Valve device for a drinking container and a method for using the valve device

A method and device for controlling the flow of liquid from drinking containers, wherein a membrane (12) is movably connected to a valve (50) to form a valve, controlled by negative pressure, for liquid from a drinking container, the force resulting from the pressure difference (P1−P2) across the membrane (12), opening the valve (50), even by positive pressure (P3) within the drinking container, caused by a carbonated refreshing drink, for example.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is the U.S. national stage application of International Application PCT/N002/00198, filed Jun. 5, 2002, which international application was published on Dec. 12, 2002 as International Publication WO 02/098757. The International Application claims priority of Norwegian Patent Application 20012671, filed Jun. 5, 2001 and Norwegian Patent Application 20021051, filed Mar. 1, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a valve device for a drinking container, for example a fizzy drink bottle, feeding bottle, carton, bag, jug, tube, paper beaker or plastic cup. The invention also relates to a method for using the valve device and a protective device for a drinking spout of the drinking container.

The fluid inside the drinking container may be easy-flowing one, for example milk, juice, fizzy drink or water, but the fluid may also be a more viscous one, such as yoghurt, soup, pudding or ice. Carbon dioxide or other gases may also pressurize the fluid.

PRIOR ART AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE PRIOR ART

According to the prior art, and in addition to ordinary caps, there are several types of closing devices which prevent a fluid from flowing freely from a drinking container.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,369 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,876 disclose examples of such closing devices. However, in order to open or close such a device, the user must carry out a mechanical movement of a closing mechanism provided in the device. However, such a device provides poor gas sealing for a pressurized fluid in the drinking container, for example a carbonated liquid, for example a fizzy drink.

NO 137258 discloses a valve device which could prevent pressurized liquid from leaking from a drinking container. However, the device is arranged in such a way that it is enhances a valve-closing force from a possible liquid overpressure within the drinking container. The valve device is thus not suitable for containers containing pressurized liquid.

GB 1.453.968 discloses a flow-activated valve device for a feeding bottle, the purpose of the invention being, among other things, to minimize the underpressure that a baby has to use to suck out liquid through an outlet spout of the feeding bottle. The valve device includes a plate between the outlet spout and the feeding bottle. The plate is arranged to a vent for the continuous pressure equalization between the internal cavity of the bottle and the ambient pressure. The plate is also provided with an outlet opening and an external flap resiliently covering the outlet opening of the plate. The flap is propped open by the liquid flowing out of the feeding bottle, after which the flap closes due to its resiliency when the outflow of liquid ceases. Therefore, such a flap valve will open to the outflow of liquid if the pressure in the outlet spout is lower than the pressure inside the feeding bottle, for example if the bottle is held upside down containing sufficient liquid for the flap valve to open. Thereby, the valve is pressure-balanced against the pressure inside the bottle. Due to said vent for continuous pressure equalization, the valve device cannot be used to seal against a pressurized liquid in the bottle.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,073 also discloses a valve device for a feeding bottle. Among other things, the valve device consists of an underpressure-activated external seat element resiliently and movably suspended between two supports within an outlet spout for the bottle. The seat element is provided with a valve seat covering an outlet opening of a plate between the feeding bottle and the outlet spout. When the pressure in the outlet spout is lower than the pressure inside the feeding bottle, the valve seat opens to the outflow of liquid. Thereby, the valve is pressure-balanced against the pressure within the bottle. Like the device according to GB 1.453.968, the valve device according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,073 will not seal against pressurized liquids inside the bottle. Moreover, the latter device does not have any vent through which the bottle pressure may be balanced against the ambient pressure. Therefore, as liquid is sucked from the bottle, a gradually increasing underpressure will be created inside the bottle, this forcing the valve seat gradually harder against said outlet opening, tendering drinking from the bottle difficult.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

The objective of the invention is to remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

The present valve device and method are to prevent the spilling of fluid when a user sucks fluid out of a drinking container. By means of said device, the drinking container is sealed automatically when the suction force from the user ceases. By means of the present protective device, a drinking opening of a drinking spout for the container is also protected.

How to Achieve the Objective

The objective is achieved through features as specified in the description below and in the following patent claims.

Among other things, the invention comprises a valve device is for a drinking container and a method for the use of the valve device.

In its position of use the valve is connected to at least one opening in a wall portion associated with the drinking container. The wall portion may form part of the drinking container itself, or it may form a wall portion of a cap that is pressure-sealingly associated with the drinking container. The wall portion works as a partition between the interior space of the drinking container and the external surroundings. The valve is arranged to open and close to the outflow of a fluid from the drinking container, the fluid flowing out of a downstream drinking opening. Preferably the drinking opening is arranged to a drinking spout, a drinking straw or other suitable drinking device. Thereby, the present valve device may be releasably arranged relative to the drinking container.

In principle most valves consist of an activating element and a sealing element, the activating element being associated with and able to move a sealing element between an open position and a closed position. The activating element includes an operating means and at least one bracing element, for example struts or at least one stem, for transmitting activating movements to the sealing element. For example, the stem may be passed through an opening in said wall portion, possibly the stems may be passed through one opening each in the wall portion, such a stem activating a sealing element which is arranged to close its opening in the wall portion. The sealing element, for example a valve head, is attached to the valve stem and is tightened with a specific force against the wall portion, the force being provided, for example, by a resilient unit secured to the valve stem, or the force being provided through the shape of the activating element.

The present invention is based on the activating element being influenced by pressure, and that a pressure force displaces the sealing element into the open position for outflow of the fluid. This is not new relative to the valve devices according to GB 1.453.968 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,073.

