MXPA00003299A - Gravity feed fluid dispensing valve - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispensing valve cap mountable to a bottle is provided with a first valve part having a tubular portion having an air inlet and a fluid outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tubular portion to form a constant head valve for dispensing fluid from the bottle. A second valve part of the valve rotatably mounted to the first valve part includes a tubular portion for simultaneously closing both the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first valve part when fluid dispensing is not desired. The second valve part further includes an air inlet, and a fluid outlet alignable with the air inlet and fluid outlet of the tubular portion when fluid dispensing is desired. The dispensing valve cap controls fluid flow from the bottle. The bottle with the valve cap is usable with a dispenser assembly for mixing a concentrated fluid from the bottle with a dilutant. A tamper resistant lock prevents undesired rotation of the second valve part relative to the first valve part. The tamper resistant lock is deactivated upon insertion of the valve cap into the dispenser assembly. An orifice insert member with a predetermined fluid control aperture is positioned in the fluid outlet path to control fluid flow rate through the valve cap.

Description

VALVE OF FLUID DISTRIBUTION FEEDED BY GRAVITY Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to systems for distributing fluids, and more particularly to valve caps and bottles for use in gravity-fed fluid distribution systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Gravity-fed fluid distribution systems are known to distribute a concentrated fluid to be mixed with a diluent. An example of such a system is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,425,404 issued June 20, 1995 to Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, entitled "Gravity Fed Fluid Distribution Systems". U.S. Patent No. 5,435,452 issued July 25, 1995, and U.S. Patent No. Des 369,110 issued April 23, 1996, both to Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company related to a bottle for use in the gravity fed fluid delivery system of U.S. Patent No. 5,425,404. In general, the gravity-fed fluid distribution system of the US Patent REF .: 33126 It has an inverted bottle containing concentrated fluid, with an opening closed by a valve cover. The system also includes a distribution assembly which cooperates with the bottle and the valve cover during use. The valve cover controls the flow of the concentrated fluid from the bottle to the distribution assembly to mix it with a diluent, such as water. The concentrate can be any of a wide variety of materials, such as cleaning fluids, solvents, disinfectants, insecticides, herbicides or the like. The diluted fluid leaves the dispensing assembly towards a container, such as a bucket or spray bottle, to be used as desired. Several problems arise in relation to the valve cover. One problem is that the valve cover allows the dosing of the bottle concentrate so that an appropriate ratio of the fluids results. The related problems are that the valve cover only allows distribution of the concentrate at the desired time, and that the valve cover is easy to use. Valve costs are also a problem since it is often desirable for the bottle with the valve cap to be discarded after use. A further concern is whether any of the features provided to the valve cover prevent or determine undesirable or inadvertent administration. There is a need in the art for additional valve covers that solve the above problems, and other problems.

Brief Description of the Invention One aspect of the present invention relates to a dispensing valve cover for use with a fluid-containing bottle for distributing the fluid in a gravity-fed fluid distribution system, where the valve cover includes two valve parts. A first part of the valve is mountable to the bottle, and a second part of the valve is rotatably mounted to the first part of the valve. The first part of the valve includes a tubular portion which includes an air inlet opening and a fluid outlet opening through the tubular portion. The air inlet opening and the fluid outlet opening are separated from each other along a longitudinal axis of the tubular portion. The second part of the valve includes a coupling portion adapted to cooperate with the first valve part to open and close the air inlet opening and the fluid outlet opening of the first valve part. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a tamper-resistant dispensing valve cover for use with a fluid-containing bottle for fluid distribution in a gravity-fed fluid distribution system, where the valve cover includes two valve parts. A first part of the valve can be mounted to the bottle and includes at least one arcuate groove and a locking groove at one end of the groove. The first part of the valve also includes an air inlet and a fluid outlet. A second part of the valve is rotatably mounted to the first part of the valve and includes a coupling portion adapted to cooperate with the first part of the valve to open and close the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first part of the valve. The second part of the valve further includes a locking tab positioned in the arcuate slot to distribute fluid, or in the slit to immobilize the second valve part of the movement relative to the first part of the valve. The air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first part of the valve open when the tongue is placed in the arcuate groove at the end opposite the locking groove. The air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first part of the valve close when the tab is placed in the slit. Another aspect of the invention relates to a valve cover for use with a bottle containing rtÉftttifír • "**" - 'fluid to distribute the fluid in a gravity-fed fluid distribution system, where the valve cover includes first and second parts of the valves mounted rotatably together with a snap arrangement where the second part of the valve is adapted to cooperate with the first part of the valve to open and close an air inlet and a fluid outlet from each of the first and second parts of the valve. A member inserted in a hole is caught between the first and second part of the valves. The member inserted in the hole includes a fluid control opening having a predetermined size for fluid to be dispensed from the bottle. The fluid control opening communicates with the fluid outlets of the first and second valve parts during fluid distribution. The present invention also relates to a method for distributing fluid from a bottle, which includes rotating a tubular member of a valve on the bottle relative to another tubular member to open simultaneously an air inlet and a fluid outlet of the valve . The fluid is distributed from the bottle under gravity, and air enters the bottle from the atmosphere. The distributed fluid is mixed with a diluent. The tubular member rotates in relation to the other to close simultaneously ^^ g ¿the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the valve at the desired moment to stop the distribution. A further method includes providing a bottle containing fluid therein, with the bottle having a valve resistant to tampering in fluid communication with an interior of the bottle. The method also includes mounting the bottle to a distribution assembly, coupling a portion of the valve with the distribution assembly to lock a valve lock during assembly of the valve. to the dispensing assembly, and rotating a first portion of the non-immobilized valve relative to a second portion of the valve. The fluid is distributed from the bottle under gravity through the non-immobilized and rotated valve, and the air is allowed to enter the bottle from the atmosphere. The fluid distributed from the bottle is mixed with diluent supplied by the distribution assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be better described with reference to the accompanying drawings where like reference numbers refer to like parts in the different views, and where: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a prior art distribution assembly; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a bottle with a valve cap according to the present invention; FIGURE 3 is a top view of the distribution assembly of FIGURE 1, showing directional arrows for movement of the bottle with the valve cap of FIGURE 2 during use; FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional side view through the valve cap and a portion of the bottle, with the valve cap in the closed position; FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve cap as in FIGURE 1, showing the valve cap in the open position; FIGURE 6 is a side view of a first valve part of the valve cover; FIGURE 7 is a top view of the first part of the valve; FIGURE 8 is a bottom view of the first part of the valve; FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first part of the valve taken along lines 9-9 of FIGURE 7; FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the first part of the valve taken along lines 10-10 of FIGURE 7; im a? ^^ ü | ¡FIGURE 11 is a side view of the second valve part of the valve cover; FIGURE 12 is a top view of the second part of the valve; FIGURE 13 is a bottom view of the second part of the valve; FIGURE 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the second part of the valve taken along lines 14-14 of FIGURE 12; FIGURE 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the second part of the valve taken along lines 15-15 of FIGURE 12; FIGURE 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of the second part of the valve showing the tamper-resistant locking tab; FIGURE 17 is a top view of the orifice insert of the valve cap; FIGURE 18 is a bottom view of the hole insert; FIGURE 19 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the orifice insert taken along lines 19-19 of FIGURE 17; FIGURE 20 is a side view of the hole insert; FIGURE 21 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the orifice insert; FIGURE 22 is another side view of the orifice insert shown in FIGURE 21; FIGURE 23 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the valve cap showing the tamper-resistant locking tab and groove; FIGURE 24 is a side view of the bottle; FIGURE 25 is a top view of the bottle; FIGURE 26 is a cross-sectional side view of the bottle taken along lines 26-26 of FIGURE 25; FIGURE 27 is a bottom view of a portion of the bottle showing the neck and the orifice; and FIGURE 28 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of the neck of the bottle and a portion of the valve cap mounted to the bottle.

