DISPENSING VALVE INCORPORATING A METERING VALVE

VALVE DE DISTRIBUTION COMPRENANT UNE VALVE DE DOSAGE

English Abstract

A dispensing valve comprising a metering valve for a pressurized aerosol application. The dispensing valve comprises a mounting cup, a gasket, a valve body and a valve housing defining a cavity. The valve housing is captively retained by the mounting cup and a spring biasing the valve body against the gasket into a normally closed position. A lower portion of the valve housing communicating with the product to be dispensed. A valve stem is coupled to the valve body and an actuator is supported by the valve stem. The metering valve is delimited by a metering valve seat and a stop. A metering member is movable, within the metering chamber, to dispense a predetermined quantity of product. The metering valve seat comprising at least one micro vent which facilitates supplying air to the metering valve seat to break a seal formed by surface tension of the product to be dispensed.

French Abstract

L'invention concerne une valve de distribution comprenant une valve de dosage pour un aérosol sous pression. La valve de distribution comprend une coupelle de montage, un joint d'étanchéité, un corps de valve et un logement de valve définissant une cavité. Le logement de valve est retenu de manière captive par la coupelle de montage et un ressort sollicitant le corps de valve contre le joint d'étanchéité dans une position normalement fermée. Une partie inférieure du logement de valve communique avec le produit devant être distribué. Une tige de valve est accouplée au corps de valve et un actionneur est supporté par la tige de valve. La valve de dosage est délimitée par un siège de valve de dosage et une butée. Un élément de dosage est mobile à l'intérieur de la chambre de dosage pour distribuer une quantité prédéterminée de produit. Le siège de valve de dosage comprend au moins un micro évent qui facilite la fourniture d'air au siège de valve de dosage afin de rompre l'étanchéité formée par la tension de surface du produit devant être distribué.

Claims

NAThat is claimed is:
1. A dispensing valve comprising a metering valve for use in a pressurized
aerosol
application, the dispensing valve comprising:
a mounting cup supporting a gasket, and an opening extending through both the
mounting cup and the gasket to facilitate receiving a valve stem;
a valve housing defining a cavity, the valve housing being captively retained
by the
mounting cup, with the gasket sandwiched between the valve housing and the
mounting cup, a valve body being accommodated within the valve cavity, and
a spring being accommodated within the cavity and biasing the valve body
against the gasket into a normaHy closed position for preventing flow through
the dispensing valve;
a lower portion of the valve housing comprising a passage which facilitates
communication between the product to be dispensed and the cavity of the valve
housing;
the valve stem being coupled to the valve body, and the valve stem extending
out
through the opening formed in the gasket and the opening formed in the
mounting cup;
an actuator being supported adjacent a free end of the valve stem to
facilitate
dispensing product to be dispensed through the dispensing valve; and
the metering valve cornprising:
a metering chamber delimited by a metering valve seat and a stop, and a
metering member being movable, within the metering chamber, between
the stop and the valve seat to facilitate dispensing a predetermined
quantity of the product to be dispensed, and, following priming of the
metering valve, a predetermined quantity of the product being dispensed
from the rnetering chamber each time that the metering valve is actuated;
and
the metering valve seat comprising at least one micro vent formed therein to
facilitate supplying external air to the metering valve seat and breaking a
seal formed by surface tension of the product to be dispensed and
thereby releasing the metering member from sealing engagement with
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the metering valve seat so that the metering member can move from the
rnetering valve seat back into engagement with the stop for another
dispensing cycle.
2. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1,
wherein the
metering chamber has a length of between 1,023 t 0.100 inches and between
0,334
0.100 inches and a diarneter of between 0.140 inches and between 0.110 inches.
3. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1,
wherein the
metering chamber has a volume of between 50 and 100 rnicroliters
4. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1,
wherein the
at least one micro vent has a height of 0,005 inches, and a width of 0.005
inches.
5. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1,
wherein the
metering member comprises a metering ball which has a diameter which is
smaller
than a diameter of the metering chamber so as to permit the metering ball to
move
to and fro, along the metering chamber, and dispense a predetermined quantity
of
product to be dispensed, while also facilitating return of the metering ball
back
toward the stop of the metering chamber.
6. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1;
wherein a
lower portion of the valve housing is configured to engage with and retain a
component which assists with supplying the product to be dispensed into the
cavity
of the valve housing.
7. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1,
wherein the
metering chamber, the metering member, the metering valve seat and the stop
are
all accommodated within the actuator.
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8, The dispensing valve comprising the rnetering valve according to claim 1,
wherein one
end of a passage of the actuator communicates with an outlet chamber which
accommodates a nozzle while an opposite end of the passage communicates with
an external environment via an opening is formed in an end wall of the
actuator, and
a plug member sealingly engages and closes the opening formed in the end wall.
9. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 8,
wherein the
plug member has an interference fit with the opening and forms a fluid tight
seal
upon engagement therewith, and an inwardly facing surface of the plug member
forms the stop which prevents further rnovement of the metering member within
the
metering chamber.
10. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 8,
wherein the
passage accornmodating the metering chamber is inclined with respect to the
valve
stem and forms an angle of between 100 degrees and 175 degrees with the valve
stem, and the inclination angle is sufficiently sloped in order to assist with
gradually
returning of the metering member back into engagement, due to gravity, with
the
stop once the dispensing valve closes.
11. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1,
wherein at
least one radial bore is formed in a lower portion of the valve stem, when the

dispensing valve is in the closed position, the at least one radial bore is
sealingly
engages with the gasket so as to prevent any product to be dispensed from
flowing
into the at least one radial bore and the valve stem toward the metering
chamber,
but when the dispensing valve is in an open position, the at least one radial
bore is
spaced from the gasket so as to permit the product to be dispensed to flow
through
the at least one radial bore and the valve stem toward the metering chamber.
12. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1,
wherein
the dispensing valve is a female valve;
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the valve stem is releasably engageable, by one of an interference and a
friction fit,
with a top recess formed within an upper surface of the valve body; and
the metering chamber, the metering member, the metering valve seat and the
stop
are all accommodated within the valve stem, between the valve body and the
actuator.
13. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 12,
wherein a
lower side wall of the valve stem has at least one stem orifice formed therein
which
permits the product to be dispensed to flow, when the dispensing valve is
actuated,
from the cavity into the valve stern and toward the metering chamber.
14. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 13,
wherein
the valve body supports a perimeter lip whin is normally biased, by the
spring, into
sealing engagement with the gasket when the dispensing valve is closed, and
when
the perimeter dip is sufficiently spaced from the gasket due to depression of
the
actuator and valve stern, the product to be disposed is able to flow through
the
dispensing valve to the metering chamber.
15. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1,
wherein a
coupling facilitates coupling of a free end of the valve stern with an inlet
passage of
an actuator, and the free end of the valve stern is matingly received by a
first end of
the coupling while an opposite vertically upper most end of the coupling is
received
and fits within the inlet passage of the actuator.
16 The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 15,
wherein
the at least one micro vent extends along an inwardly facing surface of the
coupling,
between the coupling and the valve stem, to the metering valve seat, and the
at least
one micro vent extends along at least a portion of the metering valve seat to
facilitate
supplying external air thereto.
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17. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 5,
wherein the
stop comprises a second valve seat for receiving and engaging with the
metering
ball when the dispensing valve is in the closed position.
18. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1,
wherein the
metering chamber has a length of between 1.023 inches and between 0.334
inches,
and a diameter of 0.127 inches, and the at least one micro vent has a height
from
0.002 inch to 0.010 inch and a width from 0.002 inch to 0.010 inch.
19. A rnethod of dispensing a product to be dispensed from a dispensing valve
which
comprises a rnounting cup supporting a gasket, and an opening extending
through
both the mounting cup and the gasket to facilitate receiving a valve stem;
a valve housing defining a cavity, the valve housing being captively retained
by the
mounting cup, with the gasket sandwiched between the valve housing and the
mounting cup, a valve body being accommodated within the valve cavity, and
a spring being accommodated within the cavity and biasing the valve body
against the gasket into a normally closed position for preventing flow through

the dispensing valve;
a lower portion of the valve housing comprising a passage which facilitates
communication between the product to be dispensed and the cavity of the valve
housing:
the valve stem being coupled to the valve body, and the valve stem extending
out
through the opening formed in the gasket and the opening forrned in the
mounting cup;
an actuator being supported adjacent a free end of the valve stem to
facilitate
dispensing product to be dispensed through the dispensing valve; and
the metering valve comprises a metering chamber delirnited by a metering valve

seat and a stop, and a metering member being movable, within the metenng
chamber, between the stop and the valve seat to facilitate dispensing a
predetermined quantity of the product to be dispensed, and, following priming
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of the metering valve, a predeterrnined quantity of the product being
dispensed
from the metering chamber each time that the metering valve is actuated; and
the metering valve seat comprising at least one micro vent formed therein to
facilitate
supplying external air to the metering valve seat and breaking a seal formed
by
surface tension of the product to be dispensed and thereby releasing the
metering member from a sealing engagement with the metering valve seat so
that the metering member can move from the metering valve seat back into
engagement with the stop for another dispensing cycle, the method comprising
the steps of:
depressing the valve stem;
metering the predetermined quantity of the product being dispensed from
the metering charnber, as the metering member moves from the stop
to the valve seat; and
permitting air to flow to the at least one rnicro vent and break the seal
formed
by surface tension of the product to be dispensed and release the
metering member from sealing engagement with the rnetering valve
seat.
20. The dispensing valve according to claim 18, wherein the at least one micro
vent has
a height of 0.005 inches and a width of 0.005 inches
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Description

