US3283963A - Valve for pressurized containers - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 8, 1966 R. K. BOYER ETAL 3,283,963

VALVE FOR PRESSURIZED CONTAINERS Filed Nov. 23, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 fig. .2 42

INVENTORS. RALPH K BUYER BY HOMER F EYEHDAM A TTORNEYS Nov. 8, 1966 R. K. BOYER ETAL 3,283,963

VALVE FOR PRESSURIZED CONTAINERS Filed Nov. 23, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TORS. RALPH K BUYER BY HOMER F. EYERDAM ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,283,963 VALVE FOR PRESSURIZED CONTAINERS Ralph K. Boyer, Cleveland, and Homer F. Eyerdam, Lakewood, Ohio, assignors to Eaton Manufacturing Company, a corporation of Ohio Filed Nov. 23, 1964, Ser. No. 412,914 23 Claims. (Cl. ZZZ-402.24)

This invention relates to a dispensing valve for a pressurized container.

This invention will be described in combination with the pressurized container of the so-called aerosol type, it being understood that this invention is applicable to any pressurized vessel or container.

The problem has been to find a valve, that is simply and inexpensively constructed, and easily operated. Many of the valves presently used have a number of complex and intricate parts. Also, each of the parts is susceptible to wear and breakage, and breakage of a part in a container of this type frequently means loss of the contents or inability to utilize the contents. Therefore, it is desirable to produce a relatively simple reliable dispensing valve for pressurized vessels or containers.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention, then, consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, the following description and annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but a few of the various forms in which the principle of this invention may be employed.

This invention accomplishes this by providing a resilient elongatable valve housing and a valve mounted on a rigid externally accessible elongated valve stem which is reciprocable therein, and which permits fluid under pressure to be released from the container when the stern of the valve is depressed. The fluid, usually normally gaseous, may be the sole material dispensed, or it may be a vehicle or carrier for another material of solid, liquid or gaseous nature, e.g. insecticides, deodorants, hair sprays, etc. The housing and valve are designed to be inserted into a preformed opening in a container, often after complete assembly of the metallic portion of the can and after filling with the dispensable material. Filling through the valve is also a common practice where the container and valve are completely assembled prior to filling.

The valve is seated against a valve seat which is formed in the housing. As the stern of the valve is depressed the valvebecomes unseated and fluid in the container flows through the housing, between the valve and the valve seat and is released from the container. Depression of the valve stem exerts force against an abutment in the housing causing the resilient housing to elongate. The housing being resilient will assume its original configuration when the force is taken away. The resiliency of the elongated housing provides a means for reseating the valve.

The simple biasing action of the housing replaces the complicated spring valve closure systems of prior valves. The valve and housing are simple and are economically manufactured. The product is designed to reduce the number of working parts as Well as simplify the manner in which they operate, and the manner in which they are applied to the metal container.

Briefly stated, then this invention is in a dispensing valve for a pressurized fluid container. This is characterized by a resiliently flexible wall enclosed chamber having In the annexed drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a pressurized container showing one embodiment of the valve structure of this invention in combination therewith.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve structure shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective illustration showing the valve and resilient valve housing used in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the resilient housing of FIG. 3 in combination with a bushing which is secured to the opening in the cap of the container.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of this invention. This particular embodiment is used with pressurized vessels where the pressure is relatively small, e.g. 4 to 20 p.s.i.g.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of this invention. This embodiment is particularly designed to dispense foods from a container.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of this invention, i.e. a resilient valve particularly designed for use in a conventionally designed propane gas torch.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view in cross-section of a container including a modified valve structure in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view in cross-section of a container including another modified valve structure in accordance herewith. Similar or corresponding parts in the figures have corresponding numbers.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of another embodiment of this invention.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. l-4 of the an nexed drawings, there is shown a conventional metallic pressurizable container or dispenser, generally indicated at 10. Thecontainer 10, as manufactured, has an openannular rim portion 11. Acap portion 12 is designed to be secured or rolled onto therim portion 11 to seal thecontainer 10.Cap 12 may have formed therein, an annular recess ordepression 13 which extends into the interior of thecontainer 10. As hereinafter described, the depth of therecess 13 may be varied to accommodate a variety of predetermined container pressures. Centrally disposed in thecap 12 or in the bottom of therecess 13, is an opening 14 (FIG. 4). Spaced around the opening 14 there may be provided one or more smaller holes, e.g. hole 15 (FIG. 2) which serve as excessive pressure relief ports.