Detailed Description of the Invention Referring now to FIGURES 1-5, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a fluid distribution system that includes a distribution fluid assembly 12 and a bottle 14 containing a quantity of fluid that must be distributed. Typically, the fluid is provided in a concentrated form with the intention that the concentrate is diluted with at least one other diluent fluid before being distributed and used. The concentrate in the bottle 14 may be any of a wide variety of materials, such as cleaning fluid, solvents, disinfectants, insecticides, herbicides or the like. The diluent can be water or any other suitable fluid. Generally, the distribution assembly 12 is constructed in accordance with U.S. Patent No. 5,425,404, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. The bottle 14 of the present invention includes a valve cover 16 for controlling, the distribution of the bottle concentrate 14. Bottle 14 with valve cap 16 cooperates with distribution assembly 12 during use to distribute and dilute the concentrate. Specifically, the bottle 14 is inverted as shown in FIGURE 2, and the valve cover 16 is inserted into a chamber 18 of the distribution assembly 12. Chapter 18 has a side wall of generally cylindrical shape 19. The valve cover 16 generally includes a first valve part 40 (FIGURE 4) which is mounted to the body of a bottle 60 of the bottle 14 to rotate with the body of the bottle 60 during use. The valve cover 16 also ^^^^^^^^^^ t includes a second valve part 50 (FIGURE 4) mounted to a first part of the valve 40 for relative movement to open and close the valve cover 16. During the use of the bottle 14 with the distribution assembly 12, 5 a side projection or tab 52 on a second part of the valve 50 resides in a slot 20 of the dispensing assembly 12. To operate the valve cover 16 between the positions closed (FIGURE 4) and open (FIGURE 5), the bottle 14 is rotated, preferably by the user 10 holding the body of the bottle 60 as shown in FIGURE 2, and rotating the body of the bottle 60 in the direction of the arrow 30 (FIGURE 3) to open the valve cover 16. The rotation of the bottle body 60 in the direction of the arrow 32 (FIGURE 3) returns the valve cover 16 to the closed position. The rotation of the body of the bottle 60 rotates the first part of the valve 40 about a longitudinal axis 41 in relation to the second part of the valve 50 protected from rotation by the tongue 52 positioned 20 within the slit 20 of the assembly distribution 12. The rotation of the bottle body 60 also rotates a lifting flange 42 extending from the first part of the valve 40. The lifting flange 42 selectively operates a diluent valve 22 which controls the flow of diluent from an entry 24 to the assembly of A ^ M? He has ? The distribution assembly 12 includes two diluent valves 22, each of which is connected to an inlet 24 of the distribution assembly 12. distribution assembly 12. 5 The concentrate flows from inside the bottle 14 through the valve cover 16 to the mixing chamber 26 when the second part of the valve 50 moves in relation to the first part of the valve 40, thus opening the valve cover 16. Air from the atmosphere enters the bottle 14 through the valve cover 16 as the concentrate is distributed. The concentrate and the diluent are mixed into the mixing chamber 26 and exit the distribution assembly 12 together at an outlet 28. The body of the bottle 14 rotates again at the. opposite direction for closing the valve cover 16, and for releasing the lifting flange of the coupling with the diluent valve 22. Each diluent valve 22 is spring loaded, so that each diluent valve automatically closes when the bottle 14 is rotated again to position 20 closed. It should be appreciated that other dispensing assemblies are possible for use with the bottle 14, where the dispensing assembly holds the second part of the valve 50 during rotation of the bottle body 60, the first part of the valve 40 and the flange of the bottle. elevation 42. , .5 ^^ fe ^ ag ^^ 7 ».... A ^^^ ¿> . 2 ^ F ^ ^ HHg ^ Referring now to FIGURES 4 and 5, the valve cover 16 is shown both in the closed position (FIGURE 4), and in the open position (FIGURE 5). FIGURE 4 illustrates three sealing regions 62, 64, and 66 for sealing the inside of the bottle 14 in the valve cap 16 from the outside. The sealing regions 62, 64 and 66 will be discussed in more detail below. FIGURE 5 illustrates the path of the fluid flow out of the bottle 14 represented by the arrow 68 through a fluid outlet 72 and a central opening 73, and the path of the air flow to the bottle 14 represented by the arrow 70 from side opening 75 through an air inlet 74. The fluid flow path and the air flow path will be discussed in more detail below. Generally, the valve cap 16 allows the fluid to flow out under the effects of gravity, since the fluid outlet 72 is positioned vertically below the air inlet 74. Air from the atmosphere enters the bottle 14 at the air inlet 20 when the fluid is distributed. The valve cover 16 can be referred to as a "constant flow valve" since the fluid level inside the bottle 14 above the air inlet 74 has no impact on the outward flow velocity of the fluid. FIGURES 4 25 and 5 also illustrate an orifice insert 54 of the cover valve 16 including a metering opening 56 for all fluid to pass therethrough for accurate dosing of the fluid exiting the bottle 14. The dosing opening 56 is provided with a predetermined size to determine the desired flow rate of the fluid of the bottle 14. The valve cap 16 of the preferred embodiment includes generally tubular and concentrically arranged components which rotate between positions to open and close the valve cover 16. The tubular portions that rotate in mutual relation to open and close the closing the fluid outlet 72 and the air inlet 74 allow convenient sealing to occur between the surfaces without additional sealing gaskets. Also, sliding tubular surfaces do not "squirt" concentrate just like a flat surface does when moving toward an opening to close a valve. The tubular portions are generally cylindrical in the preferred embodiment, although some angles and inclinations may be provided to facilitate the seal to the appropriate fluid, and to be manufactured from molded materials. Also more gradual angles are possible, or components of more conical shape, where the rotation of the two parts occurs with respect to a common axis, as in the preferred embodiment shown. ^ ggj? jg? ggi Resistance characteristics are also provided for tampering with the valve cover 16 in the preferred embodiment. The tamper resistance characteristics prevent unwanted or unintended distribution by immobilizing the second part of the valve 50 to the first part of the valve 40 in the closed position. Preferably, the tamper resistance characteristics are automatically deactivated upon insertion of the valve cap 16 into the