Fluidic substance dispensing valve
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a valve for dispensing fluidic substances. 
     A container holding one of a wide variety of fluidic substances such as, for example, medicinal material, toner for copying machines or liquid chemicals, often requires a stopper or cap which includes a control valve for dispensing the fluidic material when desired. Such valves, as represented by U.S. Pat. No. 4,164,307, typically exhibit a ball or other valve element fittable into a valve seat. When so fitted, the valve is closed and fluidic substance, typically driven by force, such as pressure, created, for example, by squeezing the container or otherwise, or gravity due to inverting the container, is blocked from flowing through the valve. To open the valve the operator exerts inward force on a rod extending from the valve element, thereby unseating the element to permit the fluidic substance to pass through the valve seat. Typically a spring or similar means urges the ball into the seat thus closing the valve when inward pressure on the rod is removed. 
     Present dispensing valves exhibit several deficiences. For example, improper fit or a loose seal between the ball and seat may result in leaking of the fluidic substance. In cases where the valve is used as a shipping cap secured to a shipped container of fluidic material, rough handling or jostling may lead to accidental opening of the valve and consequent leaking of the fluidic contents. Accidental valve opening is likely because the mass of present valve elements is often relatively large. When the elements are jarred the spring resistance sealing those elements together is overcome and the valve opens. The numerous small distinct parts such as springs, clips and washers used in many present valves add to the difficulty and expense of manufacturing the valves. 
     It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a valve for dispensing fluidic substances which is resistant to accidental opening and prevents leaking of fluidic substance by providing an improved seal. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved dispensing valve having fewer internal parts thereby being simple and inexpensive to construct and reducing valve malfunction. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved dispensing valve which dependably closes and opens during repeated use. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved dispensing valve which also serves as a cap for a fluidic substance container. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention features a valve for dispensing fluidic substances having a valve housing adapted for connecting with a source of fluidic substance. The valve housing typically has a threaded opening for securing to the threaded spout of a container, the end of a hose, or other source of fluidic substance. A chamber within the housing accommodates incoming fluidic material, which is driven into the housing by gravity, pressure or the like. The chamber further defines a generally axial flow path through the valve housing. 
     A diaphragm means is disposed in the valve housing chamber substantially transverse to the axial flow path and sealingly engages the chamber wall so as to define first and second compartments therein. The surface of the diaphragm facing away from the flow path forms an annular rib. At least one aperture is disposed through the diaphragm outside of the annular rib for allowing the passage of fluidic substance from the first compartment to the second compartment. Typically a circular arrangement of apertures is provided. 
     Also mounted in the valve housing is a tubular seal having an inner end which opens to face the annular rib of the diaphragm and an outer end connecting with the region outside the valve housing. The tubular seal comprises a first tube section extending inwardly from the outer end, a second tube section interconnected to the first section and including at least one lobe protruding from the inside wall thereof and an annular lip interconnected with the second tube section and defining the inner end of the tubular seal. The tubular seal further includes pivot means for enabling the second tube section and annular lip to annularly pivot relative to the first tube section and resilient means urging the tube sections axially outward so that the annular lip sealingly engages the annular rib of the diaphragm. 
     The tube sections are movable axially inward; the lip and second tube section annularly pivot to enable the lobes to engage the annular diaphragm rib thereby breaking sealing engagement between the diaphragm and the tubular seal so that fluidic substance in the second compartment of the valve housing chamber is permitted access to the inside of the tube sections. 
     The outer end of the tubular seal includes at least one orifice for dispensing fluidic substance from inside the tubular seal. 
     In addition to dispensing applications the valve of this invention may be used as a shipping or storing cap for containers of fluidic material. 
     In a preferred embodiment the tubular seal comprises an integral member composed of a resilient material, such as plastic, which is flexible enough to permit the aforementioned annular pivoting but is sufficiently rigid for allowing the tube to be urged inwardly without randomly buckling along its length. The resilient material is shaped, such as by molding, so that the first tube section is urged outwardly and thus returns to an outward condition, sealing the valve closed, when inward pressure on the tubular seal is released. 
     The diaphragm is typically composed of a resilient material, similar to that of the tubular seal, which resiliently urges the annular rib into sealing engagement with the annular lip of the tubular seal and flexes or deforms in response to the inward force of the tubular seal bearing on the annular rib. When inward pressure on the tubular seal is halted the diaphragm springs back to regain its original, closed condition shape. 
     Typically, the diaphragm and tubular seal are shaped to have relatively high spring constants urging them into sealing engagement. Further, both elements have relatively small masses. Accordingly the valve resists any tendency to open accidentally when jarred or jostled, such as during shipping. 
