CA2418604A1 - Self-sealing dispensing valve for humidifier water bottles - Google Patents
Self-sealing dispensing valve for humidifier water bottles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2418604A1 CA2418604A1 CA002418604A CA2418604A CA2418604A1 CA 2418604 A1 CA2418604 A1 CA 2418604A1 CA 002418604 A CA002418604 A CA 002418604A CA 2418604 A CA2418604 A CA 2418604A CA 2418604 A1 CA2418604 A1 CA 2418604A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- stopper
- valve
- container
- valve body
- outlet
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K15/00—Check valves
- F16K15/18—Check valves with actuating mechanism; Combined check valves and actuated valves
- F16K15/182—Check valves with actuating mechanism; Combined check valves and actuated valves with actuating mechanism
- F16K15/1825—Check valves with actuating mechanism; Combined check valves and actuated valves with actuating mechanism for check valves with flexible valve members
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
- F24F2006/008—Air-humidifier with water reservoir
Abstract
Various configurations of discharge valves for humidifier water containers are disclosed herein. Among other things, the present invention provides simple and economical discharge valves that may be constructed in one piece using an elastic material such as silicone rubber. One configuration includes a valve body and stopper with an elastic rib integrally formed with the valve body and the stopper having adequate length to maintain the stopper in a closed position absent external forces. Another configuration uses a flexible barrier is integrally formed with a valve body. The barrier has a slit through its thickness, and is sufficiently resilient to prevent liquid flow through the slit antler the weight of water inside the container. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the valve has a flexible member defining a base and a generally cylindrical sidewall that has at least one opening therethrough. When the base is deformed, such as by a plunger extending from a humidifier cabinet, the sidewall is pulled away from the humidifier bottle collar so as to allow fluid flow through the opening. A further valve configuration includes a flexible member attached to the container or to a cap that attaches to the container. A stopper extends through a water outlet in a sealing relationship and is positioned to be displaced from the outlet when the container is received in a humidifier mechanism.
Description
SELF-SEALING DISPENSING VALVE FOR HUMIDIFIER WATER BOTTLES
z BACKGROUND OF 'THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates generally to fluid dispensing valves and more specifically to a s self sealing dispensing valve for humidifier water bottles.
c 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Stand-alone humidifiers, such as those commonly sold for use in homes, typically s include one or more water bottles to store and provide a steady supply of water to a 9 mechanism for humidifying air. For example, as shown in Figure 1A, the mechanism may ~o include a fan l, a water tray 2 and a wick ~ partially disposed within the water tray 1.
Water is discharged from a water bottle 4 into the water tray 2. The wick 3 absorbs water ~z from the water tray 2 and, in turn, supplies moisture to the air stxeam propelled through n the mechanism by the fan 1. The water bottle 4 may be removed from the humidifier ~a periodically or as needed for refilling, cleaning or other purposes.
~s The water bottle 4 for such applications typically includes a valve assembly 5 for discharging water into the humidifying mechanism. Such discharge valve assemblies ~ mypically automatically perform at least two functions: ( 1 ) when the water bottle is is removed from the humidifier, the discharge valve assembly should shut off water flow from the water bottle; (2) when the water bottle is properly seated in the humidifier, the Zo discharge valve assembly should open a fluid flow path so that the water inside the water bottle may flow though the path into the humidifying mechanism. The valve assembly may 22 further serve to stop further discharge of water into the humidifying mechanism when the z3 water level in the humidifying mechanism is at or above a predetermined level.
z BACKGROUND OF 'THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates generally to fluid dispensing valves and more specifically to a s self sealing dispensing valve for humidifier water bottles.
c 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Stand-alone humidifiers, such as those commonly sold for use in homes, typically s include one or more water bottles to store and provide a steady supply of water to a 9 mechanism for humidifying air. For example, as shown in Figure 1A, the mechanism may ~o include a fan l, a water tray 2 and a wick ~ partially disposed within the water tray 1.