A resilient, elongatable valve housing, generally indicated at 16, and generally formed of a fluid resistant elastomer, e.g. neoprene, is designed to be inserted through theopening 14 of thecap 12. As seen in FIG. 3, thehousing 16 is composed of substantiallycylindrical portions 17 and 18 of disparate sizes. When inserted in theopening 14, the cylindrical orplug portion 17 preferably tightly fits into therecess 13. The outer annular surface of thecylindrical portion 17, compressively engages the inner annular surface of the walls which form therecess 13.Cylindrical portion 18 has a diameter larger than opening 14 and is adapted to be forced there through and to extend into thecontainer 10. For ease in assembly with the opening 14 a locating ring 14a (FIG. 6) may be provided to give visual confirmation of proper location ofbody 18 therein. The sides of thehousing 16 adjacent theopening 14 are compressed inwardly effecting a pressure withstanding seal with the marginal edges of theopening 14 and simultaneously locking the valve structure to thecontainer 10.

Arim 19 is formed in thehousing 16 between theabutting portions 17 and 18, and delineates anannular recess 20 radially inwardly thereof. A centrally disposed passageway orbore 21 extends from the outside of theresilient housing 16 and communicates with afluid receiving chamber 22. In the preferred embodiments,bore 21 continues to provide in the opposite wall ofchamber 22, anabutment 24. Anannular valve seat 23 is formed in the fluid pocket orchamber 22 adjacent theoutlet passageway 21. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 aninlet passageway 25 communicates between the fluid pocket orchamber 22 and the exterior of the valve structure which extends inside of thecontainer 10.

' An elongated valve stem or plunger, generally indicated at 30, is externally accessible and reeciprocable in thehousing 16. The valve stem 30 includes an elongated, substantially cylindricalvalve stem portion 31 which is movable, and is sealingly engaged by the side walls of thepassageway 21 of theresilient housing 16. Intermediate :the extremities of thevalve stem 30 there is provided avalve 34 which coacts withvalve seat 23 to control fluid flow. When thevalve 34 is in a closed position, thevalve stem 31 has itsextremity 32 resting against theabutment 24 and resiliently biased by thevalve body 16 into closing relation withoutlet 21. Theother extremity 33 of thevalve stem 31 may protrude beyond thecap 12 of the container to receive a dispensing andvalve operating button 42, or be recessed therein for external access by structure such as shown in FIG. 7. When thestem 31 is depressed, theresilient housing 16 becomes elongated and thevalve 34 becomes unseated with respect to thevalve seat 23, permitting fluid to be forced from thecontainer 10. The biasing action of the elongatedresilient housing 16 forces thevalve stem 30 to returnvalve 34 to its normally closed position.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2 thevalve stem 30 has a centrally disposedaxial bore 35 .which is discontinuous adjacent thevalve 34. A radial port or bore 36 adjacent the high pressure side of thevalve 34 communicates with the valve stem passageway or bore 35a and the fluid pocket orchamber 22. A radial port or bore 37 adjacent the low pressure side of thevalve 34 communicates with thevalve stem passageway 35 and thefluid chamber 22 when thevalve 34 is un- .seated. Thestem portion 38 adjacent thevalve 34 in which theradial port 37 is located, is of smaller diameter than the walls of thepassageway 21 and forms anannular fluid passageway 40 for exiting fluid from chamber In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 2

. and 4, atube 41 passes through thepassageway 25 of thehousing 16 and is secured to theend 32 of thevalve stem 30 and communicates with thepassageway 35a.

,Tube 41 extends in the usual fashion to the bottom of the container to facilitate upright container discharge. When the valve is depressed, fluid in the container is forced through thetube 41 into theinlet passageway 35a throughradial port 36 and into thefluid pocket 22. The fluid is then forced past thevalve 34 into theannular recess 40,

throughradial port 37 and into thepassageway 35. The button orspray nozzle 42 is rotatably and slidably secured to the stern portion protruding beyond thecap 12.

housing are designed to relieve excess pressure in the container. Referring particularly to FIG. 2, excess pressure in the container will force fluid (gas or liquid) through the holes spaced around theopening 14 into theannular recess 20 in theshoulder 19. The fluid is forced from theannular recess 20 out into the atmosphere between the compressively engaged surfaces of the cylindri- -of thecap 12.

cal portion or plugadapter 17 of theresilient housing 16, and thecylindrical walls 45 which form theannular recess 13. It is readily seen that the extent of surface contact between the resilient housing and the walls of therecess 13 can serve as a means for regulating the amount of pressure in the container. This is graphically illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7. The depth of therecess 13 is variable with the pressure requirements of the contents of the container. Containers having relatively greater pressures use an embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 7.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, the surface contact between the resilient housing and the walls of the recessare increased by securing to the cap, a bushing orcollar 46 which extends from the cylindrical walls forming therecess 13. The depth of therecess 13 seen in FIG. 6 is approximately one half the depth of therecess 13 of FIGS. 2, 4, and 7. Thus, this combination may be used with a container wherein there is relatively less fluid pressure.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5, there is noannular recess 13. This combination between the opening and the housing is particularly adapted for a relatively low pressure container, e.g. 4-20 p.s.i.g. In this embodiment, the end portion or plugadapter 17 of thehousing 16 is mounted atop the annular flange portion 47 Asimilar opening 14 is disposed in theflange portion 47. The excess fluid pressure forces air throughsimilar holes 15 in theflange portion 47 into asimilar recess 20 in the underside of theend portion 17. The gas or liquid is then forced from theannular recess 20 into the atmosphere between the abuttingannular portion 48 of theresilient housing 16 and theflange 47 of the cap -12. Thus there is provided a safety feature in the devices of this invention which permits regulation of the escape pressure to acommodate a variety of pressurized fluids.

