JPS62208380A - Valve assembly and adapter used for valve assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an improved valve assembly and an adapter for use with the valve assembly, which is particularly adapted for use with containers for liquids to provide improved packaging. Regarding.

More particularly, the present invention relates to improved such valve structures that can serve a variety of liquid puff caging needs. More particularly, it relates to a valve assembly through which a container can be filled with liquid and thereafter dispensed from the container in an improved manner.

As the demands to reduce puff casing costs for different liquid products such as draft beer and aerosol sprays have become more stringent, manufacturers of these products have begun to consider alternatives to traditional metal or glass containers. The development of so-called "mini beer bottles" and the consideration of plastic packaging for aerosol spray products are representative examples of these trends. Thus, while liquid packaging technology is rapidly changing and evolving, valve design has not. While conventional valve designs can be adapted to a certain extent to new containers, this creates unnecessary problems and costs.

Representative examples of prior art beer valve technology include the following U.S. patents issued to Johnston: U.S. Pat.
．． No. 569, US Pat. No. 3,866, issued February 18, 1975, US Pat. No. 626, US Pat.

Representative prior art related to aerosol sprays and related packaging technology include the following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 2,500.119 issued to Cooper on March 7, 1950; U.S. Patent No. 2.543.8 issued to Henrickson
No. 50, March 17, 1953 and 1957 respectively.
U.S. Patent Nos. 2,631.814 and 2.799.435, issued to Abu Branalb on July 16,
U.S. Patent No. 2,863.699, issued to Elser on December 9, 1958, U.S. Patent No. 2.913.749, issued to Ailes on November 4, 1959, 196
U.S. Patent No. 3.33 issued April 7, 18 Mayer
No. 3,743, issued to Asalift on October 24, 1967, U.S. Pat.
There is No. 673. Other prior art describing such valves and packages include French Patent Application No. 2,462,629, 198, published February 3, 1981;
European Patent Application No. 97.09 published on December 28, 2013
No. 4, French Patent Application No. 2.382,946, published October 6, 1978.

The technical level of liquid puff caging technology is shown in the following documents: Namely, the Rider Meeting of the 1985 9th International Conference on Oriented Plastic Containers presented March 25-27, 1985! Minutes C.E. Thruk;
"rPET Aerosol Technology and Their Applications" by R.G.A. Albert, F.P.G.; December 27, 1984 entitled "Method and Apparatus for Storing and Dispensing Contained Fluids"
U.S. Patent Application No. 685,912, filed July 1984, U.S. Patent Application No. 635,450, filed July 318, 1984, entitled "Siphon Assembly and Package Containing the Assembly." 28
No. 687,296, filed February 20, 1985 and entitled "Integrated Siphon Package Head," all filed by Richard Jay Burgan and Burgan and Lempert.
No. 704,763 entitled ``Soda Water Filling Apparatus and Method''. Thus, while the technology associated with puff casing and dispensing liquids is well developed, there is a need for further valve development to meet the demands for new packaging technologies for liquids.

1 hour R11! SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a valve assembly that can meet the various specific requirements of puff cage sowing of liquids.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a valve assembly that includes multiple flow passages.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a valve assembly with a simplified structure that allows draft beer to be filled and dispensed into a draft beer container through the valve assembly.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a draft beer valve assembly that dispenses draft beer with minimal agitation of the beer as it passes through the valve assembly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a draft beer valve assembly that can be easily manufactured from plastic parts by a molding method.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a draft beer container that includes a valve assembly that allows air to pressurize the container to be supplied through the valve assembly and does not contact the draft beer within the container.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved adapter and valve assembly combination for use in dispensing draft beer from a container and pressurizing the container for dispensing draft beer.

Another object of the invention is to provide a valve assembly and adapter combination that includes an improved seal between the valve assembly and the adapter.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a valve assembly that is locked open after use and for dispensing, so that dangerous pressures do not develop when handling the empty container. be.

Another object of the invention is to provide a valve assembly shaped so that it can be easily manufactured by molding methods.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a valve assembly in which the flow rate from a pressurized liquid container can be controlled by actuation of the valve assembly.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a valve assembly that provides improved mixing of the aerosol spray within the valve.

These and related objects are achieved using the novel valve assembly and package containing the valve assembly disclosed herein.

A valve assembly according to the invention includes an insert sized and shaped to fit into a neck opening of a container. This insert defines a valve housing.

A valve member is slidably mounted within the valve housing. The valve housing has a plurality of openings located along the travel path of the valve member within the valve housing. The apertures extend through the housing to the inner surface of the housing. The valve member and the valve housing have a plurality of protrusions spaced along their length that sealingly engage the inner surface of the valve housing and the valve member. have

The protrusion, housing interior surface, aperture, and valve member cooperate to form a flow path through the valve when the valve member is in the first position and seal the flow path when the valve member is in the second position. Means are provided for urging the valve member into the second position.

To operate the valve assembly of the present invention, a force opposite the force of the pushing means is applied to the valve member to displace the valve member from the second position to the first position. Upon removal of the opposing force, the force of the pushing means returns the valve member to the second position, closing the valve.

The number and arrangement of protrusions and the number and arrangement of holes can be varied to meet the specific requirements of puff caging different liquids in different environments. For example, one type of valve assembly allows a draft beer container to be filled while removing trapped air from the headspace within the container through the valve, and then the draft beer can be dispensed through the valve assembly. Another type of valve assembly allows the flow rate of the aerosol spray to be adjusted from the aerosol spray container. Yet another type of valve assembly provides improved mixing of the aerosol within the valve prior to dispensing from the aerosol spray container.