Water is discharged from a water bottle 4 into the water tray 2. The wick 3 absorbs water ~z from the water tray 2 and, in turn, supplies moisture to the air stxeam propelled through n the mechanism by the fan 1. The water bottle 4 may be removed from the humidifier ~a periodically or as needed for refilling, cleaning or other purposes.
~s The water bottle 4 for such applications typically includes a valve assembly 5 for discharging water into the humidifying mechanism. Such discharge valve assemblies ~ mypically automatically perform at least two functions: ( 1 ) when the water bottle is is removed from the humidifier, the discharge valve assembly should shut off water flow from the water bottle; (2) when the water bottle is properly seated in the humidifier, the Zo discharge valve assembly should open a fluid flow path so that the water inside the water bottle may flow though the path into the humidifying mechanism. The valve assembly may 22 further serve to stop further discharge of water into the humidifying mechanism when the z3 water level in the humidifying mechanism is at or above a predetermined level.
For example, as shown in Figure 1 A, typical discharge valve assemblies are often 2 disposed in a cap situated on the bottom portion of the humidifier water bottle 4. Figure 3 1 B schematically illustrates a prior art valve assembly 5 situated in a cap 6 for a humidifier 4 water bottle. The cap 6 defines a fluid flow path 7 through which water may flow from s inside the bottle to the humidifying mechanism. The cap includes a valve seat 8 with a 6 plunger 9 biased in a closed position via a spring 10. Absent external forces, the bias 7 spring 10 pulls the plunger 9 against the valve seat 8, thereby shutting offwater flow from s the water bottle 4. When the water bottle is properly seated in the humidifier, a 9 protruding member 11 in the humidifier pushes the plunger 9 upwardly to unseat the lo plunger 9 and open the fluid flow path 7 and permit water in the water bottle 4 to be discharged into the water tray 2. When the water level in the water tray 2 is at or above the bottom end of the fluid flow path 7, the discharge of water stops, provided, of course, l 3 that the water bottle 4 is otherwise sealed.
Discharge valve assemblies such as those described above require multiple ~s components, including the cap, plunger and biasing spring. The plunger may further require multiple parts, including a plunger head, stem, bolts, washers, etc.
The i7 requirement for multiple components may lead to procurement difficulties and high cost ~ s for the parts. The complex process of assembling also results in high manufacturing cost of the valve assembly.
2o The present invention addresses these and other problems associated with prior m art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
z The present invention provides a simple and economical valve assembly for 3 hunudifier water containers or bottles and the like. In accordance with one aspect of the a invention, such a valve includes a valve body having a top surface, a bottom surface and a s side surface. The valve body defines a passageway therein and is attachable to the 6 container so as to form a sealing contact around the container outlet. A
stopper is movable between open and closed positions, such that the stopper substantially prevents a fluid flow through the passageway when the stopper is in the closed position, and permits 9 fluid flow through the passageway when the stopper is in the open position.
The io passageway is in fluid communication with the outlet when the valve body is attached to ~ i the container, and the stopper is in the open position. An elastic rib integrally formed with i2 the valve body and the stopper has an adequate length to maintain the stopper in the first position absent external forces.
1a In accordance with other aspects of the invention, an exemplary valve includes a ~ s valve body defining a passageway therein and is attachable to the container so as to form a sealing contact around the outlet. The passageway is in fluid communication with the outlet when the valve body is attached to the container. A flexible barrier is integrally ~s formed with the valve body. T'he barrier interrupts the passageway and has a slit through its thickness. The barrier is su~ciontly resilient to prevent the liquid flow through the slit zo from the container under the weight of water inside the container.
z ~ In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the valve has a flexible member z2 defining a base and a generally cylindrical sidewall extending from the base. A humidifier water container defines an outlet with a generally cylindrical collar. The flexible member is removably received within the collar such that the outer surface of the flexible member z sidewall seals against the collar when the base is in a first undeformed position. The sidewall has at Ieast one opening therethrough, and when the base is deformed from the a first position, such as by a plunger extending from a humidifier cabinet, the sidewall is s pulled away from the collar so as to allow fluid flow through the opening.
