Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1
TITLE
LIQUID DISPENSER WITH VALVE
15 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Heretofore, various types of fluid dispensers have been developed to
dispense fluid from various types of containers. Known types of fluid
dispensers can suffer
from a variety of problems: dripping after closure and oxygen transmission
through the
fluid dispenser and into the container are examples of the problems. Oxygen
transmission
into the fluid within the container can lead to reduced freshness or taste due
to oxidation of
the fluid. This phenomenon is particularly acute in the wine industry.
Consequently, there remains a need for a fluid dispenser that has a low
oxygen transmission rate and does not drip after closure.
Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some of the
claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of
the
summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the
invention
may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention, below.
A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification is provided
as
well. The abstract is not intended to be used for interpreting the scope of
the claims.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-12
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BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In some embodiments, a fluid dispenser has a flow configuration and a
sealed configuration. The fluid dispenser comprises a main body, a dome
member, and a
valve member. The main body has an outer flow surface and an inner flow
surface, and the
outer flow surface has an opening therethrough defining a dispensing port. The
valve
member has a face and is coupled to the dome member. When the fluid dispenser
is in the
flow configuration, the outer flow surface, inner flow surface, and face
define a fluid
passageway for fluid to flow exteriorly to the inner flow surface, interiorly
to the outer flow
surface, and exit the fluid dispenser via the dispensing port.
In some embodiments, a fluid dispenser comprises a main body and a valve
member. The main body has a seal and a sidewall with a first opening therein.
The valve
member is sildable within the main body and has an open position and a closed
position.
The valve member further has a channel therein; the channel has a first
sidewall and a
second sidewall opposite the first sidewall. When the valve member is in the
closed
position, the seal extends into the channel and contacts the first and second
sidewalls. The
main body and valve member define a second opening and flow passage
therebetween.
When the valve member is in the open position, the flow passage extends from
the first
opening to the second opening and when the valve portion is in the closed
position, the
flow passage is sealed by contact between the seal and at least the first
sidewall.
In some embodiments, a fluid dispenser comprises a main body, an
elastomeric dome member, and a movable valve member. The main body has a
sidewall
with an opening therein through which fluid can be dispensed. The valve member
is
movable between a sealed position and an open position. The valve member has a
stem
which is coupled to the elastomeric dome member. The stem has a longitudinal
axis. In the
open position the main body and valve member define a flow passage which ends
at the
opening. The flow passage includes a section which extends 360 degrees about
the stem
and is bounded by the main body and the valve member. The flow passage is a
slanted
passage which slants relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a 3-dimensional view of an example of a fluid dispenser.
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FIG. 2 shows a cutaway view of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows a 3-dimensional view of an example of a dome member.
FIG. 4 shows a cutaway view of the dome member of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 shows a cutaway view of an example of a main body of the fluid
dispenser of FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 shows another cutaway view of an example of a main body of the
fluid dispenser of FIG. 2.
FIG. 7 shows a 3-dimensional view of the front of a main body of the fluid
dispenser of FIG. 2.
FIG. 8 shows a 3-dimensional view of an example of the valve member.
FIG. 9 shows a 3-dimensional view of an example of the valve member of
FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 shows a cutaway view of the valve member of FIGs. 8 and 9.
FIG. 11 shows a 3-dimensional view of an example of a cap.
FIG. 12 shows 3-dimensional view of an example of the cap of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 shows a cutaway view of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 2 in an open or
flow configuration.
FIG. 14 shows a detailed cutaway view of the valve member and body of
FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 shows a 3-dimensional view of an example of a fluid dispenser.
FIG. 16 shows a cutaway view of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 15.
FIG. 17 shows a bottom view of the fluid dispenser of FIGS. 15 and 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In some embodiments, a fluid dispenser comprises a main body, a valve
member and a dome member. The valve member is coupled to the dome member and
is
movable within the main body such that upon depression of the dome member,
fluid can
flow out of the fluid dispenser.
