Spring-biased valve assembly

A valve assembly is configured to be coupled to a fluid container. The valve assembly includes a housing defining a fluid path extending between an inlet and an outlet, and a plunger sub-assembly secured within the fluid path. The plunger sub-assembly includes a retainer secured to the housing within the fluid path, a plunger, and a linear coil spring having a first end secured to the retainer and a second end secured to the plunger. The linear coil spring biases the plunger into the outlet in a closed position. The plunger sealingly closes the outlet in the closed position.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to valve assemblies, and, more particularly, to spring-biased valve assemblies, such as may be coupled to beverage containers.

BACKGROUND

Valves are used in various applications. Certain types of valves may be selectively opened and closed to control flow of a fluid, such as a liquid or gas, therethrough. Check valves, for example, are configured to prevent the flow of fluid in one direction, but, upon exertion of sufficient force, may be moved to allow the flow of fluid in such a direction.

Various valves may be used with respect to beverage containers in order to allow an individual to selectively open and close the containers. When the valve is in the open position, the beverage may be poured out of the container. In the closed position, the valve prevents the beverage from passing through and out of a nozzle of the container.

A known valve includes a housing that retains a conical coil spring that urges a polypropylene ball into a collar that surrounds an opening. An induction welded seal is secured over the opening, and a silicone O-ring is positioned around an outer neck portion of the housing. The seal is configured to be lifted and removed.

It has been found that the conical coil spring is difficult to install into the housing. The conical coil spring is typically manually inserted into the housing. Further, the ball is post-processed to eliminate a parting line flash to provide a reliable seal with respect to the collar. For example, the ball may be connected to the housing through a parting line flash, which is broken to allow the ball to move relative to the housing. As the parting line flash is broken or otherwise removed, portions of the parting line flash may be deposited onto the spring and/or the housing. As such, debris may be deposited within the valve and/or a beverage container to which the valve is secured.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

A need exists for an effective valve assembly that may be efficiently manufactured. A need exists for a valve assembly that is less susceptible to debris formation during manufacture.

With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a valve assembly configured to be coupled to a fluid container. The valve assembly may include a housing defining a fluid path extending between an inlet and an outlet, and a plunger sub-assembly secured within the fluid path. The plunger sub-assembly may include a retainer secured to the housing within the fluid path, a plunger, and a linear coil spring having a first end secured to the retainer and a second end secured to the plunger. The linear coil spring biases the plunger into the outlet in a closed position. The plunger sealingly closes the outlet in the closed position. The plunger sub-assembly may be pre-assembled before being secured within the fluid path.

The plunger may include a sealing head and a stem outwardly extending from the sealing head. The second end of the linear coil spring may wrap around at least a portion of the stem. The sealing head may be semispherical.

The retainer may be configured to collapse as the retainer is urged into a secure position within the fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the retainer snapably secures to an undercut formed in the housing. The retainer may include at least one fluid passage offset from an internal channel of the retainer. In at least one embodiment, the retainer may include an annular collar, and a plurality of arcuate base segments extending from the collar. The base segments may be separated by gaps. Further, a separating gap may be formed through the annular collar exposing opposite ends.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fluid containment and dispensing system that may include a fluid container including a main body and a nozzle. The fluid container contains a fluid within the main body. A valve assembly is coupled to the fluid container. The valve assembly is configured to be selectively opened and closed. Fluid within the main body is allowed to pass out of the nozzle when the valve assembly is opened. Fluid within the main body is contained within the main body when the valve assembly is closed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a valve assembly that may include a plunger that is spring-biased and held within a housing by a retainer. The plunger and retainer may be formed of a polymer, such as polypropylene, for example. Alternatively, the plunger and retainer may be formed of various other polymers.

A straight coil spring may be used to bias the plunger towards an opening of the housing into a rim surrounding the opening. The plunger may include a stem that connects to an arcuate head, such as a semi-spherical head. A portion of the coil spring winds around the stem and may abut into a rim formed by a proximal portion of the head.

The retainer may be collapsible and configured to snapably secure into the housing. For example, the retainer may be configured to snapably secure into an undercut within the housing.

The retainer may be collapsible in order to compress into position within the housing. As the retainer is urged into the housing, the undercut squeezes the retainer until the top portion passes therethrough, at which point the retainer snaps into place, and the undercut prevents the retainer from retreating.

