Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02478226 2004-09-03
Self-closing valve
The invention relates to a self-closing valve for
dispensing an in particular liquid or pasty product,
having a valve diaphragm, the valve diaphragm being of
convex shape, as seen from the product side, at least
in the dispensing region.
A self-closing valve of this type can be gathered from
WO 95/26306. It is realized as an injection molding and
is incorporated in the end zone of a container closure.
The periphery of the curved valve diaphragm is
thickened to form a rear-engagement claw, so that, when
the convex valve diaphragm pushes out in a manner
typical for dispensing purposes, the arresting action
achieved in this way is maintained. A stationary
supporting element is then located on the product side.
The valve diaphragm rests thereon. The valve diaphragm
has a central hole-like dispensing opening in which a
plug of the supporting element engages with sealing
action. Located on the top side of this dispensing
region is a holding-down means, realized on a swing lid
of the container closure.
German patent application 100 63 522 discloses a self-
closing valve, the valve diaphragm of which is stamped
out of a planar sheet-like structure. The plate body,
which is provided with a slit at the same time, is
clamped in a carrier in the manner of an eardrum.
With the knowledge of these given features, it has been
an object of the invention to form a self-closing valve
of the generic type in a structurally straightforward
and functionally reliable manner.
This object is achieved first and foremost in the case
of a self-closing valve having the features of Claim l,
this being based on the fact that the valve diaphragm
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has, on the periphery, a holding ring which is formed
by encapsulation.
A structurally straightforward self-closing valve which
is stable during use is achieved in this way. The
holding ring acts like a hoop. This ensures the convex
shape of the valve diaphragm produced from the planar-
surface state. It may be made to have extremely thin
walls. Nevertheless, a body which can be handled, and
even stored, to very good effect is provided. The
shrinkage action which occurs during cooling also
assists the dome-shaped deformation of the valve
diaphragm.
The subject matters of the rest of the claims are
explained hereinbelow with reference to the subject
matter of Claim l, but may also be important in respect
of their independent wording. Thus, it is further
proposed that the valve diaphragm has a dispensing
slit, walls of the dispensing slit opening in a gap-
like manner on the product side. The outer fiber in
tension assists the corresponding gaping action. In
contrast, in the gap base, the slit walls butt against
one another, this being assisted by the fiber under
compression. The entire arrangement is such that the
convex shaping is associated with the inner stressing
to which the valve diaphragm is subjected. A uniform
cap-like dome is produced as far as the periphery since
the valve diaphragm is of convex shape throughout as
far as the peripheral region. The holding ring here
forms the zone which is not involved in the pushing-out
action. It is possible to vary the pushing-out action,
which is correspondingly induced by the dispensing
operation, by modifying the ring width in order to
achieve different actuating forces in the dispensing
region. The holding ring is suitably formed in a cross-
sectionally U-shaped manner in order fully to enclose
an outer periphery of the valve diaphragm. This results
in an, as it were, rotationally symmetrical shoe. A
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mechanical connection between the holding ring and
valve diaphragm which goes beyond the positively
locking surround may be carried out such that extending
from the holding ring are securing spigots which engage
through the valve diaphragm. Through-engagement
sections can easily be realized by, for example, a
cross-slot. It is further provided that the U-legs of
the holding ring are formed to be of different lengths.
In one useful application, the U-leg of the holding
ring which is directed away from the product is formed
to be longer than the U-leg which is directed towards
the product. The former has a determining influence on
the pushing-out action. For the purpose of positioning
the self-closing valve, the invention proposes that the
holding ring has a latching recess for latching the
valve into a dispensing container. This takes place on
the end side. The latching recess is located in the
region which is most suitable for stabilizing purposes,
and is in the most favorable position, if the latching
recess is associated with the U-web. It is further
proposed that the valve diaphragm consists of silicone.