With regard to FIG. 1, the main body 12 of the fluid dispenser 10 is shown
with a cap 14 attached thereto. In some embodiments, the cap 14 protects the
dome
member 16 (FIG. 2) and, prior to removal of the cap 14, shows evidence of
tampering. As
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shown in FIG. 2, which is a cross-sectional view, the dome member 16 is
coupled to a
valve member 18. The valve member 18 is slidable within the main body 12 such
that
when the dome member 16 is pressed, fluid can flow out of a dispensing port
20.
In some embodiments, the main body 12 has a flange 22 and a coupler 24.
The coupler 24 is configured to attach the main body 12 to a container (not
shown) in order
to dispense fluid from the container via the fluid dispenser 10. In some
embodiments, the
coupler 24 has one or more ribs or beads 26 extending radially outwardly in
order to
provide a seal between the outlet (e.g., spout) of the container and the
coupler 24. As
shown, the beads 26 are provided on the outside of the coupler 24 such that
the coupler 24
.. can be inserted into a female connection on the container. Other
configurations are also
contemplated, however. For example, the beads 26 can be disposed on the inside
of the
coupler 24. Further, the coupler 24 can have interior and/or exterior threads
or any other
suitable attachment or sealing mechanism. The coupler 24 can also be attached
to a screw
ring which can be attached to the container (not shown). In some embodiments,
the coupler
.. 24 includes three beads 26; however, any suitable number can be employed,
for example 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or more. Additionally, where multiple beads 26 are used, the
beads 26 can
be spaced apart from one another and spaced from the flange 22 and coupler end
28 (FIG.
2) in any suitable arrangement.
As further shown in FIG. 2, the main body 12 defines a cavity 30 which is
partially bounded by the coupler 24. Further, in some embodiments, the main
body 12
comprises a seal 32 that extends into the cavity 30. In some embodiments, the
main body
12 comprises a guide 34 through which a portion of the valve member 18
extends.
In some embodiments, the valve member 18 comprises a base portion 36, a
stem 38 extending from the base portion 36, an inner tubular portion 40, an
inner facing
wall 42, and intermediate tubular portion 44, an outer facing wall 46, and an
outer tubular
portion 48. In some embodiments, the length of the intermediate tubular
portion 44 varies
around the periphery of the valve member 18. For example, in some embodiments,
the
intermediate tubular portion 44 is longer at the bottom of the valve member 18
than at the
top of the valve member 18, as shown in FIGs. 2 and 10. In some embodiments,
the length
of the inner tubular portion 40 varies around the periphery of the valve
member 18; for
example, the length of the inner tubular portion 40 may be longer at the
bottom of the valve
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member 18 than at the top of the valve member 18, as further shown in FIGs. 2
and 10. In
some embodiments, the length of the intermediate tubular portion 44 is longer
closer to the
dispensing port 20 (FIG. 2) than further away from the dispensing port 20.
As shown in FIG. 2, the outer tubular portion 48 contacts the seal 32 of the
5 main body 12 when the fluid dispenser 10 is in a sealed configuration 50,
wherein fluid is
prevented from flowing out of the fluid dispenser 10.
In some embodiments, a first channel 128 (FIG. 10) is formed between at
least a portion of the stem 38 and at least a portion of the inner tubular
portion 40. In some
embodiments, a second channel 130 is formed between at least a portion of the
inner
tubular portion 40 and at least a portion of the intermediate tubular portion
44; the second
channel may be further bounded by the inner facing wall 42. In some
embodiments, a third
channel 132 is formed between at least a portion of the intermediate tubular
portion 44 and
at least a portion of the outer tubular portion 48; the third channel may be
further bounded
by the outer facing wall 46, as shown for example in FIG. 10. In at least some
embodiments, the first and third channels 128, 132 open in a direction
opposing the second
channel 130.
Although shown in FIGs. 2 and 10 with the valve member 18 having a third
channel into which the seal 32 extends, it will be appreciated that the
relationship can be
reversed such that the main body 12 comprises a channel into which a portion
of the valve
member 18 extends.
In some embodiments, the valve member 18 further comprises a keeper 52
at the distal end portion of the stem 38. The keeper 52 interfaces with a
retainer 54 of the
dome member 16. The keeper 52 couples the valve member 18 to the dome member
16
such that the valve member 18 and dome member 16 move in tandem.
