Abstract:
A fluid container is disclosed. The container includes an enclosure for containing liquid and a first closure member. The first closure member is in the form of a fluid discharge assembly which includes a selectively removable valve body mounted for movement between an open position to permit flow of liquid from the enclosure and a closed position to prevent flow of liquid through the fluid discharge assembly. In addition, the closure includes a cap member mountable to a container, and the cap member defines a product outlet passage. The valve body is disposed for movement within the outlet passage between an open position to permit flow of product through the passage from said container and a closed position to prevent flow of product through the passage. The valve body is selectively removable from the outlet passage.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to fluid containers and, more particularly, to closure mechanisms for drinking bottles such as sports and water bottles. Specifically, the present invention relates to pop-up type valve assemblies for fluid container closure mechanisms. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0002]    Refillable plastic drinking bottles and containers with removable tops have been used for many years for conveniently storing and transporting beverages. Numerous closure caps have been developed for such beverage containers to facilitate ease of delivery of the container&#39;s contents without spillage utilizing, by way of example, one-way valves, positive closure valves, and devices which act as a seal and closure valve. Sports bottles are one type of such container which are convenient, reusable, flexible plastic drinking bottles with screw-on or snap-on tops. Such bottles are typically provided with either a flexible plastic drinking straw that extends from the outside through a hole in the top, or with a pop-up type drinking spout located centrally on the container top. Examples of such container closure mechanisms include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,073, No. 5,651,471, No. 5,669,427 and No. 5,788,125 as well as those in International Patent Application No. PCT/NL97/00128 (WO 97/33804), No. PCT/NL97/00277 (WO 97/44247) and No. PCT/EP98/00819 (WO 98/38103). 
         [0003]    One type of drinking bottle designed for use during active participation in a sports activity is known generally as a sports bottle. A second major type of drinking bottle is generally known as a convenience bottle, and these are typically designed for convenience of transporting and consuming larger amounts of liquid while at rest or on break from an activity, rather than for use during sports participation. Both types of drinking bottles are frequently utilized with snap-on tops containing a reclosable drinking spout, such as a pop-up valve. Such drinking spouts are designed to be opened and closed utilizing one&#39;s fingers or teeth. 
         [0004]    Such pop-up type drinking valves or spouts are frequently associated with a removable cap. In this manner, the fluid container can be refilled and reused simply by removing the cap and refilling the container. Unfortunately, the pop-up valves or spouts which are utilized with such caps are not removable or capable of being disassembled. This is a significant disadvantage in that material from the fluid passing through the valve or spout, especially sweetened material such as Gatorade or punch, tends to accumulate particulate residue in the spaces between the valve&#39;s surfaces. Moreover, since such valves are often opened utilizing one&#39;s teeth, saliva and mucous residue can become lodged in such locations. Such residual material in the valve or spout can become a health hazard. In addition, it can also interfere with the proper functioning of the valves or spouts. Consequently, even though such bottles or containers are reusable due to the removability of the container cap, eventually the pop-up valve or spout becomes difficult or unhealthy to use. Therefore, there remains a need for a pop-up type valve or spout useful with fluid containers which are adapted for disassembly for cleaning purposes. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide a fluid container having an improved pop-up type valve assembly. 
         [0006]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved closure mechanism for fluid containers. 
         [0007]    Yet another object of the present invention to provide a valve assembly for manually opening and closing a fluid container that is capable of disassembly for cleaning purposes. 
         [0008]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a valve body for a fluid container closure mechanism which is removable from the container discharge opening. 
         [0009]    To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a fluid container is disclosed. The container includes an enclosure for containing liquid and a first closure member. The first closure member includes a fluid discharge assembly which includes a selectively removable valve body mounted for movement between an open position to permit flow of liquid from the enclosure and a closed position to prevent flow of liquid through the fluid discharge assembly. 
         [0010]    In yet another embodiment of the invention, an improved closure for a container is disclosed. The closure includes a cap member mountable to a container, and the cap member includes a product outlet passage. A valve body is disposed for movement within the outlet passage between an open position to permit flow of product through the passage from said container and a closed position to prevent flow of product through the passage. The valve body is selectively removable from the outlet passage. In still another preferred embodiment, the valve body is a unitary member constructed from elastic material to permit selective deformation and removal thereof from the outlet passage. 
         [0011]    According to the present invention, for the fluid discharge or valve assembly is formed as a longitudinally extending sleeve which receives a longitudinally movable valve body that moves between the open and closed positions. The sleeve is provided with one, but preferably two, slots which may be diametrically opposed to one another. The valve body may then include one, but preferably two, stop members in the form of ears disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the valve body. These ears engage the longitudinal slots in the sleeve so that upper and lower edges of the slots in the sleeve define limits for the longitudinal movement of the valve body as the ears respectively contact the upper and lower edges. The portion of the sleeve between the slots accordingly define a guide member so that, in the preferred embodiment, a pair of guide members are respectively oriented along the pair of slots. 