CA 02937554 2016-07-20
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[0001] DISPENSING VALVE INCORPORATING A METERING VALVE
[0002] HELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a metering valve that dispenses a
pre-
determined quantity of material from a container, under a dispensing pressure
of an
aerosol or compressed gas, that is simple in structure and readily
manufactured.
The present invention further relates to a high flow valve used in conjunction
with a
compressed gas, an aerosol or in bag-on-valve applications, and particularly
to a
valve having a housing that is supported by a mounting cup for a product
container
or can, and communicates with a product or product containment bag inside the
can,
where the radial opening of the valve is positioned closer to a lower seal of
the valve
stem rather than an upper seal or mounting cup gasket facilitating an
increased flow
rate for dispensing the product from the container and valve. The valve stem
serves
as a metering chamber with a metering device within the valve stem that seals
the
valve stem from the container in a pre-dispensing position and seals the exit
orifice
of the chamber after dispensing from the valve stem metering chamber the pre-
determined quantity of material.
[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Standard aerosol valve and gasket assemblies for dispensing
pressurized
product from a container have an inherent structural problem which limits the
flow
rate of product through the valve stem and out of the container. As is well
known,
the gasket which seals the conventional radial opening of the spring biased
valve in
the valve housing of conventional aerosol valves also seals the valve stem
with the
mounting cup of the container, limiting the diameter of the opening relative
to the
valve stem extending through the gasket. The valve stem is provided with both
an
axial and a radial opening for dispensing product from the container. When the

valve stem is depressed inward or pushed down by a user against a spring bias,
the
radial opening, which is initially blocked by the gasket, is moved into fluid
communication with the product contained in the container so that this product
is
then permitted to flow through the radial opening and out the valve stem and
be
discharged or dispensed into the environment. Once the user releases the valve
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stem, the valve stem is automatically returned back into its sealed, closed
position
with the mounting cup gasket again blocking the radial opening.
[0006] The structural problem is two-fold; first, the diameter of the
radial opening
formed in the sidewall of the valve stem must be smaller than the thickness of
the
gasket so that the radial opening is adequately covered and sealed in the
closed
valve position, otherwise there is a substantial risk of the product leaking
or flowing
into the radial opening and inadvertently able to escape the product contained
even
when the valve is closed. The thickness of a conventional gasket is typically
in the
range of 1.02 mm ¨ 1.52 mm (0.04 - 0.06 inches), so that the diameter of the
radial
opening must be substantially within this range or slightly smaller. This
along with
tolerances necessary to ensure complete closure of the valve limits the size
of the
radial opening. Secondly, the larger the radial opening formed in a side wall
of an
upper portion of the valve stem where it is typically located in such
conventional
valve stems, the greater the effect on the structural integrity of the valve
stern. If the
opening is too large, the valve stem, when subjected to axial and radial
forces during
depression by a user, can break, bend or otherwise permanently damage the
valve
stern or fail. Accordingly, it is difficult to obtain high flow rates of
product due to such
restrictions in the size of the radial opening in the stem. Further, highly
viscous
products, such as toothpaste and gels, cannot be dispensed without a
sufficiently
large passage being formed in the valve stem.
[0007] Similarly, in other applications such as bag-on-valve assemblies,
such valve
stem openings create the same or similar structural issues. Collapsible and
highly
flexible product bags or pouches have become common in different industries
for
containing a variety of food, beverages, personal care or household care or
other
similar products. Such product bags can be used alone to allow a user to
manually
squeeze and dispense a product from the bag or the product bag may be utilized
in
combination with a pressurized can and product, for example an aerosol. Such
product bags and valves contained in and used with aerosol cans are generally
referred to in the aerosol dispensing industry as bag-on-valve (BOV)
technology.
These product bags, valves and cans may be designed to receive and dispense a
desired product in either a liquid or semi-liquid form which has a consistency
so as
to be able to be expelled from the valve or outlet by the user when desired.
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[0008] Bag-on-valve technology is known to utilize a product dispenser,
such as a
can, which has an empty collapsible product bag inserted therein prior to
filling of the
bag with the desired product to be dispensed. The bag is initially flat and
rolled up
to form a smaller diameter so as to facilitate axial installation of the bag
inside the
can with a portion of a filling/dispensing valve communicating with an
interior space
of the product bag. During a final manufacturing phase, the product bag is
filled
with the desired product to be dispensed.
[0009] During the filling process, a desired product to be dispensed is
inserted into
the product bag via the two-way valve by conventional filling mechanisms. When

the bag is filled by the filling mechanism, the product bag expands inside the
can.
At some point during the assembly process, the can is supplied with a
pressurized
gas, an aerosol or a compressed gas, in order to assist with squeezing the bag
to
expel the product contents thereof as is well known in the art. Many factors
influence the expulsion of the contents or product to be dispensed from the
can out
of the valve into the environment. The valve is a key component, which led to
the
design of multiple valve configurations for a variety of different
applications.
[0010] Typically, bag-on-valve applications use a valve that has two
components,
namely, a valve housing and a valve stem. For most applications, the valve
housing
engages with a mounting cup of a can. attaches to a bag that holds the product
to
be dispensed, and provides the framework for the valve stem. The valve stem
usually interacts with the interior of the valve housing through the use of a
spring.
The spring allows the valve stem to move relative to the valve housing to open
and
close the valve. Typically, when the valve is opened, product to be dispensed
flows
from the product bag, to and through the valve housing, then through a passage
in
the valve stem, and finally the product is discharged, via a discharge nozzle
of some
sort, into the environment. The passage is normally limited in size and shape
based
on the sealing of the passage by the upper gasket that is used to seal the
valve
housing to the mounting cup.
[0011] One issue associated with the bag-on-valve technology is the
control of the
flow volume of the product contents from the bag for discharge into the
environment.
This issue is especially compounded due to the different viscosities of the
various
products which manufacturers desire to dispense from such bag-on-valve
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containers. The various product contents include, for example, liquids,
creams.
foams, gels, aerosols, colloids, and various other substances. Handling the
flow of
a highly viscous substance, such as toothpaste, is particularly difficult in
both
conventional and bag-on-valve applications where the aerosol dispensing radial

openings or passages are particularly small, e.g., in the range of 1.02 mm
1.52
mm (0.04 - 0.06 in.) and there is no structural feasibility to make these
radial
openings or passages larger with conventional valve structures. The problem is
to
be able to accommodate larger dispensing openings in the valve greater than
1.02
mm ¨ 1.52 mm (0.04 - 0.06 in.) in order to accommodate more viscous product to

be dispensed and at higher flow rates.
[0012] The present invention addresses the required increased flow rate
necessary
in some bag-on-valve applications. In some aerosol applications, however, the
bag-
on-valve containers may not be feasible due to volume constraints of the
container
and cost considerations, even though it may be undesirable to mix the
propellant gas
with the product material. In these instances, immiscible gases, such as
nitrogen
or carbon dioxide, may be preferred. The present invention provides for
liquefied
propellants or compressed gas, such as air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide, to be
used
and further may provide metered doses of product to be dispensed as required
in
some aerosol applications.
[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention is directed to a valve used in both
conventional and
bag-on-valve aerosol container applications that allows a high flow rate of
various
products, especially viscous substances. According to a first embodiment of
the
present invention, the valve includes a valve housing, a valve stern, and a
spring or
other biasing element that permits the valve stem to move relative to the
valve
housing. The valve stem is substantially hollow to allow the flow of product
to the
bag, during the filling process, and to the product to be dispensed from the
bag
during use. The bag is attached to the valve housing in a conventional
fashion.
There is a radial bore or bores and a seal near the bottom of the valve stem
that
dictate the passage and flow rate of pressurized product to be dispensed
between
the product container and the environment. The radial bore at the bottom or
lower
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portion of the valve stem provides for flow directly from the product
reservoir, defined
by the bag, to the valve stem passage when a lower seal on the valve is
opened.
The valve stem passage is sealed by the lower seal or ring which is a separate

sealing gasket or ring from the upper gasket. The lower seal may be located
anywhere along the valve stem below the upper gasket and preferably at the
bottom
or lower portion of the valve stern facilitating communication to the product
reservoir.
[0015] As a reference point, the upper portion of the valve stem and upper
gasket
both refer to the end of the valve stem and the gasket adjacent the orifice in
the
mounting cup. The lower portion of the valve stem and the lower gasket or ring
are
spaced from and located axially below the upper portion and generally more
interior
of the container so that product ejected from the container when the valve is
actuated travels from the lower portion of the valve stem past the lower
gasket or
ring up through the upper portion of the valve stem and out of the valve.
[0016] The addition of a lower sealing gasket or ring allows one or more
larger
diameter bore(s) to be radially formed in the lower portion of the valve stem
without
compromising the integrity of the valve stem itself. The bore shape and larger
size
can be selected to facilitate a high volume flow rate for highly viscous
substances.
For example, a triangular or polygonal shape bore could provide a variable
flow rate
into and through the valve stem to ensure that highly viscous materials are
dispensed at a desired flow rate, depending on an actuation pressure of a
user. It
is, therefore, an object of the present invention to overcome the above noted
issues
and produce a valve for both conventional aerosol valve and bag-on-valve
systems
which facilitates a high volume flow rate for liquids and semi-liquids of
different
viscosities.
[0017] In a further embodiment, a metering device such as a metal, ceramic
or
plastic ball is positioned within the valve stem to provide for dispensing a
metered
dose of product to be dispensed. The use of a metering device within a
metering
chamber is well known, with many aerosol valve designs of the prior art
showing
elaborate, costly and difficult to manufacture mechanisms having one or more
mechanical springs, plungers, and other contrivances within the metering
chamber
to control the movement and positioning of the metering device. What is not
shown
in the prior art is the placement of the metering device within the valve
stem.
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[0018] In the present invention, the location of the sealing ring at the
base of the
valve stem provides for radial inlet passages to be positioned below a lower
sealing
rim that using the metering device seals the pre-determined quantity of
product
within the valve stem from the product within the container. Because the
metering
device is within the valve stem, a propellant such as a compressed gas within
the
container can be used because the propellant acts directly on the metering
device
to force the metering device through the valve stem and dispense the pre-
determined quantity of product to be dispensed. By acting directly on the
metering
device, a common problem of using compressed or immiscible gas is alleviated,
where the compressed gas is not valved off in a metering chamber and therefore
left
without means to dispel it therefrom. In the present invention, the propellant
acts
directly on the metering device to dispense the pre-determined quantity that
is
defined by the volume of the valve stem. This volume may therefore be adjusted
by
changing the length and diameter of the valve stem, which as a single piece
may be
interchangeable and be easily replaced in the valve housing to provide for
larger or
smaller required dosage volumes for specific products and applications.
[0019] The valve stem is initially filled with product to be dispensed
through a priming
actuation by fully or partially compressing the valve stem. Once primed, by
compressing the valve stem, the propellant which may be a compressed gas,
forces
the ball as a metering device off of a lower sealing rim to travel up and
through the
valve stem thereby dispensing the quantity of product to be dispensed within
the
valve stem. The ball engages an upper sealing rim at the outlet orifice of the
valve
stem to seal and prevent further product from being dispensed to the inlet
passage
of the actuator and nozzle. As the actuator is released, delivery of the
product to be
dispensed through the nozzle stops and the ball returns downward to a rest
position
on the lower sealing rim. The valve stem as the metering chamber is therefore
filled
with the pre-determined quantity of product for dispensing another metered
dose.
A small conduit may be provided at the upper sealing rim. The conduit provides