With regard to FIGs. 3 and 4, the dome member 16 is shown therein in
greater detail. In FIG. 4, the dome member 16 is shown in cross-section. The
dome
member 16 has a base 56. In some examples, as shown in FIGs. 3 and 4, the base
56 is
circular. Other shapes and configurations are also contemplated, however; for
example, the
base 56 can also be square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or in the shape
of any other
suitable polygon. In some embodiments, the cross-section of material is
thicker at the base
56 of the dome member 16 than nearer the peak of the dome member 16. At least
some
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examples of the base 56 have a seat 58, which is configured to be received by
the recess 60
(FIGs. 5 and 7).
In at least some examples, the dome member 16 comprises an elastomeric
material. The dome member 16 is elastically deformable from a first
configuration 100
(FIG. 2), wherein the fluid dispenser 10 is in a sealed configuration 50, to a
second
configuration 102 (FIG. 13), in which fluid is permitted to flow out of the
fluid dispenser
10. The dome member 16 is predisposed to remain in the first configuration 100
unless a
force is applied to it to depress the dome member 16. Thus, the dome member 16
pulls the
valve member 18 closed, via keeper 52, as long the dome member 16 is not
depressed.
Turning to FIG. 5, an example of the main body 12 is shown in the absence
of the dome member 16, valve member 18, and cap 14. As shown, the guide 34
defines an
opening 62 through which the stem 38 extends (FIG. 2). In some embodiments,
the
opening 62 is triangular in cross-section. Referring to FIGs. 8 and 9, in some
embodiments, the stem 38 has a triangular cross-section to correspond with the
triangular
cross-section of the guide 34. The guide 34 can have any other suitable cross-
sectional
shape, for example circular, square, pentagonal, notched.
In some embodiments, the main body 12 comprises one or more stand-off
members 64. As illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, a plurality of stand-off
members 64 are
employed. In some embodiments, the one or more stand-off members 64 are
arranged to
locate the dome member 16 within the recess 60. In some embodiments, the one
or more
stand-off members 64 (FIG. 5) abut the seat 58 (FIG. 4) of the dome member 16.
Some
examples of the main body 12 have at least three stand-off members 64. Some
examples of
the main body 12 have between three and fifteen stand-off members 64 and some
embodiments have seven stand-off members 64, though any suitable number can be
employed. Further, in at least some embodiments, the at least one stand-off
member 64 is
configured as a single stand-off member 64 having an annular shape; a semi-
annular shape,
for example with a segment cut out of it, can also be used.
With further regard to FIGs. 5 and 6, in some examples, the main body 12
has a dividing wall 66, separating the cavity 30 from the chamber 68. In some
embodiments, the dividing wall 66 is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to
a plane 120
(FIG. 5) defined by the flange 22. In some examples, the main body 12
comprises an outer
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flow surface 106 and an inner flow surface 108, for example as shown in FIGs.
6 and 13.
In at least some examples, the dispensing port 20 forms an opening in the
outer flow
surface 106.
As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the main body 12 comprises one
or more finger holds 70, for example two finger holds 70, which can be
oriented in any
suitable orientation. As illustrated, the finger holds 70 are configured such
that the user's
index finger is placed between one of the finger holds 70, for examp1e70a, and
the flange
22 and the user's middle finger is placed between the other of the finger
holds, for example
70b, and the flange 22. In this way, the user's thumb is used to depress the
dome member
16 (FIG. 13) to dispense fluid.
In at least some examples, the main body 12 has one or more detents 72
(FIGs. 1, 5, 7). In some embodiments, the detents 72 retain the cap 14 (FIG.
12) until the
cap 14 is removed, as discussed below. Some embodiments of the main body 12
have two
opposing detents 72, which can take on any suitable configuration. In some
examples, the
detents 72 are openings extending through a portion of the respective finger
hold 70a, 70b.