         [0012]    The valve body is radially deformable so that the ears may be rotatably advanced onto the inner surface of the guide members thus accomplished since the ears may slide along the inner surface of the sleeve, at the location of the guide members, with the ears being disengaged from the slots that normally limit the longitudinal travel of the valve body. To this end, the stop members in the form of above described ears each have a chamfered surface that forms a wedge along one shoulder edge thereof to assist in the advancement of the ears onto the guide members when the valve body is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. 
         [0013]    The fluid discharge or valve assembly also may include a central post that is oriented along the central axis of the sleeve with the valve body being in the form of a cylindrical shell that is positioned in the interior region between the central post and the inner surface of the sleeve. The valve body has a closed outer end that is provided with an aperture. When the valve assembly is in the closed position, the aperture engages the top of the post. However, when the valve assembly is in the open position, the post and aperture are disengaged so that fluid may flow around the central post and out of the aperture. The post may also have support members which face the slots in the sleeve. These support members are in the form of longitudinally extending ribs which resist deformation of the valve body when the ears are engaged in the slots thus resisting removal of the valve body from the sleeve during times when the stop members are positioned in the slots. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification illustrate a preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with a description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fluid container incorporating the closure mechanism of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a fluid container cap incorporating the closure mechanism of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3(   a ) is a side view in elevation of the top portion of the fluid container of  FIG. 1  shown with the closure mechanism in the closed position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3(   b ) is a side view in elevation of the top portion of the fluid container of  FIG. 1  shown with the closure mechanism in the open position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the container cap shown in  FIG. 2  but with the valve body removed therefrom; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a side view in elevation of the valve body utilized in the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken about lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken about lines  8 - 8  of  FIG. 3(   a ); 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken about lines  9 - 9  of  FIG. 3(   b ); 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a side view in elevation of the central post used for the valve assembly of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of a representative stop member of the valve body according to the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a top view in cross-section of the valve assembly according to the present invention shown with the valve body in the retained position; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a top view in cross-section of the valve assembly according to the present invention shown with the valve body in the release position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    Referring first to  FIG. 1 , a fluid container  10  is illustrated and preferably includes a receptacle portion  12 , which is designed to house or retain fluid such as water, and a cap portion  14 , which is preferably removably secured to the receptacle portion  12 . A reclosable pop-up type fluid discharge or valve assembly  16  is preferably incorporated centrally in the top of the cap portion  14  and forms a spout for container  10 . It should be understood, however, that the reclosable valve assembly  16  of the present invention may be utilized with any type of fluid container arrangement or structure, and that the cap portion  14  may also be integral with the receptacle portion  12 . 
         [0030]    While the concept of a pop-up valve or spout for a liquid residue between the pressure sealing surfaces of the movable valve body. This is due to the fact that while the entire spout assembly or cap may be removable from the container for filling the container, the movable valve body itself is fixed within the assembly. This situation not only poses a potential health hazard, but it also increases the friction between the valve bearing surfaces making it difficult to open over time. The valve structure of the present invention includes a valve body which may be removed and cleaned thereby obviating these problems inherent with prior art structures. 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIGS. 2-5 ,  8  and  9 , the valve assembly  16  of the present invention preferably includes a duct in the form of a sleeve  18  which is secured to the container  10 . In one preferred embodiment, the sleeve  18  is preferably formed integrally with the container cap  14  and is located at the center of the container cap&#39;s upper surface  20 . As is best shown in  FIG. 5 , the sleeve  18  includes an upper portion  22  which projects outwardly above the cap upper surface  20  and a lower portion  24  disposed within the cap  14 . The upper sleeve portion  22  terminates an open outer end  26 , while the lower sleeve portion  24  terminates in an inner closed end  28 . The sleeve  18  functions to discharge fluid from the receptacle  12  as well as to house a removable valve body  30  which controls the flow of fluid through sleeve  18 . 
         [0032]    Referring more particularly to  FIGS. 4-11 , the lower sleeve portion  24  and the valve body  30  include interconnecting members that control their movement relative to each other. In preferred form, the  32 ,  34  which are spaced from each other to form at least one and preferably a pair of slots  36  therebetween and in the walls of the lower sleeve portion  24 . Each slot  36  is defined by upper and lower edges  37 ,  39  as well as side edges  41 ,  43 , which in turn are defined, respectively, by the guide members  32 ,  34 . Inasmuch as the sleeve inner end  28  is preferably closed to fluid flow, the slots  36  provide fluid openings for the flow of liquid from the receptacle  12  through the duct  18 . Moreover, as will be described in greater detail below, the slots  36  are part of the referenced interconnecting members which provide an important function with respect to movement control for the valve body  30 . It should be noted, however, that more than two slots  36  may be formed in the wall of the lower sleeve portion  24 . 
