Abstract:
A fluid dispensing valve assembly comprises a housing, a lever, a resilient member, and a seal. The housing defines a fluid dispensing port and a vent opening. The fluid dispensing valve can be operated with a single hand to dispense liquid from a container. Further, upon release of the lever, the fluid dispensing valve automatically returns to a sealed configuration, thereby preventing fluid from leaking out of the container.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Utility Application is being filed concurrently with US Design Application titled “Fluid Dispenser”; having application Ser. No. 29/404,767; and inventors James Richards, Loren Brelje, and Michael Maher; the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to devices and methods for dispensing fluids, and more particularly, to a self-venting fluid dispensing assembly and method of production. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various types of push-button actuated dispensing valves for dispensing liquids from a relatively large capacity container are known in the art. Where the dispensing valve or tap is used with a flexible wall container (e.g., collapsible wall), it is unnecessary for the container to be vented because no pressure differential is created upon emptying of the container through the tap. 
     In contrast, with a rigid container, a vent, or other system, must be provided for equalizing the pressure differential created as the contents of the rigid container are dispensed. 
     There remains a need for a low cost, easy to assemble, reliable, and self-venting dispensing valve that can be actuated by an operator with a single hand. Further, there remains a need for such a dispensing valve that can be used with liquids of varying viscosity, having an automatic shut-off function to prevent inadvertent dispensing. 
     All US patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention, below. 
     A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification is provided as well only for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. 1.72. The abstract is not intended to be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In some embodiments, a fluid dispensing valve assembly comprises a housing defining a fluid dispensing port and a vent opening. The valve assembly further comprises a lever extending from the housing over at least a portion of the fluid dispensing port, an elastically deformable resilient member and a seal. In some embodiments, the seal comprises a base portion, a stem extending from the base portion, and a sealing arm extending from the base portion. At least a portion of the seal extends through the fluid dispensing port. Further, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the elastically deformable resilient member and at least a portion of the stem contact the lever. 
     In some embodiments, the lever is hingedly attached to the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the valve assembly further has an open configuration and a sealed configuration. The resilient member further comprises a sealing tab. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sealing tab is configured to cover the vent opening when the assembly is in the sealed configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the resilient member comprises a dome-shaped portion and a retaining catch. 
     In some embodiments, the housing defines a hole through which at least a portion of the resilient member extends. 
     In some embodiments, the housing comprises a channel and the seal comprises a guide, the guide slidably disposed within the channel. 
     In some embodiments, the housing comprises two channels that are arranged in a facing, opposed relationship, one on either side of the fluid dispensing port. 
     In some embodiments, the seal comprises two guides, each guide slidably disposed within one of the two channels. 
     In some embodiments, the portion of the stem that contacts the lever is configured to move in an arc and the guides are configured to move linearly. 
     In some embodiments, the housing further comprises a pair of flared grip members. 
     In some embodiments, the lever is connected to the seal. 
     In some embodiments, a fluid dispensing valve assembly has a sealed configuration and a fluid flow configuration. The valve assembly comprises a housing defining a fluid dispensing port and a vent opening. Further, the valve assembly comprises a lever extending from the housing over at least a portion of the fluid dispensing port, an elastically deformable resilient member, and a seal. The elastically deformable resilient member comprises a sealing tab and a dome portion. The sealing tab is configured to cover the vent opening when the valve assembly is in the sealed configuration. In some embodiments, the seal is disposed within the fluid dispensing port and at least a portion of the seal contacts the sealing tab when the valve assembly is in the sealed configuration. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the elastically deformable resilient member and at least a portion of the seal contact the lever. 
     In some embodiments, the seal comprises a base portion, a stem extending from the base portion, and a sealing arm extending from the base portion. 
     In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sealing arm contacts the sealing tab when the valve assembly is in the sealed configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the lever is connected to the seal. 
     In some embodiments, the housing comprises at least one channel and the seal comprises at least one guide. The guide is slidably disposed within the channel. 