Depending on structural requirements, it may also be
suitable for the valve diaphragm to consist of TPE. In
the presence of corresponding features, it is also
possible for the valve-forming parts to be arrested or.
one another without the through-engagement of securing
spigots, by the valve diaphragm being produced with the
holding ring by two-component injection molding. The
invention further proposes that the valve diaphragm
consists of a plastics sheet material. It is possible
here to make use of many materials which are available
on the market. An advantageous development is then
achieved by the plastics sheet material being
multilayered. The multilayered nature accounts for a
variability in the hardness, the resilience, adjustment
to product properties, etc. Despite using a material
combination of the multilayered plastics sheet
material, it is ensured that the product cannot enter
into the joints between the layers. One configuration
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of even independent importance consists in that, on the
product side, the valve diaphragm, in its dispensing
region, has a plate part positioned beneath it. This
plate part acts as a baffle. It is thus possible, for
example in the case of positioning-induced impact
loading and even when the container is used as an
upside-down container, for the product not to force its
way through the dispensing slit. Rather, the plate part
functions as a deflector. Under normal dispensing-type
loading, the valve diaphragm, in contrast, lifts off
from the plate part, so that the product can be
dispensed in a deliberately controlled manner. In
structural terms, the procedure may be such that the
plate part is formed integrally with the holding ring.
This takes place, in relation to the valve diaphragm,
preferably with material through-engagement by way of
the abovementioned securing spigots. An advantageous
configuration is achieved in that the plate part is
attached resiliently relative to the valve diaphragm.
In conjunction with the plate part, a kind of pressure
absorbing spring is present. It is further provided
that the plate part is attached to the holding ring
outside the dispensing slit of the valve diaphragm in
the radial direction. At the same time, pressure
equalization can take place via said dispensing slit.
In addition, the procedure is such that the dispensing
slit, along a diameter extent, projects beyond the
region of overlap with the plate part. A further
feature of the invention is that, on its surface which
is directed towards the valve diaphragm, the plate part
is of curved configuration in adaptation to the convex
profile of the valve diaphragm. This creates the same
flow conditions both for the product and in respect of
the air equalization in the opposite direction. It is
then provided that, with the exception of resilient
attachment arms, the holding ring has an outline in
plan view which differs from the circular shape of the
plate part. It is correspondir_gly possible to use a
configuration of selected cross-section. A non-round
CA 02478226 2004-09-03
configuration, at the same time, forms a rotation-
prevention means. Just a clamping force, however, is
generally sufficient as an effective rotation-
prevention means. The invention further proposes that
the radius of curvature of the valve diaphragm
corresponds to 0.8 to 1.4 times the valve diaphragm.
The invention then relates to a container closure which
is produced by plastics injection molding and has a
self-closing valve, a valve diaphragm and a plate part
covering the valve diaphragm on the product side, and
it proposes that the plate part is disposed such that
it can be moved relative to the valve diaphragm. It is
also advantageous here for the plate part to be spring-
loaded relative to the valve diaphragm, in this case
also functioning as a pressure-absorbing spring. A
further variant is achieved in that the plate part is
formed integrally with the container closure, and in
that the separately formed valve is secured in the
container closure. This accounts f_or a solution which
is particularly straightforward to produce. In a
further embodiment of this version, it is proposed that
integrally formed on the container closure is a swing
lid which, in the closed state, acts on the valve
diaphragm by way of a holding-down means. This also
results in excellent product protection during storage
and/or shipping periods.
An advantageous development of the subject matter
according to Claim 18 consists in that the plate part
and integrally formed resilient attachment arms can be
pressed :~ga..nst one another with closing action so as
to prevent substance from escaping. Degassing can take
place if need be. This is based on an iris-diaphragm-
like construction, in that the plate part and the
resilient arms attached thereto can be adjusted in
relation to one another such that a closed state is
achieved independently of the valve diaphragm. This is
embodied, furthermore, in that integrally formed on the
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plate part is a radially outwardly projecting closure
shield against which the resilient attachment arm can
be drawn with closing action and, furthermore, in that
integrally formed on the holding ring and/or the wall
of the dispensing container is an inwardly projecting
closure shield against which the resilient attachment
arm can be drawn with closing action. The control means
here is such that formed on the resilient attachment
arm is a guide flange which projects on the product
side and interacts with a run-on slope of the wall of
the dispensing container. A swing lid or the like is
superfluous. The rotary handle may be formed by wing-
screw-like formations of the holding ring, which is
nevertheless of round outline here, said holding ring
thus being given a further function to perform.