Unlike the prior known valve, embodiments of the present disclosure do not utilize a conical spring. Instead, the spring is a linear coil spring. The plunger provides a reliable seal with respect to the housing. The retainer may include one or more flow passages that allow for fluid flow therethrough even if the plunger is fully seated with respect to the retainer in a fully compressed position. Further, unlike the prior valve, embodiments of the present disclosure allow for the retainer, spring, and plunger to be sub-assembled.

The valve sub-assembly may be pre-assembled and inserted into the housing. As such, a plunger of the valve sub-assembly is not connected to the housing through a parting line flash (which may otherwise form debris as it is removed).

The linear coil spring does not impinge on the undercut, or otherwise abut into internal surfaces of the housing. Neither the spring, nor the retainer, cause debris to form (such as by disconnecting from a housing at a parting line flash, scraping portions of the housing, and/or the like). Because the valve assembly is less susceptible to debris, the valve assembly may be particularly well-suited for beverage applications. It is to be understood that the valve assembly may be used with various other fluid applications, such as motor oil bottles, washer fluid containers, or various other applications in which a valve is used to selectively close and open a fluid path.

FIG. 1illustrates a front view of a valve assembly100coupled to a fluid container102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fluid container102and the valve assembly100form a fluid containment and dispensing system101. The valve assembly100includes a housing102having a coupling neck104integrally connected to an outlet tube106. A seal108may be removably secured to an outlet110of the outlet tube106. The seal108may be an induction welded seal having a tab112that is configured to be grasped by an individual to lift and remove the seal108from the outlet110. An O-ring114, which may be formed of silicone, is secured around an end116of the outlet tube106proximate to the outlet110. The O-ring114is configured to sealingly engage an internal surface of a cap (not shown) that may be moveably secured to the valve assembly100. Optionally, the valve assembly100may not include the O-ring114.

The fluid container102may be a bottle, for example, having a main body118connected to an outlet nozzle120. The main body118defines an internal chamber (hidden from view) that is configured to retain a liquid (such as a beverage, other fluids, including liquids and gases). The nozzle120defines an internal passage (hidden from view) that is in fluid communication with the internal chamber. As such, liquid within the internal chamber of the main body118may be poured out of the fluid container102through the internal passage of the nozzle120.

The valve assembly100couples to the nozzle120of the fluid container102. The coupling neck104securely couples around an exposed end122of the nozzle120. For example, the coupling neck104may include an internal threaded interface that threadably secures to an outer threaded interface of the exposed end122of the nozzle120.

In operation, the valve assembly100is configured to be engaged to allow for liquid within the fluid container102to be selectively poured out of the valve assembly100. When the valve assembly100is in an open position, liquid from the fluid container102may pass out of the valve assembly100. When the valve assembly100is in a closed position, the valve assembly100prevents liquid from the fluid container102from passing out of the outlet110.

In at least one embodiment, a cap (not shown) may be moveably secured to the end116of the outlet tube106. When the cap is moved into an open position, a portion of the cap may engage a plunger of the valve assembly and press it toward a retainer. As the plunger is pressed, the plunger disconnects from a closed position with a rim of the outlet tube106, and thereby allows fluid to pass through the outlet110. When the cap is moved into the closed position, the cap disengages from the plunger, and a linear coil spring of the plunger assembly urges the plunger back into a sealing engagement with the rim of the outlet tube106, thereby preventing liquid from passing out of the outlet110.

In at least one other embodiment, a portion of the valve assembly100, such as an annular rim124between the coupling neck104and the outlet tube106, may be actuated to selectively open and close the valve assembly100. For example, when the annular rim124is lifted, rotated, or otherwise moved in a first direction, the movement of the annular rim124relative to the plunger sub-assembly (not shown inFIG. 1) may move the valve assembly100into an open position. When the annular rim124is lifted, rotated, or otherwise moved in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, the movement of the annular rim124relative to the plunger assembly may move the valve assembly100into a closed position.

In at least one other embodiment, the annular rim124may be rotatably coupled to a portion of the plunger sub-assembly. Optionally, other portions of the valve assembly100may be moveably coupled to a portion of the plunger assembly in order to move the valve assembly between open and closed positions. In at least one other embodiment, the housing102may be operatively coupled to the plunger assembly such that the housing102is lifted linearly relative to the plunger assembly to open the valve assembly100so that liquid may pass out of the outlet110.