b Another exemplary valve assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends. The first end is attached to the contauier or to a cap that attaches to the s container. The second end defines a stopper that extends through a water outlet in a 9 sealing relationship. The stopper is positioned to be Displaced from the outlet when the ~ o container is received in a humidifier mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIOhY OF THE; DRAWINGS
iz Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading ~s the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:
is Figures 1A and 113 schematically illustrates aspects of a prior art humidifier arid ~ s valve assembly;
Figure 2 illustrates a discharge valve in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ~ z of the present invention;
is Figures 3A-3C are sectional vie~.vs schematically illustrating further aspects of the i9 valve shown in Figure 2;
z~ Figure 4 shows an exemplary alternative stopper configuration to that shown in z~ Figure 2;
zz Figure 5 illustrates a discharge valve in accordance with another exemplary 23 embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates a discharge valve similar to that shown in Figure 5, employing z an alternative discharge configuration;
3 Figures 7A and 7B are sectional views illustrating further aspects of a discharge a valve such as those shown in Figures 5 and 6;
s Figures 8A and 8B illustrate alternative discharge slit configurations suitable for a 6 discharge valves such as those shown in Figures 5 and 6;
Figures 9A and 9B illustrate a further exemplary embodiment of a discharge valve s in accordance with the present invention; and 9 Figure 1 fl illustrates yet another discharge valve in accordance with aspects of the ~o present invention.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, ~ z specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are i3 herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of ~4 specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms ~s disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
as i9 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TIIE INVENTION
zo Illustrative embodiments of 'the invention are described below. In the interest of z~ clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It zz will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, 23 numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' 6~
specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, a which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that 3 such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nonetheless a be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this s disclosure.
6 Referring to Figure 2, an illustrative embodiment in accordance with the present 7 invention is illustrated. The discharge valve 15 includes a valve body 20 having a top side s 22 and bottom side 24, a stopper 30 and elastic ribs 40 eartending from the bottom side of 9 the valve body 20 to the stopper 30. The valve body 20, stopper 30 and elastic ribs 40 are ~ o integrally formed from an elastic material such as silicone rubber. The valve body 20 has a > > hole 26, which serves as a passage way for liquid flow. The valve body 20 is adapted to be attached to a liquid container such as a water bottle 50 with an outlet 52.
When the valve body 20 is attached to the water bottle S0, the valve body forms a ~a sealing contact to the water bottle 50 around the outlet 52. In this illustrative is embodiment, the valve body 20 is of a hollow cylindrical shape with a groove 28 formed around the curved surface. The valve body 20 may be attached to the water bottle 50 by placing the valve body 20 inside the outlet 52 so that the groove 28 fits over the water is bottle wall 56 surrounding the outlet 52. The size of the valve body 20 and the size of the ~v groove 28 are such that, because of the resiliency of the material used to make the valve zo 15, a sealing contact is formed between the valve body 20 and the water bottle 50 around the outlet 52.
~z The stopper 30 is positioned over the hole 26 on the side of the water bottle 50.
z3 The ribs 40 are suffciently short so that absent external forces, the stopper 30 is pulled to a "closed" position against the top surface 22 of the valve body 20, sealing the hole 26 to z prevent liquid flow from the water bottle. Such a "closed" position is illustrated in Figure s 3A. Under su~cient external force, the ribs 4U may be stretched further, and the stopper a 30 may be pushed away from the valve body 20 to an "open" position to permit liquid s flow from the water bottle 50 as shown in Figure 3B. The force may be exerted, for 6 example, by a member 11 protruding upwardly through the hole 26 from a supporting 7 surface when the water bottle 50 is lowered to rest on the supporting surface with the s valve located at the bottom of the water bottle 50.
