Beverage container valve
US5477994A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 1994 |
| Grant date | Dec 26, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7882
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A valve (18) is disclosed for venting a liquid dispensing container. The valve comprises a valve body upper end (76), an intermediate portion (78) adapted to mourn through a sidewall aperture, and a semi-spherical lower end portion (80). An air passageway (96) extends into the valve upper end (76), and through the portion (78) to the lower portion (80). A slit opening (94) extends through the lower portion (80) and communicates with the passageway (96). The slit widens to equalize pressure in the container, and annular shoulder surfaces (92) and internal surfaces (62) of the container sidewall are compressed together. When equalization in pressure has been achieved, the lower valve portion (80) decompresses and resumes its normal configuration whereby causing the slit (94) to close. Surfaces (92, 62) have a complimentary downward angle to facilitate the return of the lower portion (80) into its semi-spherical shape. A closure member (74) in the preferred form of a straw acts to cover the air passageway (96) in a storage configuration, whereby providing a redundant seal and preventing the escape of liquid upwardly through the valve (18).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.