The foregoing and related objects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The advantages and features will become clear.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, and in particular to Figure 1, this figure shows:
A draft beer container 50 is shown including a valve assembly 52 according to the present invention. The valve assembly 52, shown at 54 and 56, is used to fill and dispense beer from the container 50.

Figures 2.3 and 4 show valve assembly 52 in more detail. Valve assembly 52 includes a generally cylindrical section 66 and a siphon-tube flange 68 attached to cylindrical section 66, such as by ultrasonic bonding or spin welding.
It has a valve housing 64 consisting of. A siphon tube 70 is attached to the siphon tube flange 68. If desired, the siphon-on tube 70 and flange 68 may be integrally molded.

The cylindrical portion 66 has a flange 72 around the top 74, and the cylindrical portion 66 is sealed to the neck 76 of the container 50 by ultrasonic bonding or spin welding. The top 74 of the section 66 has an intercircular lower part 8 . A first set of holes 80 extends from an outer surface 82 of portion 66 to an inner surface 84 near top 74 . A set of grooves 86 extend vertically along the inner surface 84 of the portion 66 immediately above the siphon-on-tube flange 68.

Valve member 88 is slidably movable within valve housing 64 between top 74 and siphon tube flange 68 . Valve member 88 has a cylindrical body 90 and flanges 92, 94 and 96 that sealingly engage inner surface 84 of cylindrical portion 66.

A small-diameter upper portion 98 extends through the open lower portion 8 within the top portion 74 of the housing 64 . Top portion 98 has a plurality of slots 100 to allow air to escape through open lower portion 8 when valve member 88 is pushed away from the top of housing 64 . (Figure 3).

Spring 102 urges valve member 88 against the top of housing 64 to maintain valve assembly 52 in a normally closed position. Respective mating protrusions 104 and 161 on siphon-on-tube flange 68 and valve member 88 hold spring 102 in place. Valve member 88 has a centrally located bore 108 that extends downwardly between flanges 94 and 96 to bore 110 .
.

To use valve assembly 52 to fill container 50, valve assembly 88 is displaced downwardly to the position shown in FIG. Thereby, the beer channel, designated by number 112, used to fill the container 50 is
Opening through bore 108, hole 110, groove 86 and tube 70. A second passageway, designated by numeral 114, is connected to the hole 80 between the housing top 74 and the top 98 of the valve member 88.
is opened between the neck 76 of the container 50 and the portion 66 of the housing 64. When the container 50 is filled with beer passing through the channel 112, the container 50 is filled through the channel 114.
Air is exhausted. When container 50 is filled with beer, the downward force on valve member 88 is removed such that spring 102 returns valve member 68 to the position shown in FIG. The top 74 of 64 is maintained in a sealed condition. Additionally, carbon dioxide pressure from the beer acts to force surface 118 toward top 74.

5.6 and 7 illustrate adapter 120 used to dispense beer from container 50 via valve assembly 52. FIG. The adapter 120 has a large diameter internal passage 1
24 and 126.

A mating valve member 128 is slidably mounted within the passageway 124 and extends from the top 98 of the valve member 88.
The end portion 130 has an O-ring seal 132 configured to sealingly engage the end portion 130. Mating valve member 128 has a hole 136 between flanges 138 and 140.
It has a central bore 134 in communication with.

Flanges 138 and 140 sealingly engage the interior surface of passageway 124. Tapped openings 144 and 146 extend from the exterior surface of housing 122 to interior surface 142 of passageway 124 . Groove 150 is shaped and positioned to engage top 74 of valve assembly housing 64 at ridge 152 within the bayonet attachment when neck 76 of container 50 is inserted into passageway 126. There is. The top 154 of the housing 122 has a laterally extending slot 156 and a hole 157 through which the protrusion 155 of the actuating bar 158 is positioned.
penetrates. Clamp 153 connects the actuating bar to slot 1
56 and engages groove 151 to retain it within 56 . The actuating bar 158 is located on the side of the housing 122 opposite to the groove 151.
It is pivotally connected to the housing 122 at 60. Operating bar 15
The protrusion 155 of 8 engages the top 162 of the mating valve member 128 by the time the clamp 153 reaches the groove 151.

When the actuation bar 158 moves further downward, the fitting valve member 128 is pushed downward, so that the clamp 153 moves m1
Before engaging 51, ridge 161 is connected to parapet 1 of ridge 104.
Listed in 63. As the actuation bar moves further downward, mating valve member 128 and valve member 88 are pushed together and the 0
A positive seal is formed at ring 132 and this seal is maintained when clamp 153 engages groove 151.

This is necessary because the seal in the O-ring 132 must be able to withstand pressures of at least about 40 psi (at least about 40 psi) without leaking when the Co2 gas enters through the tapped opening 144. .

In operation, the actuation rod 158 is in the position shown in FIG. 5, resting on the neck 76 of the container 50 with the engagement valve member 128 in the upper position.

A source of pressurized carbon dioxide, air or other suitable gas is connected to threaded opening 144 and a beer tap is connected to threaded opening 146. Actuation bar 158 is then moved downwardly into slot 156 and locked in the lower position within groove 151. Fitting valve member 1
28 is moved by the actuating bar 158 to the position shown in FIG. 166 and a flow path 168 from the container 50 through the valve member 88 and the valve member 128 to the beer tap.