FIG. 2illustrates an exploded axial cross-sectional view of the valve assembly100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A fluid path130is defined through the housing102. The fluid path130extends from an inlet132of the coupling neck104to and through the outlet110of the outlet tube106.

The plunger sub-assembly200may be pre-assembled before being secured within the fluid path130. The plunger sub-assembly200may include a retainer202that couples to a plunger204through a coil spring206. Because the plunger sub-assembly200is pre-assembled and then secured to the housing102, the plunger204is not connected to the housing102through a parting flash line.

The retainer202may include arcuate base segments208connected to an annular collar210. The base segments208may be separated by gaps210, which allow the collar210and the base segments208to flex inwardly when the retainer202is inserted into the housing102. One or more flow passages or paths212(such as channels) may be formed through the collar210. As shown, the retainer202may include three regularly spaced base segments208. Alternatively, the retainer202may include more or less base segments than shown. For example, the retainer202may include two regular spaced base segments, or four regularly spaced base segments. In at least one other embodiment, instead of base segments, the retainer202may include a contiguous annular base tube, ring, collar, or the like.

The coil spring206may be a metal spring having a defined spring constant. The coil spring206includes a first end214that is configured to couple to the retainer202, and a second end216that is configured to couple to the plunger204. For example, the first end214may be secured between the base segments208, which may include ledges218onto which the first end214of the coil spring206seats. The second end216may wrap around a linear, tubular stem220of the plunger204and abut into an annular rim222of the plunger204. As such, the coil spring206may be compressively captured between the ledges218of the base segments208and the annular rim222of the plunger204.

The coil spring206is a linear spring. For example, an outer diameter230of the coil spring206is constant throughout, from the first end214to the second end216. The envelope of the coil spring206defined by the diameter230is constant. As shown, the coil spring206does not directly contact interior surfaces of the housing102.

The plunger204includes the stem220connected to an arcuate sealing head224. The stem220linearly extends downwardly (as shown inFIG. 2) from the sealing head224. In at least one embodiment, the sealing head224is semispherical. The semispherical sealing head224provides a secure sealing connection with the outlet110. For example, the arcuate, semispherical sealing head224extends through a central opening161of a rim160, and provides added sealing surface area with the interior surfaces163of the rim160that define the opening161. The sealing head224connects to the stem220at the annular rim222.

FIG. 3illustrates an axial cross-sectional view of the valve assembly100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, in order to secure the pre-assembled plunger sub-assembly200into the fluid path130of the housing102, the plunger sub-assembly200is urged into the fluid path130through the inlet132of the coupling neck104in the direction of arrow A.

With continued urging in the direction of arrow A, the collar210is urged into an undercut150(shown inFIG. 2) formed within the housing102. The undercut150may be proximate to the annular rim124. The collar210may be sized and shaped to be secured within the annular rim124. The undercut150may include a reduced diameter at a receiving end152. The diameter of the receiving end152may be less than the diameter of the collar210in an at-rest position. As the collar210is urged into the undercut150in the direction of arrow A, the receiving end152inwardly compresses the collar210(which inwardly flexes due to the gaps210and/or a separation gap formed in the collar210). With continued urging in the direction of arrow A, the collar210passes into the expanded main portion154of the undercut150, thereby flexing back outwardly to the at-rest position. As such, the collar210is securely retained between the reduced diameter of the receiving end152, and an end wall156of the outlet tube106. In this manner, the retainer202is securely connected to the housing102.

The coil spring206urges the plunger204into the outlet110. As shown, the coil spring206is compressively captured between the annular rim222of the plunger204and the ledges218of the retainer202. The linear coil spring206biases the plunger204into the outlet110in a closed position. The plunger sealingly closes the outlet110in the closed position. The spring constant of the coil spring206forces the plunger204towards the outlet110. The arcuate surface of the sealing head224is biased against an inwardly-directed rim160proximate to the outlet110. The rim160defines a central opening161(shown inFIG. 2) through which a central tip225of the sealing head224extends, while outer radial portions227of the sealing head224sealingly abut into interior surfaces163of the rim160. As such, the sealing head224seals the outlet110, thereby preventing liquid from passing out of the outlet110. The plunger sub-assembly200may be selectively actuated between the closed position (as shown inFIG. 3) and an open position in which the sealing head224disengages the rim160, thereby providing a fluid passage therebetween.

