US20090188950A1 - Valve for decorative dispensing - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispensing valve is provided for dispensing a fluid substance. The dispensing valve is pressure-responsive, and may be of a self-closing type, or define a central discharge aperture through which a substance being dispensed flows. A substance contact surface of the dispensing valve defines one or more projections and/or recesses which can cooperate with the substance being dispensed to impart a contoured or shaped cross-sectional configuration to the substance. A decorative effect can thus desirably be achieved, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the dispensed substance, such as a whipped dessert topping, toothpaste, foamed construction material, etc.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates generally to a system for dispensing a substance, and more particularly to a dispensing valve arrangement or system for dispensing a flowable substance, which can include, for example, a whipped food topping or the like. The inventive valve arrangement imparts a decorative, profiled or contoured shape to a product stream during dispensing to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS POSED BY THE PRIOR ART
• The inventor of the present invention has discovered that it would be advantageous to provide an improved system for dispensing an extrudable product from a package or other supply of the product. In particular, the inventor has discovered an innovative design that provides advantages not heretofore contemplated in the packaging industry or suggested by the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The inventor of the present invention has invented an innovative dispensing valve system which, inter alia, can provide a decorative shape or surface configuration on for an extrudable substance discharged through the system.
• The inventor of the present invention has discovered that the dispensing valve can optionally be designed for easily accommodating its assembly with other components during manufacture of a dispensing system.
• Also, the dispensing valve can optionally be provided with a design that accommodates efficient, high quality, large volume manufacturing techniques with a reduced product reject rate.
• In accordance with the present invention, a dispensing valve for dispensing a substance such as food product comprises a peripheral attachment portion, by which the valve may be attached to an associated dispensing structure. The dispensing structure, which may comprise, for example, a deformable container, has a discharge opening through which the substance to be dispensed is discharged, from an associated supply of the substance, such as held within the container. The discharging substance passes through the dispensing valve into the ambient environment when the dispensing valve is in an open condition.
• The dispensing valve further includes a flexible, resilient, intermediate portion extending from and joined to the peripheral attachment portion of the valve.
• The dispensing valve further includes a flexible, resilient head extending from the intermediate portion of the valve. At least part of the valve head is outwardly deflectable to an open configuration when a sufficient pressure differential exists across the valve. In this fashion, a dispensing valve embodying the principles of the present invention is pressure-responsive, facilitating convenient dispensing of food products, such as whipped toppings, condiments, and the like, by consumers.
• The valve head of the dispensing valve has a substance contact surface for contacting the substance at least during discharge of the substance when the valve head is in its opened configuration. In accordance with the present invention, the valve head substance contact surface defines at least one of a projection and a recess, for contacting, and optionally shaping a portion of the substance as the substance is discharged through the valve when the valve is in the open configuration.
• By this arrangement, the cross-sectional configuration of the substance being dispensed can be contoured, profiled, or shaped, in particular to provide a decorative appearance to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the substance, such as a whipped dessert-type topping or the like, or toothpaste, or a foam extrudate that rigidifies after dispensing to form a layer of material used in building construction or hobby/craft applications, etc. However, it is within the purview of the present invention that contact of the substance contact surface with the associated substance being discharged can effect shear thinning of the substance, without necessarily imparting a particular shape or contour to the substance.
• The dispensing valve of the present invention can be positioned in association with an associated container by various arrangements. In particular, the valve may be part of a dispensing structure which includes a housing that defines a discharge passage for the substance, and it has a distal end discharge mouth. The dispensing valve can be provided in the form which is initially separate from, but subsequently attachable to, the housing inwardly of the housing mouth, to thereby desirably protect the valve from the environment.
• The intermediate portion of the dispensing valve of the present invention can be provided in the form of a sleeve, wherein at least part of the sleeve extends either upwardly or inwardly of the peripheral attachment portion of the dispensing valve. In this configuration of the present invention, the valve head extends completely across the dispensing structure discharge opening, and includes at least one elongate slit defining at least two openable regions which each (1) has at least one transverse face for sealing against a transverse face of another one of the openable regions, and (2) is normally closed but can open to permit discharge of the substance therethrough in response to pressure differential across the valve head.
• In accordance with an illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the valve head of the dispensing valve defines one of the projections on each of the openable regions of the valve head. In a presently preferred embodiment, the valve head includes at least three intersecting slits to define six of the openable regions, which each has two of the transverse faces. In this embodiment, the valve head defines one of the projections on each of the openable regions of the valve head, to thereby impart a decorative appearance to the substance dispensed by the dispensing valve.
• In this embodiment, each of the projections has a finned configuration, and cooperates with the substance being dispensed to impart generally V-shaped grooves or flutes to the dispensed substance.
• Depending upon the specific configuration of the dispensing valve, the valve head thereof can be configured to have a generally inwardly concave configuration, or a generally outwardly convex configuration.