The embodiment of the valve shown in FIG. 5 differs from that shown in FIG. 2 in that the valve stem is solid. Fluid is not forced into thefluid pocket 22 through passageways in the valve stem, but rather through aninlet port 49 in the side walls of thefluid pocket 22 adjacent thevalve seat 23. In this particular embodiment of the invention, the container must be tilted upside down if all the contents are to be used because theinlet port 49, through which the contents must flow, is located near the top of the container.

The embodiment of the valve shown in FIG. 6 is particularly adapted for use as a two way valve, in which fluid under pressure may be forced into a container from a source under higher pressure than the contents of the container. The valve stem is bored in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 3 and it operates in a manner corresponding to the valve shown in FIG. 2. Valve stem 30 also includes a recessedportion 38 including the opening of radial bore 37 which in combination with opening 21 in thehousing 16 forms anauxiliary chamber 40 on the low pressure side of thevalve 34. The means for permitting the fluid to flow from the outside of the container into thepocket 22 in order to refill, or fill after assembly of the valve to the can, the container is an elongated slit or slits, e.g. slit 50a in the walls of thefluid pocket 22. Although some fluid will flow into the container in a reverse manner through the continuation ofaxial bore 35, this path tends to be too restricted for rapid refill and the slit will pass the major portion of incoming fluid. When the dispensing valve is closed the slit is closed by the internal pressure of the container acting to compress the side walls ofchamber 22 and fluid will not flow from inside the container into thefluid chamber 22 through the slit. When thevalve stem 30 is depressed by a suitable fitting (not shown) in the filling line, the action causes theresilient housing 16 to elongate. The higher pressure in the filling line causes the slit 50a to open, and fluid may be forced through thevalve stem passageway 35, around thevalve seat 23 and into the container through the now elongated or open slit 50a. Thus this valve structure is adaptable to refillable dispensing vessels or containers.

The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 7 is particularly adapted for dispensing foods from 21 container, e.g. cake frosting. Theresilient housing 16 is similar to that used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 with the following exceptions. There is nopassageway 25 ex tending from the fluid pocket into the container. Instead, aninlet port 51 is located in the side offluid chamber 22 adjacent thevalve seat 23. Asecond valve seat 52, in spaced relation to thevalve seat 23, is located in thepassageway 21 adjacent the outer extremity 56 of theresilient housing 16. The valve stem 31 is similarly slidable in thepassageway 21 of thehousing 16. When thevalve 24 is in a closed position, the outer end of thevalve stem 31 is flush with the extremity 56 of the housing :16. Anauxiliary valve 57 integral with thevalve stem 31 engages thevalve seat 52 to seal fluid in theoutlet chamber 61 from exposure to air which in the case of food product dispensing is most important. The purpose of the dual valve seating arrangement is to keep as little as possible of the contents of the container from being exposed to the atmosphere, thus reducing or substantially eliminating any spoilage of the contents in or near the outlet of the container.

Aresilient dispensing nozzle 58 is removably secured to thedispenser cap 12. When secured thereon, the nozzle'58 has apassageway 59 which extends from the outside of thenozzle 58 to a point in line and adjacent to thepassageway 21 of theresilient housing 16. The stem portion 60 in thepassageway 21, is smaller in diameter than thepassageway 21 thus forming an annular space oroutlet chamber 61. When theresilient dispensing nozzle 58 is depressed, the cylindrical walls 62 which form a portion of the passageway 29, coact with the end of thevalve stem 30 to unseat thevalves 57 and 34 allowing fluid, under pressure to flow through theinlet port 51 into thefluid chamber 22, around thevalve 34 into the annular space oroutlet chamber 61, and around thevalve 57 into thepassageway 59 of thespray nozzle 58, and out into the atmosphere. The beveled or champfered lower edge 63 of the cylindrical wall member 62 tends to spread theexit 64 to permit freer passage of the contents by thevalve stem extremity 65 and form a seal therewith. Fluid, or food contents, flowspast valve seat 52 throughexit 64 and notch 66 into exit passageway -59. Upon release, theexit 64 tends to close around stemextremity 65 and the movement of valve stem 30'upwardly due to the biasing action ofresilient housing 16 acting throughabutment 32 cleans perishable material out of the valve structure and forces it to the outside of the container body where it can be cleaned off by washing, for example, when thecap 58 is removed. The rolled rim 12a may be so disposed that the external extremity of plug '17 is flush with the top of the container'to facilitatecleanmg.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 8, there is shown a conventionally designedpropane torch 70. Ametal closure cap 71 with ahole 72 therein, seals the end of thecontainer 7 0.