     In some embodiments, the resilient member comprises a retaining catch. 
     In some embodiments, the housing comprises a cork seal and a retaining ring opposed to the cork seal. 
     In some embodiments, the lever comprises an actuator and the actuator engages the dome portion of the resilient member. 
     In some embodiments, a fluid dispensing valve assembly has a sealed configuration and a fluid flow configuration. In some embodiments, the fluid dispensing valve assembly consists of three components. A first component comprises a housing and a lever, a second component comprises a resilient member, and a third component comprises a seal. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the lever is moveable with respect to the housing. The housing defines a fluid dispensing port. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the lever contacts the resilient member and at least a portion of the seal contacts at least a portion of the lever. The seal is moveable within the fluid dispensing port to selectively dispense fluid. 
     In some embodiments, the housing defines a vent opening and the resilient member comprises a sealing tab. In some embodiments, the sealing tab covers the vent opening when the valve assembly is in the sealed configuration. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the valve assembly  10 . 
         FIG. 1B  shows a back perspective view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  shows a side perspective view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the resilient member  16 . 
         FIG. 2B  shows a cross-sectional view of the resilient member of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  shows a back perspective view of the resilient member of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the seal  18 . 
         FIG. 3B  shows a side view of the seal  18  of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3C  shows a back perspective view of the seal  18  of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the valve assembly  10  in the sealed configuration. 
         FIG. 4B  shows a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 4A  in a fluid flow configuration. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the valve assembly  10  of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 6A  shows a front perspective view of the valve assembly  10  with protective cap  82 . 
         FIG. 6B  shows a back perspective view of the protective cap  82  of  FIG. 6A  without valve assembly  10 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described herein specific embodiments. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit it to the particular embodiments illustrated. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated. 
     Shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C  is an embodiment of a fluid dispensing valve assembly  10 , which may also be referred to herein as “valve assembly” or “assembly.” In some embodiments, the valve assembly  10  comprises a housing  12 , a lever  14 , a resilient member  16 , and a seal  18 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C , the housing  12  is in an “as-molded” configuration. In the as-molded configuration, the lever  14  has not been yet been folded about hinge  28  (discussed in greater detail below). 
     In some embodiments, the housing  12  comprises a cylindrical body  20  and a grip  22 . The cylindrical body  20  is formed to attach to an outlet port on a fluid container, which may contain, for example, a consumable liquid such as water, juice, dairy products, edible oils, and sports drinks. Of course, other liquids of various viscosities are also contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the grip  22  comprises a pair of flared grip members  24 . The flared grip members  24  are contoured to permit the operator to operate the valve assembly  10  with a single hand, for example by placing an index finger and middle finger between a respective grip member  24  and the face  26  of the cylindrical body  20 , as will be apparent from  FIG. 1C . 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 1A-1C , in some embodiments, the lever  14  is hingedly connected to the housing  12  via hinge  28 . In some embodiments, the lever  14  and the housing  12  are formed in the same molding process, and the hinge  28  comprises a section of reduced material thickness connecting the lever  14  to the housing  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the lever  14  further comprises a lip  30  and an actuator  32 . The actuator  32  contacts the resilient member  16  when the assembly  10  is in the “as-used” configuration, shown for example in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 2A-2C , an embodiment of the resilient member  16  is shown therein. The resilient member  16  comprises a body portion  34  and a sealing tab  36 . The sealing tab  36  is desirably connected to the body portion  34  via tab hinge  38 . In this way, in some embodiments, the sealing tab  36  is hingedly attached to the body portion  34 . Further, the resilient member  16  may be formed in a single molding process, for example by injection molding. Other suitable manufacturing techniques may also be used. In some embodiments, the resilient member  16  is made from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), for example a copolyester elastomer such as Arnitel® EM 400. In some embodiments, the resilient member  16  has a durometer of between 25 and 36 shore D, inclusive. In some embodiments, the resilient member  16  has a durometer of 27 shore D and in some embodiments has a durometer of 35 shore D. Additionally, in some embodiments, the resilient member  16  is formed from Arnitel® EL250. The resilient members  16  can also be made from Dynaflex™ TPE or any other suitable material. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , in some embodiments, the tab hinge  38  is a region of decreased material thickness, t, spanning between the body portion  34  and the sealing tab  36 . The material thickness, t, is measured, as shown in  FIG. 2B , in cross-section perpendicular to the wall. 