dispensing assembly 12. Preferably, the first part of the valve 40 and the second part of the valve 50 they are pressed together during assembly. The snap arrangement also conveniently catches the hole insert 54 in its position. Preferably, the valve cap 16 snaps into the body of the bottle 60 to further facilitate assembly. Referring now to FIGS. 6-22, further details of the valve cover 16 are shown. FIGURES 6-10 illustrate the first part of the valve 40; FIGS. 11-16 illustrate a second part of the valve 50; and FIGS. 17-22 illustrate two embodiments for the orifice insert 54. Now with specific reference to FIGS. 4-10, the first part of the valve 40 includes an upper end 100, an opposite lower end 102, and an axis n. longitudinal central 104. Adjacent to the upper end 100 of the first part of the valve 40 is the structure for mounting the first part of the valve 40 to the body of the bottle 60. The first part of the valve 40 5 includes a bottle collar 106 and a first tube 108 within the collar of the bottle 106. Between the collar of the bottle 106 and the first tube 108 there is a space 110 for receiving a neck 406 from the body of the bottle 60 (see FIGURE 4). Four openings 112 through the collar of the bottle 106 receive four projections 408 from the body of the bottle 60 (see FIGURE 28, for example). To facilitate the alignment and joining of the first part of the bottle 40 to the body of the bottle 60, small slits 114 are provided on an inner surface 119 of the collar of the bottle 106. When the first part of the valve 40 is mounted to the bottle body 60, a hole 410 in neck 406 of bottle body 60 is in fluid communication and in air flow communication with first valve part 40. Bottle collar 106 is generally in shape tubular. Projections 408 and additional openings 112 are possible. Less projections 408 and openings 112, including only one of each, are also possible. The first part of the valve 40 further includes a second internal tube 116 which extends in a manner ^^^ ÉjM ^^^ j¿j? Gí & id generally concentric in relation to the first tube 108. A network 118 links the first tube 108 to a second tube 116. The network 118 defines a plurality of openings 120 which facilitate the flow of fluid from the bottle 14. A chamber 5 122 is defined between the first tube 108 and the second tube 116. In order to operate one or more diluent valves 22 associated with the distribution assembly 12, the first valve part 40 is provided with a lifting flange 42 that includes two lobes of elevation 126, 127 to engage with each of the diluent valves 22 after rotation of the lifting flange relative to the distribution assembly 12. A single lobe is also possible if it is desired to operate only one of the diluent valves 22. 15 The tamper-resistant characteristics are provided in relation to a first part of the valve 40. Located on the lifting flange 42 between the collar from the bottle 106 and the first tube 108 are a plurality of locking grooves 128, and locking grooves 130. The locking grooves 128 are arcuate in shape and have a length equal to the amount of rotation of the second part of the groove. the valve 50 in relation to the first part of the valve 40 during use. Each locking groove 25 130 is positioned at one end of the groove ^ g | £ ¡| ? '- ~ ** s * & * ftrt tt "** í¡í -i | respective immobilization 128. The characteristics of resistance to tampering of the first valve part 40 will be described in greater detail below with related to the discussion of the second part of the valve 50. The second tube 116 of the first part of the valve 40 includes a divider 132 generally transverse to the longitudinal axis 104. The divider 132 forms a second tube 116 in an upper chamber 134 and a lower chamber 136. An air inlet or airflow opening 138 passes through the second tube 116 adjacent to the upper chamber 134. A fluid outlet or fluid flow opening 140 passes through the adjacent second tube 116 to the lower chamber 136. The first part of the valve 40 includes a reinforcing lip 142 adjacent the upper end 100. The reinforcing lip 142 catches a portion of the second part of the valve 50 between an inner surface of the valve. the reinforcement lip 142, and the second tube 116 in a chamber 143 to facilitate 20 fluid-tight seals in the valve cover 16. The reinforcement lip 142 surrounds at least a portion of the second part of the valve 50, and preferably it completely surrounds one end. Preferably, the reinforcing lip 142 is tubular in shape. &6? > i? °? ** &8 The first part of the valve 40 includes several surfaces to provide a fluid tight seal during operation. A sealing surface of the bottle 144 on the first tube 108 cooperates with the body of the bottle 60 to provide a fluid tight seal 162. A lower lip 146 of the first tube 108 includes an internal sealing surface 148 to provide a seal fluid-tight, exterior, 64, between the first part of the valve 40 and the second part of the valve 50. The outer sealing surface 150 of the second tube 116 seals against the second part of the valve 50 to provide an airtight seal to the fluids, internal, 66, between the first part of the valve 40 and the second part of the valve 50. To mount the first part of the valve 40 to the second part of the valve 50, a plurality of grippers are provided. immobilization 152 extending longitudinally from the first tube 108 adjacent the lower end 102. Each locking clip 152 includes an inclined surface 154 and an immobilization flange 1 56 to engage with a provided edge on the second part of the valve 50, as will be discussed in more detail below. The immobilization clips 152 are preferably equally spaced around the first tube 108. In the embodiment ^^^ ^ jj ^ Ü = t ^^ shown to three equally spaced locking clips 152. Referring now to FIGURES 4, 5 and 11-16 are provided, the second valve part 50 includes an upper end 5,200 , an opposite lower end 202, and a longitudinal central axis 204. A first tube 206 supports the projection 52, which is engaged by the dispensing assembly 12 to hold the second part of the valve 50 relative to the dispensing assembly 12, while the body of the bottle 60 and the first part of the valve 40 rotate. The first tube 206 includes end recesses 208, each of which have a lower edge 209 to receive clips immobilisation 152 of first valve part 40. Lower edge 209 engages the flange 156 of each of 15 the immobilization clamps 152 of the first part of the valve 40. The sides 212, 214 of each groove 208 define a permitted rotation interval between the first part of the valve 50 and the first part of the valve 40. During use, a locking clips 152 are permitted 20 move back and forth within each respective slot 208 during relative rotation of second valve part 50 and first valve part 40. during assembly, the first part of the valve 40 is press fitted to the second part of the valve 50 with the. 25 locking clips 152 received in the slots 208.