However, the present activating element is substantially different from the prior art in that the activating element is pressure-balanced against the ambient pressure P1of the drinking container, and that the activating element is arranged to open to fluid outflow whenever the pressure P2of the drinking opening is lower than the ambient pressure P1by a predetermined pressure value. Since the activating element is pressure-balanced against the ambient pressure P1and not against a pressure P3within the drinking container, the activation of the valve in principle will be independent of the pressure P3of the container. Thereby, the pressure P3of the container may exceed the ambient pressure P1without the valve opening to fluid outflow. In contrast, the valve devices according to GB 1.453.968 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,073 will open to fluid outflow under corresponding pressure conditions.

Preferably a pressure P2which is lower than the ambient pressure P1by a predetermined pressure value, is provided by a user sucking air and then fluid out through the drinking opening. An underpressure P2is thereby created in the drinking opening. When this underpressure P2is balanced against the ambient pressure P1, a resulting differential pressure (P1−P2) is created, moving the activating element by a valve-opening force F1while the differential pressure (P1−P2) is maintained.

According to the invention the activating element of the valve includes a movable membrane formed about an axis on said wall portion, the membrane being provided with at least one flexible zone. The membrane is arranged with a peripheral edge which is pressure-sealingly associated with the outside of the wall portion, and which surrounds the opening(s) of the wall portion. Thereby, a chamber is formed between the membrane and the wall portion. When influenced by pressure, the membrane is moved in such a way that the membrane shape changes. By means of said at least one bracing element the change in the membrane shape is converted into an axial valve-opening force F1that is transmitted to and acts on the sealing element. At least in the position of use, the downstream side of the chamber is pressure-sealingly connected to said drinking opening, so that said underpressure P2may be supplied to the chamber, thereby creating said membrane-moving differential pressure (P1−P2) which opens to fluid outflow. Advantageously, consumption of the drinking container fluid may be carried while continuously admitting air into the drinking container. However, this depends on the type of fluid and the pressure P3prevailing within the drinking container.

The valve device may be associated with a lid that, in its position of use, is connected to the drinking container or a cap thereof. The lid may be shaped as or provided with a drinking spout or teat, through which a user may activate the valve device and drink the fluid in the container. If the lid is pressure-sealingly connected to the drinking container, the lid must be provided with aerating options to the outside of the membrane, for example in the form of at least one vent in the lid. Possibly a controlled delay in the reaction time of the valve device may be achieved by adjusting the size and/or number of the at least one vent. Such an adjustment may also dampen possible membrane oscillations that may occur during use. Said drinking spout or teat may also be placed eccentrically relative to the centre of the lid, for example on a cup or a beaker with a large top surface.

For example, said sealing element may consist of a closable beak or a closable ring, which may be opened or closed to fluid outflow by the activating element. The sealing element may also consist of a valve head with a suitable sealing surface arranged to bear sealingly against a valve seat, for example an annular area around said opening in the wall portion. Alternatively the valve head may be shaped as a plug with a conical sealing surface that may rest in a sealing manner in the opening of the wall portion. The valve head may be made from a soft material or be provided with a separate adapted seal for sealing against the valve seat. Possibly the valve head may be secured to a separate stem via a ball joint. Thereby, the head may move relative to the valve stem and compensate for possible irregularities in said opening in the wall portion. A separate valve stem and/or valve head also renders possible the use of different materials and/or production methods for the two parts.

In order to centre a valve stem in the opening of the wall portion, the opening may be provided, for example, with guides projecting from the opening. For this purpose, a valve stem of a cross-shaped cross section or a perforated and tubular valve stem also may be used. Moreover, both of these stem configurations permit fluid flow through said opening when the stem has been passed through the opening.

In addition to or instead of said at least one bracing stem, the membrane may also be provided with bracing ribs and/or have a bracing configuration, for example by the membrane being provided with suitable corrugations. Thereby, the membrane may convert and transmit a pressure influence into a valve-opening force F1acting on the sealing element of the valve. The membrane may also be assembled from two or more parts having different material properties. For example, the membrane may be arranged with one flexible zone of a flexible material, and one bracing zone of a bracing material. The present valve device may also be assembled from one or more detachable parts, so that cleaning and/or replacement of the part(s) is facilitated.

Forming the membrane with at least one elastic bulge, which communicates with said chamber, may provide a further protection against spillage of remaining fluid in the valve device. In the position of use the bulge(s) thereby is/are exposed to the same underpressure P2as that in said chamber on the inside of the membrane, the bulge(s) thereby shrinking when the valve is open. When the underpressure P2ceases and the pressure is equalized to the ambient pressure P1, the bulge(s) will expand elastically, thereby sucking in remaining fluid from said drinking opening, drinking spout, drinking straw or other drinking device associated with the drinking opening.

Further details of the present invention are visualized through the following exemplary embodiments.