communication between the valve stem and air external to the aerosol container
in
order to provide a pressure differential on each side of ball to release the
ball from
the upper sealing position after the valve is released. It is therefore an
object of the
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invention to provide for a metering device within the valve stem to simplify
the
assembly and cost of a metering valve.
[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide a valve
stem that
serves as a metering chamber with a metering device to dispense pre-determined
quantities of product to be dispensed based on the volume of the valve stem.
[0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide radial
passages to a
valve stem positioned below a lower sealing rim within the valve stem.
[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide a metering
valve
capable of dispensing pre-determined quantities of product to be dispensed
using
liquefied propellants or compressed air within an aerosol container.
[0023] It is another object of the present invention to easily facilitate
varying flow
rates based on the point of depression of the valve.
[0024] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a
high volume flow
rate for highly viscous substances that typically have difficulty being
dispensed.
[0025] It is yet another object of the present invention to simplify the
process of
adding and discharging the contents of the aerosol can, container or product
bag by
allowing the product to be dispensed to go directly from the valve stem into
the
container or product bag without having to pass through the valve housing.
[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way
valve which
permits a substantial increase in the speed of filling a product container or
bag,
especially in the context of highly viscous substances.
[0027] The present invention relates to a valve for use in a pressurized
aerosol
application, the valve comprising a valve housing having an outer surface for
supportive engagement with a mounting cup for a product container; a first
cavity
defined within the valve housing for receiving valve components. The valve
components may include: a valve stem springingly engaged with the valve
housing;
the valve stem defining a central passage for dispensing pressurized product
to be
dispensed to the environment; a lower end portion including a sealing ring for

engaging a sealing edge of the valve housing; and at least one radial bore
formed
in a sidewall of the valve stem located in the lower end portion of the valve
stem.
The at least one radial bore may lead to the central passage extending from
the
radial bore to a dispensing orifice at an upper end portion of the valve stem.
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[0028] The present invention also relates to an actuator for an aerosol
container
comprising a valve housing defining a cavity for receiving valve components.
The
valve components may include: an upper portion for engaging a mounting cup for

an aerosol container, a chamber for containing a spring, and a lower sealing
edge
defining an opening into the valve housing. An inner seal exists between the
upper
portion of the valve housing and the mounting cup. A valve stem is supported
within
the valve housing and axially movable relative thereto in accordance with the
spring;
the valve stem having a passage extending between a radial opening at a lower
end
of the valve stem and an axial opening at an upper end of the valve stem; and
receiving a lower seal supported on the valve stem between the radial opening
and
a lowermost end of the valve stem.
[0029] The present invention also relates to a method of making an actuator
for
dispensing product from an aerosol container through the actuator comprising
the
steps of providing a valve housing defining a cavity for receiving valve
components.
The method also includes the steps of engaging an upper portion of the valve
housing in a mounting cup of the aerosol container, forming a chamber for
containing a spring, and placing a lower sealing edge defining an opening into
the
valve housing. An inner seal is provided between the upper portion of the
valve
housing and the mounting cup. A valve stem is supported within the valve
housing
and axially movable relative thereto in accordance with the spring. The
support of
the valve stem having the additional steps of: extending a passage between a
radial
opening at a lower end of the valve stem and an axial opening at an upper end
of
the valve stem; and placing a lower seal on the valve stem between the radial
opening and a lowermost end of the valve stem.
[0030] The present invention further relates to a metering valve for use in
a
pressurized aerosol application. The valve comprising a valve housing having
an
outer surface for supportive engagement with a mounting cup for a product
container
and a first cavity defined within the valve housing for receiving valve
components.
The valve components including: a valve stem springingly engaged with the
valve
housing. The valve stem defining a central passage for dispensing pressurized
product to be dispensed to the environment. The valve stem comprising a
metering
device, an upper and lower sealing rim, and a lower end portion. The valve
stem
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further comprising a sealing ring for engaging a sealing edge of the valve
housing,
and at least one radial bore formed in a sidewall of the valve stem located in
the
lower end portion of the valve stem below the lower sealing rim. The at least
one
radial bore leading to the central passage extending from the radial bore to a

dispensing orifice positioned above the upper sealing rim at an upper end
portion of
the valve stem. Wherein the metering device is longitudinally movable within
the
valve stem from a rest position to an actuated position. The rest position
sealing the
valve stem from the container at the lower sealing rim. The actuated position
dispensing a pre-determined quantity of product to be dispensed from the valve

stem and then sealing the dispensing orifice at the upper sealing rim of the
valve
stem. The propellant within the container of the pressurized product to be
dispensed
acts directly on the metering device of the metering valve to dispense the pre-

determined quantity of product to be dispensed.
[0031] The propellant may be compressed gas such as an immiscible gas. The

metering valve further comprises at least one micro-vent at least partially
formed in
the upper sealing rim of the valve stem to communicate externally to the
container.
The upper sealing rim of the valve stem of the metering valve is
circumferentially
tapered and the dispensing orifice is of a smaller diameter than the metering
device.
The metering valve further includes a first radial bore and a second radial
bore
located in the lower end portion of the valve stem below the lower sealing
rim, and
the first bore is located circumferentially opposite the second bore in the
valve stem.
Further, the lower sealing rim of the valve stem is circumferentially tapered
from a
diameter of the valve stem to the central passage extending from the radial
bore and
the sealing edge of the valve housing may comprise a concave curvature to
accept
and seal against the sealing ring. The metering device may be a ball of a
stainless
steel, ceramic or plastic material. In an embodiment a dip tube may be affixed
to the
valve housing. The metering valve may further have at least one bore in the
valve
stem that axially decreases in a cross-sectional area along the valve stem or
at least
one bore in the valve stem that axially increases in the cross-sectional area
along
the valve stem to change the flow of product through the valve stern.
[0032] The present invention is further related to an actuator for
dispensing a pre-
determined quantity of product to be dispensed from an aerosol container
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comprising a valve housing defining a cavity for receiving valve components.
The
valve components including: an upper portion for engaging a mounting cup for
an
aerosol container, a chamber for containing a spring, and a lower sealing edge

defining an opening into the valve housing. An inner seal between the upper
portion
of the valve housing and the mounting cup. A valve stem supported within the
valve
housing and axially movable relative thereto in accordance with the spring.
The
valve stem having: a metering ball, an upper sealing rim at an axial opening
at an
upper end of the valve stem, a lower sealing rim at a lower end of the valve
stem,
a radial opening positioned below the lower sealing rim, and a lower seal
supported
on the valve stem between the radial opening and a lowermost end of the valve
stem. Wherein the metering device seals against the lower sealing rim in a
closed
position of the actuator and seals against the upper sealing rim in an open
position
of the actuator thereby dispensing a pre-determined quantity of product to be
dispensed from the aerosol container.
[0033] The actuator for an aerosol container may further comprise: in the
unactuated
position, the valve housing engaged with the sealing ring, and in an actuated
position, the valve housing spaced from the sealing ring. Wherein product to
be
dispensed in the container can communicate with the radial opening of the
valve
stem. In an actuated position propellant acts directly on and displaces the
metering
ball from the lower sealing rim filling the valve stem with product to be
dispensed
until the metering ball seals against the upper sealing rim. The valve stem of
the
actuator for an aerosol container may in a fully or partially actuated
position prime
the metering valve.
[0034] The present invention is further related to a method of making an
actuator for
dispensing a pre-determined quantity of product to be dispensed from an
aerosol
container comprising the steps of providing a valve housing defining a cavity
for
receiving valve components. Further comprising the steps of engaging an upper
portion of the valve housing in a mounting cup of the aerosol container,
forming a
chamber for containing a spring, and placing a lower sealing edge defining an
opening into the valve housing. Providing an inner seal between the upper
portion
of the valve housing and the mounting cup, supporting a valve stern within the
valve
housing. The valve stem being axially movable relative thereto in accordance
with
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the spring. The forming of the valve stem comprising the steps of: locating a
metering device within the valve stem, forming an upper sealing rim at the
outlet
orifice of the valve stem, forming a lower sealing rim at the lower end of the
valve
stem, extending a radial passage at a lower end of the valve stem below the
lower
sealing rim to communicate through the valve stem with the outlet orifice, and

placing a lower seal on the valve stem between the radial opening and a
lowermost
end of the valve stem.
[0035] The method of dispensing a pre-determined quantity of product to be
dispensed from an aerosol container may further comprise the steps of defining
an
unactuated position by engaging the lower seal on the valve stem to the lower
sealing edge of the valve housing and sealing the metering device against the
lower
sealing rim. Defining an actuated position by compressing the valve stem and
thereby spacing the lower seal from the lower sealing edge of the valve
housing.
Thereby delivering product to be dispensed in the container through the radial

opening to the valve stem by displacing the metering device from the lower
sealing
rim. The propellant of the container acting directly on the metering device to
force
the pre-determined quantity of product to be dispensed from the valve stem
through
the outlet orifice to a point of sealing the metering device against the upper
sealing
rim. Defining a partially actuated position by releasing the valve stem from
compression and delivering external air from a conduit to release the metering