Adjacent to the lower end 202 of the second part of the valve 50, a sealing lip 216 extends toward the upper end 200. The sealing lip 216 is spaced apart from the first tube 206 and defines a chamber 218 for receiving the lower lip 146 of the first part of the valve 40. The sealing lip 216 includes an external sealing surface 220 which seals against the inner sealing surface 148 of the lower lip 146 to provide the airtight seal the fluids outside 64 between the valve parts. The second part of the valve 50 further includes a second inner tube 222 attached to the sealing lip 216 via the connecting portion 224. The sealing lip 216 is further connected to the first tube 206 via the connecting sections 226 which are separated to define spaces 227 of the same length as the slots 208 for receiving the locking clips 152. A second tube 222 of the second part of the valve 50 defines a central passage 228. A 20-way passage 230 defined by a lateral projection 231 extends from the second tube 222 from the lower end 202 to a point adjacent the upper end 200 to define an incoming air flow path in the bottle 14. The second tube 222 includes a slot 232 extending from the upper end 200 to a point | S ^ s adjacent the lower end 202. A lower portion 233 of the slot 232 defines a fluid passage for the fluid exiting the bottle 14. The slot 232 does not need to extend to the upper end 200. Although, it facilitates the manufacture , as desired. The upper lip 234 formed on one end of the second tube 222 of the second part of the valve 50 is received by the chamber 153 between the reinforcing lip 142 of the first part of the valve 40 and the second tube 116 of the first part of the valve. the valve 40. When the second part of the valve 50 is mounted to the first part of the valve 40, the lower portion 233 of the slot 232 is aligned with the opening 140 of the first part of the valve 40 to provide a path of flow of fluid from an interior of the bottle 14 to an exterior. The construction of the lateral projection 231, the deflection passage 230, and the second tube 222 cooperates with an outer surface 217 of the second tube 116 of the first part of the valve 40 to define an airflow passage extending from the lower end 202 of the second part of the valve 50 to an opening 138 of the first part of the valve 40 to provide an air flow path from an exterior of the bottle 14 to an interior. An internal surface 204 of the second tube 222 is sealingly coupled to the external sealing surface 150 of the second tube 116 of the first part > of the valve 40 to form the internal fluid tight seal 66 between the valve parts. The deflection passage 230 is inclined in the preferred embodiment. The second part of the valve 50 includes a plurality of locking tongues 242 extending from an upper end of the first tube 206. The locking tongues 242 cooperate with the locking grooves 128 and the locking grooves 130 of the first part of the valve. the valve 40 to provide the characteristics of resistance to tampering.