• As noted, a dispensing structure embodying the principles of the present invention may include a separate housing that (1) defines at least part of the dispensing structure, (2) contains the dispensing valve, and (3) that is adapted for being releasably or permanently mounted to an associated container. In an illustrated embodiment of the present invention including a separate housing, the dispensing valve of the structure defines a central discharge aperture, with the substance contact surface of the valve head defining a plurality of spaced apart ones of the projections extending generally into the discharge aperture.
• In this embodiment, the valve head of a dispensing valve is outwardly deflected to its open configuration by a pressure differential acting on the intermediate portion of the dispensing valve at the discharge opening defined by the associated dispensing structure. In one illustrated embodiment, the housing of the dispensing structure defines a plurality of the discharge openings, through which the dispensed substance flows as it acts against the intermediate portion of the valve to maintain it in its open configuration, with the substance thereafter passing through the central discharge aperture of the valve, where the substance can be shaped or contoured by the one or more projections extending into the central discharge aperture. In an alternative embodiment, a retaining ring of the dispensing structure, positioned within an associated housing, defines a plurality of discharge openings through which the dispensed substance flows before it passes through the central discharge aperture of the dispensing valve
• Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• In the accompanying drawings forming part of the specification, in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,
• FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a dispensing system sub-assembly incorporating a first embodiment of the dispensing valve of the present invention, and the dispensing system sub-assembly is shown prior to installation of the dispensing system sub-assembly on a container or other reservoir for holding a substance (e.g., product) to be dispensed (e.g., discharged) through the valve, and the valve is shown inFIG. 1 in an as-molded unactuated, closed, rest configuration;
• FIG. 2 is an exploded, isometric view of the components of the dispensing system sub-assembly shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view taken through the vertical center of the dispensing system sub-assembly shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 4 is a view similar toFIG. 1, butFIG. 4 shows the valve in the actuated, open, dispensing configuration;
• FIG. 5 is a view similar toFIG. 3, butFIG. 5 shows the valve in the actuated, open, dispensing configuration corresponding toFIG. 4;
• FIG. 6 is a view of the interior side surfaces of the valve in the as-molded, closed, rest configuration prior to installation of the valve in the dispensing system sub-assembly shown inFIGS. 1-5;
• FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the valve shown inFIG. 6;
• FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the valve taken generally along the plane8-8 inFIG. 7;
• FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane9-9 inFIG. 8;
• FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane10-10 inFIG. 8;
• FIG. 11 is a view similar toFIG. 9, butFIG. 11 shows the valve with the valve head moved partway toward the extended, open position, whereasFIG. 9 shows the valve head in the fully retracted, closed position;
• FIG. 12 is a view similar toFIG. 10, butFIG. 10 shows the valve head moved partway toward the extended, open position, whereasFIG. 10 shows the valve in the fully retracted, closed position;
• FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the valve with the valve head moved partway to the extended, open position, and the configuration of the valve inFIG. 13 corresponds to the configuration of the valve inFIGS. 11 and 12;
• FIG. 14 is a view similar toFIG. 9, butFIG. 14 shows the valve in the fully opened condition, whereasFIG. 9 shows the valve in the as-molded, closed, rest configuration (i.e., closed condition);
• FIG. 15 is a view similar toFIG. 10, butFIG. 15 shows the valve in the fully open position, whereasFIG. 10 shows the valve in the retracted, closed condition;
• FIG. 16 is an isometric view looking into the interior side of the valve and showing the valve in the fully open condition corresponding to the valve condition shown inFIGS. 14 and 15;
• FIG. 17 is an isometric view looking at the exterior of the valve in the fully open condition corresponding to the valve condition shown inFIGS. 14 and 15;
• FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a substance or product that has been discharged through the first embodiment of the valve illustrated inFIGS. 1-17;
• FIG. 19 is an isometric view of a substance or product which has been discharged from a valve as shown generally inFIG. 26 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,144. but with three intersecting slits instead of two intersecting slits, and that has many of the features of the first embodiment of the valve illustrated inFIGS. 1-17 but does not have the novel arrangement of the projections on the head of the valve (as shown generally inFIG. 26 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,144) as incorporated in the valve of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-17;
• FIG. 20 is an exploded, isometric view of components of a second form of a dispensing system sub-assembly that incorporates a second embodiment of the valve of the present invention, and the valve inFIG. 20 is shown in an unactuated, unstressed, as-molded, rest condition;
• FIG. 21 is a view of the housing of the dispensing sub-assembly illustrated inFIG. 20;
• FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the housing shown inFIG. 21, and the view inFIG. 22 is taken along the plane22-22 inFIG. 21;
• FIG. 23 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the housing taken generally along the plane23-23 inFIG. 22;
• FIG. 24 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the housing taken generally along the plane24-24 inFIG. 22;
• FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the interior side of the second embodiment of the valve in the unstressed, as-molded condition;
• FIG. 26 is an isometric view of the exterior side of the second embodiment of the valve in the unstressed, as-molded condition;
• FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of the second embodiment of the valve in the unstressed, as-molded condition;
• FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the valve taken generally along the plane28-28 inFIG. 27;
• FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view of the second embodiment of the valve taken generally along the plane29-29 inFIG. 27;
• FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the valve taken generally along the plane30-30 inFIG. 28;
• FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the valve taken generally along the plane31-31 inFIG. 28;
• FIG. 32 is an isometric view of the retaining ring employed in the second form of the dispensing sub-assembly in which the second embodiment of the dispensing valve of the present invention is incorporated;