The subject matter of the invention is explained in
more detail hereinbelow with reference to an exemplary
embodiment illustrated in the drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows, on an enlarged scale, a cross-section
through a basic version of a self-closing
valve,
Figure 2 shows, in section, the valve diaphragm on its
own, still in the planar-surface state,
Figure 3 shows a section, corresponding to Figure l,
of a variant of the self-closing valve,
Figure 4 shows a plan view of the self-closing valve,
Figure 5 shows the center of the valve on an enlarged
scale, .showing a plate part secured via
resilient attachment arms,
Figure 6 shows a container closure in plan view, with
the swing lid open and a valve diaphragm not
yet placed in position,
CA 02478226 2004-09-03
Figure 7 shows the section along line VII-VII in
Figure 6,
Figure 8 shows a bottom view of the container closure,
likewise with the swing lid in the open
position,
Figure 9 shows an enlargement IX from Figure 8,
Figure 10 shows a vertical section through the center
of the container closure with associated
valve,
15 Figure 11 shows a lip position of the walls of the
dispensing slit which brings about the air
equalization,
Figure 12 shows a plan view of a modified plate-part
20 arrangement,
Figure 13 shows this plate-part arrangement in section,
and
Figure 14 shows a largely schematic illustration, in
section, of a closing device including the
pressure-absorbing spring.
The self-closing valve V has a valve diaphragm 1. This
comprises a patch of elastomeric material with recovery
properties.
The patch is punched out of a planar web, preferably in
the form of a circular disc in outline.
Waste-free punching can be achieved with hexagonal
punch cutting.
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The center of the valve diaphragm 1 forms a dispensing
region 2, which merges into a peripheral arresting
region 3.
The dispensing region 2 of the valve diaphragm 1 is
defined by a dispensing slit 4. The latter extends
along the diameter of the valve diaphragm 1. It may be
executed at the same time as the outline-forming punch
cut and terminates at a sufficient spacing in front of
the arresting region 3.
Starting from the planar intermediate state (see
Figure 2), the valve diaphragm 1 is curved convexly
(see, for example, Figure 1). The correspondingly
convex shaping can take place in the mold utilizing a
core configuration which follows the curved profile,
the flexible patch being drawn against the curved
surface, in the form of a spherical segment, in the
arresting region 3. The valve diaphragm 1 is thus
provided with a frame in the form of a peripheral
holding ring 5 formed by encapsulation. Any possible,
even anchorage-assisting peripheral crimping is
enclosed.
The holding ring 5 is formed, in respect of the
peripheral enclosure of the valve diaphragm 1, such
that the valve diaphragm 1 of the self-closing valve V
is curved towards the product side. The product is
designated 6 and is of in particular liquid or pasty
nature.
The convex curvature, as seen from the product side,
causes the dispensing slit 4 to gape open on the
product side. This produces a notch-like gap 7 in the
dispensing slit 4. As can be seen, the equal-surface-
area walls 4' of the dispensing slit 4 diverge in the
direction of the product 6 which is to be dispensed.
Use is r"ads herP of the curvature stressing which
occurs as gap-forming fiber in tension. In contrast, on
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the other side, that is to say on the far side of the
so-called neutral fiber, a compressive action prevails,
so that the edges of the slit walls 4' butt against one
another in the gap base 8. It is thus the case that the
convex shaping is associated with the inner stressing
to which the valve diaphragm 1 is subjected, especially
since the valve diaphragm 1 is of convex shape
throughout as far as the peripheral region 9.
In addition, the encapsulation of the holding ring 5 is
carried out with such a diameter-specific undersize
that this also provides an additional component for the
curvature. Following the injection-molding operation,
cooling additionally results in a shrinkage effect of
approximately 1.7%. The said curvature is additionally
enhanced somewhat as a result.
The holding ring 5 is shaped in a cross-sectionally U-
shaped manner in order to enclose the peripheral region
9 including the outer periphery 10 of the valve
diaphragm 1. The U-legs are designated 12, 13.
The U-shape of the holding ring 5 may be continued to
form an additional mechanical arresting means, by
securing spigots 11 extending from the inside of the
U-shaped holding ring 5, these securing spigots
engaging through the valve diaphragm l, parallel to the
periphery, over an extremely short path and preferably
in close succession. Such a solution proves to be
advantageous, for example, when, on account of
corresponding material pairings, there is no intimate
connection between the valve diaphragm 1 and the
holding ring 5. The through-engagement openings for
such securing spigots 11 are made, for example, in the
form of cross-shaped punchings.