Aresilient valve housing 73, inserted in the hole is compressively engaged therein intermediate its extremities. Anoutlet passageway 74 extends into the housing .73, and communicates with fluid pocket orchamber 75. A plurality of inlet ports,e.g. ports 76 and 77 in the walls of thehousing 73, permits fluid to flow into thefluid pocket 75 from inside thecontainer 70. Avalve seat 78 is formed in thepocket 75 adjacent theoutlet passageway 74.

Avalve stem 79, slidable in thepassageway 74, extends into thepocket 75 and rests against anabutment 81, formed in thepocket 75 opposite thevalve seat 78. The

other extremity 82 of thevalve stem 79, protrudes from thepassageway 74. The valve stem orplunger 79 has secured thereto, and integral therewith, avalve 83. Thevalve 83 is biased against thevalve seat 78 by theresilient housing 73. When thevalve stem 79 is depressed as by attachment of the torch fitting 85, the resilient housing 73elongates and thevalve 83 becomes unseated, and fluid will flow from thepocket 75 into torch fitting or nozzle where it is then controlled byvalve 87. When the force, depressing thevalve stem 79, is removed the resiliency of thehousing 73 will return thevalve 83 to its closed position against thevalve seat 78.

A conventionally designedadapter 84 is secured to thecap 71.Adapter 84 serves as an abutment for aportion 74 which tightly fits around valve stemextremity 82 and forms a pressure withstanding seal therewith to prevent loss of gas under pressure whenvalve 83 is unseated, and also serves to prevent extrusion of the valve housing under elevated pressures. The upper extremity of the valve stem includes anaxial bore 35 and a radial port communicating therewith on the low pressure side ofvalve 83 for letting gas out of the container for delivery to thetorch nozzle 85.Nozzle 85 is threadedly secured to the free extremity of theadapter 84.Nozzle 85 has a portion thereof or a pin, indicated at 86, compressively engaging thevalve stem extremity 82 to force thevalve 83 away from thevalve seat 78. Fluid is thus forced into thenozzle 85. A conventionally designedvalve 87 in thenozzle 85 regulates the flow of fluid therethrough.

Thevalve housing 73 includes means for releasing excess pressure in thecontainer 70. Adjacent thepassageway 74, there is anexpandable slit 90 in the walls of thepocket 75. Excess pressure causes fluid to be forced through theslit 90 into anannular recess 91 formed in theadapter 84 and out into the atmosphere through the outlet-port'92 in the walls of theadapter 84. The flow path of the fluid is graphically illustrated by the arrowed line.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate in cross-section portions of pressurized fluid containers having valve structure fittings also shown in cross-section embodying the principles of the present invention. In one case, FIG. 9, the opening to thecontainer 10 is formed integrally with the side walls of the container such as by a drawing operation. In FIG. 10, the can body is first formed and has secured to it a cap portion which includes an opening through which the valve is inserted. Thevalve body 16 is accommodated by the opening in pressure withstanding engagement.

In other respects, the valves shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are quite similar to the valves shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, respectively. The valve structures in FIGS. 9 and 10 are each provided with valve stems 30 having anaxial bore 35 communicating with aradial bore 37 on the low pressure side ofvalve 34.Valve 34 seats againstvalve seat 23 which is contained integrally with thehousing 16 and disposed around theoutlet 21 therein.Valve stem 30 is provided with anannular recess 38 adapted to receive fluid passing between thevalve 34 and thevalve seat 38 for distribution to theradial port 37 and ultimate exit from the container through outlet oraxial bore 35.

Each of the structures in FIGS. 9 and 10 includes afluid receiving chamber 22 integrally formed in thehousing 16 and having resilient side walls as hereinbefore described. Anabutment portion 26 integral withhousing 16 includes anabutment 24 against which valve stemextremity 32 is resiliently biased. In the case of FIG. 9, fluid entry intofluid receiving chamber 22 is gained by the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and including aflexible tube 41 communicating with anextension 35a ofaxial bore 35 which in turn communicates with thechamber 22 through the radial bore 36. The side wall ofchamber 22 will be also provided with a slit as the slit in 50a (FIG. 6) in order to provide for refilling of the container. A

fluid-tight seal is eifected between the walls ofpassageway 21 inhousing 16 and valve stem 30 so that the fluid is forced to exit from the container through thepassageway 35. Although valve stem 30 is axially slidable in theopening 21 to provide for unseating of thevalve 34, nevertheless the seal betweenopening 21 and valve stem 30 is able to withstand pressure exerted by the internal con tents.

In FIG. access tochamber 22 is gained throughopening 49 in the side wall thereof. Hence, an axial bore extension such as shown in FIG. 9 on the high pressure side of thevalve 34 is unnecessary and the valve stem extension 31a serves to provide anabutment 32 for coaction with theabutment 24 formed in the wall ofchamber 22 at its innermost extremity.