Turning to FIGs. 8-10, the valve member 18 is shown in detail; FIG. 10 is a
cross-sectional view of the valve member 18. As illustrated, in some examples,
the stem 38
has a generally triangular cross-section, corresponding to the cross-section
of the opening
62 of the main body 12 (FIG. 7). Further, in some examples, the keeper 52 is
located at a
distal end of the stem 38. Just proximal of the keeper 52 is a narrowed
portion 74 of the
stem 38. The narrowed portion 74 fits into the catch 76 of the dome member 16
(FIG. 4),
thereby coupling the dome member 16 and the valve member 18 so that they move
in
tandem.
The valve member 18 has a sealing surface 78 (FIG. 10) which contacts the
seal 32 (FIG. 2) when the fluid dispenser 10 is in the sealed configuration
50. Due to the
relatively large area of contact between the sealing surface 78 and the seal
32, the oxygen
transmission rate into the fluid can be minimized. This is particularly
important in certain
industries, for example the wine industry.
With further regard to FIGs. 8 and 10, the valve member 18 has a face 80.
In some examples, the face 80 is angled relative to the longitudinal axis 81
of the stem 38.
Further, the face 80 is configured to abut, or nearly abut, the dividing wall
66 (FIG. 2) of
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the main body 12. In some embodiments, the face 80 is angled relative to the
longitudinal
axis 81 of the stem 38 by an angle a, which is less than 90 degrees and, in
some examples,
is between 45 and 70 degrees. Angle a is measured between the longitudinal
axis 81 and
the face 80 from a location on the face 80 where the intermediate tubular
portion 44 is at its
longest (as measured parallel to the longitudinal axis 81 of the stem 38). In
some
embodiments, the face 80 is angled relative to the valve seal plane 122 (FIG.
10) by a non-
zero angle 6'. The valve seal plane 122 is defined by a plane extending
through the center
of the sealing surface 78 along the periphery of the valve member 18. As
illustrated in FIG.
10, the valve seal plane 122 extends into and out of the page. In some
embodiments, the
angle 6 is between 20 and 45 degrees. In at least some embodiments, the
longitudinal axis
81 is orthogonal to the valve seal plane 122.
FIGs. 11 and 12 show an example of the cap 14. Some embodiments of the
fluid dispenser 10 have the cap 14 affixed thereto until the fluid dispenser
10 is used to
dispense fluid, at which time the cap 14, or at least a portion thereof, is
removed to provide
access to the dome member 16. The cap 14 is configured to show evidence of
tampering
and, in at least some examples, once it is removed from the main body 12, it
cannot be
easily reattached.
The cap 14 has a tab 82, a body portion 84, and a bond strip 86. Extending
from the body portion 84, the cap 14 comprises at least one ear 88. As
illustrated in FIG.
12, for example, the cap 14 has two ears 88. The ears 88 snap-fit into the
detents 72 (FIGs.
5 and 7) of the main body 12. Further, in some embodiments, the bond strip 86
is attached
to a lip 92 (FIG. 5) of the main body 12. The bond strip 86 can be attached to
the lip 92 in
any desirable way, for example with adhesive or via ultrasonic welding. In
some
embodiments, the bond strip 86 has a plurality of teeth 94 (FIG. 12) which
provide contact
points to contact the lip 92. The teeth 94 are flattened during ultrasonic
welding, for
example, to yield a high strength bond between the bond strip 86 and the lip
92.
In some embodiments, the cap 14 has at least one tear strip 90. As shown in
FIG. 1, for example, the cap 14 has two tear strips 90. In some examples, the
tear strip(s)
90 extend entirely through the material of the body portion 84 along portion
of length of the
tear strip(s) 90. A shown in FIG. 11, for example, the tear strips 90 extend
through the
material near where the tab 82 adjoins the body portion 84. With regard to
FIG. 12, as the
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tear strips 90 extend inwardly into the body portion 84 from the periphery of
the cap 14, the
tear strips 90 are thicker than nearer the periphery. Stated differently, the
material
thickness of the tear strips 90 increases along the length of the tear strip
90. The material
thickness of the tear strips 90 is thinnest nearer the outer periphery of the
cap 14. The
thickness increases from the periphery until the tear strips 90 end at 96,
where the material
thickness of the tear strip(s) 90 is the same as the material thickness of the
adjacent portion
of the cap 14. Therefore, along a portion of the length of the tear strips 90,
the tear strips
90 are reductions in the material thickness of the body portion 84.