The U-legs 12, 13 of the holding ring 5, which are
curved correspondingly at least at the regions of
direct contact with the valve diaphragm 1, are of
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different lengths. The U-leg 12 of the holding ring 5,
which is directed away from the product 6, is the
longer leg. The length ratio to the shorter U-leg 13 is
approximately 3:1. While the shorter U-leg 13
terminates bluntly, the other U-leg 12 tapers in a lip-
like manner, resting on the inner surface of the valve
diaphragm 1. This longer U-leg 12 here provides a
relatively large-surface-area, effective support in
relation to the operational loading occurring in the
direction of the arrow P. P corresponds to the
dispensing direction. In this direction, the dispensing
region 2 of the valve diaphragm 1 pushes out in the
opposite direction to the basic position assumed, with
the gap 7 correspondingly opening in a lip-like manner
15- for the through-passage of the amount of product which
is to be dispensed.
The positive dispensing pressure is applied to the
dispensing container B, which has at least partially
collapsible wall sections in order for the so-called
squeezing actuation to be applied/exerted, and which
can recover to the full extent.
The valve V is secured in the region of an end wall 14
of the said dispensing container B. The end wall 14 may
be formed directly on the said dispensing container B
or else on a container closure 15 associated with the
dispensing container B, see Figures 7 and 10. The end
wall 14 forms an accommodating chamber 16 for
accommodating the valve V. The accommodating chamber 16
is provided in the form of a depression. Its base is
designated 17. A common through-passage 18 for the
product 6 which is to be dispensed and for the air
equalization is located centrally therein.
The actual, preferably irreversible valve-arresting
means is farmed by a latching recess 19 of the holding
ring 5. This latching recess merges into a blocking
nose 20. This is positioned beneath a mating blocking
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nose 21, which projects into the region of the
accommodating chamber 16 and belongs to the
correspondingly radially inwardly extended end wall 14
of the dispensing container B or of the container
closure 15.
The back of the blocking nose 20 is provided with a
run-on slope 22 which assists assembly.
20 The centrally located through-passage 18 is
circumscribed, on the top side of the base 17, by an
annular sealing bead 23 provided thereon. The underside
of the valve diaphragm 1 presses, with slight resilient
prestressing, against the cutting-edge-like crest of
this annular sealing bead. A sealing location is thus
provided here. The resilient action which can be
obtained from the elastic material of the valve
diaphragm 1, moreover, assists in the blocking-action
flanks of the blocking nose and mating nose 21 engaging
against one another. Accordingly, the valve V latches
in perfectly. The abovedescribed arresting means also
proves advantageous from a stabilizing point of view in
that the latching recess 19 is associated with the U-
web 24 of the holding ring 5. Use is made of the region
with the greatest accumulation of material and
polydirectionality.
The valve diaphragm 1 preferably consists of silicone.
It is also possible, however, to use TPE. It is also
conceivable for the valve diaphragm 1 to be produced
with the holding ring 5 by two-component injection
molding. The material selection may also be determined
to the greatest extent by the product 6 which is to be
dispensed, in particular also by the viscosity thereof.
Instead of forming the valve diaphragm 1 from a blank
of a homogeneous plastics sheet material, it is also
possible for the plastics sheet material to comprise a
multilayered structure. It is possible here to use in
particular a combination of materials. It is, of
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course, ensured that the individual layers are
connected to one another in a sealed manner, so that
product 6 is prevented from passing between the layers
and escaping via the dispensing slit 4.
The self-closing valve V is then made more secure in a
further area. This is embodied in the provision of a
baffle associated with the valve diaphragm. It is thus
no longer possible for the content, or product 6, which
i0 strikes against the head of the dispenser, for example,
when the dispensing container B is positioned upside
down, to escape. Rather, proper dispensing of a filling
quantity is only possible by deliberate squeezing of
the dispensing container B. For this purpose, the
procedure is such that, on the product side, the valve
diaphragm l, at least the actual dispensing region 2,
has a plate part 25 positioned beneath it.
The plate part 25 is of circular outline and is
positioned beneath the valve diaphragm to leave an
axial spacing. This forms a gap Sp in the mm range.
Moreover, on its surface 26, which is directed toward
the valve diaphragm 1, the plate part 25 is of
(concavely) curved configuration in adaptation to the
convex profile of the valve diaphragm 1.
The plate part 25 is of the same thickness throughout.