The locking tabs 242 also include deactivation ramps 244 which allow the second part of the valve 50 to be disengaged in relation to the first part of the valve 40 after the insertion of the bottle 14 in the distribution assembly 12. first tube 206 is preferably slanted outwardly in the upper lip 245. Referring now to FIGS. 17-22, two embodiments of the orifice insert 54, 54a are shown. The insert 54 of FIGS. 17-20 includes an upper end 300, a lower end 302, and a central axis 304. The insert 54 includes a generally cylindrical body 306 that includes a side portion 308. The side openings 310a, 310b comprise openings of dosing 56 and connecting an exterior of the insert of the hole 54 to an inner chamber 312.

Only one opening is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 for the insert of the hole 54. For some flow rates, only one opening may be desirable. The inner chamber 312 communicates with an open end 314 of the insert of the hole 54. During use, the generally cylindrical body 306 is received within the lower chamber 136 defined by the second tube 116 of the first part of the valve 40. side projection 308 resides in opening 140. Lateral projection 308 resides in opening 140. Second portion of valve 50 includes a radial lip projecting inwardly 246 to trap the insert in hole 54 in position. A projection post 316 allows convenient operation of the orifice insert 54. The post 316 also functions as a drainage post to direct fluid out of the valve cover in a vertical direction. The side openings 310a, 310b of the orifice insert 54 define a predetermined dosing opening which allows precise control of the fluid exiting from the bottle 14 during use. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the insert of the hole 54 includes two openings 310a, 310b. Only one can be provided (see FIGURES 4 and 5) or more than two. By using one or more openings, and providing different sizes and shapes to the opening or openings, control of the flow velocity of the fluid is provided. Other shapes may be provided in addition to the circular openings to control the flow in the insert of the hole 54. For example, the hole insert 54a illustrated in FIGURES 21 and 22 includes a slit-shaped opening 430 specially sized for a flow rate desired. An advantage of providing the hole insert 54 separate from the first part of the valve 40 or the second part of the valve 50 is that the molded plastic valve cap 16 according to the invention can be provided with different flow rates without individually molding the first part of the valve. valve 40 or the second part of the valve 50 of each. valve cover 16 with different hole sizes. Instead, first valve parts 40 and second parts of the standard valve 50 can be provided, all of the same size and made in the same mold shape. Different insert molds of the hole 54 are then provided to mold each of the openings of different size for the different inserts of the hole 54. In the embodiment shown, the mold for the insert of the hole 54 is less complex and easier to construct than the molds for the first part of the valve 40 and the second part of the valve 50. The control of the orifice could be provided ¡^^^^^^^ ¿¿^ ^ ¡¡¡¡¡¡^ ^ ^ j ^^^^ with respect to the first part of the valve 40 or the second part of the valve 50, but that would need to mold multiple or the use of different mold pieces for one or the other to vary the size of the hole. As an example, thirty or forty different orifice sizes may be desired to control the distribution of many materials for distribution through the distribution assembly 12. For example, openings 310a, 310b may range from approximately 0.039 inches to 0.122 inches (0.10). cm to 0.31 cm) in diameter, and apertures 430 can range in height from about 0.207 inches to 0.419 inches (0.526 cm to 1.064 cm) and with a uniform width of about 0.150 inches (0.381 cm). A suitable plastic for the first part of the valve 40, the second part of the valve 50 and the insert 54 is high density polyethylene, polypropylene, or other moldable plastics. The insert of the hole 54 cooperates conveniently with the first part of the valve 40 and the second part of the valve 50 during assembly. The cylindrical body 306 slides toward the position within the generally cylindrical shape of the second tube 116 of the first part of the valve 40. The side portion 308 slides toward the position in the opening 140 of the first part of the valve 40. When the second part of the valve 50 is placed under pressure in the first part of the valve 40, the insert of the hole 54 is conveniently trapped in its position. FIGURES 17 and 20 also illustrate an optional, but preferred, lateral ear 320 (shown in dashed lines 5) on one side of the lateral projection 308. The lateral ear 320 is received in a corresponding slit (not shown) in the second tube 116 of the first part of the valve 40 adjacent to the opening 140 of the first part of the valve 40. The side ear 320 and the corresponding slit only allow the insert of the hole 54 to fit in a manner in the first part of the valve. valve 40. Unnoticed downward placement of the upward side of the insert of hole 54 would be prevented by lateral ear 320 and the corresponding slit. Referring now to FIGURE 23, the tamper resistance characteristics are illustrated in greater detail. When the valve cover 16 is in the immobilized condition, each locking tab 242 is placed in a locking groove 130 of the first part of the valve 40. When the bottle 14 is operatively positioned in the distribution assembly 12. , each locking tab 242 moves radially inwardly as shown in FIGURE 23 in the direction of arrow 250. With each locking tab in the internal position 25, the locking slot 130 is no longer effective in the limitation of the capacity of the first part of the valve 40 and the second part of the valve 50 to be rotated in relation to the other. When the locking tab 242 is in the internal position, the relative rotation of the first part of the valve 40 with the second part of the valve 50 is possible in the direction of the arrow 252 within the slot 128. The locking tab 242 is placed in the internal position due to the engagement of each ramp 244 with the side wall 19 defining the chamber 18 of the dispensing assembly 12. To fully open the valve cover 16, the locking tab 252 is rotated to the end of the valve. the slot 128 opposite the locking groove 130. By placing a plurality of locking tabs 242 around a second part of the valve 50, and placing them close to the lifting flange 42, a user attempting to avoid them using the distribution assembly 12 will be impossible or it will be difficult to move with the hand at the same time all the tongues 242 radially inward at the same time for allowing the second part of the valve 50 to rotate in relation to the first part of the valve 40. Although a plurality of slots 128 and locking tabs 242 are shown, more or less may be provided, including one of each to make the cover valve 16 resistant to tampering.