     The body portion  34  further comprises a dome portion  40  and a retaining catch  42 . The dome portion  40  is elastically deformable and acts as a spring when pressed on by actuator  32 , as is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . With particular regard to  FIG. 2B , in some embodiments, the retaining catch  42  comprises a barb-like projection or region of increased material thickness, which is measured in cross-section. Adjacent to the retaining catch  42  is recess  44 . As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the resilient member  16  is retained in housing  12  via retaining catch  42 ; a portion of the housing  12  snaps into the recess  44  to hold the resilient member  16  in place. 
     Finally, as shown in  FIG. 2B , the resilient member  16  comprises reinforced region  46  having increased material thickness. The reinforced region  46  provides an area of increased strength for the actuator  32  ( FIG. 1A ) to contact. And, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2C , the resilient member  16  comprises a cutout  47 . The cutout  47  fits around fluid dispensing port  48 , as shown in  FIGS. 1B ,  4 A, and  4 B. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3A-3C , an embodiment of the seal  18  is shown therein. The seal  18  comprises a base portion  50 , a stem  52  extending from the base portion  50 , and a sealing arm  54  extending from the base portion  50 . In some embodiments, the base portion  50  comprises a sealing surface  56  that mates with fluid dispensing port  48  to create a fluid-tight seal between the housing  12  and the seal  18 , as is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 4A . Additionally, in some embodiments, the base portion  50  comprises at least one guide  58 ; in some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3C , the seal comprises two guides  58  that are located on opposite sides of the base portion  50 . Returning to  FIG. 1B , guides  58  are slidably disposed in channels  60  on housing  12 . In this way, as the seal  18  is moved from a sealed configuration ( FIG. 4A ) to a fluid flow configuration ( FIG. 4B ) and vice-versa, the seal  18  tracks along channels  60  ( FIG. 1B ), ensuring proper alignment of the sealing surface  56  with the fluid dispensing port  48 . 
     In some embodiments, the stem  52  comprises a latch  62 . The latch  62  engages a keeper  64  on lever  14  ( FIG. 1A ). Keeper  64  retains latch  62  via a snap-fit connection, allowing for easy assembly of the housing  12  and seal  18 . Further, the lever  14  and seal  18  are linked via keeper  64  and latch  62  ( FIG. 1A ) such that as the lever  14  is pushed, the seal  18  moves along channels  60  ( FIG. 1B ), permitting fluid to flow out of the valve assembly  10 . In particular, in some embodiments, as the lever  14  pushes on the stem  52 , moving the seal  18  along channels  60 , the channels  60  restrain the seal  18  from becoming misaligned. Additionally, in some embodiments, the stem  52  elastically deforms as the seal  18  moves along the channels  60 . In this regard, it will be appreciated that the keeper  64  sweeps an arc about hinge  28 . Consequently, the latch  62  of stem  52  moves along the arc of the keeper  64 . Nonetheless, the guides  58  ( FIG. 1A ) move along channels  60 , thereby assuring that the base portion  50  of the seal  18  moves with respect to the housing  12  in a linear, non-arching fashion. This, in turn, promotes a higher rate of flow out of fluid dispensing port  48  ( FIG. 4B ). In some embodiments, because the stem  52  is elastically deformable the latch  62  sweeps an arc with keeper  64  and the base portion  50  of the seal  18  moves linearly along channels  60 . 
