Method for making a non-drip valve for an inverted container
US5989469A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 11, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/7506
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A valve and method are provided wherein the valve has a membrane which is molded and cured in a naturally cupped or concave shape, but wherein the membrane is elastically inverted or deflected inside-out so that the direction of concavity is reversed. The membrane is positioned concentrically within a cylindrical or tubular dispensing spout so that the inverted membrane is cupped toward an exit direction of the spout. By inverting the membrane, a reliable radially-outward sealing bias is formed between a peripheral edge of the membrane against an interior of the tubular spout. When mounted on the bottom of a squeeze container, the valve is effective to dispense fluid from the container when squeezed, permit air to breathe back into the container after squeezing, and to sealably prevent leakage from the container.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.