Angled-slit bite-valve
US6874760B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 3, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16K15/147
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Bite-valves are synonymous with personal hydration systems. Their action is to provide regulation of fluid that is drawn from the hydration reservoir by supplying a vacuum or by sucking like on a straw. Bite valves are placed in line and usually at the end of the line with the tube or hose that communicates with the reservoir. Bite-valves are normally closed and are opened when the person performs a biting action on the valve itself. Bite valves should provide the user with a perfect seal, high flow characteristics, and be small in size. Slit-type valves today are kinematically inefficient and as a consequence their flow rates are relatively slow compared to the inventor's bite-valve. This valve made of elastomeric material incorporates two angled slits along opposing vertical edges that are perpendicular to the biting direction or action. The general shape of the cross section at the site of the slitted septum is rectangular. The rectangular geometric shape is important in the flow dynamics of this valve. The septum, set back from the orifice's edge, is concavely biased towards the exit and is slit vertically at an angle such that the aperture is narrower on the exit side than on …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.