The discharge valve 15 illustrated in Figure 2 may be made in essentially two steps.
to First the valve body 20, the stopper 30 and the elastic ribs 40 are molded as a single piece, t ~ with the stopper positioned on the bottom side 24 of the valve body 20, as shown in i2 Figure 3C. Next, the stopper 30 is pushed through the hole 26 on the valve body 20 to a3 above the top surface 22 of the valve body 20 to the position shown ire Figure 3A. The i4 elastic ribs 40 are sufficiently short so that they must be stretched at least slightly in order ~s to push the stopper 30 to above the top surface 22 of the valve body 20.
An alternative stopper configuration is illustrated in Figure 4, in which the elastic m ribs 40 connect a centrally located stem 31 to the stopper 32. The stem 31 and stopper 32 ~s are shown in their "as molded" positions in solid lines in Figure 4. As described above in conjunction with Figures 3A and 3C, the discharge valve is molded as a single piece, with zo the stem 31 and stopper 32 located below the valve body 20. The stem 31 and stopper 32 z~ are rotated and pushed through the hole 26 to the sealing position, shown in broken Lines zz in Figure 4. The elastic ribs 40 provide the sealing down force on the stopper 32 via the z3 stem 31 Referring to Figure S, in another illustrative embodiment in accordance with the 2 present invention, the discharge valve 100 includes a valve body 120 and a flexible barrier 3 130 integrally formed with the valve body 120. 'the valve body 120 is adapted to be 4 attached to a liquid container such as a water bottle 1 SO with an outlet 152 and form a s sealing contact to the water bottle around the outlet 152 in the same way as the valve b body 20 in the illustrative embodiment shoum and described in conjunction with in Figure 2. Other structures may be employed to achieve the same purposes. For example, the s valve body 220, illustrated in Figure 6, is a cap-like structure that is integrally formed with 9 a flexible barrier 230 and is tightly fitted over a ridge 254 around the outlet 252 of the ~o water bottle 250.
> > The flexible barrier 130 or 230 has a slit 140 or 240 cut through the thickness of the barrier. The flexible barrier 130 or 230, which may be fabricated from an elastic ~3 material such as silicone rubber, is sufficiently resilient so that absent other external forces, i4 the water inside the water bottle 1 SO or 250 cannot escape through the slit. Under is sufficient force, the barrier 130 or 230 may be deformed to a sufficient degree to open the m slit to permit liquid flow from the water bottle I50 or 250. Figures 7A and m schematically illustrate the flexible barrier 130 in the closed and open positions, ~s respectively. The force may be exerted, for example, by a member 11 protruding upward i9 from a supporting surface in the humidifier when the water bottle 150 is lowered to rest Zo on the supporting surface with the valve located at the bottom of the water bottle 150.
The slit may define any of several shapes. It may be H-shaped, as shown in ii Figure 5, or C-shaped wish short cut segments 244 and 246 at the end of the C-segment 23 242 as shown in Figure 6, to increase the rate of discharge. Figures 8A and 8B illustrate other exemplary slit shapes, including a straight cut and multiple T-shaped cuts, z respectively.
s Figures 9A and 9B illustrate yet another discharge valve in accordance with a aspects of the present invention. The discharge valve 300 includes a flexible cap 320 that s defines one or more openil7gs 322 extending through the sidewall 324 of the cap 320. The 6 sidewall 320 is generally cylindrical in shape. The flexible cap may be fabricated out of any suitable flexible material, such as silicone rubber. In a "closed"
position, the sidewall g 324 seals against the bottle 350 as shown in Figure 9A. The bottle 350 typically includes v an outlet 352 defining a cylindrical collar 354 therearound, wherein the sidewall 324 seals ~o against the collar 354. Figure 9B illustrates the cap 322 (only one half of the cap 322 is > > shown for clarity) as deformed by the member 11 protruding from the humidifier cabinet .
i2 The upward force exerted by the member 11 rotates the sidewall 324 away from the bottle 350, thus allowing the discharge of water through the opening 322. Any suitable number ~4 of openings 322 may be formed in the sidewall 324.