     It is preferred that the lobes be integral protrusions or bumps on the inside wall of the second tube sections. However, such lobes may be distinct from the inside wall and fixed thereto adhesively or otherwise. 
     Preferably the annular lip extends in a generally radial manner to sealingly engage the inside wall of the second chamber compartment. In this manner the diaphragm and tubular seal define an annular enclosure in the second compartment for accommodating fluidic substance received from the first chamber compartment through the apertures of the diaphragm. 
     The outer end of the tubular seal, through which the fluidic substance is dispensible, may extend outside of the valve housing or may conversely be recessed in the housing. A recessed tube is protected during periods of nonuse, such as during shipping, without the need for a protective cap. Such a cap may be used; however, in embodiments exhibiting either an external or recessed tube and is mountable to the valve housing threadingly, by snap fit, or in any acceptable manner. 
     The valve housing may include supports, of various geometries, which bear against the annular lip of the tubular seal to resist outward motion or distortion of the lip. Typically the valve housing is contoured to provide such supports. This feature is particularly desirable where fluidic substance enters the valve under high pressure. The supports resist the tendency of the tubular seal to &#34;blow out&#34; under such pressure. 
     In certain embodiments the opening of a container or other source of fluidic substance may be covered by a pierceable membrane. In such instances the diaphragm may include penetrating means such as a pointed member interconnected to the surface of the diaphragm opposite the annular rib for penetrating the membrane when the tubular seal is pressed inwardly and the diaphragm is consequently flexed. 
    
    
     Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference therein to the accompanying drawing in which: 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing valve of this invention in the closed condition and a container to which the valve is attached; 
     FIG. 2 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 showing the dispensing valve in an open condition; 
     FIG. 3 is a plan view of the diaphragm; 
     FIG. 4 is a plan view of the tubular seal; 
     FIG. 5 is a plan view of the valve housing; 
     FIG. 6 is an end view of the diaphragm taken from the left side of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the valve of this invention wherein the tubular seal is fully recessed within the valve housing; 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the valve of this invention which includes valve housing supports for high pressure applications; 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the valve of this invention having a penetration member for piercing a membrane covering the opening of a fluidic substance container; and 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative tubular seal wherein the first and second tube sections and the annular lip are pivotably interconnected at narrow points. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     There is shown in FIG. 1 dispensing valve 10 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a closed condition. A valve housing 12 is threaded at 14 so that opening 15 may securely receive threaded spout 16 of container 18 and connect with container 18 through opening 19 thereof. 
     Housing 12 includes a chamber 20. Mounted therein are a diaphragm 22 and a tubular seal 24. Diaphragm 22 sealingly engages the inside wall 26 of housing 12; stepped portion 28 of diaphragm 22 fits into stepped portion 30 of wall 26. Diaphragm 22 forms an annular rib 32 facing away from opening 15. A peripheral array of apertures 34 arranged in a circular configuration are disposed through rim 36 of diaphragm 22. Diaphragm 22 divides chamber 20 into two compartments 38, 39. 
     Tubular seal 24, includes an elongated tube 40 which extends through an opening 41 in housing 12 and has a tube wall 42 and bore 44. Inner end 46 is open at 48. Outer end 50 includes at least one orifice 52 and may include similar unpictured orifices arranged peripherally about outer end 50. First tube section 53 extends from end 50 and is integral with second tube section 54. Section 54 includes lobes 56 integrally protruding from the inside of wall 42. 
     An annular lip 60 is integrally interconnected to second section 54 and extends generally radially outward to sealingly engage wall 26 in second compartment 39; stepped portion 62 of lip 60 fits notched portion 64 of wall 26. Further, lip 60 sealingly engages annular rib 32 forming an annular seal along 66. 
     Fluidic substance enters housing 12 in the direction of arrow 68. The force driving the fluidic material may include gravity, due to inverting container 18, pressure such as from squeezing container 18, or other suitable driving means. Apertures 34 permit passage of fluidic substance from compartment 38 to an annular enclosure 70 contained within second compartment 39 and bounded by wall 26, lip 60, rib 32 and seal 66. Seal 66 prohibits fluidic material in enclosure 70 from passing through opening 48 and into bore 44 of tube 40. 
     A cap 72 is shown secured to housing 12. Cap 72 is attached such as by snap or friction insertion of cap lip 74 into a slot 76 in housing 12. Cap 72 may be alternatively mounted to housing 12 threadingly or otherwise. 
     Tube wall 42 ls composed of a resilient material such as plastic or the like. Tubular seal 24 is annularly pivotable generally along the curved area 77 which includes both tube wall 42 and lip 60. Diaphragm 22 is composed of a similar resilient material. 