In the structure shown in FIG. 10, the valve structure may be combined with thecap portion 100 before assembly of the cap portion to the can either by rolling or soldering to thecan body 10. Alternately, and in many cases advantageously, the entire metallic portion of the can body may be assembled at a can making facility, and the valve structures of the present invention inserted at the site of filling the containers. This is often a remote place from the source of the finished can bodies. Filling of pressurized containers is normally accomplished by introducing the contents through the opening defined by the radially inwardly extendingflange 101 at a tem perature below the boiling point of the propellent material e.g. 40 F. so that the contents of the containers may be handled easily in the liquid state at atmospheric pressure. After introducing the contents the valve structures of the present invention may be forcibly inserted into the opening at the top of the container and into pressure withstanding engagement therewith. When the contents return to room temperature, pressure is developed in the container and the contents may be released by unseatingvalve 34 fromvalve seat 23 using the externallyaccessible valve stem 30. 7 FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of this invention which is similar to that shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, however, thevalve stem 38 is recessed relative to opening 21 for a greater axial distance than shown in FIG. 2. Closely adjacent thevalve seat 23 there is provided asecondary seal 105 in the form of an annular constriction in opening 21 so shaped and dimensioned to coact in sliding engagement with thestem 38 much like a ring seal.Radial port 37 is normally located between theseal 105 and thevalve seat 23. Externalannular rim 106 coacts betweenplug portion 17 andshoulder 43 to provide additional sealing and biasing means tending toseat valve 34 against thevalve seat 23. The structure of FIG. 11 provides adequate sealing and offers less resistance to valve stem movement.

Thus there has been provided a new and novel combination dispensing and fluid relief valve used in a pressurized container, wherein the contents of the container are discharged by manually depressing the stem of the valve. The resilient housing, designed to take the place of a multiplicity of springs used in other devices, biases the valve in a closed position. The parts are relatively simple and easily replaced and are also economically produced.

Other modes of applying the principle of this invention may be employed instead of those specifically set forth 'above, changes being made as regards the details herein disclosed, provided the elements set forth in any of the following claims, or the equivalent of such be employed.

It is, therefore, particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed as the invention:

1. A dispensing valve structure for a pressurized fluid container comprising in combination:

(a) a resiliently flexible member enclosing a chamber;

(b) a fluid outlet from the chamber in said member;

(c) a valve seat surrounding said outlet;-

(d) a fluid inlet to'the chamber in said member spaced from said outlet;

(e) an externally accessible rigid valve stem extending into the chamber through said fluid outlet into engagement with an internal portion of said member said stern being of such a length so as to engage the bottomrnost end of said chamber for deflecting the entire chamber enclosing resilient member;

(f) a valve carried by said stem and biased by said flexible member into seating outlet closing engagement with said valve seat;

whereby movement of the valve stem against the engaged portion of said member will resiliently deflect the entire flexible member, unseat the valve, and open the outlet to control the dispensing of fluid through said chamber.

2. A dispensing valve structure for a pressurized fluid container having an opening therein comprising in combination:

(a) a resiliently flexible valve housing;

(b) a wall enclosed chamber integral with said hous- (c) an abutment in one end of said housing and in tegral therewith;

(d) a plug adapter portion at the other end of said housing and integral with said housing and adapted to fit in a container opening;

(e) fluid inlet passage means for transmitting pressurized fluid into said chamber;

(f) fluid outlet passage means for transmitting fluid from the chamber;

(g) a valve seat surrounding said outlet passage means;

, (h) a rigid elongated externally accessible valve stem reciprocably extending through said plug portion and said chamber into abutting relation with said abutment; and

(i) a valve carried by said valve stem and disposed for seating coaction with the valve seat;

said valve stem adapted to ooact with said abutment in said housing to elastically deform the entire housing and unseat the valve.

3. A dispensing valve structure in accordance with claim 2 in which the valve stem coacts with the plug portion to form a pressure withstanding seal therewith.

4. A dispensing valve structure for a pressurized fluid container having an opening therein comprising in combination:

(a) a resiliently flexible valve housing; (b) a Wall enclosed chamber integral with said hous- (c) an abutment in one end of said housing and integral therewith; (d) a plug adapter portion at the other end of said housing and integral with said housing and adapted to fit into the container opening for frictional engagement thereby; (e) excessive pressure relief means in said plug portion; (f) fluid inlet passage means for transmitting pressurized fluid into said chamber; (g) fluid outlet passage means for transmitting fluid from the chamber; (h) a valve seat surrounding said outlet passage means; (i) a rigid elongated externally accessible valve stem reciprocably extending through said plug portion and said chamber into abutting relation with said abutment; and

(j) a valve carried by said valve stem and disposed for seating coaction with said valve seat;

said valve stem adapted to 'coact with said abutment in said housing to elastically deform the entire housing and unseat the valve.

5. A dispensing valve structure in accordance with claim4 in which the excessive pressure relief means in cludes an annular groove in the under side of said plug portion.