AtitfiMll-lt-W-MlMM-tfi With the tamper-resistant system described above, the valve cover 16 can probably be opened only if the bottle 14 is operatively coupled with the distribution assembly 12. This would prevent that a user opened the separate bottle of the dispensing assembly 12, and wrung out the contents of the bottle 14, possibly overdistributing the concentrate of the bottle 14. The overdistribution may be wasteful, and may also create a more dangerous mixture having too much concentrate present . The tamper resistance characteristics are also effective in preventing inadvertent distribution, so that the bottle 14 will remain in the locked and closed state until the user places the bottle 14 in the distribution assembly 12, and turn the bottle to open the valve cover 16 to begin distributing the concentrate through the distribution assembly 12. Such characteristics are useful during storage and transportation. Referring now to FIGURES 24-28, the body of the bottle 60 is shown including a closed upper end 400, an open lower end 402, and a longitudinal central axis 404. Adjacent to the open lower end 402 is the neck of the bottle 406, and the orifice 410. The body of the bottle 60 is press fit to the valve cap 16 during assembly of the preferred embodiment. A plurality of projections 408 allow for snap-fitting the body of the bottle 60 to the valve cap 16. Each projection 408 includes an inclined surface 412, and an elevated platform 414 for coupling an internal surface of the bottle collar 106 of the first part of the valve 40. With particular reference to FIGURE 27, the neck 406 is shown as including unequally spaced projections 408, to allow the valve cover 16 to be mounted on the body of the bottle 60. The first part of the valve 40 includes unevenly spaced openings 112 for receiving unevenly spaced projections 408. This results in an elevation flange 42 of the valve cover 16 being in the proper position, and a predetermined portion of the bottle body 60 facing the user during the operation. Generally, the body 60 includes a round central region 416 having a generally cylindrical external surface 417. The outer surface 417 is suitable for receiving a product label. Adjacent to the closed upper end 400 are opposing clamping panels 418 for hand holding as shown in FIGURE 2. An inner surface 420 of the hole 410 seals against the sealing surface of the bottle 144 of the first part of the valve r ^^ - > The bottle body 60 is preferably made of molded plastic, such as high-density polyethylene or the like, to form the fluid-tight seal of the bottle and the valve cover 62. The bottle body 60 is preferably made of molded plastic, such as high-density polyethylene. other moldable plastic. The construction of the bottle 14, with the valve cap 16, allows the bottle 14 to be used with the prior art dispensing assemblies 12 such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,425,404 and shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, or other assemblies of configured to couple the valve cover 16 during use. Although the first part of the valve 40 is shown with the inner tube 116 inside the inner tube 222 of the second part of the valve 50, the inner tube 116 also could be outside the inner tube 222 of the second part of the valve 50. Also, although the inner tube 116 includes an air flow opening 138 and a fluid flow opening 140 through the tubular portion, and a second part of the valve 50 forms the air inlet and outlet of fluid by the presence of the lateral projection 231 and joins the slot 232, the second part of the valve 50 could also be tubular with an air flow opening and a fluid flow opening open and closed by a first part of the valve configured to allow the air enters the bottle 14 and the fluid comes out. He too , * «. Mft.atMTtA ~ - ^ a a ß * ¡w * ~ < «*? Aa **** -? Orifice insert 54 is optional, as desired. Control of fluid flow velocity could be provided by directly dimensioning one of the fluid outlets of the first and second valve parts 40, 50 for flow control. In addition, the orifice insert 54, when provided, could be located anywhere in addition to the position shown, as long as the orifice insert 54 is in the fluid outlet flow path to allow control of the flow velocity of the fluid. 10 fluid. The specification, examples and data above provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the appended claims below. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers.