Consequently, the surface 27, which is directed away
from the valve diaphragm 1, is thus also curved
convexly in adaptation to the convex profile of the
valve diaphragm 1. This produces a laterally deflecting
flow component in the case of impact of the mass of
product 6. The corresponding dividing function all the
way round in a radially outward direction may also be
further enhanced, for example by the surface 27 having
a more intensive curvature profile.
The plate part 25 is disposed such that it can be
moved, preferably resiliently, relative to the valve
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diaphragm 1. The corresponding resilient arms are
designated 28. They function at pressure-absorbing
springs. There are in total in each case three
resilient arms 28, distributed at equal angles, in the
region or space of the annular through-passage 18. The
resilient arms 25 are of Z-shaped configuration, the
Z-crossbar 29 following the central region of the
annular through-passage 18, to be precise
concentrically. Radially oriented attachment extensions
30 are positioned at the end regions of the Z-crossbar
29. These extensions form, as it were, the Z-legs. An
inwardly directed attachment extension 30 is rooted in
the periphery of the plate part 25; an attachment
extension 30 of the same resilient arm 28 is positioned
at the periphery of the sunken base 17 of the end wall
14, this periphery outwardly bounding the through-
passage 18. This provides an integral connection with
the container closure 15 and/or the dispensing
container B.
However, with the exception of the resilient attachment
arms 28, it is also possible for the plate part 25 tc
have a non-circular outline in plan view, this alsc
applying to the holding ring 5, so that it is possible
to cover a wide range of different cross-sectional
container shapes.
In the case of the valve V being formed separately, use
is made of the basic version in Figure 1, in which
case, as has already been explained, the plate part 25
is added by way of the container closure 15.
The procedure is different for the variant which can be
gathered from Figure 3: in this case, the valve is
preassembled with the plate part 25. The designations
from Figure 1 have been carried over analogously, in
some cases without being repeated in the text. It can
be gathered that it is also the case here that the
dispensing region 2 has the plate part 25 positioned
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beneath it, the gap Sp being left in the process. The
functioning, otherwise, is virtually identical. The
plate part is provided by injection molding, to be
precise utilizing the formation of the holding ring 5.
This supplies. the material for the integral formation
of the plate part 25 on the holding ring 5.
The corresponding arresting elements are, once again,
securing spigots 31, as are discussed in respect of
designat or. 11 and are formed in conjunction with the
holding ring 5, in the U-space of the same. Either the
2-crossbar 29 of the resilient attachment arms 28,
which are also realized here, and/or the likewise
provided, radially oriented attachment extensions 30
form, by way of correspondingly selected cross-shaped
punchings in the punched valve diaphragm, the through
engagement holes for the integral formation, which is,
as it were, continued on the other side, of the
attachment means or material bridges on the centrally
located plate part 25.
The importance of the shrinkage action also has a
bearing here, this resulting in increasing curvature,
which assists the formation of the gap Sp, in respect
of the plate part 25.
As can be gathered from Figure 10, the plate part 25 is
attached to the holding ring 5 radially outside the
dispensing slit 4 of the valve diaphragm 1. This
radially outwardly directed spacing corresponds, for
all practical purposes, to the through-passage 18, as
has been discussed in respect of the basic version. The
designation is used correspondingly. As is illustrated
in Figure 10, it is possible for the dispensing slit 4,
along a diameter extent, or diameter line, to project
slightly beyond the region of overlap with the plate
part 25. This provides venting-specific advantages in
particular. It is also possible here to utilize the
flexibility achieved for the valve diaphragm 1, since
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the defined curvature is more like a shallow shell. The
radius of curvature of the valve diaphragm 1
corresponds approximately to 0.8 to 1.4 times the valve
diaphragm 1. In specific terms, the ratios in the
exemplary embodiment illustrated are such that the
radius of curvature of the valve diaphragm 1
corresponds approximately to a fifth of the chord
height of the spherical-segment shell of the edge-
secured valve diaphragm 1. The arc of curvature extends
7.0 over a sector angle of 85°. The dimensions can be
gathered, for example, from Figure l, taking into
account a ::tale of 10:1, on which Figure 1 is based.
Coming back to the container closure 15 of the
dispensing container B, it can be gathered from the
drawings that the container closure 15 has a swing lid
32. This is connected to a closure cap 34 via a film
hinge 33. The closure cap 34 may be connected with
sealing action to the neck of the dispensing container
B via threaded engagement 35. Initial use requires a
tamperproof seal 36 to be broken. The released position
of the latter is illustrated by chain-dotted lines in
Figure 7.