Moreover, the figures are schematic and may be somewhat distorted regarding their shape and relative dimensions. In the following similar figure details will be indicated essentially by the same reference numerals.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1a-1bshow the principle mode of operation for the present valve device. The figures show a drinking container in the form of a bottle2, which is provided with a cap6at its opening4. The bottle2has an internal pressure P3that may be greater than the ambient pressure P1of the bottle2, for example when the bottle2contains a carbonated liquid. Internally, the cap6is provided with a separating wall portion in the form of a concentric and flat partition8provided with a central wall opening10. The partition8is formed about the longitudinal axis11of the cap6. A concentric membrane12is disposed between the partition8and the end wall14of the cap6. Along its circumferential edge15the membrane12is pressure-sealingly connected to the side wall16of the cap6, the membrane12also being provided with a flexible zone in the form of a peripherally located and concentrically annular corrugation18. The membrane corrugation18is resilient when the membrane12moves. A stem20is connected to the inside22of the membrane12and at the centre thereof. The stem20projects along the longitudinal axis11through said opening10of the partition8, the cross section of the stem20being smaller than the diameter of the wall opening10. At its free end, the stem20is provided with a flat valve head26arranged to bear pressure-sealingly against a valve seat28on the inside30of the partition8. In the cap6, between the partition8and the membrane12, a suction chamber32thus exists which communicates with a drinking opening34in the side wall16of the cap6, the drinking opening34being defined by a drinking conduit in the form of a tube stub36. Between the membrane12and said end wall14an outer chamber38exists which is connected with a vent40in the cap6, so that the chamber38is pressure-balanced against the ambient pressure P1. The outer chamber38thereby works as a protective lid for the membrane12.

The valve device is activated by suction through the drinking opening34, whereby an underpressure P2is created in the suction chamber32. A resulting differential pressure (P1−P2) thereby will act on the membrane12with a pressure force F1that is transmitted to the valve head26via the stem20. If the pressure force F1exceeds an oppositely directed pressure force F2caused by a potential overpressure P3within the bottle2, the membrane12will be moved towards the wall opening10, the pressure P3acting on the top surface42of the valve head26. Thereby, the stem20and the valve head26will be moved into the open position, cf.FIG. 1b. When the underpressure P2and the force F1cease, the membrane12will return, due to its flexible zone, to its inactive position and close to outflow, cf.FIG. 1a.

At an overpressure P3in the bottle2, the surface area of the underpressure-affected inside22of the membrane12must be substantially larger than that of the overpressure-affected surface42of the valve head26. Through suitable proportioning of the areas of these surfaces22,42, a user may open the valve by sucking a moderate underpressure P2in the suction chamber32, even at a relatively high overpressure P3inside the bottle2.

FIG. 2andFIG. 3show a preferred embodiment of the valve device according to the invention, the device being releasably disposed in an external housing46of a cap6.FIG. 3shows enlarged section details of the device. These figures also show a cap6provided with a wall portion in the form of a concentric and flat partition8with a central wall opening10. The cap6is thereby arranged with an external portion and an internal portion. The external housing46is formed concentrically about the longitudinal axis11of the cap6, and the axis11is centred in said wall opening10. The housing46exists between said partition8and an outer extension47of the side wall16of the cap6. A planar membrane48is disposed concentrically within the housing46and perpendicularly to the axis11. The membrane48is secured to a peripheral mounting ring49that is secured pressure-sealingly and releasably to the housing46. For this pressure sealing, either side of the mounting ring49is provided with a gasket50,51. This membrane48is also provided with a peripheral corrugation18.

The membrane48is also provided with a central drinking opening in the form of an outflow hole52. A stem20is disposed in this outflow hole52, projecting axially therefrom through the wall opening10of the partition8. The stem20is secured to the membrane wall around the hole52by means of radial bars54, fluid flow through the hole52thereby being allowed when the valve is open. At its free end the stem20is pivotably connected to a conically shaped valve head56via a ball joint55. At its circumference the valve head56is arranged as a flexible tapered gasket57which may pressure-sealingly engage the inside30of the partition8and around the wall opening10thereof.

On its outside58and around the outflow opening52the membrane48is provided with a flexible annular seal60. The seal60is also provided with an inner connecting collar62. The collar62is arranged to match pressure-sealingly and releasably an annular groove64around a first end portion65of a concentric drinking conduit66in a separate lid68. In a second end portion67of the drinking conduit66the lid68is shaped as a drinking spout70. Moreover, an external portion of a lid casing72and an internal portion of a cap extension47are provided with complementary connecting grooves73. Thereby, the lid68may be releasably attached to the cap housing46and outside of the membrane48. In this connection the lid casing72is forced against the membrane's48mounting ring49and the gaskets50,51thereof, thereby ensuring that the membrane48is arranged pressure-sealingly to the partition8. At the same time said drinking conduit66is pressure-sealingly and releasably connected to the outflow hole52of the membrane48. The lid68is provided with a vent74into an outer chamber75located between the membrane48and the lid68, whereby the chamber75is pressure-balanced against the ambient pressure P1. The membrane48is also placed at a certain distance from the partition8, so that a suction chamber76exists between the membrane48and the partition8. When an underpressure P2is supplied to the suction chamber76via the drinking spout70, the membrane48moves towards the partition8, whereby the stem20and the valve head56are displaced and open the valve to fluid outflow.

Moreover, the cap6ofFIG. 2is provided with internal threads77and an anti-screw stop ring78with stop flaps80. This is prior art. The flaps80are arranged to engage barbs, not shown, on a drinking container, thereby preventing the cap6from inadvertently being unscrewed from the bottle. The stop ring78works as a seal between a drinking container2and the cap6. To break the seal, the circumference of the cap6must be subjected to a considerable torsional force. A broken seal thus indicates previous opening of the drinking container2.