Removal of the cap 14, for example by a user wishing to dispense fluid from
the fluid dispenser 10, is carried out by pulling on the tab 82. As the tab 82
is pulled, the
tear strips 90 begin to tear along their length and cracks propagate until the
tear strips 90
end at 96. At this point, the ears 88 snap out of the detents 72 and the dome
member 16 is
partially exposed to the user. To remove the cap 14 entirely, such that the
fluid dispenser
10 can be utilized, the user continues to pull on the tab 82, at which point
the cap 14
fractures at the attachment columns 98 (FIG. 12). In this way, the bond strip
86 remains
attached to the main body 12, and the body portion 84 and tab 82 of the cap 14
arc removed
from the bond strip 86 and are discarded.
With the cap 14 removed, the user can dispense fluid by depressing the
dome member 16, as shown in FIG. 13, wherein the fluid dispenser 10 is in a
flow
configuration 104. In some examples, the dome member 16 elastically deforms to
take on
the second configuration 102 when it is depressed. The dome member 16
consequently
moves the valve member 18 inwardly and sealing contact between the seal 32 and
the
sealing surface 78 of the valve member 18 is broken. As such, fluid is
permitted to flow
between the valve member 18 and the dividing wall 66 and out through the
dispensing port
20. The fluid is further permitted to flow interiorly within the outer flow
surface 106 and
exteriorly to the inner flow surface 108 before exiting the fluid dispenser 10
via the
dispensing port 20. A flow passage 124 (FIG. 13) extends from the cavity 30
and is at least
partially bounded by the valve member 18 and main body 12 (e.g., outer flow
surface 106,
inner flow surface 108). In at least some embodiments, the flow passage 124 is
a slanted
passage, relative to the longitudinal axis 81 (FIG. 10), and at least a
portion of the flow
passage 124 extends 360 degrees around the stem 38.
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Moreover, it will be appreciated that fluid is also permitted to flow past the
guide 34, between the stem 38 and the guide 34, and into the chamber 68.
Nonetheless,
because the dome member 16 is sealed against the main body along recess 60,
fluid is not
permitted to exit the fluid dispenser 10 by any way other than through the
dispensing port
5 20.
In order for the fluid to flow out of the fluid dispenser 10, it has to flow
around the valve member 18. Due to the shape of the valve member 18, along
with the
guide 34 extending into the cavity 30, fluid must navigate a circuitous path.
And, upon
release of the dome member 16, the dome member 16 returns to its first
configuration 100
10 (FIG. 2), the sealing surface 78 again comes into contact with the seal
32, and flow of fluid
out of the dispensing port 20 ceases. Further, upon release of the dome member
16 and
closure of the valve member 18, the fluid dispenser 10 can eliminate dripping.
In some examples, flow of fluid out of the dispensing port 20 is reduced,
however, upon release of the dome member 16 but prior to the sealing surface
78 sealing
against seal 32. This is due in-part to the guide 34 extending a relatively
long distance into
the cavity 30. Further, because the inner tubular portion 40 overlaps a
greater portion of the
guide 34 at the bottom of the valve member 18 than at the top of the valve
member 18, the
flow of fluid around the valve member 18 is slowed prior to contact between
the sealing
surface 78 and the seal 32. And, in some embodiments, the face 80 is disposed
at a non-
zero angle, 0, relative to a sealing plane 110 (FIGs. 6, 14) such that fluid
flow is reduced
prior to contact between the sealing surface 78 and the seal 32. The sealing
plane 110 is
defined by a plane extending through the center of the contact surface 126 of
the seal 32
such that at each location around the periphery of the seal 32, the center of
the contact
surface 126 lies on the sealing plane 110. The contact surface 126 is the
surface of the seal
32 that mates with the sealing surface 78 when the fluid dispenser 10 is in
the sealed
configuration 50 (FIG. 14). In some embodiments, the non-zero angle 0 is
between 20 and
45 degrees. When the fluid dispenser 10 is in the sealed configuration 50, the
sealing plane
110 and the valve seal plane 122 are coincident.