The beer tap can then be opened as desired to dispense beer from the container 50, which had been filled as described above in connection with FIG. This valve assembly is thus used both for filling beer into the container 50 and for dispensing beer in a novel manner.

Figures 8.9 and 10 show another valve assembly 180 according to the invention. Cylindrical portion 1 of housing 184
82 is similar to the cylindrical portion 66 in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4, but the slot 186 in the inner surface 188 of the cylindrical portion 182 is more similar to the corresponding slot 86 in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4. It also extends upward for quite a long time. Flange 19
0.192 and 194 are also shaped differently than the corresponding flanges 92 in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4.

A Mylar or other flexible plastic inner container 195 is attached to the fitting 197 of the housing bottom 199 in place of the siphon tube 70 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. When using the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10, the inner container 195 is filled with beer by pushing the valve member 196 to the position shown in FIG. In most filling operations, beer flows through channel 198 and into container 19.
Valve assembly 180 is similar to valve assembly 52 of FIGS. Operate. However, container 1
When 95 is nearly full, valve member 192 moves to the position shown in FIG. 10, thereby blocking the flow path while leaving flow path 198 open. Further, as container 195 fills with beer, container 195 expands to retain the beer, occupying a large portion of container 50, and creating high pressure within the headspace of container 50. When container 195 is full, valve member 196 returns to the position shown in FIG. The pressure within the headspace 202 creates the pressure to initially dispense the beer. Once this pressure is reduced, an air pump can be used using adapter 120 of FIGS. 5-7 to provide more air to container 50 through valve assembly 180, similar to FIG. The inner container 190 holding the beer insulates the beer from the air, thereby preventing air from oxidizing the beer. The package containing the valve assembly 180 allows the beer to be stored for extended periods of time even after dispensing has begun without being degraded by the air used to pressurize the container 50 for dispensing. In other respects, the structure and operation of the embodiment of FIGS.
This is the same as the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4.

11-15 illustrate another valve assembly 227. FIG.

This valve assembly 227 has upper and lower projections 2
29 and 331 (FIG. 12), which projections are attached to the interior surface 235 of the valve housing 233;
Valve member 237 engages fluid flow passages 239 and 24.
1 (Figures 14 and 15). To facilitate molding, the valve housing 233 is made of two parts 243 and 24 that are spin welded or joined together at 247.
Consists of 5. The valve member 237 is attached to the valve housing 23
It includes a tube 249 that extends downwardly beyond 3. Valve member 237 has upper and lower grooves 251 and 253
The valve housing 233 has an opening 255 and a vertically disposed passageway 257. protrusions 229 and 231, valve member 237, grooves 251 and 253,
Opening 255 and passageway 257 cooperate to form fluid flow path 239
and 241. Protrusion 229, valve member 23
7 internal surface 235 and portion 237a reduce beer agitation within channel 241. An intermediate protrusion 259 integrally molded on valve member 237 engages surface 235 and isolates fluid flow passages 239 and 241 from each other. Valve housing 233 is spin welded or joined to vessel 223 at 261. Leaf spring 263 is integrally molded as part of component 245 and urges valve member 237 upwardly to maintain valve assembly 227 in a normally closed position. The curvilinear shape of leaf springs 263 allows them to be easily molded as part of a single step molding operation used to form part 245. Tapered tip 263a
When the valve member 237 moves downward toward the leaf spring 263 and these tips engage the valve member 237, the leaf spring 263 is pressed in a predetermined direction. Valve member 2
The protrusion 265 on the tube 249 at 37 is connected to the part 243 as shown in FIG.
valve assembly 227 by engaging the bottom of the
lock in the open position. The protrusion 265 also corresponds to the valve member 237.
Valve member 2 in a single molding process used to form
It is integrally molded as part of 37. Valve member 23
The fin-shaped portion 267 at the center of the valve housing 23
7 and extends upwardly from the opening 255. When valve assembly 227 is assembled, the leaf springs are slightly bent, as best shown in FIG. 13, to preload valve member 237 with sufficient force to maintain valve assembly 227 in a normally closed condition.

The siphon tube 269 connects to the valve member 237 at 271.
is spin welded or bonded to the interior of the tube section 249 of.

In operation, valve member 237 moves from a normally closed position as shown in FIG. 12 to a position as shown in FIG. 14, filling container 223 with beer. The valve member 237 is not moved downwardly enough in this operation to allow the protrusion 265 to lock below the component 243.

Leaf spring 263 is in the first position when the valve member is in this position.
3. It can be bent to a longer distance than shown in Figure 3. Beer enters container 223 through channel 241 and air within container 223 is vented through channel 239 during the filling operation. container 2
12, the downward force on the valve member 237 is released and the valve member 237 returns to the position shown in FIG. 12 so that the filled container 223 can be shipped. To dispense beer from container 223, an adapter (not shown) similar to adapter 120 of FIGS. 5-7 is attached to valve assembly 227, and a pressurized CO□ or air source and beer tap are attached to the adapter. For this purpose, a Sankey-type tap grabber commercially available from Johnson Enterprises, Inc., Rockford, Illinois, USA, product designation mBJ10, is available.
0 can be used and the valve assembly 227 is shaped to engage this part. Valve member 237 is then fully pushed to the position shown in FIG.
65 moves below part 243 and valve assembly 2
27 in the normally closed position, and the container 2 is opened via the flow path 241.
Beer is dispensed from 23. When the valve member 237 is in the position of FIG. 14, the leaf spring 263 is bent more than in this position. CO□ or air enters container 223 via channel 239 to expel the beer from container 223. When container 223 is emptied, the adapter is removed from the valve assembly, but protrusion 265 maintains the valve assembly locked in the open position. After the container 223 is emptied, the valve assembly 227 is locked in the open position, which is an important safety precaution in that pressure does not build up within the container 223 even when the container 223 is collapsed for reuse, for example. The following characteristics can be obtained.