• FIG. 33 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the components assembled to create the second form of the dispensing system sub-assembly wherein the cross-sectional view of the housing corresponds to the view of the housing inFIG. 24 and wherein the valve and housing are shown in the normally closed, rest configuration;
• FIG. 34 is a view similar toFIG. 33, but inFIG. 34 the valve is shown moved to the open position;
• FIG. 35 is a vertical, cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 34, but inFIG. 35, the cross-sectional view of the housing corresponds to the cross-sectional view of the housing inFIG. 23;
• FIG. 36 is an exploded, isometric view of a third form of a dispensing system sub-assembly that also incorporates the second embodiment of the valve of the present invention;
• FIG. 37 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the housing of the third form of the dispensing system sub-assembly;
• FIG. 38 is an isometric view of the interior side of the retaining ring prior to assembly in the third form of the dispensing system sub-assembly illustrated inFIG. 36;
• FIG. 39 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the components assembled to create the third form of the dispensing system sub-assembly wherein the valve is in the rest, closed position;
• FIG. 40 is a view similar toFIG. 39, butFIG. 40 shows the valve moved to the open configuration;
• FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of a commercially available valve that may be modified to incorporate the novel rib or fin features of the present invention;
• FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown inFIG. 41;
• FIG. 43 is a side elevational view of another commercially available valve that may be modified to incorporate the novel rib or fin features of the present invention;
• FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown inFIG. 43;
• FIG. 45 is a side elevational view of another commercially available valve that may be modified to incorporate the novel rib or fin features of the present invention;
• FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown inFIG. 45;
• FIG. 47 is a side elevational view of another commercially available valve that may be modified to incorporate the novel rib or fin features of the present invention;
• FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown inFIG. 47;
• FIG. 49 is a side elevational view of another commercially available valve that may be modified to incorporate the novel rib or fin features of the present invention; and
• FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown inFIG. 49.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only some specific forms as examples of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments so described, however. The scope of the invention is pointed out in the appended claims.
• As discussed in detail hereinafter, the dispensing valve of the present invention can be incorporated in a dispensing structure for use with an associated container to facilitate dispensing substances such as food products, including whipped toppings, condiments, and the like. Notably, the present dispensing valve can be configured to dispense product in a decorative fashion, that is, profile or shape the product stream as it is being dispensed, to thereby enhance the aesthetic appeal of the dispensed product. Dispensing of decorative whipped topping is one particular application which is presently contemplated.
• The dispensing valve of the present invention has the capability of dispensing a decorative product stream in a manner which is superior to that achieved by conventional pressure-responsive valve structures. At the same time, the pressure-responsive valve arrangement of the present invention facilitates dispensing of a decorative product in a manner which improves upon the traditional non-valved dispensing arrangement.
• It is within the purview of the present invention that contact of the substance contact surface with the associated substance being discharged can effect shear thinning of the substance, without necessarily imparting a particular shape or contour to the substance. The shear thinning effect can be quantified in accordance with ASTM D 5478-98. By way of example, shear thinning during dispensing can be desirable in connection with dispensing of coatings, such as paint, which would be subject to shear thinning without shaping or contouring of the substance.
• Notably, the present invention can be configured as a dispensing valve which includes a so-called rolling sleeve which operatively connects a central valve head, which may be invertible, with a peripheral portion of the valve which facilitates mounting of the valve in association with an associated container or the like. A dispensing valve of the present invention has the capability to be self-retained, or mounted through utilization of a retaining ring, or other mechanical means, such as swaging, coining, sonic welding, etc. In applications where cooling the dispensed product is required, the present valve desirably acts as a barrier to atmospheric conditions. At the same time, the dispensing valve desirably acts to prevent contaminants from contacting the product.
• For ease of description, many of the figures illustrating the invention show various embodiments of a dispensing valve for use in preferred forms of dispensing systems in the typical orientation that the systems have when they are oriented for use, and terms such as upper, lower, horizontal, etc., are used with reference to this position. It will be understood, however, that the dispensing valve of this invention may be manufactured, stored, transported, sold, and used in an orientation other than the orientation described.
• The dispensing valve of this invention is suitable for use with a variety of conventional or special substance holding systems, including a flexible tubular containment structures, containers, tanks, vessels, and other equipment or apparatus, the details of which, although not fully illustrated or described, would be apparent to those having skill in the art and an understanding of such systems. Such a substance holding system, or portion thereof, with which the inventive dispensing valve cooperates is hereinafter simply referred to as a “reservoir.” The particular reservoir, per se, forms no part of, and therefore is not intended to limit, the broad aspects of the present invention. It will also be understood by those of ordinary skill that novel and non-obvious inventive aspects are embodied in the described exemplary dispensing valve alone.
• A presently preferred first embodiment of a dispensing valve of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 1-17 and is designated generally byreference number20 in many of those figures (e.g., inFIG. 1). In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the dispensingvalve20 is especially suitable for cooperation with other components that are initially provided and assembled with thevalve20 to create a dispensing system sub-assembly22 that can be subsequently mounted or installed on a reservoir (not shown), such as a container, that contains a substance to be dispensed. The illustrated first embodiment of thevalve20 is particularly suitable for discharging a flowable, low density substance that is (1) creamy, pasty, or gooey, (2) somewhat stiff, such as pastry cream, whipped cream, etc., and (3) typically deposited on a target receiving region for either presentation to a consumer or further processing.