     With further regard to  FIGS. 3A-3C , in some embodiments, the sealing arm  54  extends upwardly at a cant. In some embodiments, the seal  18  comprises a gusset  66  extending between the sealing arm  54  and the base portion  50 . The gusset  66  provides additional strength to the sealing arm  54 . Additionally, the sealing arm  54  has an end portion  68 . In some embodiments, the end portion  68  is angled relative to the sealing arm  54 . In this way, the end portion  68  contacts the sealing tab  36  of the resilient member  16 , for example as shown in  FIG. 4A . In some embodiments, when the seal  18  is in the sealed configuration, for example as shown in  FIG. 4A , the end portion  68  exerts a force on the sealing tab  36  to maintain the sealing tab  36  in the sealed configuration. In some embodiments, the sealing arm  54  is elastically deformable and acts as a spring, applying pressure to the sealing tab  36  when the valve assembly  10  is in the sealed configuration. 
     It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the seal  18  and sealing tab  36  need to hermetically seal with the housing  12  in close temporal relationship. In particular, the seal  18  and sealing tab  36  should seal at nearly the same time. Therefore, in some embodiments, the sealing arm  54  is made from a flexible material to prevent leakage and provide tolerance for variation in timing between closure of the seal  18  and sealing tab  36 . 
     In some embodiments, the seal  18  is made from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), for example Dow® DMDA-8409 NT 7. In some embodiments, the seal is made from a material having a hardness of 59 Shore D. Any other suitable material may also be used. 
     In some embodiments, the housing  12  is formed from polypropylene, for example Flint Hills Resources® polypropylene AP5520-HA. In some embodiments, the housing is formed from a material having a hardness of 100 Rockwell R. Other suitable materials with the same hardness or different other hardnesses may also be used, as will be appreciated by the skilled artisan. Moreover, in some embodiments, the housing  12  is formed from a different material than the seal  18 . In particular, in some embodiments, the seal  18  comprises a softer and/or more flexible material than the material of the housing  12 . The softer material of the seal  18  results in the seal  18  elastically deforming to the contour of the housing  12  at contacting locations. For example, the sealing surface  56  of the seal  18  deforms to provide a hermetic seal against the adjacent surface of the fluid dispensing port  48 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 4A , a cross-section of the valve assembly  10  is shown therein with the valve assembly  10  in the sealed configuration. For the purposes of illustration, however, the keeper  64  on hinge  14  is shown in cutaway. As shown in  FIG. 4A , in some embodiments, the housing  12  defines a hole  86 , which may also be referred to herein as a through hole. In some embodiments, a portion of the resilient member  16  extends through the through hole  86 . In this way, the resilient member  16  can be formed from a single piece of material and function as a spring to interact with the lever  14  while also having sealing tab  36  disposed on the inside of the housing  12 . In the sealed configuration, the sealing surface  56  of the seal  18  mates with the adjacent surface of the fluid dispensing port  48  to prevent fluid from exiting valve assembly  10 . Furthermore, the sealing tab  36  covers vent opening  70 . 
     In some embodiments, the resilient member  16  is partially deformed when the valve assembly  10  is in the sealed configuration. The resilient member  16  thereby pushes outwardly on the lever  14  via actuator  32 . In turn, the keeper  64  pulls on the seal  18  to maintain a fluid tight seal between the fluid dispensing port  48  and the adjacent sealing surface  56 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the sealing arm  54  applies pressure to the sealing tab  36 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 4B , when a force, F, is applied to the lever  14 , for example with the operator&#39;s thumb, the lever  14  pushes inwardly on the seal  18 . This, in turn, moves the seal  18  inwardly, guided by guides  58  and channels  60  ( FIG. 1B ). Fluid is thereby allowed to flow out of fluid dispensing port  48 , as illustrated by arrows  72 . Meanwhile, to equalize the pressure in the container, as fluid flows out of the container, air is allowed to flow into the container via the vent opening  70 . The sealing tab  36  is allowed to move away from previously obstructed vent opening  70  as the sealing arm  54  moves inwardly toward the container. Air moving into the container is illustrated by arrow  74 . 