device from sealing against the upper sealing rim. The method of dispensing
product to be dispensed from an aerosol container by having propellant acting
directly on the metering device and the propellant may be an immiscible gas.
The
method of dispensing product to be dispensed from an aerosol container may
further
comprise the steps of forming separated first and second radial openings in a
sidewall of the valve stem.
[0036] These and other features, advantages and improvements according to
this
invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed
description
and accompanying drawings.
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[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a valve of a first embodiment of
the present
invention in conjunction with a mounting cup;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present
invention in
conjunction with a mounting cup;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a valve of the prior art;
[0041] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the
present
invention in conjunction with a mounting cup illustrating a semi-opened
position;
[0042] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the
present
invention in conjunction with a mounting cup illustrating a fully closed
position;
[0043] FIG. 4 is a side view of a second embodiment of the present
invention in
conjunction with a mounting cup illustrating a valve with the valve body tip
extending
beyond the valve housing;
[0044] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the
present
invention in conjunction with a mounting cup illustrating a semi-opened
position;
[0045] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the
present
invention in conjunction with a mounting cup illustrating a fully closed
position;
[0046] FIG. 6 is a side view of the valve body of the second embodiment of
the
present invention;
[0047] FIG. 7 is a side view of the valve body with an exemplary bore;
[0048] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of a third embodiment
of the
metering valve in a normally closed, unactuated position;
[0049] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the third
embodiment of the
metering valve in an initially actuated position;
[0050] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the third
embodiment of the
metering valve in an opened actuated position with the ball engaging with an
upper
valve seat to prevent further flow through the metering chamber;
[0051] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the third
embodiment of the
metering valve in a closed position with the ball still in engagement with the
upper
valve seat;
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[0052] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the third
embodiment of the
metering valve in the closed position with the ball moving from the upper
valve seat
toward the lower valve seat;
[0053] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the third
embodiment of the
metering valve of the present invention in a closed unactuated position with
the ball
in engagement with the lower valve seat;
[0054] FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of a fourth
embodiment of the
metering valve in a normally closed, unactuated position;
[0055] FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fourth
embodiment of
the metering valve in an initially actuated position;
[0056] FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fourth
embodiment of
the metering valve in the opened, actuated position with the ball engaging
with an
upper valve seat to prevent further flow through the metering chamber;
[0057] FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fourth
embodiment of
the metering valve in a closed position with the ball still in engagement with
the
upper valve seat;
[0058] FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fourth
embodiment of
the metering valve in the closed position with the ball gradually moving from
the
upper valve seat toward the lower valve seat;
[0059] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the
metering
valve of the present invention in a closed unactuated position with the ball
in
engagement with the lower valve seat;
[0060] FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of a fifth embodiment
of the
metering valve in a normally closed, unactuated position, but primed for
dispensing
product to be dispensed;
[0061] FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fifth
embodiment of the
metering valve in an initially actuated position;
[0062] FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fifth
embodiment of the
metering valve in an opened actuated position with the ball engaging with an
upper
valve seat to prevent further flow through the metering chamber;
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[0063] FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fifth
embodiment of the
metering valve in a closed position with the ball still in engagement with the
upper
valve seat;
[0064] FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fifth
embodiment of the
metering valve in the closed position with the ball moving from the upper
valve seat
toward the lower valve seat;
[0065] FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the
metering valve
of the present invention in a closed unactuated position with the ball in
engagement
with the lower valve seat, but primed for dispensing product to be dispensed;
[0066] FIG. 26 is an enlarged cross sectional view of area M of Fig. 20,
showing a
micro groove, channel or vent;
[0067] FIG. 26A is a cross sectional view along section line 26A-26A of
Fig. 26; and
[0068] FIG. 26B is a cross sectional view along section line 26B-26B of
Fig. 26.
[0069] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0070] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present
invention
depicting the valve 1 in conjunction with the mounting cup 5 for a product
containing
can or container (not shown) in a bag-on-valve system. The valve stem 7 is
arranged parallel to and extends out of the valve housing 3 and through the
mounting cup 5. The valve housing 3 has multiple sections or portions that
correspond to different functions for the bag-on-valve application. A top
portion of
the valve housing is engaged with the mounting cup, by crimping, to secure the

valve housing 3 to the mounting cup 5. The middle portion of the valve housing
3
accommodates a spring cavity 9, which generally houses a spring for
controlling
dynamic movement between the valve stem 7 and the valve housing 3. The spring
normally biases the valve stem 7 away from a bottom portion 11 of the valve
housing
3 into a closed position which prevents the discharge of product from the
container.
The bottom portion 11 of the valve housing 3 either engages with a dip tube,
or as
described in the first embodiment, with a product bag in the case of a bag-on-
valve.
According to the present embodiment, a top edge of the product bag (not shown)

engages and seals with the bottom portion 11, along a fitment 13, and the
valve
is utilized to dispense the contents or product to be dispensed from the bag.
It is to
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be appreciated that the valve 1 can be a two-way valve which would allow for
product to be dispensed to be inserted into the bag during a filling process
as
well as dispensed therefrom.
[0071] The bottom portion 11 is better illustrated in the perspective
view of FIG.
2. The fitment 13 on the bottom portion 11 assists in the sealing engagement
between the base or bottom portion of the valve housing 3 and the product bag
B is more fully described in U.S. Patent Application No. 12/667,423. This view

also shows the entrance to cavity of the valve housing 3 that receives the
product
to be dispensed from the bag when a user manipulates or operates the valve
into
an open position to dispense the product. The entrance to cavity 15 may or may

not communicate with a dip tube which extends downward into the lower edges
and corners of the bag to facilitate complete product dispensing.
[0072] A cross-sectional view of a conventional valve 2, according to
the prior art,
is shown FIG. 3. The valve 2 is secured to a mounting cup 5 and has a valve
stem 8, a valve housing 4, a valve spring 6 and valve gasket 10. The valve 2
is
actuated by depressing the valve stem 8 along axis A to a point below the seal

of the gasket 10, against a restoring force supplied by the valve spring 6, so
that
product to be dispensed may commence flowing from the bag B through the
product passage 12 and out from the valve container. The gasket 10 also seals
the valve housing 4 to the mounting cup 5 to prevent leakage therebetween. The

bag B is within the aerosol container 18. As noted above, the spring 6
normally
biases the valve 2 in a normally closed position, as shown, with the opening
to
the product passage being sealed by and against the gasket 10. According to
the
prior art, the product to be dispensed flows along the valve housing 4. up and

around the valve stern and into the product passage 12. The valve 2 may or may

not include a dip tube to assist with dispensing product from the bag B.
[0073] FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the bag-on-valve
embodiment which show the valve housing 3 engaged with the mounting cup 5.
An inner gasket 29 is used to form a seal between the valve housing cavity 15,

the valve stern 7 and the mounting cup 5. The valve stem 7 extends through the

mounting cup 5 and out of the valve housing 3 and is axially biased into a
closed
position by spring 33. The
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valve stem 7 is provided with an end sealing portion 23 and a product entrance

orifice(s) 21 located adjacent the end sealing portion 23 of the valve stem 7.
The
valve stem 7 is axially disposed along axis A through the valve and can be
made of
for example PET, PTFE or other polymer material well known in the art.
[0074] The valve stem 7 defines a product passage 19 that extends
substantially the
entire length of the valve stern 7. The product passage 19 commences at a
radial
bore(s) 21 which is formed adjacent a lower end of the valve stem 7. As
described
in detail below, positioning of the radial bore(s) 21 near the lower end of
the valve
stem 7 permits a larger bore opening which permits a greater flow of the
product
content from the bag B and into the product passage 19 and out of the valve
stem
7, in comparison to conventional valves, without unduly compromising the
integrity
of the valve stem 7.
[0075] By depressing the valve stem 7 along the axis A, the valve is
opened, as
shown in FIG. 3A, and product is permitted to flow and is dispensed through a
main
opening 0 located at the uppermost end of the valve stem 7. A conventional
nozzle,
or some other conventional discharge or dispensing device, may be supported by

the valve stem 7 and communicate with the main opening 0 for directing or
controlling discharge of the product. At the opposing lower end of the valve
stem 7,
the end sealing portion 23 has a circumferential notch or channel 25 adjacent
the tip
23 that receives a lower sealing ring 31, gasket, o-ring or some other type of
seal
including an overmoided seal. The valve housing 3 is formed with a respective
ledge 26 on an inner wall to provide a sealing edge 24 against which the
sealing ring
31 abuts to facilitate closing of the valve and preventing the flow of product
to be
dispensed from the product bag B while the valve is in a closed position, as
shown
in FIG. 3B.
[0076] The valve stern 7 is accommodated within the valve housing 3 and
biased into
the closed position via the spring 33, or some another biasing device, which
forces
the valve stem 7 axially upward against the gasket and into the closed
position with
the sealing ring 31 closing the valve against the sealing edge 24. It is to be

appreciated that although there is no radial opening or bore in the region of
the inner
gasket 29, the inner gasket 29 still provides a seal between the valve housing
3, the
sliding valve stern 7 and the mounting cup 5 so as to prevent any leakage. The
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spring 33 maintains the valve stem 7 in the closed position so that the
product in the
product bag B cannot flow through the valve 1 and be discharged. The spring 33