• As can be seen inFIG. 2, the presently preferred form of thedispensing system sub-assembly22 includes the following basic components which are assembled together: (1) a connectinghousing24, (2) the dispensingvalve20 mounted in thehousing24, and (3) a retaining ring or clampmember28 that retains thevalve20 in thehousing24.
• Thehousing24 may be generally characterized as a dispensing structure or part of a dispensing structure. Thehousing24 has an inlet end32 (FIG. 3) which is adapted to be connected to a container or other reservoir (not shown) with ascrew thread36 as illustrated or other suitable conventional or special attaching systems which could be releasable or permanent (not shown). Thehousing24 has anoutlet end40 defined by an annular wall portion (FIG. 3). Thehousing outlet end40 may be further characterized as defining a distal end discharge mouth at the end of thehousing24 opposite theinlet end32. Thehousing24 may also be characterized as having an internal discharge passage extending between theinlet end32 and theoutlet end40 as can be seen inFIG. 3, with the housing thus defining a discharge opening at whichvalve20 is generally positioned.
• Thehousing outlet end40 defines an interior, annular seat42 (FIG. 3), preferably in the configuration of a frustoconical surface, for receiving a peripheral portion of thevalve20 as described hereinafter. This accommodates the seating of thevalve20 in thehousing24 adjacent theoutlet40. The surface orseat42 functions as an annular, downwardly angled clamping surface for sealingly engaging the peripheral part of thevalve20 when thevalve20 is retained in thehousing24 by means of the retainingring28 as described in detail hereinafter.
• The preferred first embodiment of thevalve20 is a self-closing, slit-type valve. Thevalve20 is preferably molded as a unitary structure from material which is flexible, pliable, elastic, and resilient. This can include elastomers, such as a synthetic, thermosetting polymer, including silicone rubber, such as the silicone rubber sold by Dow Corning Corp. in the United States of America under the trade designation D.C. 99-595-HC. Another suitable silicone rubber material is sold in the United States of America under the designation Wacker 3003-40 by Wacker Silicone Company. Both of these materials have a hardness rating of 40 Shore A. Thevalve20 could also be molded from other thermosetting materials or from other elastomeric materials, or from thermoplastic polymers or thermoplastic elastomers, including those based upon materials such as thermoplastic propylene, ethylene, urethane, and styrene, including their halogenated counterparts.
• In the preferred embodiment illustrated, thevalve20 has the configuration that is a novel modification of a commercially available valve substantially as disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,289 with reference to the valve46 disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,289. Such a type of commercially available valve is further described with reference to the similar valve that is designated by reference number3din the U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,144. The descriptions of those two patents are incorporated herein by reference thereto to the extent pertinent and to the extent not inconsistent herewith.
• In operation, thevalve20 changes configuration between (1) a closed, generally unstressed, rest position or configuration (FIGS. 1 and 3), and (2) an active, open position or configuration (FIGS. 4 and 5) when a pressure differential of sufficient magnitude acts across thevalve20 as described hereinafter. Thevalve20 includes a flexible, central portion or head48 (FIGS. 3 and 9). When thevalve20 is closed, thehead48 has an inwardly concave configuration (when viewed from the exterior of the dispensing system sub-assembly22).
• As can be seenFIG. 1, thehead48 preferably has planar, intersecting, dispensing slits50 of equal length which together define a closed dispensing orifice when thevalve20 is closed. According to the present invention, in the preferred form of the first embodiment of thevalve20, there are three intersecting slits50 (FIGS. 1 and 8) oriented at equal angles of intersection to define six, generally sector-shaped, equally sized flaps orpetals52 in the concave,central head48. The flaps orpetals52 may be also characterized as “openable regions” of thevalve20. Each flap orpetal52 has a pair of diverging transverse faces defined by theslits50, and each transverse face seals against a confronting transverse face of anadjacent petal52 when thevalve20 is closed.
• According to one novel aspect of the invention, at least some, and preferably all, of the flaps orpetals52 each has at least one projection60 (FIGS. 6 and 8), which may be provided in the form of a raised rib, or provided with a finned configuration. Alternatively, one or more of thepetals52 can be configured to define a groove or recess, to thereby impart a decorative profile to product being dispensed. In the presently preferred form, as illustrated, each of thepetals52 is provided with a respective one of theprojections60. In the preferred arrangement, as shown inFIGS. 6,9, and10, eachprojection60 has a finned configuration and includes a steeply sloping radialinner surface64 merging with ahigh ridge68. The radially outer end of theridge64 merges with anouter surface72 that slopes at a less steep angle back to, and merges with, the main surface of thevalve head48. In a presently preferred form of the first embodiment of thepresent invention valve20 illustrated inFIGS. 1-17, theridge68 of eachprojection60 is narrow compared to the width of the radiallyinner surface64 and radiallyouter surface72. Thesurfaces64 and72 each preferably has a width that is greatest at the base where thesurface64 or72 merges with thevalve head48, and width of eachsurface64 and72 tapers to a lesser width as the surfaces merge with theridge68.
• In the illustrated embodiment, each of theprojections60 is generally aligned with a flow axis defined by the dispensingvalve20. However, it is within the purview of the present invention that one or more of theprojections60 be positioned at an acute angle to the flow axis of the dispensing valve. When so positioned, theprojection60 can be provided with either a generally planar configuration, such as in the illustrated embodiment, or a generally arcuate configuration, such as in the nature of a fan blade, turbine blade, etc.
• Thevalve20 can be molded with theslits50. Alternatively, the valve slits50 can be subsequently cut into thecentral head48 of thevalve20 by suitable conventional techniques. In operation, theflaps52 are forced open outwardly from the intersection point of theslits50 when a sufficiently high pressure differential exits across thevalve head48.
• Thevalve20 includes an annular intermediate portion, such as a skirt or sleeve80 (FIG. 9), which extends from the periphery of thevalve head48. The end of thesleeve80 defines a thin, annular portion or flange82 (FIG. 9) which extends generally radially outwardly from thesleeve80, but in a reverse angled orientation when thevalve20 is in the unactuated, rest condition. The portion orflange82 of thesleeve80 joins with an enlarged, much thicker,peripheral flange86 which has a generally dovetail-shaped, transverse cross section (as viewed inFIG. 9).