         [0033]    In preferred form, a center post or shaft  38  is positioned axially along the central longitudinal axis “L” of the sleeve  18  and is secured and supported at one end to the sleeve inner end  28 . The opposite distal end  40  of the shaft  38  is positioned proximate the open upper end  26  of the sleeve  18  and preferably extends outwardly beyond the open upper end  26 . The shaft  38  functions as a flow control member in conjunction with the valve body  30  and is spaced radially inwardly from the sleeve  18  so as to create an interior cylindrical space  42  for receiving the valve body  30 . Preferably, sleeve  18 , closed end  28 , guide members  32  and  34  and post  38  are formed as an integrally molded one-piece construction along with cap member  14 . 
         [0034]    Valve body  30  is best shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  where valve body  30  is substantially tubular in form. The valve body  30  preferably includes a cylindrical shell or sleeve  44  having an outer surface  46 , an inner surface  48  defining a central cavity  49 , an open first end  50 , and a substantially closed second end  52 . The closed second end  52  is preferably in the form of a valve cap  54  which has an aperture  56  formed centrally therein. Moreover, an annular lip  58  preferably depends from the upper surface  60  of the valve cap  54  at the aperture  56  to form a fluid-sealing member described in greater detail below. In preferred form, a pair of integrally molded O-rings  62 ,  64  are disposed about the outer surface  46 . It should be noted that the interior and exterior diameters as well as the thickness of the valve sleeve  44  are sized to fit within the interior cylindrical space  42  with the O-rings  62 ,  64  providing snug engagement with the inner surface  19  of sleeve  18 . 
         [0035]    At least one and preferably a pair of stop members  66 ,  68  are disposed on the outer surface  46  of the valve sleeve  44  diametrically opposite each other and proximate the open end  50  thereof. The stop members  66 ,  68  are sized and shaped for respective placement within the slots  36  for longitudinal movement therewithin as described below and are also part of the interconnecting members previously referenced. As depicted in  FIG. 11 , each stop member, such as representative stop member  66 , is in the form of an ear  70  projecting radially outwardly from the outer surface  46  of the valve sleeve  44 . Each ear  70  preferably includes an outer radial edge  72  which defines an upper shoulder  74  and a lower shoulder  76  with lower shoulder  76  formed at an angle with respect to surface  46  ( FIG. 6 ). Each ear  70  torsional resistance to rotational movement of the valve body  30 . A chamfered surface  80  extends from one end shoulder  78  to the radial outer edge  72 . As a result of the chamfered surface  80 , the end shoulder  78  is substantially smaller than the end shoulder  77  and forms in combination with the chamfered surface  80  a wedge  82  for use in removing the valve body  30  from the sleeve  18  as described in greater detail below. 
         [0036]    The valve body  30  is positioned within the sleeve  18  such that the valve sleeve  44  is disposed within the cylindrical space  42  with the stop members  66 ,  68  being seated and interlocked within their respective slots  36 . It should be understood that any number of stop members may be utilized with the valve body  30 , there being an equal number of slots  36  formed by appropriate guide members  32 ,  34 . As can be clearly seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the slots  36  define the limit of movement of the valve body  30  within the duct  18  between its open and closed positions. 
         [0037]    Referring now with particularity to  FIGS. 3(   a ),  3 ( b ),  8  and  9 , it may be appreciated that the flow of fluid through the sleeve or duct  18  is controlled by the position of the valve body  30  therewithin. In preferred form, the valve body  30  is constructed from an elastic material so that it is pliant or deformable to permit it to be selectively removed from the sleeve  18 . Preferably, the valve body  30  is constructed from polyurethane, although any other type of elastic or rubber-like material may be utilized. Moreover, the cap  14  including the sleeve  18  and other integrally molded parts are preferably constructed from a harder, non-elastic material such as polyethylene. 