Such an indication of opening is insufficient, however, if the drinking container2is provided with a cap6with a drinking spout70, through which a fluid in the container2may flow. The lid68of the cap6and its drinking spout70therefore may be provided with a protective device in the form of a protective cover82which may cover the lid68. The protective device is shown inFIG. 2, whereasFIG. 2aandFIG. 2bshow details of the cover82and the lid68. The lid68and the cover82are releasably connected at a primary connecting portion84at the drinking spout70and at a secondary connecting portion86located peripherally at the circumference of the cover82. At the primary connecting portion84the lid68and the cover82are connected by means of complementary connecting parts of a flange connection88. At the secondary connecting portion86the lid68and the cover82are connected by means of a complementary groove90and tongue91that substantially are directed in a radial direction. Prior to pulling apart the groove90and tongue91when removing the cover82the first time, the lid68and the cover82are connected at the secondary connecting portion86, cf.FIG. 2a. Thereafter the interconnection is provided by the primary connecting portion84, cf.FIG. 2b, this indicating previous opening of the drinking container2.

In theFIGS. 5a-12ba differently shaped membrane92, other stem embodiments and other sealing element embodiments are shown, among other things. In all of these figures the valve device is surrounded by a separate lid94, which is shaped different from the lid68shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. By means of a snap connection99the lid94is pressure-sealingly connected to said separating wall portion8. The lid94is provided with a vent74into an outer chamber98, the chamber98and the membrane92thereby communicating in a pressure-equalizing manner with the ambient pressure P1.

TheFIGS. 5a-9bshow the lid94pressure-sealingly connected to a partition8in a cap6. In theFIGS. 10-12bthe lid94is pressure-sealingly connected to a separating wall portion8between the valve device and a drinking container2. Henceforth the separating wall portion8will be denoted by the simplified term partition. Moreover, inFIGS. 5a-12bthe lid94is shaped as a drinking spout100surrounding a central drinking conduit102.

In theFIGS. 5a-12bthe membrane92is planar on its inside22and is disposed perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis11, the membrane92being relatively rigid along its planar portion. In this membrane92as well, the outside58of the outflow hole52is surrounded by a flexible annular seal104with an inner connecting collar106, both components104,106being shaped somewhat differently from the corresponding components ofFIGS. 2 and 3. The connecting collar106pressure-sealingly and releasably surrounds a first end portion108of said drinking conduit102, whereas a second end portion110of the drinking conduit102is connected to the lid94. At its circumferential edge15the membrane92is provided with an axially extending flexible collar portion112that may be compressed and be resilient in an axial direction, axial compression causing the collar portion112to flex radially outwards. The collar portion112also creates a distance between the membrane92and the partition8which define the valve device suction chamber114. A specific underpressure P2within the suction chamber114causes said compression, after which the flexible collar portion112will straighten axially. In order to be resilient axially, the circumference of the collar portion112may be provided with axially extending and elastically flexible struts116, cf.FIGS. 5a-5b. Such struts116are arranged to exert a specific resistance to axial compression of the membrane92, the struts116being flexible in a radial direction. After compression the elastic struts116will straighten the collar portion112axially.

As mentioned, theFIGS. 5a-12balso show different types of sealing elements and different types of stems fixedly arranged to the outflow hole52of the membrane92. With the exception ofFIGS. 6a-6b, all figures show only one stem placed in the outflow hole52.

InFIGS. 5a-5b,FIGS. 9a-9b,FIG. 10andFIGS. 12a-12bthe outflow hole52is provided with a stem118having a cross-shaped cross section and being secured to the membrane wall around the hole52, the shape of the stem118allowing unobstructed fluid flow through the outflow hole52.

InFIGS. 5a-5bandFIG. 10the free end of the stem118is provided with a flat valve head120with a surrounding flexible and peripherally tapered gasket122.FIG. 5aandFIG. 10show the valve in its closed position, whereasFIG. 5bshows the valve in its open position, wherein the collar portion112is compressed and the struts116are flexed radially towards the longitudinal axis11.

InFIGS. 9a-9bthe free end of the stem118is provided with a plug-shaped valve head124that, when the valve is closed, bears sealingly against a ring gasket126formed around the opening10of the partition8, cf.FIG. 9a. When the valve is open, the stem118and the valve head124have been pushed into the drinking container2, cf.FIG. 9b.

InFIGS. 12a-12bthe free end of the stem118is provided with a tip128. At the same time the partition8is formed with an elastic yield zone130opposite the tip128. The yield zone130consists of completely or partially through-going slots132formed into a cross134in the partition8, the cross134projecting into the drinking container2. The valve opens when the membrane92imparts a slot-opening force F1onto the stem tip128, forcing the slots132out and apart, cf.FIG. 12b. When the force F1ceases, the slots132close elastically against each other, cf.FIG. 12a.

InFIGS. 7a-7bthe outflow hole52is provided with a tubular stem136that, in the tube wall thereof, is provided with at least one opening138allowing flow between the drinking container2and the drinking conduit102, and flow towards the suction chamber114. At its free end the stem136is provided with said flat valve head120and its ring gasket122.FIG. 7aandFIG. 7bshow the valve in closed position and open position, respectively.

InFIGS. 8a-8bthe outflow hole52is also provided with a stem140of a cross-shaped cross section, which is secured to the membrane wall by means of radial bars54. The free end of the stem140is provided with a tip142that extends into the opening10of the partition8and towards spiral windings144covering the opening10, the spiral windings144forming the sealing element of the valve. The windings144are prestressed and bear pressure-sealingly against each other when in inactive position, cf.FIG. 8a. When introducing said underpressure P2into the suction chamber114to activate the membrane92, the stem tip142will press axially against the centre of the spiral windings144. Thereby, the windings144are pushed apart and into the drinking container2, so that the valve opens to fluid outflow, cf.FIG. 8b. Preferably the spiral windings144are formed as part of the partition8.