6. A dispensing valve structure in accordance with claim 4 in which the fluid inlet passage means includes an aperture in the wall of the wall enclosed chamber adapted to pass fluid between the container interior and the chamber.

7. A dispensing valve structure in accordance with claim 4 in which the wall enclosed chamber includes a slit in the wall of the wall enclosed chamber adapted to pass fluid between the chamber and the container interior.

8. A dispensing valve structure in accordance with claim 4 in which the fluid inlet passage means includes an axial bore extending through the abutment and communieating with a fluid conduit in the valve stem opening into said chamber.

9. A dispensing valve structure in accordance with claim 4 in which the valve seat is an annular shoulder surrounding the fluid outlet.

10. A dispensing valve structure in accordance with claim 9 in which the valve is an annular shoulder carried by said valve stem and is complementarily configured for seating coaction with said annular valve seat.

11. A dispensing valve structure for a pressurized fluid container having a circular opening therein comprising in combination:

(a) a resiliently flexible valve housing;

(b) a plug portion at one end of said housing having a diameter larger than the circular opening in said container and defining a shoulder extending over a portion of the exterior of the container; I

(c) a wall enclosed chamber depending from said plug portion and integral therewith and having a diameter larger than the circular opening in said container but less than the diameter of said plug portion;

(d) an abutment portion in one end of said housing and depending from said wall enclosed chamber;

(e) fluid inlet passage means for transmitting pressurized fluid into said chamber;

'(f) fluid outlet passage means for transmitting fluid from said chamber;

1 g) a valve seat surrounding said outlet passage means;

(h) a rigid elongated valve stem reciprocably extending through said plug portion and said wall enclosed chamber into abutting relation with said abutment portion; and

(i) a valve carried by said valve stem and disposed for seating coaction with said valve seat;

said valve stem adapted to coact with said abutment I in said housing to elastically deform the entire housing and unseat the valve.

12. A dispensing valve structure in accordance withclaim 11 wherein said plug portion includes an annular recess in the surface of the shoulder thereof from which the wall enclosed chamber portion depends.

13. A closure top for a metallic container of pressurized dispensable fluid comprising in combination:

(a) a metallic closure member adapted to be secured to an opening in the top of said container;

(b) a circular opening centrally disposed in said closure member;

(c) a dispensing valve structure frictionally engaged in the circular opening in said closure member, said dispensing valve structure including;

(d) a resiliently flexible valve housing;

(e) a wall enclosed chamber integral with said housing;

(f) an abutment in one end of said housing and integral therewith;

(g) a plug adapter portion at the other end of said housing and integral with said housing and adapted to fit in a container opening;

(h) fluid inlet passage means for transmitting pressurized fluid into said chamber;

(i) fluid outlet passage means for transmitting fluid from the chamber;

(l) a valve seat surrounding said outlet passage means;

(k) a rigid elongated externally accessible valve stem reciprocably extending through said plug portion and said chamber into abutting relation with said abutment; and

(l) a valve carried by said valve stem and disposed for seating coaction with the valve seat;

said valve stem adapted to coact with said abutment in said housing to elastically deform the entire housing and unseat the valve.

14. A closure top for a metallic container of pressurized dispensable fluid comprising in combination:

(a) a metallic closure member adapted to be secured to an opening in the top of said container;

(b) a recess centrally disposed in said closure member;

(c) a circular opening having a diameter less than the diameter of said recess extending through the bottom of said recess;

((1) a dispensing valve structure frictionally engaged in the circular opening in said closure member, said dispensing valve structure including;

(e) a resiliently flexible valve housing;

'(f) a wall enclosed chamber integral with said hous- (g) an abutment in one end of said housing and integral therewith;

(h) a plug adapter portion at the other end of said housing and integral therewith and so dimensioned as to frictionally engage the said walls of said recess;

(i) fluid inlet passage means for transmitting pressurized fluid into said chamber;

(j) fluid outlet passage means for transmitting fluid from the chamber;

(k) a valve seat surrounding said outlet passage means;

(1) a rigid elongated externally accessible valve stem reciprocably extending through said plug portion and said chamber into abutting relation with said' abutment; and

(m) a valve carried by said valve stem and disposed for seating coaction with the valve seat;

said valve stem adapted to coact with said abutment in said housing to elastically deform the entire housing and unseat the valve.

15. A closure top for a metallic container in accordance withclaim 14 in which the external surfaces of the wall enclosed chamber have a diameter larger than the chamber of the circular open-ing, said walls being deformed by said circular opening. I

16. A closure top for a metallic container in accordance withclaim 14 in which the plug adapter portion includes an annular recess defining a circular channel with the bottom of the recess in said metallic closure member.