• To accommodate the seating of thevalve20 in thehousing24 as seen inFIG. 3, the top surface of thedovetail valve flange86 has the same frustoconical configuration and angle as thefrustoconical surface42 of thehousing24.
• The other surface (i.e., the outwardly facing bottom surface) of thevalve flange86 is clamped by the retaining ring28 (FIG. 3). The retainingring28 includes an upwardly facing, frustoconical, annular clamping surface90 (FIGS. 2 and 3) for engaging the outwardly facing surface (i.e., bottom surface) of thevalve flange86 at an angle which generally matches the angle of the valve flange outwardly facing surface (i.e., bottom surface).
• A peripheral portion of the retainingring28 defines an outwardly projecting bead92 (FIGS. 2 and 3) for snap-fit engagement with an annular bead94 (FIG. 3) that is located on thehousing24 outwardly of theannular seat42, and this snap-fit engagement causes thering28 to clamp thevalve20 tightly in thehousing24. During assembly, the retainingring28 can be pushed past thehousing retaining bead94 because there is sufficient flexibility in the retainingring28 and/orhousing24 to accommodate temporary, elastic deformation of the components as the retainingring bead92 passes over, and inwardly beyond, thehousing bead94 to create a snap-fit engagement that compresses or clamps thevalve20 between the opposingfrustoconical surfaces42 and90 (FIG. 3) This permits the region between the interior surface of thevalve sleeve80 and the housing24 (FIG. 2) to be substantially free and clear so as to accommodate movement of thevalve sleeve80 when thevalve20 opens as will next be explained.
• When thevalve20 is properly mounted within thehousing24 as illustrated inFIG. 3, the central portion orhead48 of thevalve20 lies recessed inwardly away from the retainingring28. However, when thevalve20 opens, then thevalve head48 moves outwardly from its recessed position to a location beyond the retainingring28 as can be seen inFIG. 5.
• As thevalve20 opens, the outward displacement of thecentral head48 of thevalve20 is accommodated by deformation of thehead48 and of the relatively thin,flexible sleeve80. Thesleeve80 deforms, or moves, from an inwardly projecting, retracted, rest position (shown inFIG. 3) to an outwardly displaced (i.e., extended), actuated position, and this occurs by thesleeve80 “rolling” along itself outwardly toward the discharge end of the sub-assembly22 (toward the position shown in solid lines inFIG. 5).FIGS. 11-13 show thevalve20 alone with the other components omitted for ease of illustration, andFIGS. 11-13 show thehead48 of thevalve20 moved only part way toward the fully extended position while the valve slits50 remain closed.FIGS. 14-17 show thevalve20 alone moved completely to the fully extended position with the valve completely open after thepetals52 have snapped open.
• In the preferred first embodiment of thevalve20 illustrated for use with the preferred first form of thedispensing system sub-assembly22, thevalve20 is designed to close when the pressure differential across thevalve head48 drops below a predetermined amount. The inherent resiliency of thevalve20 allows thevalve20 to return to the unactuated, closed condition (by action of the force generated from the resilient valve's deformational stresses). Thevalve20 is sufficiently stiff to remain closed under the static head of the substance in the housing24 (and in the attached reservoir (not shown)), but thevalve20 is flexible enough to open when thevalve head48 is subjected to a pressure differential greater than a predetermined magnitude.
• If thevalve20 has also been designed to be flexible enough to accommodate in-venting of ambient atmosphere as described in detail below, then the closingpetals52 of the valve can continue moving inwardly to allow the valve to open inwardly when the pressure on the valve head exterior surface exceeds the pressure on the valve head interior surface by a predetermined magnitude. For some dispensing applications, it may be desirable for thevalve20 not only to dispense the product, but also to optionally accommodate such in-venting of the ambient atmosphere to help equalize the interior pressure in thehousing24 with the pressure of exterior ambient atmosphere. Such an in-venting capability can be provided by selecting an appropriate material for the valve construction, and by selecting appropriate thicknesses, shapes, and dimensions for various portions of thevalve head48 for the particular valve material and overall valve size. The shape, flexibility, and resilience of the valve head, and in particular, of thepetals52, can be designed or established so that the petals will deflect inwardly when subjected to a sufficient pressure differential that acts across thehead48 in a gradient direction toward the interior of thehousing24. Such a pressure differential might occur after a quantity of a substance is discharged through thevalve20, and a partial vacuum is created inside the housing24 (and in the attached reservoir (not shown)). When thevalve20 closes, if there is a partial vacuum in thehousing24, and if the pressure differential across thevalve20 is large enough, thevalve petals52 will deflect inwardly beyond the normal closed position to permit in-venting of the ambient atmosphere into thehousing24 to assist in equalizing the internal pressure with the external pressure. As the external and internal pressures equalize, thepetals52 will move back out to the normal, closed position.
• It is to be understood that the dispensing orifice of thevalve20 may be defined by structures other than the illustrated straight slits52. If the orifice is defined by slits, then the slits may have various different shapes, sizes and/or configurations in accordance with the dispensing characteristics desired. For example, the orifice may also include four or more intersecting slits.
• If it is desired to provide particular dispensing characteristics, then the dispensingvalve20 is preferably configured for use in conjunction with (1) the characteristics or shape of the particular supply reservoir (not shown—but which may establish the maximum height (i.e., static head) of the substance or product in the reservoir), (2) the characteristics of the particular substance or product, and (3) any relevant characteristics of the other dispensing system sub-assembly components. For example, the viscosity and density of the product can be relevant factors in designing the specific configuration of thevalve20. The rigidity and durometer of the valve material, and size and shape of thevalve head48, can also be relevant to achieving some desired dispensing characteristics, and can be selected for accommodating the normal range of pressure differential that is expected to be typically applied across the valve head, and for accommodating the characteristics of the substance to be dispensed therefrom.