has an upper end which typically axially engages the valve stem 7 at a lip or
stop 27
that extends partially or completely around an outer wall of the valve stem 7.
The
lower end of the spring 33 is supported by the valve housing 3 at a
circumferential
edge 28 around the interior wall of the spring cavity 9. The bias provided by
the
spring 33 allows depression and movement of the valve stem 7 relative to the
valve
housing 3 so as to enable the valve 1 to be alternately moved between its
opened
and closed positions, as shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, respectively.
[0077] When the valve is in the open position shown in FIG. 3A, the product
to be
dispensed is permitted to flow out of the valve and into the environment. The
product contents are able to flow from the product bag or container, in
through the
radial bores 21, along the valve stem 7 and out of the valve 1. The radial
bores 21
are located at the lower end of the valve stem 7 adjacent the end sealing
portion 23
of the valve stem 7. Although the drawings show two opposed radial bores 21,
alternatively the valve stem 7 could have only one or more than two radial
bore(s),
either opposed or adjacent one another. The radial bores 21 are located
immediately axially adjacent the lower sealing ring 31 and the end sealing
portion
23 to allow substantially instantaneous flow of the product from the product
reservoir
through the valve stem 7 and subsequently discharged into the environment
without
having an intermediary chamber or circuitous flow path through the valve
housing.
Product ejection occurs when the valve stem 7 is depressed by a user into the
open
position, moving the valve stem 7 down relative to the valve housing 3 against
the
bias provided by the spring 33 thereby forcing the lower sealing ring 31
sufficiently
away the ledge 26 so as to expose and facilitate direct communication and the
radial
bore(s) 21 and the fluid contents of either the bag B or the container.
[0078] As noted above, FIG. 3A illustrates the open position of the valve 1
that
allows the radial bores 21 to communicate directly with a pressurized flow of
the
product to be dispensed from the product reservoir. Previous valves have been
known to locate such bores or openings at or near the upper portion of the
valve
stem, which limits the size of the passageway due to the inability to
effectively shut
off flow through a large passage. According to the present invention, flow of
the
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product to be dispensed is interrupted by the lower sealing ring 31, which
allows the
passages or bores 21 to be significantly larger than passages in previous
valves that
are positioned near the upper portion of the stem, as opposed to near the
lower
sealing ring 31. The larger sized radial bores 21, which can be formed greater
than
1.02 mm ¨ 1.52 mm (0.04 - 0.06 in.) in diameter, are formed closer to the
lower
sealing ring 31 and allow for a higher volume flow rate of product out of the
product
reservoir to the environment. As can be seen in the FIGS. 3A and 3B, the bores
21,
have a significantly larger diameter than the thickness of the upper inner
gasket 29.
Because of this significantly larger diameter, relative to known smaller
diameters of
radial openings adjacent the inner gasket 29, the present invention permits a
substantially larger flow rate of product to be dispensed to flow into the
valve
passage 19, when the valve stem 7 is in a semi or fully open position.
[0079] With reference now to FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B, a second embodiment of
the
present invention is discussed. It is noted that this second embodiment is not
a bag-
on-valve embodiment such that the fitment for a B-O-V valve is not used and
the end
sealing portion 23 extends directly into an aerosol container with pressurized
fluid
product (not shown). It is to be appreciated that a dip tube 16 could also be
attached to the end of the valve housing 3 for conventional style aerosol
container,
as desired or necessary. FIG. 5A shows the second embodiment in an open
position allowing the product to be dispensed in the product bag to
communicate
with the valve stern 7 through the bores 35. FIG. 5B shows the valve of the
second
embodiment in a fully closed position with the lower sealing ring 31
preventing the
flow of the product to be dispensed into the valve stem 7. The bores 35 in
this
embodiment are shown having a circular profile as opposed to the straight or
rectangular profile shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0080] Another important aspect of the present invention is the shape of
the bores
35 which can facilitate control over dispensing of product at a high flow rate
through
the valve.
[0081] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the valve stem 7 of the second
embodiment
with the bore 35 having a substantially circular shape. The bore 35 is a
radial orifice
in the sidewall of the valve stem 7, and adjacent the lower end thereof, which
can
have a diameter of between about 1.02 mm ¨3.81 mm (0.04 - 0.15 inches) and
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more preferably in the range of about 2.03 mm ¨ 3.05 mm (0.08 - 0.12 inches).
It
is to be appreciated that the larger bores 35 do not significantly affect the
structural
integrity of the valve stem 7 since the bores 35 are located close to the
bottom end
of the valve stem 7 where radial forces from depression and actuation of the
valve
stem 7 by a user are insignificant. That is, the bores 35 are located
vertically below
the spring 33. It is to be appreciated that axial forces can significantly
damage the
valve stem where the radial opening is located closer to the top end of the
valve
stem 7 which the user pushes adjacent the inner gasket 29 as in the known
valves.
The larger bores 35 permit a high amount of product volume to flow into and
through
the passage 19 of the valve stem 7 at a high flow rate and eventually be
discharged
into the environment.
[0082] The radial bores or passages can be formed in any desired shape or
size
which facilitates the desired flow rate of the product. According to another
embodiment of the present invention, the bores are designed to have a profile
and
area so that, depending upon how far the valve stem 7 is depressed relative to
the
sealing edge 24, a desired variable flow rate can be achieved which depends
upon
the extent that the bore 35 is exposed. Different shapes and sizes may be used
for
different products to achieve the desired product discharge results. For
example,
as shown in FIG. 7, the valve stem 7 may have a radial bore 37 which is shaped
as
a polygon that gradually increases in area as the valve stem 7 and bore 37 are

gradually moved axially relative to the sealing edge 24 of the valve housing
3. In
the case of the polygon shown in FIG. 7, as the valve stem 7 is depressed
axially
downward relative to the sealing edge 24, a larger cross-sectional area of the

polygon bore 37 becomes progressively exposed to the product to be dispensed
in
the container and thus permits an increase in relative product flow the more
the
valve stem 7 is depressed. The polygon and circular bores shown in these
figures
are merely two examples of the type of larger bore shapes, located near or
adjacent
the bottom end of the valve stem 7, that can readily facilitate dispensing of
a larger
volume of the product to be dispensed at increased flow rates.
[0083] With reference now to FIG. 8, a metering valve 40, according to a
further
embodiment of the present invention, will now be described in detail. As
generally
shown, the metering device comprises a movable ball 42, or possibly a slidable
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piston or some other member, located within the valve stem 7. The metering
valve
40 includes a conical or tapered lower ball seat or sealing rim 44 which
tapers from
the slightly larger diameter of the metering chamber 19 to a slightly smaller
diameter
of an axial inlet passage 46 that communicates with the radial bores 21 for
delivering
product to be dispensed from the container to the valve stem 7. In addition,
the
valve stem 7 also has a conical or tapered upper ball seat or sealing rim 50,
located
adjacent the outlet orifice 48, and the outlet orifice 48 has a slightly
smaller diameter
than a diameter of the metering chamber 19. The metering ball 42 has a
slightly
smaller diameter than the diameter of the metering chamber 19 so as to permit
the
metering ball to dispense a pre-determined quantity of product to be
dispensed,
while also facilitating return of the metering ball 42, as discussed below in
further
detail.
[0084] A conventional coupling 52, or some other fitting, facilitates
coupling/interconnection of an inlet passage 74 of an actuator 60 to the free
upper
end of the valve stem 7. Typically, the vertically upper most portion of the
valve
stem 7 is matingly received by a first end of the conventional coupling 52
while the
opposite vertically upper most end of the conventional coupling 52 is received
by a
lower inlet passage 74 of the actuator 60. In this way, the outlet orifice 48,
of the
valve stem 7, is axially aligned with a vertical first passage 56 formed in
the actuator
60. The product to be dispensed may be dispensed from the actuator 60 either
radially, as shown, via a substantially horizontal second passageway 58 or
substantially vertically (not shown) via a second passageway 58. The
substantially
horizontal second passageway 58 connects the first passage 56 with a discharge

nozzle 62 of the actuator 60 and facilitates dispensing of the product as an
aerosol
mist, for example. The substantially vertical second passageway 58, on the
other
hand, is substantially vertically aligned with, or a continuation of, the
first passage
56. An actuation or depression area 66 may be provided along a top surface of
the
actuator housing 64 in order to facilitate depression of both the actuator 60
and the
valve stem 7 and actuation of the metered valve 40.
[0085] An inwardly facing surface of both the upper ball seat or sealing
rim 50 and
the conventional coupling 52 is typically provided with one, and possibly
more, micro
groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68. These micro groove(s), channel(s) or
vent(s)
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68 extend along the entire length of the conventional coupling 52 and at least
a
portion of the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 to facilitate supplying a
small quantity
of external air thereto and gradual release of the metering ball 42 from its
sealing
engagement with the upper sealing seat or rim 50. Once the metering ball 42
sealingly engages with the upper sealing seat or rim 50, the flow of
additional
product to be dispensed is discontinued. Thereafter, depression of the
actuator 60
is discontinued while the surface tension of the product to be dispensed
normally
maintains engagement between the metering ball 42 and the upper ball seat or
sealing rim 50. Over the course of a few minutes or so, external air is
permitted to
flow into and along the micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68, formed
along the
length of the conventional coupling 52 and at least a portion of the upper
ball seat
or sealing rim 50, and assist with gradually breaking the surface tension and
thereby
releasing the metering ball 42 from its sealing engagement with the upper ball

sealing or sealing rim 50. Thereafter, the metering ball 42 gradually moves or
drops,
through the product, contained within the meter chamber 19, back into sealing
engagement with the lower ball sealing or sealing rim 44. Further details
concerning
the other features of the micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 will be
provided
with respect to Figs. 26-26B which are discussed below.
[0086] The metering valve 40 of the present invention is different from
metering
valves according to the prior art where the metering device 42 is the only
component
within the valve stem 7. There are no complicated components or springs, but
instead the sealing of the lower portion of the valve stem 7 is achieved by
the sealing
ring 31 positioned below the lower ball seat or sealing rim 44. The sealing
ring 31
is located within an annular groove, which is formed in the valve stem 7
closely
adjacent, but vertically below, the at least one radial bore(s) 21. The lower
perimeter
edge 26 of the valve housing 3 has a concave curvature 70 which is located to
mate
and sealingly engage with the sealing ring 31, when the valve stern 7, is in
its
normally closed position, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0087] As also shown in FIG. 8, prior to an initial priming of the valve,
the metering
ball 42 is located in its normal rest position in engagement with the lower
ball seat
or sealing rim 44. The metering chamber 19 of the valve stem 7, located
between
the upper and the lower ball seats or sealing rims 44, 50. is completely
empty. In
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this closed position, the sealing ring 31 is in sealing engagement against the