i s A further discharge valve i5 shown in Figure 10, in which a flexible one-piece stopper 400 is attached to the bottom portion of a cap 405 or alternatively, directly to a m humidifier bottle 450. Again, the stopper 400 may be fabricated from any suitable elastic ~s material, such as silicone rubber. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, 19 the stopper 400 is attached to the bottle 450 via a bulb 410 extending through an opening zo 412 in the bottle 450. The bulb 410 is of a shape and size to self seal when situated in the z~ hole 412. A stopper portion 420 extends through a second hole 422 to prevent water z2 from leaving the bottle 450 when in a closed position. Hydrostatic pressure on the upper z3 side 430 stopper 400 seals the stopper portion 420 in the hole 422. When positioned in a humidifier, the protruding member 11 (not shown in Figure 10) exerts a force against the 2 stopper portion 420, displacing it from the hole 422 and breaking the seal, allowing water 3 to exit the bottle 450.
a Thus, the present invention provides benefits over prior art valves used for s dispensing water into humidifiers, including simplicity and reduced cost.
The particular v embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the a benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of 9 construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is ~o therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or > > modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.
Discharge valve assemblies such as those described above require multiple ~s components, including the cap, plunger and biasing spring. The plunger may further require multiple parts, including a plunger head, stem, bolts, washers, etc.
The i7 requirement for multiple components may lead to procurement difficulties and high cost ~ s for the parts. The complex process of assembling also results in high manufacturing cost of the valve assembly.
2o The present invention addresses these and other problems associated with prior m art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
z The present invention provides a simple and economical valve assembly for 3 hunudifier water containers or bottles and the like. In accordance with one aspect of the a invention, such a valve includes a valve body having a top surface, a bottom surface and a s side surface. The valve body defines a passageway therein and is attachable to the 6 container so as to form a sealing contact around the container outlet. A
stopper is movable between open and closed positions, such that the stopper substantially prevents a fluid flow through the passageway when the stopper is in the closed position, and permits 9 fluid flow through the passageway when the stopper is in the open position.
The io passageway is in fluid communication with the outlet when the valve body is attached to ~ i the container, and the stopper is in the open position. An elastic rib integrally formed with i2 the valve body and the stopper has an adequate length to maintain the stopper in the first position absent external forces.
1a In accordance with other aspects of the invention, an exemplary valve includes a ~ s valve body defining a passageway therein and is attachable to the container so as to form a sealing contact around the outlet. The passageway is in fluid communication with the outlet when the valve body is attached to the container. A flexible barrier is integrally ~s formed with the valve body. T'he barrier interrupts the passageway and has a slit through its thickness. The barrier is su~ciontly resilient to prevent the liquid flow through the slit zo from the container under the weight of water inside the container.
z ~ In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the valve has a flexible member z2 defining a base and a generally cylindrical sidewall extending from the base. A humidifier water container defines an outlet with a generally cylindrical collar. The flexible member is removably received within the collar such that the outer surface of the flexible member z sidewall seals against the collar when the base is in a first undeformed position. The sidewall has at Ieast one opening therethrough, and when the base is deformed from the a first position, such as by a plunger extending from a humidifier cabinet, the sidewall is s pulled away from the collar so as to allow fluid flow through the opening.