• As will be appreciated from the above description,projections60 onpetals52 act to profile, shape, and contour a substance being dispensed through thevalve20 as the substance moves through the opening defined by the valve in its open configuration. As will be appreciated, the finned configuration of theprojections60 in this illustrated embodiment, act to create generally V-shaped grooves in the substance being dispensed, with the resultant cross-sectional profile of the substance being generally fluted or grooved. This is illustrated inFIG. 18, which shows a dispensed substance, such as whipped dessert topping, having an aesthetically pleasing decorative appearance, as created by the dispensing valve of the present invention. In contrast,FIG. 19 illustrates a like product after dispensing from a pressure-responsive valve generally of the type disclosed in above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,144.
• With reference now toFIGS. 20-35, therein is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the present invention, with elements thereof corresponding to the previously-described embodiment designated by like reference numerals in the A-series.
• As will be further described, the dispensingvalve20A of this embodiment is incorporated in adispensing system sub-assembly22A, with the dispensing valve of this embodiment including a valve head which defines a central discharge aperture which remains open when the valve is in both its closed and open configurations. In this embodiment, an associated portion of the dispensing valve cooperates with an associated housing to open and close a flow path with an associated container or like reservoir. As in the previous embodiment, this embodiment of the present dispensing valve can desirably cooperate with the flow of an associated substance therethrough to impart a decorative, profiled or shaped, cross-sectional configuration to the substance.
• As illustrated, dispensingsystem sub-assembly22A includes a connectinghousing24A by which the sub-assembly can be mounted in operative association with a container or like reservoir, the sub-assembly further including an annular retaining ring or clampmember28A configured for snap-fit cooperation with thehousing24A. Thehousing24A has aninlet end32A which is adapted to be connected to a container or other reservoir (not shown). Thehousing24A defines an internal discharge passage through which the substance to be dispensed moves axially through the housing to anoutlet end48A within which dispensingvalve24A is generally positioned. Theoutlet end48 of the housing defines a discharge mouth through which product is dispensed attendant to operation of the dispensing system.
• Thehousing24A defines an interior,annular valve seat42A, preferably in a configuration of a frusto-conical surface, for receiving aperipheral flange portion86A of the associated dispensingvalve20A. Theannular seat42A functions as an annular, downwardly angled clamping surface for sealingly engaging the peripheral portion of thevalve20A when thevalve20A is retained in thehousing24A by an associatedannular retaining ring28A.
• To this end, the retainingring28A includes an upwardly facing, frusto-conical,annular clamping surface90A which defines an outwardly projectingbead92A for snap-fit engagement with anannular bead94A located generally outwardly ofannular seat42A ofhousing24A. This snap-fit engagement causes thering28A to clampvalve20A tightly in thehousing24A. During assembly, the retainingring28A can be pushed past thehousing retaining bead94A because there is sufficient flexibility in the retainingring28A and/orhousing24A to accommodate a temporary, elastic deformation of the components as the retainingring bead92A passes over, and inwardly beyond, thehousing bead94A to create a snap-fit engagement that compresses or clamps theperipheral portion86 of the dispensingvalve20 between the opposing frusto-conical surfaces42A and90A.
• As in the previous embodiment, dispensingvalve20A includes avalve head48A extending from anintermediate portion80A of the dispensing valve, such that at least part of the valve head is outwardly deflectable in an open configuration, when a sufficient pressure differential exists across the valve. In this embodiment, the dispensingvalve20A defines acentral discharge aperture49A, which aperture remains open as the valve head moves between its open and closed configurations.
• Control of flow through the dispensing valve assembly is provided by cooperation between theintermediate portion80A of the dispensingvalve20A, and aninterior wall26A of thehousing24A which defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced,discharge openings27A. The opening action of this embodiment of the present dispensing system is illustrated inFIGS. 33,34, and35, withFIG. 33illustrating dispensing valve20A in its closed configuration, andFIGS. 34 and 35illustrating dispensing valve20A in its open configuration. As will be observed, as the dispensing valve is displaced frominternal wall26A under the influence of differential pressure created across the valve, and in particular differential pressure acting onintermediate portion80A of the dispensing valve atdischarge openings27A, thecentral valve head48A moves downwardly, whereby product can flow through the discharge passage ofhousing24A, throughdischarge openings27A, between theinternal wall26A and the dispensingvalve20A, and outwardly through the central discharge aperture of the dispensing valve.
• In order to impart the desired decorative cross-sectional profile to product being dispensed, thevalve head48A of dispensingvalve20A includes a substance contact surface that defines a plurality of circumferentially spacedprojections60A, which extend generally inwardly of the valve head at the central discharge aperture thereof. As illustrated, each ofprojections60A has a generally V-shaped configuration, that is, tapering generally radially inwardly to a generally pointed, free end of each projection, to thereby impart generally V-shaped grooves to a substance being dispensed by the dispensing system. As will be appreciated,projections60A can be otherwise configured to impart other, differing profiles to the substance being dispensed by the dispensing arrangement.
• FIGS. 36-40 illustrate a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, with elements thereof corresponding to the previously-described embodiments designated by like reference numerals in the B-series.
• As will be recognized, in this illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a dispensingvalve20B is provided in a configuration similar to that of above-describeddispensing valve20A, in that the dispensing valve includes an outwardly deflectable valve head that defines a central discharge opening which remains open attendant to deflectable movement of the valve head. This embodiment differs from the previously-described embodiment, in that this embodiment includes a retaining ring or clampmember28B which defines an internal wall, and plurality of discharge openings, with which the associated dispensing valve cooperates in a pressure-responsive fashion to control the flow of a substance through the illustrated dispensing structure.