FIGS. 11a-11balso show a stem146being secured to the membrane wall by means of radial bars54. A middle portion of a separate and eccentrically positioned flap seal148is releasably connected to a mounting nipple150on the inside30of the partition8. In its closed position a first outer segment152of the seal148covers the opening10of the partition8, cf.FIG. 11a. The valve opens when the stem146forces this seal segment152into the drinking container2, cf.FIG. 11b.

FIGS. 6a-6bshow the middle portion of the same flap seal148releasably connected to a mounting nipple150on the inside30of the partition8. However, the mounting nipple150is centred about the axis11. Moreover, the partition8is provided with two wall openings10,10′, both of which are covered by the flap seal148. The opening10is covered by said first outer seal segment152, whereas an opposite second outer seal segment152covers the opening10′. A first stem156and a second stem158are connected to the inside22of the membrane92and around is outflow hole52. The stems156,158extend with dissimilar lengths into the wall openings10and10′, respectively. Upon valve-opening activation of the membrane92, the first and longer stem156initially will engage and displace the first seal segment152, whereby fluid outflow through the opening10is initiated. Upon further valve-opening axial movement of the membrane92, the second and shorter stem158will also engage and displace the second seal segment154. By so doing, the valve is opened sequentially and progressively, which may prove particularly useful when the pressure P3within the drinking container2is great.

TheFIGS. 13a-18cshow exemplary embodiments wherein, in contrast, the valve device membrane is shaped as a drinking spout around a central drinking conduit. In theFIGS. 5a-12bit is the lid94that is provided with these components. Moreover, inFIGS. 13a-15esaid partition8coincides with an end wall of a cap6, whereas inFIGS. 16a-18cthe partition8forms a part of a drinking container2.

In theFIGS. 13a-18cthe membrane is formed with a centred, axially extending and tubular membrane stub that forms an outward drinking conduit and defines the drinking opening of the membrane, and one end portion thereof being fixedly connected to the upper part of the membrane. Moreover, the membrane is shaped as a drinking spout that surrounds the membrane stub, the membrane being pressure-sealingly connected at its circumference to the partition8. The membrane thereby defines a suction chamber into which the membrane stub extends. In all of these figures the free end portion of the membrane stub is connected to said cross-shaped stem118in a manner allowing through-flow. The stem118is passed through said opening10of the partition8, the free end of the stem118being provided with said valve head120and its peripheral ring gasket122.

In theFIGS. 13a-14amembrane160is formed with an external, cylindrical drinking spout162that surrounds a centred, axially extending membrane stub164to which said cross-shaped stem118is connected in a manner allowing through-flow. The membrane160is also provided with an axially extending flexible collar portion166that is connected to the drinking spout162via a radially extending membrane portion167, and which is pressure-sealingly connected to a cap6by means of said snap connection99. The membrane160thereby defines a suction chamber168. The collar portion166is arranged to allow axial compression and resiliency, the collar portion166flexing radially towards said longitudinal axis11upon axial compression. Thereby, the valve opens to fluid outflow. To prevent inadvertent activation of the valve device, the collar portion166is provided with axially extending and elastically flexible struts170along its circumference, cf.FIG. 13a. When an underpressure P2is supplied to the suction chamber168, the struts170are arranged to exert a specific resistance to axial compression but little resistance to radial inward flexing. Each strut170consists of two axial strut elements170a,170b, their adjacent end surfaces170a′ and170b′, respectively, being of complementary form and hinged together at their radially outer sides, cf.FIG. 13a′. Thereby, the strut elements170a,170bare arranged to interlock when the valve device is inactive and the collar portion166is extended axially. Upon activation and compression of the collar portion166, the elements170a,170bcollapse radially via said hinging, cf.FIG. 13b. An enlarged section of this is shown inFIG. 13b′. InFIG. 14a concentric protective housing172that is connected to the cap6, and which is formed from a bracing material, surrounds the collar portion166. The protective housing172may also be arranged as a separate protective ring (not shown in the figures) that is releasably placed around the collar portion166of the membrane160.

TheFIGS. 15a-16calso show exemplary embodiments wherein the valve device membrane is shaped as a drinking spout about a central drinking conduit. However, the membrane is not provided with an axially extending flexible collar portion166.

InFIGS. 15a-15esaid partition8coincides with an end wall of a cap6, the membrane being attached directly to the partition8, for example by means of gluing or heat treatment. InFIGS. 16a-16cthe partition8forms part of a drinking container2, the membrane being pressure-sealingly connected to the partition8of the drinking container2by means of a snap connection99.

The membrane is formed with a centred, axially extending tubular membrane stub that forms an outward drinking conduit defining the drinking opening of the membrane, and one end portion thereof being fixedly connected to the upper part of the membrane. Thereby, the membrane defines a suction chamber into which the membrane stub projects. In theFIGS. 15a-15cthe free end portion of the membrane stub also is connected to said cross-shaped stem118in a manner allowing through-flow, the stem118being passed through said opening10of the partition8and being provided with said valve head120and ring gasket122arranged to close the opening10.

FIGS. 15a-15cshow a membrane174formed with a central projecting drinking spout176that, via a sloping flexible membrane portion178, is placed pressure-sealingly against the partition8of the cap6. The drinking spout176surrounds a centred, axially extending membrane stub179onto which said cross-shaped stem118and valve head120are connected in a manner allowing through-flow. The membrane174thereby defines a suction chamber180. Upon pressure activation of the membrane174, the flexible membrane portion178is arranged for resilient movement in the axial direction. When the valve head120of the stem118is placed supportingly against the partition8, this membrane flexibility may also be used to prestress the membrane174in a pressure-sealing manner against the partition8. Moreover,FIG. 15cshows the valve in its open position.