concave curvature 70 of the lower edge 26 of the valve housing 3 and prevents
the
product to be dispensed from communicating with the at least one radial
bore(s) 21.
In order to initially fill the metering chamber 19, the actuator 60 is at
least partially
depressed in order to move the valve stem 7 vertically downward. This causes
the
sealing ring 31 to move vertically downward away from and out of sealing
engagement with the concave curvature 70 of the lower edge 26 to facilitate
establishing communication between the product to be dispensed within the
container and the radial bores 21, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0088] Once this occurs, the product then immediately flows in through the
at least
one radial bore(s) 21 and in the inlet orifice of passage 46, as shown in FIG.
9. As
product flows through the inlet passage 46, the product to be dispensed
engages
with a vertically lower surface of the ball 42 and rapidly forces the ball 42
out of
engagement with the lower ball seat or sealing rim 44 and toward the upper
ball seat
or sealing rim 50. As the ball 42 moves vertically upward toward the upper
ball seat
or sealing rim 50, the product to be dispensed flows into and fills the
metering
chamber 19 of the valve stem 7. The product to be dispensed continues forcing
the
ball 42 through the metering chamber 19 until the ball 42 engages and abuts
against
the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. The metering chamber 19 is then filled
with
the product to be dispensed, as shown in FIG. 10, and the valve begins to
close.
[0089] During this initial priming of the valve 40, as described above,
the metering
chamber 19 is now completely filled with the product to be dispensed, however,
no
product has yet been dispensed through the nozzle of the actuator 60 because
the
valve stem 7 was initially empty and required initial priming of the metering
chamber
19 in order to prime/fill the same. After completion of this initial priming
step, the ball
42 still remains in abutting engagement against the upper ball seat or sealing
rim 50
so as to prevent the flow of any product to be dispensed past this seal.
[0090] Next, the depression pressure of the actuator 60 is then removed so
that the
spring 33 biases the valve back into its closed position thereby preventing
the flow
of product to be dispensed into the at least one radial bore(s) 21. That is,
the
sealing ring 31 of the valve stem 7 is again brought back into sealing
engagement
with the concave curvature 70 of the lower perimeter edge 26 to prevent the
flow of
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product to be dispensed into the at least one radial bore(s) 21, as shown in
FIG. 11.
The ball 42 is then permitted to be gradually released from its sealing
engagement
with the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, due to surface tension, by
external air.
The external air is permitted to flow into and along the micro groove(s),
channel(s)
or vent(s) 68, formed along the length of the conventional coupling 52 and at
least
a portion of the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, and gradually break the
surface
tension, thereby releasing the metering ball 42 from its sealing engagement
with the
upper ball sealing or sealing rim 50, as shown in FIG. 12. The ball 43
eventually
rolls or falls through the product filled metering chamber 19, due to gravity,
back into
sealing engagement with the lower ball seat or sealing rim 44, as shown in
FIG. 13.
Once the ball 42 is located in this position, the ball 42 eventually again
rests and
seals against the lower sealing rim 44, as shown in FIG. 13.
[0091] When the ball 42 is in the position shown in FIG. 13, the metered
valve 40 is
now primed and ready to commence dispensing product. By depressing the
actuation area 66, the actuator 60 is again at least partially depressed and
moves
the valve stem 7 vertically downward. This ensures that the sealing ring 31
moves
vertically downward away from and out of sealing engagement with the concave
curvature 70 of the lower edge 26 and facilitates communication between the
product to be dispensed and the at least one radial bore(s) 21. Once this
occurs,
the product then immediately flows in through the at least one radial bore(s)
21 and
the inlet passage 46, as shown in FIG. 9. As product flows through the inlet
passage 46, the product engages with the ball 42 and forces the ball 42 out of

sealing engagement with the lower ball seat or sealing rim 44 and toward the
upper
ball seat or sealing rim 50. As the ball 42 moves toward the upper ball seat
or
sealing rim 50, the product which is located within the metering chamber 19,
between a vertically upper surface of the ball 42 and the upper ball seat or
sealing
rim 50, is forced out through the outlet orifice 48. The product is then
forced into the
first and the second passages 56, 58 of the actuator 60 and out through the
discharge nozzle 62 in a desired spray pattern 72, as generally indicated by
the
dashed lines in FIG. 10.
[0092] The product to be dispensed continues forcing the ball 42 along the
metering
chamber 19 and again fills the metering chamber 19, for a subsequent
dispensing
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cycle, until the ball 42 engages with and abuts against the upper ball seat or
sealing
rim 50, as shown in FIG. 11. As soon as this occurs, a pre-determined quantity
of
product to be dispensed will be dispensed from the actuator 60. Next, the ball
42
is then permitted to be gradually released from its sealing engagement with
the
upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. This sealing engagement is typically
maintained
by the surface tension of the product to be dispensed. Eventually, the ball 42
will roll
or fall, due to gravity, through the product filled metering chamber 19, as
shown in
FIG. 12, back into sealing engagement with the lower ball seat or sealing rim
44, as
shown in FIG. 13. Once the ball 42 is located in this position, the ball 42
eventually
again seals against the lower sealing rim 44 and is thereby ready for a
subsequent
dispensing cycle.
[0093] Turning now to FIGS. 14-19, another embodiment of the present
invention will
now be described in detail. As this additional embodiment is quite similar to
the
embodiment of FIGS 8-13, similar or like elements are given the same reference

numerals.
[0094] According to this embodiment, the metering valve 40 is accommodated
within
the actuator 60, instead of the valve stem 7. Typically, the vertically upper
most
portion of the valve stem 7 is matingly received by and engages with a lower
inlet
passage 74 of the actuator 60 so that the outlet orifice 48. of the valve stem
7, is
axially aligned with a vertical first passage 56 formed in the actuator 60.
The
product to be dispensed may be dispensed from the actuator 60, according to
this
embodiment, in a substantially horizontal discharge pattern. As shown, a
second
passage 58 is directly interconnected with the first passage 56. The second
passage 58 communicates with actuator outlet 76 which accommodates a
conventional discharge nozzle 62 and facilitates dispensing of the product to
be
dispensed as a desired aerosol mist, for example. As with the previous
embodiment, an actuation or depression area 66 is provided along a top surface
of
the actuator housing 64 in order to facilitate depression of both the actuator
60 and
the valve stem 7 in order to actuate the metered valve 40.
[0095] As shown in the drawings, second passage 58 includes a conical or
tapered
upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, located adjacent the discharge nozzle 62 of
the
actuator 60. The metering ball 42 has a slightly smaller diameter than the
diameter
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of the metering chamber 19, it is undersized by 0.002 - 0.010 mm. This permits
the
metering ball 42 to move to and fro, along the metering chamber 19, and
dispense
a pre-determined quantity of product to be dispensed, while also facilitating
return
of the metering ball 42, as discussed below in further detail, back toward the

opposite end of the metering chamber 19.
[0096] According to this embodiment, the second passage 58 extends
completely
through the end wall 78 of the actuator 60 and along a substantial portion of
the
length of the actuator 60 to a location closely adjacent an outlet chamber of
the
actuator 60. An opening 80, which is formed in the end wall 78 of the actuator
60,
communicates directly with the external environment. A plug member 82 is
received
within and sealingly engages and closes the opening 80 formed in the end wall
78
of the actuator 60. The plug member 82 typically has an interference fit with
the
opening 80 so as to form a fluid tight seal when engaged therewith. An
inwardly
facing surface of the plug member 82 supports a post 84 and a free end of the
post
forms a stop surface or rim 44 which prevents further downward travel or
movement
of the metering ball 42 within the metering chamber 19. That is, the free end
of the
post 84 forms the lower ball seat or rim 44 which prevents further downward
travel
of the metering ball 42 within the second passage 58.
[0097] It is to be appreciated that the plug member 82 may alternatively
comprise a
cylindrical plug (not shown) which has a central aperture therein which
extends
longitudinally through the cylindrical plug and receives either a slidable or
a rotatable
post member (not shown), without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present
invention. The central aperture and the post member may both be threaded so
that
rotation of the post member, within the central aperture and relative to the
cylindrical
plug, in a first direction gradually moves the stop surface or rim 44 of the
post
member toward the tapered upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 while rotation of
the
post member, within the central aperture and relative to the cylindrical plug,
in an
opposite second direction, moves the stop surface or rim 44 of the post member

away from the tapered upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. Such adjustment of
the
free end of the post relative to the cylindrical plug, i.e., the stop surface
or rim 44 of
the metering ball 42, thereby facilitates adjustment of the dispensing volume
of the
metering chamber 19.
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[0098] Alternatively, the post member may be slidable relative to the
central aperture
and the cylindrical plug. Movement of the post member (not shown), within the
central aperture, in a first direction moves the stop surface or rim 44 of the
post
member toward the tapered upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, while movement of
the
post member, within the central aperture, in an opposite second direction
moves the
stop surface or rim 44 of the post member away from the tapered upper ball
seat or
sealing rim 50. Such movement of the stop surface or rim 44 of the post
member,
in turn, varies the dispensing volume of the metering chamber 19.
[0099] As shown, the second passage 58 is inclined and typically forms an
angle of
between about 100 degrees and 175 degrees with the first passage 56 and the
valve
stem 7. More preferably, the second passage 58 forms an angle of between about