In at least some examples, when the fluid dispenser 10 is in the sealed
configuration 50, there is no head pressure from the fluid within the
container pushing
outwardly on the dome member 16 because the sealing surface 78 and seal 32 are
disposed
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between the dome member 16 and the fluid in the container. Additionally, head
pressure
from the fluid tends to aid in closing the fluid dispenser 10 by pushing the
valve member 18
into the seal 32 of the main body 12.
With regard to FIG. 14, a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the
valve member 18 is shown with a portion of the main body 12. As shown, the
fluid
dispenser 10 is in the sealed configuration 50.
In some examples, the outer tubular portion 48 has a lobe 112 (FIGs. 10 and
14) that contacts the seal 32. As the valve member 18 is closed, the lobe 112
moves toward
the seal 32, ultimately sliding along incline 114 of the seal 32.
Subsequently, the lobe 112
moves past the incline 114 until the valve member 18 comes to rest against the
main body
12 such that the sealing surface 78 contacts the contact surface 126.
Additionally, in some examples, the outer tubular portion 48 pushes the seal
32 inwardly toward the intermediate tubular portion 44. In some embodiments,
the
intermediate tubular portion 44 comprises a wedge 116. As the lobe 112 pushes
the seal
inwardly toward the intermediate tubular portion 44, the wedge 116 comes into
contact
with the distal most end of the seal 32. The wedge 116 contacts on opposite
side of the seal
32 than the lobe 112. This arrangement prevents creep and deformation of the
seal 32 over
time in order to ensure proper sealing of the fluid dispenser 10, even after a
period of shelf
time or use. The seal 32 is prevented from undergoing too much deformation
because it is
situated between the wedge 116 and lobe 112. Moreover, the lobe 112 and shape
of the
seal 32 and valve member 18 provide a relatively large area of contact between
the seal 32
and valve member 18, thereby reducing the oxygen transmission rate of the
fluid dispenser
10.
In some examples, when the fluid dispenser 10 is in the sealed configuration
50, as shown in FIG. 14, a capillary gap 118 is disposed between the valve
member 18 and
the guide 34. The presence of the capillary gap 118 eliminates post-closure
dripping.
In some embodiments, the main body 12 is made of HDPE (high density
polyethylene), although other materials are also suitable. Further, in some
embodiments,
the valve member 18 is made of HDPE, though other materials are also suitable.
In some
embodiments, the cap 14 is made of HDPE, though other materials are also
suitable. The
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main body 12, valve member 18, and cap 14 can all be made from the same HDPE
or
different HDPEs, for example having different hardnesses.
In some examples, the dome member 16 is made of a TPE (thermoplastic
elastomer), although other materials can also be used.
Where plastics are used, the various components (e.g., dome member 16,
main body 12, valve member 18, cap 14) can be injection molded and assembled.
At least
some examples of the fluid dispenser 10 are assembled by inserting the valve
member 18
into the main body 12 such that stem 38 extends through the guide 34 (FIG. 2).
The valve
member 18 can be inserted into the main body 12 until it bottoms against the
main body 12.
Then, the dome member 16 is added to the main body 12 by inserting the keeper
52 (FIG.
10) into the retainer 54 (FIG. 4). Also, the dome member 16 is seated against
the recess 60
(FIG. 7). Subsequently, the cap 14 is added by placing the ears 88 (FIG. 11)
within the
detents 72 (FIG. 5); the bond strip 86 (FIG. 12) is pressed against the lip 92
(FIG. 5) and
the two are ultrasonically welded together.
In at least some examples, even when the dome member 16 is in the first
configuration 100 (FIG. 2), it continues to exert an outward (closing) force
against the
valve member 18. This helps to ensure sealing between the valve member 18 and
the main
body 12 as well as between the dome member 16 and the main body 12.
As will be appreciated, the coupler 24 can have any desired length or
configuration. The coupler 24 can be configured to attach to a bag-in-box
container, bag
container, box container, or any other container with standardized or non-
standardized
shape.