• Housing24B of this embodiment, illustrated inFIG. 37, includes aninlet end32B which is adapted to be connected to a container or other reservoir (not shown) with aninternal thread36B, as illustrated, or other suitable conventional or special attaching systems which can be releasable or permanent (not shown). Thehousing24B has anoutlet end40B defined by an annular wall portion. Thehousing outlet end40B may be further characterized as defining a distal end discharge mouth at the end of thehousing24B, opposite theinlet end32B. Thehousing24B may also be characterized as having an internal discharge passage extending between theinlet end32B and theoutlet end42B, as can be seen inFIG. 37, with the housing further defining a frusto-conical valve seat42B against which the associatedvalve20B is positioned.
• Dispensing valve20B of this embodiment is generally similar to dispensingvalve20A of the previously-described embodiment.Dispensing valve20B includes avalve head48B which is deflectable attendant to pressure-responsive activation of the valve, and anintermediate portion80B surrounding thevalve head48B. The dispensingvalve20B further includes aperipheral flange portion86B, to whichintermediate portion80B is joined, with theperipheral flange portion86B facilitating mounting of the valve on thevalve seat42B ofhousing24B.
• In accordance with the present invention,valve head48B of dispensingvalve20B defines a central discharge aperture at which a substance contact surface of the valve head defines a plurality of circumferentially spacedprojections60B, each having a generally radially inwardly tapering configuration, whereby generally V-shaped grooves are formed in an associated substance as the substance flows through the central discharge opening of the valve head.
• This embodiment further includes an annular retaining ring or clampmember28B configured for snap-fit cooperation with thehousing24B, whereby the dispensingvalve20B is held in position within the housing for dispensing cooperation with the retainingring28B of the dispensing structure. In particular, the retainingring28B defines a generally outwardly projectingbead92B for snap-fit engagement with anannular bead94B of thehousing24B. This snap-fit engagement causes the retainingring28B to clamp thevalve20B tightly in thehousing24B. The retainingring28B defines a frusto-conical surface90B (FIG. 39) which cooperates with frusto-conical surface42B of thehousing24B to grip and retain theperipheral flange portion86B of the dispensingvalve20B when the valve and retaining ring are assembled in position within thehousing24B.
• As noted, retainingring28B defines a plurality of discharge openings through which a dispensing substance flows prior to flow through the central discharge aperture defined by the associated dispensingvalve20B. In particular, the retainingring28B includes aninternal wall26B (FIG. 38), and a plurality of circumferentially spaceddischarge openings27B.
• Operation of this embodiment of the present invention will be readily apparent from comparison ofFIG. 39, wherein the dispensingvalve20B is in its closed configuration, andFIG. 40, wherein the dispensing valve is in its open configuration. Specifically, in the closed configuration of the valve, theintermediate portion80B of the valve engages theinternal wall26B of the retainingring28B, thus preventing communication between the inlet and outlet ends of thehousing24B.
• When a pressure differential is created across the dispensing valve, particularly at theintermediate portion80B of the dispensing valve at thedischarge openings27B, thevalve head48B is deflected away from theinternal wall26B, thereby permitting flow of the substance to be dispensed from the inlet end of thehousing24B, through thedischarge openings27B, through the central discharge aperture of thevalve head28B, and out of the outlet end of thehousing40B generally at the discharge mouth thereof. Attendant to flow in this manner, the substance being dispensed is shaped and contoured by cooperation of theprojections60B with the substance as it flows through the central discharge aperture of thevalve head48B. The substance is thus imparted with the desired decorative appearance for enhanced aesthetic appeal.
• While presently preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove, it is to be understood that a dispensing valve, and dispensing structure, embodying the principles of the present invention can be provided in a variety of configurations, that is, embodied as a variety of different pressure-responsive dispensing valves which include one or more deflectable elements which can be configured to contour or shape an associated substance as it passes through the valve structure. The direction of flow during dispensing is indicated by the arrow shown with each of these dispensing valves (illustrated inFIGS. 40,42,44,46,48, and50), with a substance contact surface C, which can be configured to define at least one projection (not shown) and/or recess (not shown) in accordance with the present invention.
• For example,FIGS. 41 and 42 illustrate a dispensingvalve120, of a configuration generally like previously-describeddispensing valve20, which may be configured to conclude one or more projections (not shown) and/or recesses (not shown) defined by (i.e., as part of) a substance contact surface C thereof for contouring or shaping a substance being dispensed by the valve.
• FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate a dispensingvalve220 including anintermediate portion280 which remains relatively fixed attendant to pressure-responsive activation of the valve, in distinction from the “rolling”intermediate portion80 of previously-describeddispensing valve20. The substance contact surface C can be configured to include one or more projections (not shown) and/or recesses (not shown) to shape or contour substances being dispensed through the open valve.
• FIGS. 45 and 46 illustrate a dispensingvalve320 which may be configured in accordance with the present invention to shape or contour a substance being dispensed by the valve. In this embodiment, grooves or recesses360 are defined by a substance contact surface C on each petal of the dispensing valve for contouring or shaping a substance being dispensed through the open valve. Eachrecess360 can be, for example, a generally V-shaped groove in contact surface C.
• FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate a further pressure-responsive dispensing valve420 which can be configured to include one or more projections (not shown) or recesses (not shown) at a substance contact surface C thereof in order to contour or shape a substance to be dispensed through the deflectable portions of the valve head of the dispensing valve.
• FIGS. 49 and 50 illustrate a dispensingvalve520 which includes generally laterally deflectable portions at a valve head thereof, which valve can again be modified in accordance with the present invention to include one or more projections (not shown) and/or recesses (not shown) at a substance C contact surface thereof to contour or shape a substance as it is dispensed through the valve structure.
• It will be readily observed from the foregoing detailed description of the invention and from the illustrations thereof that numerous other variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of this invention.