InFIG. 15athe membrane174is shown covered and surrounded by a protective cover182, whereby inadvertent activation and contamination of the membrane174is prevented. By means of a snap connection99the membrane174is pressure-sealingly connected to the cap6.

FIGS. 15d-15eshow the membrane stub179provided with elastic radial flaps186along its internal circumference. The free ends of the flaps186are arranged to rest closingly against each other when the valve device is inactive. On the other hand, when an underpressure P2is supplied to the suction chamber180, the flaps186are arranged to flex outward and open in the direction of fluid outflow. The flaps186prevent fluid from running out when the valve device is inactive. The flaps186may also form a one-way choke device ensuring that the underpressure P2prevails in the suction chamber180for a while after the user has stopped sucking fluid out of the drinking container2. Thereby, the valve may be kept open for a while thereafter, so that air is gradually admitted into the drinking container2. Thereby, the valve device is also emptied of fluid remaining therein. The flaps186also prevent undesired objects, for example insects, from entering the valve device and the drinking container2. Moreover,FIG. 15eshows the valve in its open position.

FIGS. 16a-16cshow a membrane188which is also formed with a central projecting drinking spout176surrounding a centred, axially extending membrane stub179onto which said cross-shaped stem118and valve head120are connected in a manner permitting through-flow. By means of a snap connection99the membrane188is pressure-sealingly connected to the partition8of the drinking container2. The membrane188thereby defines a suction chamber190. This membrane188too is provided with a sloping membrane portion192. However, the membrane portion192is provided with several concentric annular corrugations194arranged be resilient upon movement of the membrane188.

InFIGS. 16b-16cthe valve device is associated with a partition in the form of a fold-in wall portion196of a drinking container2. InFIG. 16bthe device is shown folded into the drinking container2, the folded in wall portion196being covered by a protective seal198.FIG. 16cshows the wall portion196in an unfolded state after having removed the seal198.

FIGS. 17a-18cshow a membrane200that is provided with several concentric, annular corrugations202at the circumferential edge15of the membrane200. The membrane corrugations202are arranged in the axial direction, and the membrane200is thereby arranged to spring like a bellows in the axial direction. The membrane200resembles the membrane188according toFIGS. 16a-16cby being provided with a centred, axially extending membrane stub179onto which said cross-shaped stem118and the valve head120are connected in a manner allowing through-flow. The membrane200is also provided with a central projecting drinking spout204surrounding the membrane stub179. However, due to said axially extending corrugations202, the drinking spout204is shaped somewhat different than the drinking spout176according toFIGS. 16a-16c. By means of a snap connection99the membrane200is pressure-sealingly connected to the outside96of a partition8in the form of said fold-in wall portion196of a drinking container2, cf.FIGS. 16b-16c. The membrane200thereby defines a suction chamber206.

InFIG. 17athe valve device is shown folded into a drinking container, in which the folded in wall portion196is covered by said protective seal198, and in which the membrane corrugations202are compressed by the seal198. Due to this compression the valve is placed in the open position. On the other hand,FIG. 17bshows the valve in its closed position after having removed the seal198and having straightened the membrane corrugations202in the axial direction. In contrast,FIG. 17cshows a partition in the form of a fold-in wall portion208mounted on the outside96of the drinking container2.

InFIGS. 18a-18cthe valve device according toFIGS. 17a-17cand the fold-in wall portion208according toFIG. 17care arranged on the outside96of the drinking container2, the container2being, for example, a carton filled with pasteurized liquid. Moreover, a wall area209of the drinking container2located about the device axis11and opposite the device valve head120is provided with partial, annular perforations210, cf.FIG. 18a. A protective seal212that is provided with a pressure-activated indicator device214opposite the drinking spout204covers the valve device and the fold-in wall portion208. To open the drinking container2, a user may press a finger216against the seal212and its indicator device214. Thereby, the membrane stem118is pushed against said wall area209of the drinking container2, so that the wall area209is broken loose along the perforations210and is pushed into the drinking container2, cf.FIG. 18b. Simultaneously, the indicator device is deformed214, so that an indicator pattern appears that indicates opening of the drinking container2. Then the seal212is removed, whereby the valve device is placed in an inactive position ready for use, cf.FIG. 18c.

FIGS. 19a-19cshow a cap6provided with a concentric partition218. The partition218is arranged with a recessed middle portion220provided with a central and axial wall opening10. A membrane222is also formed with a recessed middle portion224fitting into the recessed middle portion220of the partition218. The membrane222is placed at a distance from the partition218, so that a suction chamber exists226between them. Together with an external and invertible lid228, the membrane222is placed pressure-sealingly and releasably within an external housing230of the cap6. The lid228is also provided with a vent74. Moreover, a middle portion of the lid228is formed with an axially projecting drinking spout232fitting into the recessed middle portion224of the membrane222. The spout232is provided with a drinking opening234extending axially through it, one end thereof being provided with a breakable seal236. The membrane222is formed with an axially extending tubular membrane stub238that projects axially out from the outflow hole52of the membrane222and away from its suction chamber226, and that thus extends into the drinking opening234of the spout232. This constitutes the transport or storage position of the lid228, cf.FIG. 19a, in which position the seal236is unbroken and covers the outlet239of the membrane stub238. The lid228is also provided with a grip ring240projecting, in this position, from the lid228. Thereby, the lid228may be pulled out of the housing230, whereupon the lid228is turned over and put back into its position of use in the housing230. In the position of use the drinking opening234of the drinking spout232is placed in a position covering and surrounding an outer portion of the membrane stub238. Thereby, the seal236is broken and exists as a pressure-sealing sliding seal surrounding the membrane stub232, cf.FIG. 19b, the activation device thereby being prepared for function. In this position an outer chamber242between the membrane222and the lid228also exists, the chamber242being pressure-balanced against the ambient pressure P1via the vent74of the lid228. The membrane stub232is also connected to a cross-shaped stem244arranged to allow through-flow, and that is passed through the opening10of the partition218. At its free end the stem244is provided with said valve head120and ring gasket122.FIG. 19cshows the valve device placed in its open position.