b Another exemplary valve assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends. The first end is attached to the contauier or to a cap that attaches to the s container. The second end defines a stopper that extends through a water outlet in a 9 sealing relationship. The stopper is positioned to be Displaced from the outlet when the ~ o container is received in a humidifier mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIOhY OF THE; DRAWINGS
iz Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading ~s the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:
is Figures 1A and 113 schematically illustrates aspects of a prior art humidifier arid ~ s valve assembly;
Figure 2 illustrates a discharge valve in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ~ z of the present invention;
is Figures 3A-3C are sectional vie~.vs schematically illustrating further aspects of the i9 valve shown in Figure 2;
z~ Figure 4 shows an exemplary alternative stopper configuration to that shown in z~ Figure 2;
zz Figure 5 illustrates a discharge valve in accordance with another exemplary 23 embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates a discharge valve similar to that shown in Figure 5, employing z an alternative discharge configuration;
3 Figures 7A and 7B are sectional views illustrating further aspects of a discharge a valve such as those shown in Figures 5 and 6;
s Figures 8A and 8B illustrate alternative discharge slit configurations suitable for a 6 discharge valves such as those shown in Figures 5 and 6;
Figures 9A and 9B illustrate a further exemplary embodiment of a discharge valve s in accordance with the present invention; and 9 Figure 1 fl illustrates yet another discharge valve in accordance with aspects of the ~o present invention.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, ~ z specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are i3 herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of ~4 specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms ~s disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
as i9 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TIIE INVENTION
zo Illustrative embodiments of 'the invention are described below. In the interest of z~ clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It zz will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, 23 numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' 6~
specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, a which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that 3 such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nonetheless a be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this s disclosure.
6 Referring to Figure 2, an illustrative embodiment in accordance with the present 7 invention is illustrated. The discharge valve 15 includes a valve body 20 having a top side s 22 and bottom side 24, a stopper 30 and elastic ribs 40 eartending from the bottom side of 9 the valve body 20 to the stopper 30. The valve body 20, stopper 30 and elastic ribs 40 are ~ o integrally formed from an elastic material such as silicone rubber. The valve body 20 has a > > hole 26, which serves as a passage way for liquid flow. The valve body 20 is adapted to be attached to a liquid container such as a water bottle 50 with an outlet 52.
When the valve body 20 is attached to the water bottle S0, the valve body forms a ~a sealing contact to the water bottle 50 around the outlet 52. In this illustrative is embodiment, the valve body 20 is of a hollow cylindrical shape with a groove 28 formed around the curved surface. The valve body 20 may be attached to the water bottle 50 by placing the valve body 20 inside the outlet 52 so that the groove 28 fits over the water is bottle wall 56 surrounding the outlet 52. The size of the valve body 20 and the size of the ~v groove 28 are such that, because of the resiliency of the material used to make the valve zo 15, a sealing contact is formed between the valve body 20 and the water bottle 50 around the outlet 52.
~z The stopper 30 is positioned over the hole 26 on the side of the water bottle 50.
z3 The ribs 40 are suffciently short so that absent external forces, the stopper 30 is pulled to a "closed" position against the top surface 22 of the valve body 20, sealing the hole 26 to z prevent liquid flow from the water bottle. Such a "closed" position is illustrated in Figure s 3A. Under su~cient external force, the ribs 4U may be stretched further, and the stopper a 30 may be pushed away from the valve body 20 to an "open" position to permit liquid s flow from the water bottle 50 as shown in Figure 3B. The force may be exerted, for 6 example, by a member 11 protruding upwardly through the hole 26 from a supporting 7 surface when the water bottle 50 is lowered to rest on the supporting surface with the s valve located at the bottom of the water bottle 50.
The discharge valve 15 illustrated in Figure 2 may be made in essentially two steps.
to First the valve body 20, the stopper 30 and the elastic ribs 40 are molded as a single piece, t ~ with the stopper positioned on the bottom side 24 of the valve body 20, as shown in i2 Figure 3C. Next, the stopper 30 is pushed through the hole 26 on the valve body 20 to a3 above the top surface 22 of the valve body 20 to the position shown ire Figure 3A. The i4 elastic ribs 40 are sufficiently short so that they must be stretched at least slightly in order ~s to push the stopper 30 to above the top surface 22 of the valve body 20.