The swing lid 32 contains a holding-down means 37,
which is in the form of a cross-shaped spike and is
integrally formed along with the swing lid. In the
closed state, this interacts with the valve diaphragm 1
with a position-securing effect. Good transit
protection is thus provided. The act of the end side of
the holding-down means 36 bearing on the inside of the
valve diaphragm 1 is secured as a result of a swing-lid
eyelet 38 being arrested on the pivoting-lever-like,
stub-form tamperproof seal 36.
The entire arrangement is given good support from the
inside by the unit which comprises the plate part 25
and resilient attachment arms 28 and functions as a
pressure-absorbing spring.
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Figures 12 and 13 show a solution with a similar
effect, although in this case, instead of the resilient
arms 28 in the form of annular sections, axially
supporting springs 39 are used and/or act on the wall
of the container closure 15 or of the dispensing
container B. These springs are located at the free ends
of three-pronged spokes 40 of the body, which in this
case can be inserted from the product side. The wall
has axially oriented guide grooves 41 accommodating the
springs 39 and the ends of the spokes 40. This groove
length is such that the resilient abutment is achieved,
as is the displacement of the plate part 25, which
moves back in the case of air equalization, in the
direction away from the valve V.
Figure 14 represents the solution in the case of which
the plate part 25 and integrally formed resilient
attachment arm 28 can be pressed against one another
with closing action so as to prevent substance or
product from escaping. This closure operates by the
axial displacement of lamellar elements. The closure
manages without a swing lid 32. It can be opened and
closed by rotation. For this purpose, the valve V, in
the accommodating chamber 16 in which it is guided, is
rotated via an angle of the holding ring 5. The holding
ring 5 is given a further function to perform insofar
as it has been developed into an actuating handle.
Wing-screw-like protuberances 42 which are freely
accessible for actuation provide a configuration which
is favorable for gripping purposes. The plate part 25
and the resilient arms 28 attached thereto can be
adjusted such that the closed state is achieved
independently of the valve diaphragm 1. This is
embodied, on the one hand, in that integrally formed on
the plate part 25 is a radially outwardly projecting
closure shield 43 against which the resilient
attachment arm 28 can be drawn with closing action, and
that integrally formed on the holding ring and/or on
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the wall 44 of the dispensing container B is a radially
inwardly projecting closure shield 45 against which the
resilient attachment arm 28 can be drawn axially with
closing action. It is possible for the resilient arm 28
to be configured as an encircling helix and to extend
as far as the holding ring 5 and thus be drawn against
correspondingly running blocking peripheries of the
closure shield 43, 45.
The resilient attachment arm 28 has a mushroom-shaped
configuration as seen in cross-section. It is,
furthermore, widened to a considerable extent on the
head side, so that it accounts for a relatively
significant proportion of closing surface area in the
region of the through-passage 18. A guide flange 46
performs the function of controlling the resilient
attachment arms 28 for closing and opening purposes.
This guide flange projects on the product side and
effects its control via a run-on slope 47. The latter
is seated on the wall 44 of the dispensing container B.
The gradient of the run-on slope corresponds to the
axially oriented closing stroke.
Such a closure can provide for degassing and also the
abovedescribed intake of air for ventilation purposes.
Of course, the configuration of the self-closing valve
V which has been explained within the context of a
dispenser container is not restricted to the latter.
Rather, the solution may also advantageously be used in
other fields, for example for tank ventilation in a
motor-vehicle tank-closure cap. With specific technical
adaptation, it can even be utilized cost-effectively
for bottles for babies or infants, bicycle bottles,
etc.
It is also possible for the valve diaphragm 1 of the
valve V to be provided with a hole-like dispensing
opening rather than a dispensing slit 4, as is
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explained in the introduction in conjunction with the
cited document W095/26306. Here too, a sealing plug of
the plate part 25, forming the elastic and/or resilient
supporting element, will engage in the central
dispensing opening.
All features disclosed are (in themselves) pertinent to
the invention. The disclosure contents of the
associated/attached priority documents (copy of the
prior application) are hereby also included in full in
the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose
of incorporating features of these documents in claims
of the present application.