16 and 17 illustrate another valve assembly 204 in accordance with the present invention. The top views of valve assembly 227 in FIGS. 11-16 are substantially identical in shape to FIG. 17. Valve assembly 204 includes valve housing 2
05 and a valve member 206. The valve housing is formed from two parts 207 and 208 which are threadedly engaged with screws 209 so that the shape of the housing 205 can be more easily molded by plastic molding techniques.

Upper and lower circumferential projections 2 on valve member 206
11 and 213 extend between valve 206 and valve housing 205 and engage inner surface 215 of valve housing 205 when valve assembly 204 is in the closed position. Similarly, a rectangular ring 217 extends between valve housing 206 and valve member 205 and sealingly engages inner surface 215 to isolate fluid flow paths 219 and 221 created by valve housing 205 and valve member 206. Spring 225 pushes valve member 206 upwardly so that valve assembly 204 is always closed, where fluid flow passages 219 and 221 are sealed by upper and lower protrusions 211 and 213, respectively.

During operation of valve assembly 204, fluid flow paths 219 and 221 are bidirectional as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 11-16. To fill the container 223 in which the valve assembly 204 is installed, the valve member 206 is displaced from the normally closed position to the position shown and the fluid flow paths 219 and 2
Open both sides of 21. With valve member 206 in this position, beer flows downwardly into container 223 through channel 219. At the same time, air within container 223 is displaced upward through fluid flow path 221. At the end of filling, valve member 206 can return to a normally closed position.

When it is desired to drain beer from container 223, a Sankey-type tap grabber or other adapter head (not shown) similar to adapter head 120 (FIGS. 5-7) is attached to valve assembly 204 and the combination device
It operates in the same way as the combination device shown in FIGS. The beer is discharged upwardly through fluid path 219 and carbon dioxide, air, or other pressurized gas is supplied downwardly into container 223 through fluid path 221 to force the beer out of container 223 . As in the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14,
The substantially straight shape of fluid flow path 219 minimizes beer agitation during filling and draining operations. The structure and operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 16-17 is otherwise the same as that of FIGS. 11-15, except as shown and described.

18 and 19 illustrate another valve assembly 210 according to the present invention that is particularly suitable for use with a small polyethylene tetraphthalate (PET) aerosol container 212. The valve assembly 210 has a housing 214 that is dimensioned to fit in sealing engagement with a neck 216 of a container 212. Housing 214 and neck 216 define an annular chamber 218 therebetween. Upper and lower passages 220 and 222 connect annular chamber 218 and housing 214.
The inner axial bore 224 communicates with the inner axial bore 224 .

Valve member 226 is slidably positioned within bore 224 and its flanges 228 and 230 sealingly engage an interior surface 232 of bore 224 .

A flange 234 attaches the tube 236 to the housing 214 and has an axial passageway 238. Valve member 226
An axial passage 240 within communicates with an opening 242 between flanges 228 and 230.

The compressed spring 244 between the flange 234 and the valve member 226 pushes the bore 22 up to the position shown in FIG.
4 and presses valve member 226 upwardly to maintain valve assembly 210 in a normally closed condition.

To fill the container 212, a downward force, indicated at 246, is applied to the valve member 226, causing the valve member to move into the first position.
9 Move to the position shown in Figure 9. Liquid and a suitable propellant are then introduced into container 212 through channel 248 and force 24
6 can return the valve member 226 to the normally closed position shown in FIG. If liquid and propellant are desired to be dispensed as an aerosol spray, valve member 226 is pushed again to the position shown in FIG. As the liquid and propellant leave package 212 through reversing channel 248, the flow through passages 220 and 222 and annular chamber 218 thoroughly mixes the liquid and gaseous propellant before exiting valve assembly 210.

No. 20.21 and 22 are the metered amount of spray 2
52, the valve assembly 250 includes a housing 254 that is connected to the annular chamber 2 of FIGS. 18-19.
18 is sealed within neck 256 of container 258 to form an annular chamber 260 similar to 18 . Upper and lower passages 262 and 264 define annular chamber 260
and an axial bore 266 within housing 254 . Valve member 268 is slidably positioned within axial bore 266 and flanges 270, 272 and 274 sealingly engage an inner surface 276 of axial bore 266. Slot 278 extends below lower passageway 264 into axial bore 266
extending downwardly toward a flange 280 in the lower end of the .

An axial bore 282 in valve member 268 communicates with a hole 284 between flanges 270 and 272 of valve member 268 .