17. A closure top for a metallic container in accordance withclaim 16 in which the bottom of the recess in the metallic closure member includes fluid exit means for excessive pressure relief, said fluid exit means communicating with said annular recess in said plug adapter portion. v

18. A closure top for a metallic container of pressurized dispensable fluid comprising in combination:

(a) a metallic closure member adapted to secure to an opening in the top of said container;

(b) a recess extending inwardly of the container and centrally disposed in said metallic closure member;

(6) a circular opening having a diameter smaller than the diameter of said recess portion, said opening disposed in the bottom of said recess;

(d) a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes in the bottom of said recess surrounding said circular opening;

(e) a dispensing valve structure frictionally engaged in the circular opening in said closure member, said dispensing valve structure including;

(f) a resiliently flexible valve housing;

'1 l (g) a wall enclosed chamber integral with said hous- 111g; (h) an abutment in one end of said housing and integral therewith; (i) a resilient plug adapter portion at the other end of said housing and integral with said housing having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of said recess and adapted to frictionally remain engaged therein; (j) fluid inlet passage means for transmitting pressurizedfluid into said chamber; (k) fluid outlet passage means for transmitting fluid from the chamber; (1) a valve seat surrounding said outlet passage means;

' t (m) a rigid elongated externally accessible valve stem reciprocably extending through said plug portion and said chamber into abutting relation with said abutment;

(n) a valve carried by said valve stem and disposed for seating coaction with the valve seat;

() a discontinuous axial bore extending inwardly from each extremity of said valve stem, but not extending through said valve stem;

(p) a radial bore communicating between the inner end of one of said axial bores and the surface of the valve stem on one side of the valve;

(q) a separate radial bore communicating between the inner extremity of the other of said axial bores and the surface of said valve stem on the other side of said valve; and

(r) a portion of said valve stem of reduced diameter on the low pressure side of said valve defining in combination with the outlet passage a second fluid receiving chamber, said radial bore positioned so as to be in communication with said second fluid receiving chamber;

said valve stem adapted to coact with said abutment in said housing to elastically deform the entire housing and unseat the valve. t

19. A dispensing valve structure for a pressurized fluid container having a circular opening therein compising in combination:

(a) a resiliently flexible valve housing;

(b) a plug portion at one end of said housing having a diameter larger than the circular opening in said container and defining a shoulder extending over a portion of the exterior of the container, and includingan axial bore;

(c) a wall enclosedvchamber depending from said plug portion and integral therewith and having a diameter larger than the circular opening in said con tainer but less than the diameter of said plug portion;

(d) an abutment portion in one end of said housing and depending from said wall enclosed chamber;

(e) fluid inlet passage means for transmitting pressurized fluid into said chamber;

(f) fluid outlet passage means for transmitting fluid from said chamber;

(g) a valve seat surrounding said outlet passage means;

(h) a rigid elongated valve stem reciprocable in said axial bore extending through said plug portion and said wall enclosed chamber int-o abutting relation with said abutment portion and having a diameter less than the diameter of said bore;

(i) a constriction in said axial bore axially spaced from said valve seat and dimensioned for sliding sealing engagement with said valve stem; and

(j) a valve carried by said valve stem and disposed for seating coaction with said valve seat;

said valve stem adapted to coact with said abutment in said housing to elastically deform the entire housing and unseat the valve.

20. a dispensing valve structure for a pressurized fluid container comprising in combination:

'(a) a resiliently flexible member enclosing a chamber; (b) a fluid outlet from the chamber in said member; .(c) a valve seat surrounding said outlet;

(d) a fluid inlet to the chamber in said member spaced from said outlet;

(e) an externally accessible rigid valve stem extending into the chamber through said fluid outlet into abutting engagement with an internal portion of said member said stem being of such a length so as to engage the bottommost end of said chamber for deflecting the entire chamber enclosing resilient membet;

a (f) a valve carried by said stem and biased bysaid flexible member into seating outlet closing engage ment with said valve seat whereby movement of the valve stem against the engaged portion of said memher will resiliently deflect the entire flexible member, unseat the valve, and open the outlet to control the dispensing of fluid through said chamber;

(g) a pair of inwardly directed axial bores in said valve stem;

(h) each of said axial bores communicating with a radial bore through the side wall of said stern, said radial bores being spaced apart and on opposite sides of said valve; and

(i) one of said axial bores cooperating with said inlet to supply fluid under pressure to said chamber, and the other cooperating with said outlet to exhaust fluid from said chamber in response to movement of the valve stem against said flexible member.