     To open the valve, cap 72 is removed and outer end 50 of tubular seal 24 is pressed inwardly in the direction of arrow 75. Lip 60 and second tube section 54 are caused to pivot in the direction of arrow 78. Diaphragm 22 flexes or deforms slightly in the direction of arrow 79. These movements enable lobes 56 to be carried into essentially point contact engagement with rib 32, FIG. 2 at 77. An opening 78A (FIG. 2) is therefore created through which fluidic material in enclosure 70 is forced either by gravity or pressure from container 18. The fluidic substance travels down tube bore 44 in the direction of arrows 80 and exits through orifices 52. 
     To close the valve inward pressure 75 is removed. The material resilience (plastic memory) of diaphragm 22 and seal 24 urges tube 40 outward in the direction of arrow 82. Second tube section 54 and lip 60 pivot in the direction of arrows 84 and lip 60 is once again brought into sealing engagement with rib 32, as in FIG. 1. 
     The spring constants of the resilient forces urging diaphragm 22 and seal 24 into sealing engagement are sufficiently large in relation to the mass of these elements to resist unintended separation of the lip 60 and rib 32 (opening of the valve) and consequent leaking of the fluidic substance. This is particularly important when valve 10 is utilized as a shipping cap for container 18 and at other times when the valve is subjected to severe jostling which would tend to accidentally separate lip 60 and rib 32. 
     FIGS. 3-5 provide plan views of diaphragm 22, tubular seal 24 and housing 12. FIG. 6 illustrates an end view of diaphragm 22 showing clearly the circular configuration of apertures 34. FIG. 5 discloses a valve housing 12 having an axially notched surface 89 which provides frictional contact so that housing 12 may be threadably secured to a threaded container spout, as in FIG. 1. 
     Cap 72, described with FIG. 1, protects outer end 50 of tubular seal 24 and prevents unintended opening of the valve such as during shipping. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, tubular seal 24 be recessed within valve housing 12a thereby performing a protective function identical to that of cap 72. Housing hole 85 is sufficiently wider than tube 40 to provide access to the outer end 50 of tube 40. Valve 10a of FIG. 7, and its individual parts are otherwise constructed and operated identically to valve 10 of FIGS. 1-6. 
     When fluidic material is dispensed under high pressure stress on annular lip 60 may cause the lip to distort. If the pressure is great enough, the entire tubular seal may blow out. In both cases valve malfunction results. This problem may be remedied by contouring the wall 26b of housing 12b, as in FIG. 8, to form a support 86. Support 86 blocks any distortion of or movement by lip 60 thereby preventing high pressure blow out and valve malfunction. 
     In certain embodiments of this invention, as in FIG. 9, a container 18 using valve 10 may have a thin membrane 90 of foil or other penetrable material covering the opening 19. A penetrating member 92 is interconnected, typically integrally, to a diaphragm 22 so that when diaphragm 22 flexes upon inward movement in the direction of arrow 77 of tubular seal 24 member 92 likewise moves inwardly to position 96 where pointed end 98 pierces membrane 90. 
     As stated during the description of FIG. 1, tube wall 42 of tubular seal 24 typically pivots about a generally curved area 77. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, the tubular seal 24a may be pivotal only about a point 100 between first tube section 53a and second tube section 54a and possibly about a point 102 between section 54a and lip 60a. Points 100 and 102 are typically thin resilient points in tube wall 42. In such embodiments the remaining portions of tube sections 53a and 54a and lip 60a are rigid and nonpivotable. 
     The materials of construction of the above-described embodiments are not critical. A variety of plastic behavior materials, including polymers, elastomeric and thermoplastic materials or metals or combinations thereof in mixture or laminate form can be employed. High density polyethylene is preferred for rigid portions of the above-described structure and low density polyethylene (or 50--50, weight basis, blends thereof with ethylene vinyl acetate). Construction processes for parts thereof may comprise (preferably) injection molding or vacuum or thermo-forming or other known methods. 
     The above-described embodiments are particularly useful in connection with low viscosity liquids, e.g., toner in copy machines. But it may be used for highly viscous fluidic materials, such as shampoos (per se or with modifications to reduce viscosity due to enhanced control through the present invention allowing such reduction). 
     The above embodiments may be employed in valved caps for bottles (or made integral with plastic bottle) and in other fluidic substance control devices. 
     It is evident that those skilled in the art, once given the benefit of the foregoing disclosure, may now make numerous other uses and modifications of, and departures from, the specific embodiments described herein without departing from the inventive concepts. Consequently, the invention is to be construed as embracing each and every novel feature and novel combination of features present in, or possessed by, the apparatus and techniques herein disclosed and limited solely by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.