To fill package 258, spray cap 286
Before installing the valve member 268, place it in the position shown in FIG.
move. With valve member 268 in this position, liquid and a suitable gaseous propellant flow through channel 288 and into package 258 . The passage 288 is connected to the axial bore 2
82 , hole 284 , slot 278 , and flange 28
0 and an axial bore 290 and a tube 292. Once the package 258 has been filled, the valve member 2
68 returns to the position shown in FIG. 20 and attaches a spray cap 286 to the distal end of axial bore 282. When the valve member is in this position, the annular chamber 260 is in communication with the pressurized fluid and propellant within the package 258 such that a volume of fluid within the chamber 260 is determined by the pressure within the package 258 and the volume of the chamber 260. Liquid and propellant are present.

FIG. 22 shows the valve assembly 250 with the valve member 268 in the dispensing position, in which the lowermost flange 274 on the valve member 268 rests between the lower passageway and the top of the slot 278. Therefore, annular chamber 260 is not in communication with the liquid and propellant within the remainder of package 258 when evacuation of spray 252 occurs.

Spray cap 286 is attached to surface 29 of housing 254.
4 and prevents flange 274 from reaching slot 278. A pre-measured amount of spray 252 is then sprayed from annular chamber 260 through upper passageway 262, hole 284, axial bore 282 and spray cap 286.
is discharged.

When the downward pressure on spray cap 286 is released, valve member 268 returns to the position shown in FIG. The annular chamber 260 is again in communication with the liquid and propellant within the remainder of the package 258 through the lower passageway 264 and again a measured amount of liquid and propellant enters the annular chamber 260 from the remainder of the package 258 .

23-26 illustrate another valve assembly 300 according to the present invention for use with large PET containers.

Assembly 300 is similar to the assembly in FIGS. 18 and 19, but modified to fit within container 302. A lip 306 of a generally cup-shaped housing 304 is spin welded or ultrasonically bonded to the neck 308 of the container 302, and the housing 304 extends downwardly into the container. Projection 3 with axial bore 312
10 engages tube 314. An insert 316 extends into the housing 304 and defines an annular chamber 318. A top 320 integrally formed as part of the insert 316 extends over the housing 304 and is also spin welded or ultrasonically bonded to the neck 308 at 322 . Upper and lower passages 324 and 32
6 communicates between annular chamber 318 and an interior 328 defined by insert 316 and housing 304 . Valve member 330 is slidably mounted within interior 328 of insert 316 and flanges 332 and 334 are sealingly engaged to interior surface 336 of insert 316. The protrusion 338 of the valve member 330 is located at the top 32.
There is an axial bore 342 extending through an opening 340 in the insert 330 and communicating with a hole 344 between the flanges 332 and 334 of the insert 330 . Housing 304 and valve member 33
The compressed spring 346 between the valve 330
Press upward to the position shown in FIG.

During actuation, when the valve member 330 is pushed downwardly, so that the aperture 444 communicates with the upper passageway 324, the pressurized liquid and propellant within the container 302 are forced into the bore 312, the interior 3
28, passageway 326, annular chamber 318, passageway 324,
Receptacle 302 within a discharge channel including hole 344 and bore 342
is discharged from. The triangular shape of the passage 324 corresponds to the flange 3
44 passes over the passageway 324, the dimensions of the passageway are increased, thereby allowing the flow rate of the aerosol spray to be varied. The annular chamber 318 ensures complete mixing of the liquid and propellant in the discharge channel before they leave the package.

Figures 25 and 26 show inserts 348 and 35.
0, these inserts can be replaced with the inserts shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. Insert 348 has holes 352 that extend in an angled pattern around insert 348. This indicates that when valve member 330 (FIGS. 23 and 24) is moved a significant distance downward within interior 328, a number of holes 352 are located between flanges 332 and 334 of valve member 330. do. As the number of holes 352 between flanges 332 and 334 increases, a larger flow path is defined, allowing for a higher flow rate of liquid and propellant exiting container 302. Otherwise, the structure and operation of the valve assembly including insert 348 is similar to that of FIGS. 23 and 2.
This is the same as the embodiment shown in FIG.

In FIG. 26, insert 350 includes angled slot 35
4 and separate passageways 324 and 326 of insert 316 (FIGS. 23 and 24). The lower flange 334 of the insert 330 divides the slot 354 into two parts with the insert 350;
The relative dimensions of these parts then depend on the position of valve member 330 within interior 328. The valve member 330 is
At the middle of its travel path, the flow path of liquid and propellant from container 302 is at its maximum, and the corresponding exhaust flow rate is also at its maximum.

FIG. 27 shows another valve assembly I736 according to the present invention.
0, this valve assembly 360 is shaped to fit within an industry standard aerosol cup 362 for use within a standard metal aerosol spray can 364. The internal structure of the valve assembly 360 is the same as the valve assembly 300 shown in FIGS. 368. Therefore, the outer shape of the valve assembly 360 is the same as that of conventional abplanalp valves used in these aerosol packages, but the outer shape of the valve assembly 360 is
60 is the flow of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 23-24! Has an adjustment function. Alternatively, the holes may have the shape of the inserts 348 and 350 of FIGS. 25 and 26, but with the top portion
A modified insert similar to top 366 in FIG. 7 can be used in valve assembly 360.

In fact, the valve assembly of the invention is advantageously manufactured from a suitable molded plastic material. For this purpose, it is preferable to use injection molded copolyester plastics.