Further, some embodiments of the fluid dispenser 10 can utilize dome
members 16 formed of a clear material, for example to allow the color of the
fluid to be
seen. In some examples, the dome member 16 is made from a colored material
which can
also be used to signify the type or flavor of fluid.
In at least some examples of the fluid dispenser 10, at least a portion of the
valve member 18 (e.g., intermediate tubular portion 44) extends over at least
a portion of
the dispensing port 20 prior to sealing of the valve member 20 against the
seal 32. In this
way, the flow of fluid can be throttled and/or reduced prior to closure of
fluid dispenser 10.
13
FIGs. 15-17 show another example of a fluid dispenser 10. As shown, in
some embodiments, the fluid dispenser 10 has a spout 134. In some embodiments,
fluid is
dispensed from the fluid dispenser 10 via the spout 134. In some embodiments,
the spout
134 extends downwardly from the main body 12. Further, the spout 134 can
extend away
from the flange 22, permitting the user to position a rim of drinking vessel
(e.g., glass or
cup) between the flange 22 and the spout 134, thereby reducing the likelihood
of spillage.
As further shown in FIGs. 15-17, in some embodiments, the body 12
comprises a barrel 136. In some embodiments, the barrel 136 extends from the
flange 22
and provides a greater distance between flange 22 and the dispensing port 20,
for example
when compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.
A description of some embodiments of the stents and the delivery catheter
are contained in one or more of the following numbered statements:
Statement 1. A fluid dispenser having a flow configuration and a sealed
configuration, the
fluid dispenser comprising:
a main body, the main body having an outer flow surface and an inner flow
surface,
the outer flow surface having an opening therethrough defining a dispensing
port;
a dome member; and
a valve member, the valve member having a face and being coupled to the dome
member;
wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the flow configuration, the outer flow
surface, inner flow surface, and face define a fluid passageway for fluid to
flow exteriorly
to the inner flow surface, interiorly to the outer flow surface, and exit the
fluid dispenser via
the dispensing port.
Statement 2. The fluid dispenser of statement 1, wherein the valve member
further
comprises a stem, the stem being coupled to the dome member.
Statement 3. The fluid dispenser of statement 2, wherein the main body
comprises a guide
through which the stem extends.
Statement 4. The fluid dispenser of statement 3, wherein the guide comprises
the inner
flow surface.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-12
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14
Statement 5. The fluid dispenser of statement 1, wherein at least a portion of
the outer
flow surface is in opposing relationship with the inner flow surface.
Statement 6. The fluid dispenser of statement 1, wherein the main body has a
seal and the
valve member has an outer tubular portion, the outer tubular portion
contacting the seal
when the fluid dispenser is in the sealed configuration.
Statement 7. The fluid dispenser of statement 6, wherein the valve member has
an
intermediate tubular portion and the seal is disposed between the outer
tubular portion and
the intermediate tubular portion when the fluid dispenser is in the sealed
configuration.
Statement 8. The fluid dispenser of statement 7, wherein the valve member
comprises a
wedge extending from the intermediate tubular portion, the wedge configured to
contact a
side of the seal opposite the outer tubular portion.
Statement 9. The fluid dispenser of statement 1, wherein the main body has a
seal, the
seal defining a sealing plane extending therethrough, the face angled with
respect to the
sealing plane at an angle between 20 and 45 degrees.
Statement 10. The fluid dispenser of statement 1, wherein the dome member is
formed of
an elastomeric material.
Statement 11. The fluid dispenser of statement 1, wherein the main body
comprises a
dividing wall, the face opposing the dividing wall.
Statement 12. The fluid dispenser of statement 1, wherein the main body has at
least one
stand-off member.
Statement 13. The fluid dispenser of statement 12, wherein the at least one
stand-off
member defines a recess.
Statement 14. The fluid dispenser of statement 13, wherein at least a portion
of the dome
member is seated against the recess.
.. Statement 15. The fluid dispenser of statement 1 further comprising a cap.
Statement 16. The fluid dispenser of statement 15, wherein the cap has at
least one tear
strip.