110 degrees and 130 degrees with the first passage 56 and the valve stem 7.
The
inclination of the second passage 58 must be sufficient sloped in order to
assist with
gradually returning the ball 42 back into engagement. due to gravity, with the
lower
ball seat or rim 44 once the valve closes.
[0100] As with the previous embodiment, an inwardly facing surface of the
upper ball
seat or sealing rim 50 is provided with at least one, or possibly more, micro
groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 which extend along the length of the upper
ball
seat or sealing rim 50. The at least one, or possibly more, micro groove(s),
channel(s) or vent(s) 68 (only diagrammatically shown) permits external air to
flow
into and along the micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 toward the upper
ball
seat or sealing rim 50 and -facilitates gradual release of the metering ball
42 from its
sealing engagement with the upper sealing seat or rim 50. Once the metering
ball
42 sealingly engages with the upper sealing seat or rim 50, the flow of
additional
product to be dispensed from the metering chamber 19 is discontinued.
[0101] Thereafter, depression of the actuator 60 is eliminated while the
internal
pressure and the surface tension of the product to be dispensed normally
maintains
engagement between the metering ball 42 and the upper ball seat or sealing rim
50.
Over the course of a few minutes or so, external air is permitted to flow into
and
along the at least one, or possibly more, micro groove(s), channel(s) or
vent(s) 68
toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. Such external air gradually
breaks the
surface tension and thereby releases the metering ball 42 from its sealing
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engagement with the upper bail sealing or sealing rim 50. Thereafter, the
metering
ball 42 gradually fall, moves or rolls, through the product contained within
the meter
chamber 19, back into engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44.
[0102] At least one radial bore(s) 21 is formed in a lower portion of the
valve stem
7. When the valve is in its closed position as shown in FIG. 14, the at least
one
radial bore(s) 21 is sealed engaged by the gasket 90 so as to prevent any
product
to be dispensed from flowing into the at least one radial bore(s) 21 and
through the
valve stem 7 toward the actuator 60.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 14, prior to an initial priming of the valve, the
metering ball
42 is located in its normal rest position in engagement with the lower ball
seat or rim
44. The metering chamber 19 of the actuator 60, located between the upper ball

seat or sealing rim 50 and the lower ball seat or rim 44, is completely empty.
In this
closed position, the at least one radial bore(s) 21 is sealed by the gasket 90
and
thereby prevents the product to be dispensed from communicating with the at
least
one radial bore(s) 21. In order to initially fill the metering chamber 19, the
actuator
60 is at least partially depressed in order to move the valve stem 7
vertically
downward so that the at least one radial bore(s) 21 moves and is no longer
sealed
by the gasket 90. Such movement facilitates establishing communication between

the product to be dispensed and the at least radial bore(s) 21, as shown in
FIG. 15.
[0104] Once this occurs, the product then immediately flows in through the
at least
one radial bore(s) 21 and in the inlet passage, as generally shown in FIG. 15.
As
product flows through the inlet passage, the product to be dispensed engages
with
a vertically lower surface of the ball 42 and forces the ball 42 out of
engagement with
the lower ball seat or rim 44 and toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim
50. As the
ball 42 moves toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, the product to be
dispensed flows into and commences filling the metering chamber 19 of the
actuator
60. The product to be dispensed continues forcing the ball 42 along and
through the
metering chamber 19 until the ball 42 eventually engages and abuts against the

upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. As a result of such movement, the metering
chamber 19 is then completely filled with the product to be dispensed, as
shown in
FIG. 16. Once this occurs, thereafter, the valve can now be closed.
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[0105] Following initially priming of the valve 40, as described above,
the metering
chamber 19 is now completely filled with the product to be dispensed, however,
no
product has yet been dispensed through the nozzle 62 of the actuator 60
because
the metering chamber 19 was initially empty and required priming thereof.
After
completion of this initial priming step, the ball 42 still remains in abutting
engagement
against the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, typically due to surface
tension of the
product to be dispensed, so as to prevent the flow of any product to be
dispensed
past this seal.
[0106] Next, the depression pressure of the actuator 60 is then removed or

eliminated so that the spring 33 can bias the valve body 17 back into its
normally
closed position, thereby preventing the flow of any additional product to be
dispensed into the at least one radial bore(s) 21, i.e., the at least one
radial bore(s)
21 of the valve stem 7 is again sealingly engaged with the gasket 90 so as to
prevent the flow of product to be dispensed into the at least one radial
bore(s) 21,
as shown in FIG. 17. The ball 42 is then permitted to be gradually released
from its
sealing engagement with the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 by external air
which
flows in through the nozzle 62 and the actuator outlet 76 of the actuator 60
toward
the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. External air eventually flows along the
at least
one, or possibly more, micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 provided
along a
surface of upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 and breaks the surface tension of
the
product to be dispensed and thereby release the metering ball 42 from its
sealing
engagement with the upper ball sealing or sealing rim 50. As shown in FIG. 18,
the
ball 42 eventually and gradually falls, moves or rolls, due to gravity,
through the
product contained within the metering chamber 19 back into engagement with the

lower ball seat or rim 44, as shown in FIG. 19. Once the ball 42 is located in
this
position, the ball 42 eventually again rests against the ball seat or rim 44.
[0107] When the ball 42 is in the position shown in FIG. 19, the metered
valve 40 is
now completely primed and ready to commence dispensing product. By depressing
the actuation area 66, the actuator 60 is again at least partially depressed
and
moves the at least one radial bore(s) 21 of the valve stem 7 out of sealing
engagement with the gasket 90 so as to facilitate communication between the
product to be dispensed and the at least one radial bore(s) 21. Once this
occurs,
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the product then immediately flows in through the at least one radial bore(s)
21 and
the inlet passage, as shown in FIG. 15. As product flows through the inlet
passage,
the product travels along the valve stem 7, exits though the outlet orifice 48
and into
the first passage 56. The product then flows through the first passage 56 and
into
the second passage 58 where the product forces the ball 42 out of engagement
with
the lower ball seat or rim 44 and toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim
50. As the
ball 42 moves toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, the product which
is
located in the metering chamber 19, between a front surface of the ball 42 and
the
upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, is forced out through the outlet chamber 76
and the
discharge nozzle 62 of the actuator 60 in a desired spray pattern 72,
generally
indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 15.
[0108] The product to be dispensed continues forcing the ball 42 along the
metering
chamber 19 until the ball 42 engages with and abuts against the upper ball
seat or
sealing rim 50, as shown in FIG. 16, and again fills the metering chamber 19,
for a
subsequent dispensing cycle. As soon as this occurs, a pre-determined quantity
of
product to be dispensed, from the metering chamber 19. was dispensed by the
nozzle 62 of the actuator 60. Next, the ball 42 is then permitted to be
gradually
released from its sealing engagement with the upper ball seat or sealing rim
50,
typically maintained by the surface tension of the product to be dispensed.
Eventually the ball 42 falls, moves or rolls, due to gravity, as shown in FIG.
18,
through the product which is contained within the metering chamber 19 and back

into engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44, as shown in FIG. 19. Once
the
ball 42 is located in this position, the ball 42 is again ready for a
subsequent
dispensing cycle.
[0109] Turning nowt FIGS. 20-25, another embodiment of the present
invention will
now be described in detail. As this additional embodiment is quite similar to
the
embodiment of FIGS. 8-13, similar or like elements are given the same
reference
numerals.
[0110] According this embodiment, the valve is a female valve and the
metering
device 40 is accommodated within a portion of a male valve stem 86 which is
releasably engageable with a top recess 88 formed within an upper surface of
the
valve body 17. A top portion of the valve housing 3 engages with a gasket 90
and
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a mounting cup 5, via crimping process, to secure the valve housing 3 and the
gasket 90 to the mounting cup 5. An internal portion of the valve housing 3
defines
a cavity which accommodates a spring 92 which controls dynamic movement of the

valve body 17 with respect to the valve housing 3. The spring normally biases
the
valve body 17 away from a base surface of the cavity into a closed, sealing
position
in which a perimeter lip 94 of an upper surface of the valve body 17 engages
with
a lower surface of the gasket 90 and forms a fluid tight perimeter seal
therebetween
so as to prevent the flow of product through the valve.
[0111] A lower portion of the valve housing 3 is configured so as to engage
with and
retain a dip tube, a product bag, etc., or some other component, generally
designated as element 16, which assists with supplying the product to be
dispensed
into the cavity of the valve. As noted above, a vertically lower portion of
the male
valve stem 86 is captively received and retained within the recess 88 formed
in the
upper surface of the valve body for securing the male valve stem 86 to the
valve
body 17, e.g., typically by an interference or friction fit. A lower side wall
of the male
valve stem 86 has at least one stem orifice 96 formed therein which permits
the
product to be dispensed to flow from the cavity defined by the valve housing 3
in
through the stem orifice 96, into the male valve stem 86, and toward the
metering
chamber 19. Such flow occurs when the valve is actuated and the perimeter lip
94
of the valve body 17 is sufficiently spaced from the gasket 90 so as to permit
product
flow through the valve. As these and other features and components of a female

valve are conventional and well known in the art, a further detailed
discussion
concerning the same is not provided.
[0112] With reference now to FIG. 20, the metering valve 40 comprises a
movable
ball 42, or possibly a slidable piston or some other member, located within
the male
valve stem 86. The metering valve 40 includes a lower ball seat or rim 44,
which
transitions from the slightly larger diameter of the metering chamber 19 into
the
slightly smaller diameter of a supply passage 98 formed in a lower portion of
the
male valve stem 86.
[0113] A conventional coupling 52, or some other fitting, facilitates
coupling/interconnection of the upper free end of the male valve stem 86 with
an
inlet passage 74 of an actuator 60. Typically, the vertically upper most
portion of the
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male valve stem 86 is matingly received by a first end of the conventional
coupling
52 while the opposite vertically upper most end of the conventional coupling
52 is
received by and snugly fits within the inlet passage 74 of the actuator 60.
This
ensures that the outlet orifice 48 is axially aligned with a vertical first
passage 56
formed in the actuator 60.
[0114] The product to be dispensed may be dispensed from the actuator 60
either
radially, as shown, via a substantially horizontal second passageway 58 which
connects the first passage 56 with a discharge nozzle 62 of the actuator 60
and
facilitates dispensing of the product as an aerosol mist, for example.
Alternatively,
it may be dispensed from the actuator 60 substantially vertically (not shown)
via the
second passageway 58 which is substantially vertically aligned with, e.g.,
substantially a continuation of, the first passage 56. An actuation or
depression area
66 may be provided along a top surface of the actuator housing 64 in order to
facilitate depression of both the actuator 60 and the male valve stem 86, the
valve
body and actuation of the metered valve 40.
[0115] The conventional coupling 52 has a conical or tapered upper ball
seat or
sealing rim 50, located adjacent the outlet orifice 48, and the outlet orifice
48 has a
smaller diameter than a diameter of the metering chamber 19. The metering ball
42
has a slightly smaller diameter than the diameter of the metering chamber 19
so as
to permit the metering ball 42 to dispense a pre-determined quantity of
product to
be dispensed, while also facilitating return of the metering ball 42 back to
its normal
rest position, as discussed below in further detail.
[0116] As shown in FIG. 20, prior to an initial priming of the valve, the
metering ball
42 is located in its normal rest position in engagement with the lower ball
seat or rim
44. The metering chamber 19 of the male valve stem 86, located between the
upper
ball seat or sealing rim 50 and the lower ball seat or rim 44, is completely
empty. In
this closed position, the perimeter lip 94 is in sealing engagement against
the gasket
90 and prevents the product to be dispensed from flowing from the cavity into
the
stem orifice 96. In order to initially fill the metering chamber 19, the
actuator 60 is
at least partially depressed in order to move the valve body 17 vertically
downward
so that the perimeter lip 94 is sufficiently spaced from the gasket 90 and
thereby
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establishes communication between the cavity and into the stem orifice 96 so
that
the product to be dispensed can commence flowing, as shown in FIG. 21.
[0117] Once this occurs, the product then immediately flows in through the
stem
orifice 96 and along the supply passage 98 of the male valve stem 86. As the
product flows through the supply passage 98, the product to be dispensed
engages
with a vertically lower surface of the ball 42 and forces the ball 42 out of
engagement
with the lower ball seat or rim 44 and toward the upper ball seat or sealing
rim 50,
as shown in FIG. 21. As the ball 42 moves toward the upper bail seat or
sealing rim
50, the product to be dispensed flows into and fills the metering chamber 19.
The
product to be dispensed continues forcing the ball 42 along and through the
metering chamber 19 until the ball 42 eventually engages and abuts against the

upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. As a result of such movement, the metering
chamber 19 is then filled with the product to be dispensed, as shown in FIG.
22.
Once this occurs, thereafter, the valve can be closed so that the perimeter
lip 94 is
again located in sealing engagement with the gasket 90 and thereby prevents
the
product to be dispensed from flowing out of the cavity into the stem orifice
96, as
shown in FIG. 23.
[0118] Once the metering ball 42 sealingly engages with the upper sealing
seat or
rim 50, the flow of additional product to be dispensed is automatically
discontinued.
Thereafter, depression of the actuator 60 is discontinued while the surface
tension,
of the product to be dispensed, normally maintains the sealing engagement
between
the metering ball 42 and the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. Over the
course of
a few minutes or so, external air is permitted to flow from the external
environment
into and along the at least one micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 to
the upper
ball seat or sealing rim 50 and gradually break the surface tension and
thereby
release the metering ball 42 from its sealing engagement with the upper ball
sealing
or sealing rim 50. Thereafter, the metering ball 42 gradually falls, moves or
rolls,
through the product contained within the meter chamber 19. as shown in FIG.
24,
back into sealing engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44, as shown in
FIG.
25.
[0119] As shown in FIG. 20, prior to an initial priming of the valve, the
metering ball
42 is located in its normal rest position in engagement with the lower ball
seat or rim
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44. The metering chamber 19, located between the upper and the lower ball
seats
or rims 44, 50, is completely empty. In this closed position, the perimeter
lip 94 is
sealingly engaged with the gasket 90 and prevents the product to be dispensed
from
communicating with the stem orifice 96. In order to initially fill the
metering chamber
19, the actuator 60 is at least partially depressed in order to move the male
valve
stem 86 and the valve body vertically downward. This ensures that the
perimeter
lip 94 correspondingly moves vertically downward away from and out of sealing
engagement with the gasket 90 to facilitate establishing communication between
the
product to be dispensed and the stem orifice 96, as shown in FIG. 21.
[0120] Once this occurs, the product then immediately flow in through the
at least
one stem orifice 96 and into the supply passage 98 of the male valve stem 86,
as
shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. As product flows from the cavity through the at
least one
stem orifice 96 and the supply passage 98, the product to be dispensed engages

with a vertically lower surface of the ball 42 and forces the ball 42 out of
engagement
with the lower ball seat or rim 44 and toward the upper ball seat or sealing
rim 50,
as shown in FIG. 21. As the ball 42 moves vertically upward toward the upper
ball
seat or sealing rim 50, the product to be dispensed flows into and fills the
metering
chamber 19 of the male valve stem 86. The product to be dispensed continues
forcing the ball 42 through the metering chamber 19 until the ball 42 engages
and
abuts against the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, as shown in FIG. 22, so
that the
metering chamber 19 is then filled with the product to be dispensed and the
valve
can then be closed.
[0121] After such initial priming of the valve 40, as described above, the
metering
chamber 19 is now completely filled with the product to be dispensed, however,
no
product has yet been dispensed through the nozzle 62 of the actuator 60
because
the male valve stem 86 was initially empty and required priming of the
metering
chamber 19. After completion of this initial priming step, the metering ball
42 still
remains in abutting engagement against the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50
so as
to prevent the flow of any product to be dispensed past this seal.
[0122] Next, the depression pressure of the actuator 60 is then removed or

eliminated so that the spring 33 biases the valve body 17 back into its
normally
closed position thereby preventing the flow of additional product to be
dispensed
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from the cavity into the at least one stem orifice 96, i.e., the perimeter lip
94 of the
valve body 17 is again brought into sealing engagement with the gasket 90 to
prevent the flow of product to be dispensed into the at least one stem orifice
96, as
shown in FIG. 23. The ball 42 is then permitted to be gradually released from
its
sealing engagement with the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 by external air
which
flows into and along the one or more micro grooves, channels or vents 68 and
the
external air eventually breaks the surface tension and thereby releasing the
metering
ball 42 from its sealing engagement with the upper ball sealing or sealing rim
50.
The ball 42 eventually falls, moves or rolls through the product filled
metering
chamber 19, due to gravity as generally shown in FIG. 24, back into engagement

with the lower ball seat or rim 44, as shown in FIG. 25. Once the ball 42 is
located
in this position, the ball 42 eventually again rests against the lower ball
seat or rim
44 and is ready for another dispensing cycle.
[0123] Once the ball 42 is in the position shown in FIG. 25, the metered
valve 40 is
now completely primed and ready to commence dispensing product. By depressing
the actuation area 66, the actuator 60 is again at least partially depressed
and
moves the valve body vertically downward so that the perimeter lip 94 moves
vertically downward away from and out of sealing engagement with the gasket 90

so as to permit product flow from the cavity into the at least one stem
orifice 96 and
facilitate communication between the product to be dispensed and the supply
passage 98 of the male valve stem 86. Once this occurs, the product then
immediately flows in through the at least one stern orifice 96 and the supply
passage
98 of the male valve stern 86, as shown in FIG. 21. As the product flows
through the
stem orifice 96 of the male valve stem 86, the product engages with the ball
42 and
forces the ball 42 out of sealing engagement with the lower ball seat or rim
44 and
toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. As the ball 42 moves toward the
upper
ball seat or sealing rim 50, the product which is located in the metering
chamber 19,
between a vertically upper surface of the ball 42 and the upper ball seat or
sealing
rim 50, is displaced and forced out through the outlet orifice 48. The product
is then
forced out through the first and the second passages 56, 58 of the actuator 60
and
through the discharge nozzle 62 for dispensing in a desired spray pattern 72,
as
generally indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 21.
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[0124] As the product to be dispensed forces the ball 42 along the metering
chamber
19, additional product to be dispensed fills the metering chamber 19, for a
subsequent dispensing cycle, until the ball 42 engages with and abuts against
the
upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, as shown in FIG. 22. As soon as this
occurs, a
pre-determined quantity of product to be dispensed will be dispensed from the
actuator 60. Next, depression of the actuator 60 is removed or eliminated and
the
metering ball 42 is then permitted to be gradually released from its sealing
engagement with the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, by external air which
is
permitted to flow to the at least one, or possibly more, micro groove(s),
channel(s)
or vent(s) 68 and break the surface tension and thereby releasing the metering
ball
42 from its sealing engagement with the upper ball sealing or sealing rim 50.
The
metering ball 42 eventually falls, moves or rolls, due to gravity, through the
product
filled metering chamber 19 back into engagement with the lower ball seat or
rim 44,
as shown in FIG. 24. Once the metering ball 42 is located in this position,
the
metering ball 42 again rests against the lower ball seat or rim 44, as shown
in FIG.
25, and is again ready for a subsequent dispensing cycle.
[0125] As shown in FIGS. 26, 26A and 268, the conventional coupling 52 has
at
least one, and possibly more, micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 formed
in an
inwardly facing surface thereof. The at least one, and possibly more, micro
groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 extends continuously and uninterrupted
along the
inwardly facing surface, from a lower bottom edge of the conventional coupling
52
to and along at least a major portion of the upper ball seat or sealing rim
50. Each
micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 typically has a height of about
0.005 +
0.003 inches, and a width of about 0.005 4- 0.003 inches. Each micro
groove(s),
channel(s) or vent(s) 68 has a cross-sectional flow area which is designed to
permit
external air to flow therealong to the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 and
eventually
assist with breaking the surface tension seal achieved by the product to be
dispensed, between the metering ball 42 and the upper ball seat or sealing
ring rim
50. Such cross-sectional flow area is also designed to be sufficiently small
so as to
prevent any significant amount of the product to be dispensed from flowing out

through the micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68.
-35-

[0126] The metering chamber 19 typically has a length of between 1.023k
0.100
inches and between 0.3340.100 inches and a diameter of between 0.140 inches
and between 0.110 inches, preferably about 0.127 inches. The metering chamber
19 typically has a volume of between 50 and 100 microliters, depending upon
the
particular application. It is to be appreciated that the length and/or the
diameter
of the metering chamber 19 are designed or selected so as to accommodate the
desired predetermined quantity of product to be dispensed during each
dispensing cycle of the metering ball 42.
[0127] Since certain changes may be made in the above described improved

continuous dispensing actuator assembly, without departing from the spirit and

scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all of the subject
matter
of the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted merely as examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and
shall
not be construed as limiting the invention.
-36-
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26

Representative Drawing