Such plastic parts provide a low cost, easily manufactured valve assembly.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that novel valve assemblies and puff cages containing valve assemblies are available which achieve the above objectives of the invention. The valve assemblies and packages of the present invention are shaped to meet a variety of specific requirements in the packaging of pressurized liquids, from draft beer packages to aerosol spray containers. The multiple flow paths and associated configurations used in the valve allow both filling and dispensing pressurized liquid through the valve, eliminating the need for cold-filling prior to inserting the valve assembly into the package. Make it.

An improved draft beer container using the valve assembly of the present invention introduces air into the container through the valve assembly and does not allow the air to contact the draft beer in the container so that the air can flow through the container without oxidizing the beer. Can be used to pressurize. The valve assembly and adapter fill draft beer containers, pressurize the containers, and dispense draft beer in an improved manner and include a positive seal between the valve assembly and adapter. The valve assembly of the present invention provides a beer flow path that minimizes agitation and has a lock-open feature to prevent dangerous pressure when an empty container is collapsed. The shape of the valve assembly allows for easy manufacture of the valve assembly, for example by molding plastic.

Additionally, the valve assembly of the present invention also allows for the regulation of pressurized liquid flow rates and improved mixing of aerosol sprays.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes may be made in the form and details of the invention as shown and described. Such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 is a schematic perspective view useful for understanding certain embodiments of the invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly according to the invention; and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the valve assembly in FIGS. 2 and 3, and FIG. 5 further illustrates the use of the embodiment of the valve assembly of FIGS. 2-4. 6 is another cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 5 in another operating position; FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the device shown in FIGS. 5 and 6; 8 is a cross-sectional view of a second valve assembly according to the invention; FIGS. 9 and 10 are further cross-sectional views of the valve assembly in FIG. 8 in different stages of operation; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a second valve assembly according to the invention; FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the third valve assembly shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is an exploded side view of the third valve assembly involved.
1 and 12; FIG. 14 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 12 in different stages of operation; FIG. 15; 12. is another cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of FIGS. 13 and 14 in yet another stage of operation; FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth valve assembly according to the invention;
17 is a top view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 16; FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fifth valve assembly according to the invention; and FIG. 19 is the valve assembly of FIG. 18 in operation. FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sixth valve assembly according to the invention; FIGS. 21 and 22 are further schematic cross-sectional views of the valve assembly of FIG. 20 in different stages of operation. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seventh valve assembly according to the present invention, FIG. 24 is an exploded side view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 23, FIG.
6 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the portion of the valve assembly shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, and FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth valve assembly according to the invention. 50... Container 52... Valve 64... Valve housing 80... Hole 88... Valve member 120... Adapter

Claims (49)