         [0038]    Referring then to  FIGS. 3(   b ) and  9 , the valve assembly  16  is in its open position. In this instance, the upper shoulders  74  of the ears  70  abut the upper edges  37  of the slots  36 , and fluid flows through the slots  36  through the central cavity  49  and out the through the aperture  56 . When it is desired to the seal the container  10  and stop the flow of fluid through the aperture  56 , the valve body  30  is pressed inwardly at the valve cap  54  until the lower shoulders  76  of the ears  70  abut the lower edges  39  of the slots  36 , as is shown in  FIGS. 3(   a ) and  8 . When this occurs, the distal end  40  of the shaft  38  passes through the aperture  56  and snugly engages the annular lip  58 . This engagement seals the aperture  56  and prevents fluid from flowing out of it. As is shown in  FIG. 12 , end shoulders  77  of each ear  70  prevents clockwise (as viewed from the top) rotational movement of the valve body  30  within be sleeve  18  under normal circumstances inasmuch as the end shoulders  77  abut the side edges  43  of the slot in which the ear is seated. This corresponds to the retained position of valve body  30 . Similarly, shoulder  78  will resist unintentional counterclockwise rotation of valve body  30  due to its contact with side edge  41  of the respective slot  36 . Moreover, when the valve body  30  is in its closed position, the open first end  50  of the valve sleeve  44  communicates with the interior of the container receptacle  12 . This enables the valve body  30  to be radially outwardly deformed when internal pressure within the container increases. This feature of the present invention increases the sealing capacity of the valve body  30  in conjunction with increases in the internal pressure of the container  10 . 
         [0039]    As previously discussed, the valve body  30  is made from elastic material which will permit it to be deformed under certain circumstances. As can be seen from above, the normal operation of the spout  16  involves the longitudinal movement of the valve body  30  within the sleeve or duct  18  between its open and closed positions. When it is desired to remove the valve body  30  from the duct  18  for cleaning purposes, the valve body  30  is placed in its open position as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Then, a counterclockwise rotational force is exerted on the valve cap  54  in the direction indicated by the arrow “A”, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 11 . When sufficient rotational force is exerted, the wedge  82  engages a guide member  34  and slot edge  43  and creates a radially inward force against the valve sleeve  44  to deform the valve sleeve  44  radially inwardly, as is shown in  FIG. 13 . This continues until the ears  70  have compressed the valve sleeve  44  such that the ears  70  are rotated and positioned radially behind the guide members  32 ,  34 , where valve body  30  is in a release position in preparation for disengagement with sleeve  18 . Once the valve sleeve  44  has been deformed with the ears  70  compressed behind the guide members  32 ,  34 , as indicated by the markers  86 ,  88  ( FIG. 2 ), the valve body  30  is then pulled axially outwardly to remove it from the duct  18 . When it is desired to reposition the valve body  30  within the duct  18 , the markers  86 ,  88  are realigned, and the above process reversed. To this end, angled lower shoulder  76  helps engage the valve body  30  with the interior of sleeve  18 . 
         [0040]    Since the valve assembly  16  is frequently moved to its open position by one using once teeth to pull the valve body  30  outwardly, it is very important that the valve body  30  cannot be removed from the duct  18  accidentally thereby causing a choking hazard. To prevent such inadvertent removal, an annular base member  90  is disposed about the lower end of the shaft  38 . Projecting upwardly along the shaft  38  from the base member  90  are a plurality of support elements  92  which are in the form of diametrically positioned, longitudinally extending ribs. There is one such support element  92  for each slot  36  disposed in the duct  18 . Each support element  92  is positioned proximate the slot  36  so that it is also adjacent the ears  70  when the valve body  30  is in its operating position within the duct  18 . In this manner, the support elements  92  form shoulders along the post or shaft  38 . These shoulders prevent the elastic valve sleeve  44  from erroneously deforming when the valve body  30  is pulled excessively in the direction of operation with the ears  70  being positioned within their respective slots  36  and without rotational force being exerted in the direction of the arrow  84 . 
         [0041]    As can be seen from the above, the concept of a pop-up valve or spout for a liquid container is not new. However, existing valve structures accumulate dirt and residue between the pressure sealing surfaces of the movable valve body. This not only poses a potential making it difficult to open over time. The valve structure of the present invention, however, provides a valve body which may be readily removed and cleaned. Thus, both dirt as well as residue from evaporated beverages and saliva may be cleaned from the valve body by such removal and cleaning capability. However, the structure of the present invention requires a positive intentional action to twist the valve for removal. The wedge arrangement of the interlocking ears in the present invention enable the valve body to be deformed and removed only when such positive intentional action is imparted to the valve body cap. Moreover, the present invention includes an arrangement with torsion resistance which prevents unintentional and accidental removal of the valve body from the assembly. Finally, the closure mechanism of the present invention is adaptable for use with virtually any type of drinking bottle or liquid container. 
         [0042]    The foregoing description and the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in varying modifications and alternate embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the foregoing description of the present invention is exemplary only, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited to the claims as interpreted in view of the prior art. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.