As noted above, a cap (not shown) may be moveably secured to the end116of the outlet tube106. When the cap is moved into an open position, a portion of the cap (such as a central post connected to an internal wall through thin beams separated by fluid passages) may be urged into the sealing head224. As the portion of the cap is urged into the sealing head224, the sealing head224retreats downwardly toward the retainer202, overcoming the force of the linear coil spring206. As such, the sealing head224disengages the rim160, and a fluid passage is opened between the rim160and the sealing head224. When the cap is moved into the closed position, the cap disengages from the sealing head224, and the linear coil spring206urges the sealing head224back into a sealing engagement with the rim160, thereby preventing liquid from passing out of the outlet110.

FIG. 4illustrates a perspective bottom exploded view of the valve assembly100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the fluid passage212may be formed through the collar210and/or a base segment208. The fluid passage212may be offset from an internal channel209of the retainer202that is between the base segments208and passes through the collar210. In a fully-seated (or over-seated) position, the stem220of the plunger204may be disposed within the internal channel209. Accordingly, the fluid passage212is offset from the internal channel209, and may include an arcuate wall248that defines a fluid path therethrough. In the fully-seated (or over-seated) position, the stem220is not disposed within the fluid passage212. Therefore, the fluid passage212allows fluid to pass through the retainer202even if the stem220of the plunger204is fully seated within the retainer202(such as against the ledges218).

The retainer202may include more than one fluid passage212offset from the internal channel209. Further, each fluid passage212may be or include an opening formed through the collar210radially away from the internal channel209. Alternatively, the retainer202may not include the fluid passage212.

Additionally, a separating gap250may be formed through the collar210, thereby exposing opposite ends252and254. The separating gap250promotes easier inward collapsing as the retainer202is inserted into the housing102, as described above. Alternatively, the retainer202may not include the separating gap250.

Referring toFIGS. 1-4, the plunger sub-assembly200may be pre-assembled before being secured within the housing102. Alternatively, the plunger204and/or the retainer202may be integrally molded and formed with the housing102.

The plunger204is spring-biased and held within the housing102by the retainer202. The straight, linear coil spring206biases the plunger204towards the outlet110of the housing into the rim160. The plunger204may include the stem220that connects to the arcuate sealing head224. A portion of the coil spring206winds around the stem220and abuts into the rim222, which may be formed by a proximal portion of the sealing head224.

The retainer202may be collapsible and configured to snapably secure into the housing102. For example, the undercut150within the housing102may be configured to cooperate with the retainer202to provide a snapable engagement therebetween.

The retainer202may be collapsible in order to compress it into position within the housing102. As the retainer202is urged into the housing102, the undercut150squeezes the retainer202until the top portion passes through a reduced diameter portion of the undercut150, at which point the retainer202snaps into place, and the undercut150prevents the retainer from retreating.

Unlike the prior known valve, embodiments of the present disclosure do not utilize a conical spring. Instead, the spring is a linear coil spring. The plunger204provides a reliable seal with respect to the housing102. The retainer202may include one or more flow paths212that allow for fluid flow therethrough even if the plunger204is fully seated against the retainer202. Further, unlike the prior known valve, embodiments of the present disclosure allow for the retainer202, the spring206, and the plunger204to be pre-assembled as the plunger sub-assembly200.

In at least one embodiment, the linear coil spring206does not impinge on the undercut150, as the collar210is securely trapped within the undercut150. Further, the plunger204is not initially connected to the housing through a parting flash line. Therefore, the valve assembly100is less susceptible to debris formation and deposition (as compared to the prior known valve), and is particularly well-suited for beverage applications.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an effective valve assembly that may be efficiently manufactured. For example, the plunger sub-assembly100may be pre-assembled and inserted into the housing102.

Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a valve assembly that is less susceptible to debris formation and deposition during manufacture. For example, the linear coil spring206does not abut into internal walls of the housing102, unlike a conical coil spring. Further, the plunger204is not initially connected to the housing102through a parting flash line, which is configured to be broken.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.