FIGS. 20a-26cshow further embodiments of the present valve device, in which the membrane is shaped as a bellows extending concentrically and axially about said longitudinal axis11. Thereby, the bellows is arranged with a first end portion which is pressure-sealingly associated with the outside of a partition between the valve device and a fluid inside a drinking container2, the membrane being bracingly associated with a sealing element that opens or closes to fluid outflow. A second and axially opposite end portion of the membrane is shaped as a drinking opening. Between the first and second end portions the bellows defines a drinking conduit, and the internal cavity of the bellows constitute a suction chamber. The bellows is arranged with flexible zones that capable of contracting peripherally and radially. By means of bracing elements the bellows contraction is converted into a valve-opening force F1.

FIGS. 20a-20c,FIGS. 22a-22c,FIG. 23andFIG. 25all show a membrane bellows246extending concentrically and axially. Along its circumference the bellows246is provided with axially extending corrugations248that have an axially bracing effect on the bellows246. Moreover, the membrane bellows246is reinforced with force-transmitting axial struts250. By means of the corrugations248the bellows246may be contracted peripherally and radially. To allow radial contraction, the circumference of the bellows246is formed with an outer articulated zone252, a intermediate articulated zone254and an inner articulated zone256. The struts250are linked together via the intermediate articulated zone254. The inner articulated zone256is placed at a first end portion258of the bellows246. Furthermore, in these exemplary embodiments the articulated zone256forms a circumferential edge15of the membrane bellows246that is associated with an opening10of the partition8. However, the outer articulated zone252is placed at an axially opposite second end portion260of the bellows246, forming a drinking opening262therein. The internal cavity of the bellows246forms a suction chamber264. When supplying an underpressure P2to the suction chamber264, the bellows246contracts and extends in the axial direction, whereby an axial valve-opening force F1is exerted.

InFIGS. 20a-20cthe first end portion258of the membrane bellows246is provided with a peripheral and flexible sealing edge266that connects said membrane circumference edge15to an opening10in a partition8of a cap6, the sealing edge266being positioned on the outside96of the partition8and pressure-sealingly surrounding the opening10. The end portion258is also connected to a hollow stem268with stem openings270in a manner permitting through-flow. At its free end the stem268is provided with a conical valve head272arranged to enable closing of the wall opening10, cf.FIG. 20b. Other types of stems and valve heads may also be used in connection with the membrane bellows246. However, the second end portion260is fixed relative to the partition8, so that the bellows is extended axially towards the wall opening10upon contraction, thereby pushing the valve head272into its open position, cf.FIG. 20c. The end portion260is fixed to the partition8by means of a concentric and rigid jacket274surrounding the bellows246. One end of the jacket274is connected to the end portion260, whereas its other end is pressure-sealingly connected to a connecting portion276of an external cap housing278. The bellows246and jacket274define an outer chamber280that communicates with the ambient pressure P1through a vent282in the jacket274. InFIG. 20athe jacket274and bellows246are surrounded by a protective cover284that is connected to a further connecting portion286externally on the cap housing278.

FIG. 21shows a membrane bellows288resembling the previously mentioned bellows246. By means of axial elastic struts290the membrane bellows288is provided with a curvilinear form in its axial direction, whereby an intermediate articulated zone of the bellows288is redundant. The bellows288is also placed in an external cap housing278surrounded by a jacket274.

InFIGS. 22a-22cthe bellows246is also surrounded by a concentric and rigid jacket292of a somewhat different shape than the jacket274according toFIG. 20, as this jacket292is also pressure-sealingly connected to the connecting portion276of the cap housing278. The jacket292is provided with a vent282and defines an outer chamber294. In these figures the first end portion258of the membrane bellows246terminates in a beak in the form of a converging cone tip296, cf.FIG. 22a. The tip296is provided with axially extending closable slot openings298that emerge from said inner articulated zone256at the first end portion258of the bellows246. When influenced by said underpressure P2and axial force F1, the cone tip292is exposed to a beak-opening torque, the slot openings298thereby being forced out and apart, cf.FIG. 22b. The cone tip296and its slot openings298thereby form the sealing element of the valve. The first end portion258is provided with a peripheral and flexible sealing edge302that is arranged pressure-sealingly and releasably around said wall opening10. However, in this exemplary embodiment the sealing edge302bears against the inside30of the partition8of the cap6. Thereby, an air inlet304is formed between the wall opening10and said beak when the bellows246is compressed and the beak is open, cf.FIG. 22c. When closing the beak, the sealing edge302will re-seal against the partition10, whereby the air inlet304is closed.

FIG. 23shows the bellows246and the cone tip296according toFIG. 22. In this exemplary embodiment the first end portion258is provided with a broader peripheral and flexible sealing edge306. The second end portion260is connected to a concentric and rigid jacket308provided with a radial flange310at its free end. The flange310thereby forms a partition between the bellows246and a drinking container2. The flange310is connected around a larger opening312of the drinking container2, the sealing edge306being placed releasably and pressure-sealingly against the inside30of the flange310. This jacket308is also provided with a vent282and defines an outer chamber314.