     In some embodiments, the sealing tab  36  does not open immediately after the lever  14  is pushed inwardly. Instead, due to the fluid pressure on the backside of the sealing tab  36 , it is initially forced closed. This, in turn, prevents a rush of liquid out through the fluid dispensing port  48 . Once the pressure differential between the outside atmosphere and the inside of the container is sufficient, however, the sealing tab  36  opens, and air is allowed to flow into the container. 
     When the operator wants to stop fluid from flowing out of the container, the operator merely needs to stop applying force, F, to the lever  14 . After force, F, is no longer applied, the resilient member  16  pushes on actuator  32  and the seal  18  is pulled outwardly via keeper  64  and latch  62 . The valve assembly then reverts to the sealed configuration, as shown in  FIG. 4A , when the lever  14  is released. 
     With the foregoing in mind, and returning now to  FIG. 1A , in some embodiments, the housing  12  further comprises a shroud  76  surrounding the fluid dispensing port  48 . The shroud  76  provides a flow path for fluid exiting the fluid dispensing port  48  and helps to keep contaminants away from fluid dispensing port  48 . With reference to  FIG. 1B , in some embodiments, the housing  12  further comprises a cork seal  78  and retaining ring  80 . The cork seal  78  and retaining ring  80  permit the valve assembly  10  to be attached to a container having the appropriate interface, for example a cylindrical collar that snaps into place and is retained via cork seal  78  and retaining ring  80 , as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art. The valve assembly  10  can also be attached to a container via other suitable methods, for example threads, an interference fit, ultrasonic welding, or adhesive. Other suitable options will be appreciated by the skilled artisan. 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , the valve assembly  10  is shown therein in an “as-used” and sealed configuration. The lever  14  has been folded about hinge  28  from the “as-molded” configuration of  FIG. 1A . Further, as shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 4A , the latch  62  has been snapped into place to attach to keeper  64 . An operator can operate the valve assembly by placing his/her thumb on lever  14  and a forefinger and middle finger, respectively, on the outside of a flared grip member  24 . 
       FIG. 6A  shows the valve assembly  10  with a protective cap  82  covering the lever  14  (not visible) and the face  26  (not visible) of the housing  12 . In some embodiments, the cap  82  has a removable tear strip  84  which is removed prior to use of the valve assembly  10 . The tear strip  84  can show evidence of tampering. 
     The cap  82  can be used during shipping of the valve assembly  10 , during attachment of the valve assembly  10  to the container, or during storage, for example. The cap  82  helps to protect against contaminants or debris from interfering with the valve assembly  10  prior to use. Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 6B , the cap  82  further comprises a plurality of ribs  90 . The ribs  90  provide strength for the cap  82 , for example, so valve assemblies  10  with protective caps  82  thereon can be stacked during shipping or storage. 
     In some embodiments, the valve assembly  10  consists of three components which are manufactured separately and assembled together. In particular, in some embodiments, the valve assembly  10  consists of a first component, comprising the housing  12  and the lever  14 , a second component, comprising the resilient member  16 , and a third component, comprising the seal  18 . In some embodiments, these three components are formed in independent injection molding processes and are subsequently assembled into the valve assembly  10 . 
     In some embodiments, the protective cap  82  is formed in another independent injection molding process. After assembly of the first, second, and third components into the valve assembly  10 , the cap  82  is added thereto. 
     In addition to the foregoing, some embodiments are directed to a combination of the valve assembly  10  and container, for example a rigid container. In some embodiments, the valve assembly  10  can also be used with a flexible container or package. 
     U.S. application Ser. No. 12/839,860, filed on Jul. 20, 2010, and titled “Dispenser Assembly,” is herein incorporated by reference. 
     The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this field of art. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.” Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims. 
     Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim  1  should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim below. 
     This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.