Claims (20)

1. A dispensing valve for dispensing a substance from a supply of the substance, said dispensing valve comprising:

a peripheral attachment portion by which said valve may be attached to a dispensing structure that has a discharge passage through which can be discharged a substance from a supply of said substance such that the discharging substance can pass through said valve into the ambient environment when said valve is in an open configuration;

a flexible, resilient, intermediate portion extending from said peripheral attachment portion; and

a flexible, resilient head extending from said intermediate portion, at least part of said valve head being outwardly deflectable to an open configuration when a sufficient pressure differential exists across said valve, said valve head having a substance contact surface for contacting said substance at least during discharge when said valve head is in said open configuration, said valve head substance contact surface defining at least one of a projection and a recess for contacting a portion of said substance as said substance is discharged through said valve when said valve is in said open configuration, wherein said valve head defines a central discharge aperture, said substance contact surface of said valve head defining a plurality of spaced apart ones of said projections or said recesses extending generally into said discharge aperture.

2. The valve in accordance withclaim 1 for use in dispensing said substance from the dispensing structure that includes a housing that defines said discharge passage for the substance and that has a distal end discharge mouth, and in which said valve is initially separate from, but subsequently attachable to, said housing inwardly of said housing mouth.

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. The valve in accordance withclaim 1 in which said valve is included in combination with a separate housing that (1) defines at least part of said dispensing structure, (2) contains said valve, and (3) that is adapted for being releasably or permanently mounted to a container.

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. A valve in accordance withclaim 2, wherein said dispensing structure defines at least one discharge opening which joins said discharge passage in fluid communication with said discharge mouth, said intermediate portion of said valve closing said discharge opening in a closed configuration of said valve,

said valve head being outwardly deflected to its open configuration by a pressure differential acting on said intermediate portion at said discharge opening defined by said housing.

14. A valve in accordance withclaim 13, wherein said housing defines a plurality of said discharge openings.

15. A valve in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said substance contact surface is configured to effect shaping of the substance being dispensed.

16. A valve in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said substance contact surface is configured to effect shear thinning of the substance being dispensed.

17. A valve in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said at least one projection is generally aligned with a flow axis defined by said dispensing valve.

18. A valve in accordance withclaim 1, wherein at least one projection is positioned at an acute angle to a flow axis defined by said dispensing valve.

19. A valve in accordance withclaim 18, wherein said at least one projection is generally planar.

20. A valve in accordance withclaim 18, wherein said at least one projection is generally arcuate.

Images