Claims (16)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following 5 claims is claimed as property:

1. A dispensing valve cap for use with a bottle containing a fluid to distribute the fluid in a fluid distribution system 10 fed by gravity, the valve cover is characterized in that it comprises: a first part of the valve having a first end and a second end, the first end can be mounted to the bottle, the first part of the valve includes 15 a tubular portion defining a longitudinal axis extending in a direction from the first end to the second end, the tubular portion includes an air inlet opening through the tubular portion, the tubular portion further includes an exit opening of fluid to Through the tubular portion, the air inlet opening is separated from the fluid outlet along the longitudinal axis, the air inlet opening is adjacent to the first end, the fluid outlet opening is adjacent to the second end.; Y ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ a ^ tjl ^^^ t the valve mounted rotatably to the first part of the valve around the longitudinal axis, the second part of the valve includes a coupling portion adapted to cooperate with the tubular portion of the first valve part to close the air inlet and fluid outlet openings of the first valve part when the second valve part is in a first position in relation to the first part of the valve, and to open the air inlet and fluid outlet openings of the first part of the valve when the second part of the valve is in a second position in relation to the first part of the valve. valve.

The dispensing valve cover according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one locking tab extending from the second part of the valve, and at least one arched slot including a locking groove at one end of the arcuate groove placed on the first part of the valve, where the locking tab can be placed in the locking groove to immobilize the second part of the valve and the first part of the valve against relative rotation, and where the tongue of the valve Immobilization can be placed in the arched groove to allow rotation of the valve between the second part of the valve and the first part of the valve.

3. The dispensing valve cover according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a bottle mounted to the first part of the valve, and a dispensing assembly including: a main body having a side wall portion defining a valve cap chamber receiving at least a portion of the valve cap, the body includes a holding arrangement for holding the second part of the valve against movement relative to the main body 10; an entrance of diluent to the main body; a diluent valve that controls the flow of diluent from the first diluent inlet to the main body; 15 a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the diluent valve and the valve cover chamber; and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the mixing chamber.

The dispensing valve cap of 20 according to claim 3, characterized in that the fastening arrangement includes the valve cover chamber defining a slit, and further comprises a lateral projection extending radially outwardly from the second part of the valve received in the slit of the distribution assembly, the side wall portion of the The main body of the distribution assembly operates with the movement of the locking tab of the locking groove to the arched groove of the first part of the valve after the insertion of the valve cover into the chamber of the valve cover.

5. The dispensing valve cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular portion of the first part of the valve includes a divider dividing an interior of the tubular portion in the first and second chambers, the air inlet opening in communication with the first chamber, the fluid outlet opening in communication with the second chamber, and where the second part of the valve includes a tubular portion including a fluid outlet, the second part of the valve further includes a side wall projection extending from the tubular portion and cooperating with the tubular portion of the first part of the valve to define an air inlet of the second part of the valve, the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the second part of the valve are aligned with the air inlet openings and fluid outlet of the first part of the valve when the second part of the valve is in the first position.

6. The dispensing valve cover according to claim 5, characterized in that the tubular portion of the second part of the valve is positioned outside the tubular portion of the first part of the valve, the valve cover further comprises a reinforcing lip extending from the first part of the valve and surrounding at least a portion at one end of the tubular portion of the second part of the valve, where the tubular portion of the first part of the valve is an internal tubular portion and the first part of the valve includes an external tubular portion, the first part of the valve includes a collar having a tubular shape positioned outside the outer tubular portion, the collar and the outer tubular portion spaced apart to receive a neck of the bottle, the outer tubular portion includes an end sealing surface adjacent to a lower end of the first part of the valve; and wherein the tubular portion of the second part of the valve is an internal tubular portion, and the second part of the valve further includes a sealing lip having a tubular shape, the sealing lip being positioned outside the outer tubular portion, the sealing lip is sealingly engaged with the end of the sealing surface of the outer tubular portion of the first part of the valve.

The dispensing valve cover according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of immobilization clamps and extending from the outer tubular portion of the first part of the valve and coupled with the second part of the valve to prevent separation of the first part of the valve and the second part of the valve, and where the second part of the valve includes an outer tubular portion positioned outside the sealing lip, the external tubular portion includes a plurality of slits, each Slit receives a clamp for immobilization of the first part of the valve.

The dispensing valve cover according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of locking tabs extending from the outer tubular portion of the second valve part, the first part of the valve includes a plurality of arcuate grooves each of which includes a locking groove at one end of each arcuate groove, where each locking tab can be placed in the respective locking grooves to immobilize the second part of the valve and the first part of the valve against the relative rotation, and where each locking tab can be placed in the respective arcuate grooves to allow relative rotation between the second part of the valve and the first part of the valve.

9. The dispensing valve cap according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an orifice insert member that includes a fluid control opening having a predetermined size for the fluid to be dispensed from the bottle, the insert member of the orifice has an outer surface portion of generally cylindrical shape received within the interior of the tubular portion of the first part of the valve, the fluid control opening defines the fluid outlet opening of the first part of the valve.