[Claims] (1) an insert sized and shaped to fit within a neck-like opening of a container, said insert defining a valve housing, and further having a valve member slidably mounted within said valve housing; and the valve housing has a plurality of holes located along the travel path of the valve member within the valve housing, the holes extending through the housing to an inner surface of the housing, and the holes extending through the housing to an inner surface of the housing. has a plurality of protrusions spaced apart along the length of the valve member and the valve housing and extending in a sealed manner between an inner surface of the valve housing and the valve member; cooperatively form a flow passage through the valve when the valve member is in a first position and seal the flow passage through the valve member when the valve member is in a second position; A valve assembly further including means for pressing into position. (2) a plurality of separate opposing grooves are provided between the inner surface of the valve assembly and the valve member, and the protrusion, the inner surface of the housing, the hole, the groove and the valve member cooperate to form a plurality of flow channels; , at least one of the channels is for filling the container with liquid and dispensing liquid from the container, and the other channel is for filling the container with liquid through the at least one channel. 2. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly is for releasing gas from a container during a period of time, and wherein a plurality of flow passages are sealed when the valve member is in the second position. (3) A valve assembly according to claim 2 adapted for combination with a dispensing adapter, wherein the dispensing adapter comprises a valve assembly configured to fit sealingly over the valve assembly. It has one passage,
an adapter housing with an open end, the adapter housing having a second passageway extending upwardly from the first passageway and slidable within the second passageway between a first position and a second position; a valve member of the adapter is attached to the valve member of the adapter, the valve member of the adapter being configured to sealingly engage the valve member of the valve assembly;
and a second port extends through the adapter housing to the second passageway, the first port is configured to connect to a source of pressurized gas, and the second port connects to a tap for dispensing liquid from a container. means for moving the valve member of the adapter between a first position and a second position, the first port being configured to move the valve member of the adapter between a first position and a second position; The adapter valve member and the adapter valve housing are arranged to supply pressurized gas from a source of pressurized gas through the valve assembly, the adapter valve member and the adapter valve housing forming a seal between an inner surface of the second passageway and the adapter valve member. a plurality of protrusions extending in a state such that the second port cooperates with the second passageway, the protrusion, the valve member of the adapter and the valve member of the valve assembly to define a flow path for liquid from the container to the tap; a valve assembly, wherein the tap and pressurized gas source are sealed from the container when the valve member of the adapter is in a second position. (4) an outer container having a neck-like opening into which the valve assembly according to claim 3 is fitted; and an outer container located within the outer container for containing liquid from the valve assembly and allowing the liquid to pass through the valve assembly. 4. The valve assembly of claim 3, further comprising a flexible inner container connected to the valve assembly for discharging liquid, and wherein the outer container is connected to receive pressurized gas through the valve assembly. (5) said means for moving said adapter valve member is configured to lock said adapter valve to be maintained in a first position, said valve member of said adapter and said valve member of said valve assembly being configured to an elastic seal member between the valve seal member of the adapter and the valve seal member when the valve seal member is in an engaged state;
The means for moving the valve seal of the adapter and the valve means of the valve assembly are arranged such that the valve member of the valve assembly is in a first position before the means for moving the valve member of the adapter reaches a locked position. 12. The adapter valve member is configured to reach a position such that a positive seal is maintained between the valve member of the adapter and the valve member of the valve assembly when the adapter valve member is in the locked position. Valve assembly according to clause 3. (6) Claim 2 is combined with a container having a neck-shaped opening and is fitted into the neck-shaped opening of the container.
Valve assembly as described in section. 7. The container is an outer container, further comprising a flexible inner container located within the outer container and connected to the valve assembly for containing liquid from the valve assembly. Valve assembly as described in section. (8) The valve member has a hollow lower end, and a plurality of holes pass through the valve member from the hollow lower end, and the outer surface of the valve member, the first portion of the plurality of grooves, and the plurality of protrusions are connected to the outer surface of the valve member. A first protrusion cooperates with a plurality of holes in the valve member to form a filling and dispensing channel, and a second projection in a plurality of grooves cooperates with a plurality of holes in the valve member to form a filling and dispensing channel.
Claim 2, wherein the portion, the second protrusion of the plurality of protrusions and the aperture of the plurality of valve housings define a gas release channel.
Valve assembly as described in section. (9) The valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein the gas release passage includes a plurality of axially extending passages extending along the length of the valve housing. 10. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on the valve member. 11. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on the valve housing. 12. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein said valve housing aperture comprises a plurality of notches extending into said valve housing from a lower edge of said valve housing. 13. The valve assembly of claim 8, further comprising means for locking the valve member in the first position. (14) The valve member locking means comprises a plurality of protrusions on the valve member positioned to fit under a bottom edge on the valve housing when the valve member is in its first position. A valve assembly according to scope 13. (15) The pushing means comprises a plurality of leaf springs extending upwardly from the valve housing to engage the valve member, the plurality of leaf springs being compressed when the valve member moves toward its first position. 9. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the valve assembly is configured to bend. (16) Claim 1 is combined with a container having a neck-shaped opening and is fitted into the neck-shaped opening of the container.
Valve assembly as described in section. (17) the protrusion, the interior surface of the housing, the bore and the valve member cooperate to define a variable flow path, the valve member being connected to a manual member, and the variable flow rate being controlled by the manual member along the travel path; A valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve assembly is controllable by positioning the valve member. (18) The plurality of holes include a first set of holes that define a first flow rate when the valve member is in a first position and a second set of holes that define a second flow rate when the valve member is in a third position. 18. The valve assembly of claim 17, comprising a set of holes. (19) The plurality of holes are such that the valve member is in the first position and in the second position.
The wide area of the hole is shaped so that it is not covered between the protrusions while traveling between the protrusions, and the valve member passes through the flow path between the protrusions to define a variable flow path between the protrusions. 18. The valve assembly of claim 17, wherein the area of the uncovered bore of the valve assembly is varied. (20) The valve assembly according to claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of holes is triangular in shape. (21) The plurality of holes are comprised of a plurality of slots inclined along the traveling path of the valve member.
Valve assembly as described in section. (22) Claim 1, which is combined with a container having a neck-shaped opening and is fitted into the neck-shaped opening of the container.
The valve assembly according to item 7. (23) The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on the valve member. (24) The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on the valve housing. (25) an insert sized and shaped to fit within the neck opening of the container, the insert defining a valve housing and further having a valve member slidably mounted within the valve housing; the valve housing has a plurality of holes located along the travel path of the valve member within the valve housing, the holes extending through the housing to an inner surface of the housing;
