Dispensing – Collapsible wall-type container
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-03
2001-08-14
Kaufman, Joseph A. (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
Collapsible wall-type container
C222S494000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06273296
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to packaging for fluid products and the like, and in particular to a non-venting valve and associated dispensing package.
Many different types of packages and containers are presently available for packaging non-solid products of the type which are capable of flowing, such as fluid or fluidized materials, including liquids, pastes, powders, and the like, which substances are collectively and generically referred to herein as “fluids”. Some such packages include a dispenser, which permits a selected amount of fluid to be discharged from the package, and then reseals to close the package.
Self-sealing dispensing valves have been used in packaging for certain types products, such as the container disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,006 to Drobish et al, which is designed for shampoos, conditioners, and the like. However, such valves have been known to experience certain types of sealing problems and inconsistent dispensing characteristics, particularly when the packages are exposed to significant temperature variations.
Liquid silicone rubber valves have recently been used is some types of packaging, and have proven particularly advantageous since the material is inherently quite inert, and will therefore not either adulterate or react with the packaged products. Examples of such valves and related packaging are provided in Applicant's U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,033,655; 5,213,236; 5,377,877; and 5,409,144 to Brown et al, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Some types of fluid products such as selected personal care items, cosmetics, hair care products, medications, foodstuffs, drinks, etc. begin to deteriorate when exposed to air. Hence, they are typically difficult to package in dispensing types of containers. It is preferable to package such products in containers which are either collapsible, or include collapsing interior liners, so that the interior volume of the container decreases as fluid product is drawn out of the package, thereby minimizing exposure of the product to ambient air.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is a non-venting dispensing valve and associated package for fluid products and the like, including a container of the type having an interior volume which reduces as fluid product is dispensed from the package. A self-sealing dispensing valve has a marginal portion sealing about an associated discharge open in the container, and a valve head with an orifice which shifts between open and closed positions in response to the application and release of pressure on and/or within the container. A vent resisting member retains the orifice in the closed position after each dispensing of fluid product from the container to prevent ambient air from being drawn back through the orifice into the container.
The principal objects of the present invention are to provide a dispensing valve and package which will not draw air back into the container after dispensing, and is therefore particularly adapted for use in packaging air sensitive products, such as medications, cosmetics, personal care creams, pastes, lotions, drinks, and other similar products. The dispensing package has a self-sealing type of valve which opens and closes automatically for easy of use. The dispensing package has an uncomplicated design, and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. The dispensing package is efficient in use, capable of long operating life, and particularly well adapted for the proposed use.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
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Kaufman Joseph A.
Rockey Milnamow & Katz Ltd.
Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
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