An alternative stopper configuration is illustrated in Figure 4, in which the elastic m ribs 40 connect a centrally located stem 31 to the stopper 32. The stem 31 and stopper 32 ~s are shown in their "as molded" positions in solid lines in Figure 4. As described above in conjunction with Figures 3A and 3C, the discharge valve is molded as a single piece, with zo the stem 31 and stopper 32 located below the valve body 20. The stem 31 and stopper 32 z~ are rotated and pushed through the hole 26 to the sealing position, shown in broken Lines zz in Figure 4. The elastic ribs 40 provide the sealing down force on the stopper 32 via the z3 stem 31 Referring to Figure S, in another illustrative embodiment in accordance with the 2 present invention, the discharge valve 100 includes a valve body 120 and a flexible barrier 3 130 integrally formed with the valve body 120. 'the valve body 120 is adapted to be 4 attached to a liquid container such as a water bottle 1 SO with an outlet 152 and form a s sealing contact to the water bottle around the outlet 152 in the same way as the valve b body 20 in the illustrative embodiment shoum and described in conjunction with in Figure 2. Other structures may be employed to achieve the same purposes. For example, the s valve body 220, illustrated in Figure 6, is a cap-like structure that is integrally formed with 9 a flexible barrier 230 and is tightly fitted over a ridge 254 around the outlet 252 of the ~o water bottle 250.
> > The flexible barrier 130 or 230 has a slit 140 or 240 cut through the thickness of the barrier. The flexible barrier 130 or 230, which may be fabricated from an elastic ~3 material such as silicone rubber, is sufficiently resilient so that absent other external forces, i4 the water inside the water bottle 1 SO or 250 cannot escape through the slit. Under is sufficient force, the barrier 130 or 230 may be deformed to a sufficient degree to open the m slit to permit liquid flow from the water bottle I50 or 250. Figures 7A and m schematically illustrate the flexible barrier 130 in the closed and open positions, ~s respectively. The force may be exerted, for example, by a member 11 protruding upward i9 from a supporting surface in the humidifier when the water bottle 150 is lowered to rest Zo on the supporting surface with the valve located at the bottom of the water bottle 150.
The slit may define any of several shapes. It may be H-shaped, as shown in ii Figure 5, or C-shaped wish short cut segments 244 and 246 at the end of the C-segment 23 242 as shown in Figure 6, to increase the rate of discharge. Figures 8A and 8B illustrate other exemplary slit shapes, including a straight cut and multiple T-shaped cuts, z respectively.
s Figures 9A and 9B illustrate yet another discharge valve in accordance with a aspects of the present invention. The discharge valve 300 includes a flexible cap 320 that s defines one or more openil7gs 322 extending through the sidewall 324 of the cap 320. The 6 sidewall 320 is generally cylindrical in shape. The flexible cap may be fabricated out of any suitable flexible material, such as silicone rubber. In a "closed"
position, the sidewall g 324 seals against the bottle 350 as shown in Figure 9A. The bottle 350 typically includes v an outlet 352 defining a cylindrical collar 354 therearound, wherein the sidewall 324 seals ~o against the collar 354. Figure 9B illustrates the cap 322 (only one half of the cap 322 is > > shown for clarity) as deformed by the member 11 protruding from the humidifier cabinet .
i2 The upward force exerted by the member 11 rotates the sidewall 324 away from the bottle 350, thus allowing the discharge of water through the opening 322. Any suitable number ~4 of openings 322 may be formed in the sidewall 324.
i s A further discharge valve i5 shown in Figure 10, in which a flexible one-piece stopper 400 is attached to the bottom portion of a cap 405 or alternatively, directly to a m humidifier bottle 450. Again, the stopper 400 may be fabricated from any suitable elastic ~s material, such as silicone rubber. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, 19 the stopper 400 is attached to the bottle 450 via a bulb 410 extending through an opening zo 412 in the bottle 450. The bulb 410 is of a shape and size to self seal when situated in the z~ hole 412. A stopper portion 420 extends through a second hole 422 to prevent water z2 from leaving the bottle 450 when in a closed position. Hydrostatic pressure on the upper z3 side 430 stopper 400 seals the stopper portion 420 in the hole 422. When positioned in a humidifier, the protruding member 11 (not shown in Figure 10) exerts a force against the 2 stopper portion 420, displacing it from the hole 422 and breaking the seal, allowing water 3 to exit the bottle 450.
a Thus, the present invention provides benefits over prior art valves used for s dispensing water into humidifiers, including simplicity and reduced cost.