Statement 17. A fluid dispenser comprising:
a main body having a sidewall with a first opening therein, and a seal;
a valve member slidable within the main body, the valve member having an open
position and a closed position, the valve member having a channel therein, the
channel
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having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall,
when the valve
member is in the closed position, the seal extends into the channel and
contacts the first and
second sidewalls,
the main body and valve member defining a second opening and flow passage
5 therebetween, when the valve member is in the open position, the flow
passage extending
from the first opening to the second opening and when the valve portion is in
the closed
position, the flow passage being sealed by contact between the seal and at
least the first
sidewall.
Statement 18. The fluid dispenser of statement 17, wherein the second sidewall
comprises
10 a wedge extending into the channel.
Statement 19. The fluid dispenser of statement 17, wherein the first sidewall
comprises a
lobe.
Statement 20. A fluid dispenser comprising:
a main body having a sidewall with an opening therein through which fluid can
be
15 dispensed;
an elastomeric dome member; and
a movable valve member, the valve member movable between a sealed position and
an open position, the valve member having a stem which is coupled to the
elastomeric
dome member, the stem having a longitudinal axis,
in the open position the main body and valve member defining a flow passage
which ends at the opening,
wherein the flow passage includes a section which extends 360 degrees about
the
stem and is bounded by the main body and the valve member, the flow passage
being a
slanted passage which slants relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem.
Statement 21. A fluid dispenser comprising:
a main body having an opening therein through which fluid can be dispensed;
and
a movable valve member, the valve member movable between a sealed position and
an open position,
the valve member including:
a base portion,
a stem extending from the base portion,
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16
a first portion extending from the base and extending all the way around at
least a portion of the stem,
a first channel extending between the first portion and the stem,
a second portion extending from the first portion, the second portion
extending all the way around at least a portion of the stem,
a third portion extending from the second portion, the third portion being
annular and extending all the way around at least a portion of the stem,
a second channel extending between the first, second, and third portions,
a fourth portion extending outwardly from the third portion, the fourth
portion being annular and extending all the way around at least a portion of
the stem,
a fifth portion extending from the fourth portion, the fifth portion being
annular and extending all the way around at least a portion of the stem,
a third channel extending between the third, fourth, and fifth portions,
the main body including a first mating portion which, when the valve member is
in
the sealed position, extends into the third channel and contacts at least a
portion of the fifth
portion;
a flow passage being formed between the main body and the valve member when
the valve member is in the open position, the flow passage terminating at the
opening;
wherein the first and second channels are of decreasing depth as they extend
about
the stem away from the opening.
Statement 22. The fluid dispenser of statement 21, wherein the valve member is
configured
to mate with the main body such that in the open position, a fourth channel is
defined
between the second portion and the main body.
Statement 23. The fluid dispenser of statement 21, wherein the second channel
faces an
opposite direction than the first and third channels.
Statement 24. A fluid dispenser comprising:
a main body and a valve member, the main body having a seal, wherein one
of the seal and valve member defines a channel and the other of the seal and
valve member
has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein
when the fluid
dispenser is in a closed configuration, the first and second surfaces contact
opposing
surfaces of the channel.
17
Statement 25. The fluid dispenser of statement 24, wherein the contact between
the seal
and valve member extends 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the valve
member.
Statement 26. The fluid dispenser of statement 24 or statement 25, wherein the
valve
member can be any one of the valve members disclosed herein.
Statement 27. The fluid dispenser of any one of statements 24, 25, or 26,
wherein the seal
can be any one of the seals disclosed herein.
Statement 28. The fluid dispenser of any one of statements 24-27, wherein one
of the
opposing surfaces of the channel forms a wedge, for example as shown in FIG.
14 via
reference numeral 116.
While reference has been made to various preferred embodiments of the
invention other variations, implementations, modifications, alterations and
embodiments
are comprehended by the broad scope of the appended claims. Some of these have
been
discussed in detail in this specification and others will be apparent to those
skilled in the
art. Those of ordinary skill in the art having access to the teachings herein
will recognize
these additional variations, implementations, modifications, alterations and
embodiments,
all of which are within the scope of the present invention, which invention is
limited only
by the appended claims.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-12
