16. The valve member ofclaim 15, wherein said valve head portion has a cusped side cross-sectional shape.

17. A valve member for a fluid dispenser, comprising:

a peripheral sealing ring bounding said valve head portion; and

a plurality of concentric annular grooves formed on one or both of said first and second surfaces.

18. A valve member for a fluid dispenser, comprising:

a peripheral sealing ring bounding said valve head portion; and

a generally cone-shaped cavity formed on one or both surfaces at said orifice.

19. A fluid dispenser comprising:

a pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet;

a fluid reservoir coupled to the pump inlet; and

an outlet valve assembly coupled to the pump outlet, said outlet valve assembly including:

a hollow dispensing nozzle including an annular sleeve portion adapted to coaxially receive the pump outlet and an annular internal stop extending inwardly into an opening defined by said annular sleeve; and

a resiliently deformable valve member disposed within said dispensing nozzle, said valve member including a valve head portion having one or more slits defining an orifice and a peripheral sealing ring bounding said valve head portion, said peripheral sealing ring adapted to be sealingly retained between said annular internal stop and the pump outlet.

20. The fluid dispenser ofclaim 19, wherein said fluid reservoir includes a flexible, non-vented container.

21. A method of making a fluid dispenser, comprising:

providing a fluid source including a pump having a pump inlet coupled to a fluid reservoir and a pump outlet; and

securing a valve assembly to said pump outlet, said valve assembly including a resiliently deformable valve member having a valve head portion with one or more slits defining an orifice and a peripheral sealing ring bounding said valve head portion, said outlet valve assembly selected from one of:

a hollow dispensing nozzle including an annular sleeve portion adapted to coaxially receive the pump outlet and an annular internal stop extending inwardly into an opening defined by said annular sleeve, said peripheral sealing ring adapted to be sealingly retained between said annular internal stop and the pump outlet; and

a hollow dispensing nozzle having an end edge surface defining an opening adapted to be coaxially received within the pump outlet, said pump outlet having an annular internal stop extending inwardly into a channel defined by the pump outlet, said peripheral sealing ring adapted to be sealingly retained between said annular internal stop and said edge surface.

22. The method ofclaim 21, wherein said fluid reservoir includes a flexible, non-vented container.