FIG. 25shows an alternative embodiment of the membrane bellows246, in which its first end portion258is provided with a connecting sleeve316which fits around an outlet stub316of a valve of an aerosol bottle310. Upon activation of the bellows246, the stub318is pushed axially into the bottle320, opening the valve to the outflow of fluid. A surrounding jacket322with a vent282defines an outer chamber324between the bellows246and the jacket322, the jacket322being pressure-sealingly connected at its free end to the aerosol bottle320via a snap connection99.

FIGS. 24a-24bshow the jacket308, the flange310and the opening312of the drinking container2according toFIG. 23. However, in this exemplary embodiment a non-corrugated flexible membrane bellows326is used. At its first end portion258the bellows326also terminates in a cone tip328that is provided with axially extending and closable slot openings330. The slot openings330form a cross332, cf.FIGS. 24a′-24b′ which both show radial sections through the valve device. Between the slot openings330the inside of the cone tip328is provided with radial, triangular struts334that converge in the cone tip328. At axially opposite triangle corners, the struts334are attached within a concentric, intermediate articulated zone336of the membrane bellows326. Opposite the intermediate triangle corners of the struts334, the outside of the bellows326is provided with a peripheral and flexible sealing edge338placed releasably and pressure-sealingly against the flange310. Between the articulated zone336and the second end portion260, the bellows326is formed with a smooth membrane wall340that, in its inactive position, is parallel with the longitudinal axis11, cf.FIG. 24a. The bellows326surrounds an internal suction chamber342, whereas the jacket308defines an outer chamber344communicating via its vent282with the ambient pressure P1. When an underpressure P2is supplied to the chamber342, the bellows326contracts radially, cf.FIG. 24b. Thereby, a beak-opening torque is supplied to the cone tip328, forcing the slot openings330out and apart, cf.FIG. 24b′, whereby the valve opens.

FIGS. 26a-26cshow a membrane bellows346formed by two plastic foils or plastic-coated foils348,350welded together and provided with axially extending reinforcements352. These reinforcements352may consist of axial bracing elements or bracing corrugations in the foils348,350. A first end portion354of the bellows346is formed with a beak that converges into an expandable membrane ring356. The ring356emerges from an inner articulated zone358at the first end portion354of the bellows346, the ring356forming the sealing element of the valve. In this exemplary embodiment the articulated zone358forms a circumferential edge15of the membrane bellows346that merges into the expandable membrane ring356. The membrane ring356is also provided with a circumferential collar360that is connected to the drinking container2, and which thus forms said partition between the bellows346and the container2. A second and axially opposite end portion362of the bellows346is shaped as a drinking opening364. Initially, a seal366closes the drinking opening364, cf.FIGS. 26a-26bwhich show two different views of the drinking container2. To provide access to the valve device and the fluid inside the drinking container2, the seal366is pulled off before use. Thereby, the drinking opening364is exposed, so that access is provided to a suction chamber368defined by the bellows346. Upon supplying an underpressure P2to the suction chamber368, the bellows346is contracted radially, whereby a beak-opening torque forces the membrane ring356radially outwards and opens it, cf.FIG. 26c.

FIGS. 27a-27eshow a further exemplary embodiment, in which the present valve device is placed in a concentric and closed cap370provided with a radial inlet tube372and a diametrically placed radial outlet tube374. The inlet tube372may be connected to a drinking straw376, whereas the outlet tube374may be shaped as a drinking spout378, cf.FIG. 27e. Alternatively, the inlet tube372may be provided with threads379, cf.FIG. 27d. The threads379may be screwed into a soft drinking container, for example a carton or drinking bag (not shown). Thereby, the cap370may be releasably connected to a drinking container2.

The inlet tube372and the outlet tube374are connected to an inlet chamber380and an outlet chamber382, respectively, both of which are placed in the closed cap370. The two chambers380,382are positioned next to each other, separated by an axially directed cap wall384. The cap wall384is shown clearly in section inFIG. 27a, cf.FIG. 27bshowing a section line27a-27athrough the chambers380,382.

Moreover, the cap370is provided with a radial partition386separating the chambers380,382from a flat membrane388disposed on the outside96of the partition386. The membrane388is provided with annular corrugations390at its circumferential edge392. Furthermore, the membrane388is pressure-sealingly connected to the partition386and positioned at a distance therefrom, whereby a suction chamber394exists between the two. An outer lid396also pressure-sealingly surrounds the membrane388. The lid396is placed at a distance from the membrane388, thereby defining an outer chamber398communicating with the ambient pressure P1via a vent74in the lid396. The partition386is provided with a central wall opening10connecting said inlet chamber380to the suction chamber394. Moreover, the partition386is provided with an eccentrically positioned drinking opening400extending outwards and connecting the suction chamber394with said outlet chamber382, cf.FIGS. 27b-27e.

A central portion of the membrane388is formed with a braced axial membrane extension402extending through the central opening10of the partition386. Opposite the opening10, the membrane extension402is formed with a restricted middle portion404, and at its free end portion the membrane extension402is formed with a widened collar portion406which may fit pressure-sealingly against the inside30of the partition386. Thereby, the membrane extension402works as both a valve stem and a valve head. InFIG. 27cthe membrane388is shown activated when an underpressure P2is supplied to the suction chamber394. Thereby, the membrane extension402is pushed axially into the inlet chamber380, opening to the outflow of fluid via, among other things, said eccentric drinking opening400. Arrows inFIG. 27cindicate the direction of outflow.