The valve member and the valve housing include a plurality of protrusions spaced apart along the length of the valve member and the valve housing and extending in a sealed manner between an inner surface of the valve housing and the valve member. the aperture and the valve member cooperate to form a plurality of flow passages through the valve, the valve member and the inner surface of the valve housing act to separate the flow passages from each other; The multi-channel valve assembly further includes means for urging the valve member to a position within the valve housing where the multiple channels are sealed. (26) at least one of the channels is for filling the container with liquid and dispensing liquid from the container, and the other channel is for filling the container with liquid through the at least one channel; 26. The multi-channel valve assembly of claim 25 for releasing gas from a container during a period of time. (27) The valve member has a hollow lower end, and a plurality of holes pass through the valve member from the hollow lower end, and the outer surface of the valve member, the first portion of the plurality of grooves, and the plurality of protrusions. A first protrusion cooperates with a plurality of apertures in the valve member to form a filling and dispensing channel, a second portion of a plurality of grooves, a second protrusion of a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of apertures in a plurality of valve housings. 27. The multi-channel valve assembly of claim 26, wherein: defines a gas release channel. (28) The multi-channel valve housing according to claim 27, wherein the gas release channel includes a plurality of passages extending axially along the length of the valve housing. 29. The multi-channel valve assembly of claim 27, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on the valve member. (30) The multi-channel valve housing according to claim 27, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on the valve housing. 31. The multi-channel valve housing of claim 27, wherein said valve housing hole comprises a plurality of notches extending into said valve housing from a lower edge of said valve housing. (32) The valve assembly of claim 25 adapted for combination with a dispensing adapter, wherein the dispensing adapter comprises a valve assembly configured to fit sealingly over the valve assembly. It has one passage,
an adapter housing with an open end, the adapter housing having a second passageway extending upwardly from the first passageway and slidable within the second passageway between a first position and a second position; a valve member of the adapter is attached to the valve member of the adapter, the valve member of the adapter being configured to sealingly engage the valve member of the valve assembly;
and a second port extends through the adapter housing to the second passageway, the first port is configured to connect to a source of pressurized gas, and the second port connects to a tap for dispensing liquid from a container. means for moving the valve member of the adapter between a first position and a second position, the first port being configured to move the valve member of the adapter between a first position and a second position; The adapter valve member and the adapter valve housing are arranged to supply pressurized gas from a source of pressurized gas through the valve assembly, the adapter valve member and the adapter valve housing forming a seal between an inner surface of the second passageway and the adapter valve member. a plurality of protrusions extending in a state such that the second port cooperates with the second passageway, the protrusion, the valve member of the adapter and the valve member of the valve assembly to define a flow path for liquid from the container to the tap; a valve assembly, wherein the tap and pressurized gas source are sealed from the container when the valve member of the adapter is in a second position. (33) an outer container having a neck-like opening into which the valve assembly according to claim 32 is fitted; and an outer container located within the outer container for containing liquid from the valve assembly and allowing the liquid to pass through the valve assembly. 33. The valve assembly of claim 32, further comprising a flexible inner container connected to the valve assembly for discharging liquid, and wherein the outer container is connected to receive pressurized gas through the valve assembly. (34) the means for moving the valve member of the adapter is configured to lock the adapter valve to maintain it in a first position, the valve member of the adapter and the valve member of the valve assembly comprising: a resilient sealing member between the valve sealing member of the adapter and the valve sealing member when the valve sealing member is in an engaged state, and the means for moving the valve seal of the adapter and the valve means of the valve assembly; , the valve member of the valve assembly is configured to reach the first position before the means for moving the valve member of the adapter reaches the locked position, such that the adapter valve member is in the locked position. 34. The valve assembly of claim 33, wherein a positive seal is maintained between a valve member of the adapter and a valve member of the valve assembly. (35) the means for moving the valve member of the adapter is configured to lock the adapter valve to maintain it in a first position, the valve member of the adapter and the valve member of the valve assembly comprising: a resilient sealing member between the valve sealing member of the adapter and the valve sealing member when the valve sealing member is in an engaged state, and the means for moving the valve seal of the adapter and the valve means of the valve assembly; , the valve member of the valve assembly is configured to reach the first position before the means for moving the valve member of the adapter reaches the locked position, such that the adapter valve member is in the locked position. 33. The valve assembly of claim 32, wherein a positive seal is maintained between a valve member of the adapter and a valve member of the valve assembly. 36. The valve assembly of claim 35, wherein the plurality of projections of the dispensing adapter are on the adapter valve member. (37) The valve assembly according to claim 26, which is combined with a container having a neck-shaped opening and is fitted into the neck-shaped opening of the container. 38. The container is an outer container, further comprising a flexible inner container located within the outer container and connected to the valve assembly for containing liquid from the valve assembly. Valve assembly as described in section. (39) The valve assembly according to claim 25, which is combined with a container having a neck-shaped opening and is fitted into the neck-shaped opening of the container. 40. The valve assembly of claim 25, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on the valve member. (41) The valve assembly of claim 25, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on the valve housing. 42. The valve assembly of claim 25, further comprising means for locking the valve member in the first position. (43) The locking means of the valve member comprises a plurality of protrusions on the valve member positioned to fit under a bottom edge on the valve housing when the valve member is in the first position. 43. A valve assembly according to clause 42. (44) The pressing means comprises a plurality of leaf springs extending upwardly from the valve housing to engage the valve member, the plurality of leaf springs being arranged to engage the valve member when the valve member is moved toward the first position. 26. The valve assembly of claim 25, wherein the valve assembly is configured to bend. (45) each of a plurality of flow paths provides a different flow rate through the valve assembly, the valve member being connected to a manual member to control the flow rate by positioning the valve member along a travel path; 26. A multi-channel valve assembly as claimed in claim 25. (46) an insert sized and shaped to fit into a neck opening of a container and defining a valve housing; and a valve member slidably mounted within the valve housing, the valve housing comprising: the valve member being open when the valve member is in a first position and closed when the valve member is in a second position, further comprising means for urging the valve member to the second position; when the valve member is moved to the first position.
A valve assembly further including means for locking into position. (47) The valve member locking means comprises a plurality of protrusions on the valve member positioned to fit under a bottom edge on the valve housing when the valve member is in the first position. 47. The valve assembly according to paragraph 46. (48) a valve assembly comprising: an insert sized and shaped to fit within a neck opening of a container and defining a valve housing; and a valve housing slidably mounted within the valve housing; is open when the valve member is in a first position and closed when the valve member is in a second position, and the valve member pushing means includes a plurality of plates extending upwardly from the valve housing to engage the valve member. A valve assembly comprising a spring, the plurality of leaf springs being configured to flex when the valve member is moved toward a first position. (49) The leaf spring has a tapered tip for pressing and bending the leaf spring in a predetermined direction when the valve member moves toward the leaf spring.
Valve assembly as described in section.