The dispensing valve cover according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a bottle that includes a neck with a plurality of outward projections, where the first part of the valve includes a bottle collar that surrounds the neck of the valve. the bottle, the collar of the bottle includes a plurality of openings, each opening receives a projection of the bottle, the first part of the valve further includes a lifting flange which operates in engagement with a diluent valve of a distribution assembly.

11. A dispensing valve cap for use with a bottle containing fluid to distribute the fluid in a gravity-fed fluid distribution system, characterized in that it comprises: .. ^ ¿¿¿¿¿** ** ... ^ * ^ * * «a ^^ a first part of the valve mountable to the bottle, the first part of the valve includes a portion of surface that defines at least one arcuate groove, and a locking groove at one end of the groove, the first part of the valve further includes an air inlet and a fluid outlet; and a second part of the valve rotatably mounted to the first part of the valve, the second part of the valve includes a coupling portion adapted to cooperate with the first part of the valve to open and close the air inlet and the fluid outlet, the second part of the valve further includes a locking tab that can be placed in an arched slot where fluid distribution is desired, the tab can also be placed in the slot to immobilize the second part of the valve against the movement relative to the first part of the valve, where the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first part of the valve open when the locking tab is placed at one end of the arched slot opposite the slot, and where the air inlet and fluid outlet of the first valve part are closed when the locking tab is placed in the slot.

12. The dispensing valve cover according to claim 11, characterized in that . ^ z ^. ****. **. > A »W ^^ further comprises a bottle mounted to the first part of the valve, and a distribution assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a main body having a side wall portion defining a valve cover chamber that receives at least a portion of the valve cover, the body includes a holding arrangement for holding the second part of the valve against movement relative to the main body where the holding arrangement includes a valve cover chamber defining a slit, and comprising in addition a lateral projection extending radially outwardly from the second part of the valve received in the slit of the dispensing assembly, the side wall portion of the main body of the dispensing assembly operates in motion with the retention tab of the recess immobilization to the arched groove of the first part of the valve after the insertion of the valve cover in the chamber of the valve cover; a diluent entrance to the main body; a diluent valve that controls the flow of the diluent from the diluent inlet to the main body; a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the diluent valve and the valve cover chamber; and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the mixing chamber.

13. The timing valve cap according to claim 12, characterized in that the surface portion of the first valve part defines a plurality of arcuate grooves and a slit at one end of each slot; and wherein the second part of the valve includes a plurality of locking tongues that can be placed in the arcuate groove and groove, respectively.

14. A dispensing valve cover for use with a bottle containing fluid to distribute the fluid in a gravity fed fluid distribution system, the valve cover is characterized in that it comprises: a first valve part mountable to the bottle, the first part of the valve includes a fluid outlet and an air inlet; a second valve part rotatably mounted to the first valve part, the second valve part includes a coupling portion adapted to cooperate with the first part of the valve to close the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the valve. the first part of the valve, the second part of the valve also includes a fluid outlet and an air inlet, where the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the second part of the valve are aligned with the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first part of the valve, respectively, where the second part of the valve and the first part of the valve are in a first relative position with each other, and where the air inlet and the fluid outlet to the The first part of the valve is closed when the second part of the valve and the first part of the valve are in a second relative position with respect to each other.; a pressure arrangement between the second part of the valve and the first part of the valve to immobilize the second part of the valve and the first part of the valve of the longitudinal movement; and an orifice insertion member including a fluid control opening having a predetermined size for fluid to be dispensed from the bottle, the fluid control opening is positioned to communicate with the fluid outlets of the second part of the valve and the first part of the valve during the fluid distribution, the insert member of the pressure orifice between the second part of the valve and the first part of the valve together.

The dispensing valve cap according to claim 14, characterized in that the first valve part includes a tubular portion and a slot through the tubular portion, and wherein the orifice insert member has a surface portion. external • '^ -Trtrt ---? fiii iiiiH8-- - -? ¿«> ** ~ ¿¿* generally cylindrical shape received within the tubular portion of the first part of the valve, the insert member of the orifice further includes a lateral projection extending outwardly received into the slot of the first part of the valve. the valve, the lateral projection includes the fluid control opening.

16. The dispensing valve cap according to claim 15, characterized in that the orifice insert member defines an internal chamber in fluid communication with the fluid control opening, the insert member of the orifice includes a further positioned projection. beyond the internal chamber. ~~~ Msu * tffi - A imJÉJÉiti SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A dispensing valve cover mountable to a bottle is provided with a first valve part having a tubular portion having an air inlet and a fluid outlet separated along a longitudinal axis of the tubular portion to form a valve of constant drive to distribute fluid from the bottle. A second valve part of the valve rotatably mounted to the first valve part includes a tubular portion for simultaneously closing both the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first part of the valve when the distribution of the valve is not desired. fluid. The second part of the valve further includes an air inlet, and a fluid outlet alignable with the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the tubular portion when fluid distribution is desired. The distribution valve cap controls the flow of fluid from the bottle. The bottle with the valve cover is useful with a distribution assembly to mix the concentrated fluid from the bottle with a diluent. A tamper resistant closure prevents undesirable rotation of the second valve part relative to the first valve part. The tamper resistant closure is deactivated after insertion of the valve cover into the «UBÍ? I munmt iamti distribution assembly. A member inserted in a hole with a predetermined fluid control opening is placed in the path of the fluid outlet to control the flow velocity of the fluid through the valve cover. ^ ¡G? WÉ g »¿