21. A dispensing valve structure for a pressurized fluid container comprising in combination:

(a) a resiliently flexible member enclosing a chamber;

(b) an elongated fluid outlet from the chamber in said member;

(c) a plurality of spaced valve seats located along a common axis surrounding said outlet;

(d) a fluid inlet to the chamber in said member spaced from said outlet;

(e) an externally accessible rigid valve stem extending into the chamber through said fluid out-let into engagement with an internal portion of said member said stem being of such a length so as to engage the bottommost end of said ch-am ber for deflecting the entire chamber enclosing resilient member;

(f) a plurality of axially spaced valves carried by said stem and biased by said flexible member into seating outlet closing engagement with each of said valve seats;

whereby movement of the valve stem against said flexible member will resiliently deflect the entire flexible container having an opening therein comprising in combination:

(a) a resiliently flexible valve housing;

(b) a wall enclosed chamber integral with said hous- (c) an internal abutment in one end of said housing and integral therewith;

(d) fluid inlet passage means for transmitting pressurized fluid into said chamber;

(e) fluid outlet passage means 'for transmittingfluid from said chamber; 1 (f) a plug adapter portion at the other end of said housing, integral with said housing, adapted to seat in a container opening, and having a' cylindrical bore extending therethrough for communication with said fluid outlet; V (g) a valve seat surrounding said outlet passage means; (h) a rigid elongated externally accessible valve stem reciprocally extending through thebore in saidplug 13 portion and said chamber into abutting relation with said abutment, said valve stem adapted to coact with said abutment in said housing to elastically deform the entire housing;

(i) a valve carried by said valve stem biased 'by said hOusing and disposed for seating coaction with said valve seat and adapted to be unseated when said valve stem elastically deforms said housing;

(j) said valve stem including a cylindrical portion dimensioned to sealingly engage the walls of said cylindrical bore through said plug portion to form a pressure withstanding seal therewith.

23. A dispensing valve structure in accordance withclaim 22 in which the cylindrical bore of said plug portion 289,447 12/1883 Rich 222514 X 2,863,699 12/ 1958 Elser. 3,083,882 4/ 1963 Schmidt et a1 222-396 3,101,876 8/1963 Ayers. 3,106,321 10/1963 Gorman 239-579 X 3,180,374 4/1965 Muller 251354 X RAPHAEL M. LUPO, Primary Examiner.

Claims (2)

1. A DISPENSING VALVE STRUCTURE FOR A PRESSURIZED FLUID CONTAINER COMPRISING IN COMBINATION: (A) A RESILIENTLY FLEXIBLE MEMBER ENCLOSING A CHAMBER; (B) A FLUID OUTLET FROM THE CHAMBER IN SAID MEMBER; (C) A VALVE SEAT SURROUNDING SAID OUTLET; (D) A FLUID INLET TO THE CHAMBER IN SAID MEMBER SPACED FROM SAID OUTLET; (E) AN EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE RIGID VALVE STEM EXTENDING INTO THE CHAMBER THROUGH SAID FLUID OUTLET INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH AN INTERNAL PORTION OF SAID MEMBER SAID STEM BEING OF SUCH A LENGTH SO AS TO ENGAGE THE BOTTOMMOST END OF SAID CHAMBER FOR DEFLECTING THE ENTIRE CHAMBER ENCLOSING RESILIENT MEMBER; (F) A VALVE CARRIED BY SAID STEM AND BIASED BY SAID FLEXIBLE MEMBER INTO SEATING OUTLET CLOSING ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID VALVE SEAT; WHEREBY MOVEMENT OF THE VALVE STEM AGAINST THE ENGAGED PORTION OF SAID MEMBER WILL RESILIENTLY DEFLECT THE ENTIRE FLEXIBLE MEMBER, UNSEAT THE VALVE, AND OPEN THE OUTLET TO CONTROL THE DISPENSING OF FLUID THROUGH SAID CHAMBER.

21. A DISPENSING VALVE STRUCTURE FOR A PRESSURIZED FLUID CONTAINER COMPRISING IN COMBINATION: (A) A RESILIENTLY FLEXIBLE MEMBER ENCLOSING A CHAMBER; (B) AN ELONGATED FLUID OUTLET FROM THE CHAMBER IN SAID MEMBER; (C) A PLURALITY OF SPACED VALVE SEAT LOCATED ALONG A COMMON AXIS SURROUNDING SAID OUTLET; (D) A FLUID INLET TO THE CHAMBER IN SAID MEMBER SPACED FROM SAID OUTLET; (E) AN EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE RIGID VALVE STEM EXTENDING INTO THE CHAMBER THROUGH SAID FLUID OUTLET INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH AN INTERNAL PORTION OF SAID MEMBER SAID STEM BEING OF SUCH A LENGTH SO AS TO ENGAGE THE BOTTOMMOST END OF SAID CHAMBER FOR DEFLECTING THE ENTIRE CHAMBER ENCLOSING RESILIENT MEMBER; (F) A PLURALITY OF AXIALLY SPACED VALVES CARRIED BY SAID STEM AND BIASED BY SAID FLEXIBLE MEMBER INTO SEATING OUTLET CLOSING ENGAGEMENT WITH EACH OF SAID VALVE SEATS; WHEREBY MOVEMENT OF THE VALVE STEM AGAINST SAID FLEXIBLE MEMBER WILL RESILIENTLY DEFLECT THE ENTIRE FLEXIBLE MEMBER, SIMULTANEOUSLY UNSEAT EACH VALVE TO OPEN THE OUTLET TO PERMIT DISPENSING OF FLUID FROM SAID CHAMBER.

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