The particular v embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the a benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of 9 construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is ~o therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or > > modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.
Claims (15)
1. A valve for discharging liquid from a container having a wall defining thereon an outlet, comprising:
a valve body having a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface, the valve body defining a passageway therein and attachable to the container so as to form a sealing contact around the outlet;
a stopper movable between an open and closed positions, the stopper preventing fluid flow through the passage way when the stopper is in the closed position, and permitting fluid flow through the passageway when the stopper is in the open position, the passageway being in fluid communication with the outlet when the valve body is attached to the container, and the stopper is in the open position; and an elastic rib integrally formed with the valve body and the stopper, the elastic rib having an adequate length to maintain the stopper in the first position absent external forces.
a valve body having a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface, the valve body defining a passageway therein and attachable to the container so as to form a sealing contact around the outlet;
a stopper movable between an open and closed positions, the stopper preventing fluid flow through the passage way when the stopper is in the closed position, and permitting fluid flow through the passageway when the stopper is in the open position, the passageway being in fluid communication with the outlet when the valve body is attached to the container, and the stopper is in the open position; and an elastic rib integrally formed with the valve body and the stopper, the elastic rib having an adequate length to maintain the stopper in the first position absent external forces.
2. The valve of claim 1, wherein the elastic rib is in a stretched state when the stopper is in the closed position, and the elastic rib being stretched further when the stopper is in the open position than when the stopper is in the closed position.
3. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve body is substantially cylindrical and the passageway is disposed substantially along the longitudinal axis of the valve body.
4. The valve of claim 3, wherein the elastic rib defines a first end integrally formed with the bottom surface of the valve body and a second end integrally formed with the stopper, and wherein the elastic rib extends through the passageway.
5. The valve of claim 3, further comprising an elastic stem interconnecting the elastic rib and the stopper.
6. A valve for discharging liquid from a container having a wall defining thereon an outlet, comprising:
a valve body having a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface, the valve body defining a passageway therein and attachabe to the container so as to form a sealing contact around the outlet, the passageway being in fluid communication with the outlet when the valve body is attached to the container;
a flexible barrier having a thickness and integrally formed with the valve body, the barrier interrupting the passageway and defining a slit through the thickness, the barrier being sufficiently resilient to prevent the liquid flow through the slit from the container under the weight of the water inside the container.
a valve body having a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface, the valve body defining a passageway therein and attachabe to the container so as to form a sealing contact around the outlet, the passageway being in fluid communication with the outlet when the valve body is attached to the container;
a flexible barrier having a thickness and integrally formed with the valve body, the barrier interrupting the passageway and defining a slit through the thickness, the barrier being sufficiently resilient to prevent the liquid flow through the slit from the container under the weight of the water inside the container.
7. The valve of claim 6, wherein the slit comprises a plurality of slits.
8. The valve of claim 6, wherein the slit is generally H-shaped.
9. The valve of claim b, wherein the slit is generally C-shaped.
10. The valve of claim 6, wherein the slit is generally T-shaped.
11. A humidifier water bottle assembly including a valve for discharging liquid therefrom, comprising:
a flexible member defining a base and a generally cylindrical sidewall extending from the base, the sidewall having an outer surface;
a container defining an outlet having generally cylindrical collar, the flexible member removably received within the collar such that the outer surface of the flexible member sidewall seals against the collar when the base is in a first undeformed position;
the sidewall defining at least one opening therethrough, wherein when the base is deformed from the first position, the sidewall is pulled away from the collar so as to allow fluid flow through the opening.
a flexible member defining a base and a generally cylindrical sidewall extending from the base, the sidewall having an outer surface;
a container defining an outlet having generally cylindrical collar, the flexible member removably received within the collar such that the outer surface of the flexible member sidewall seals against the collar when the base is in a first undeformed position;
the sidewall defining at least one opening therethrough, wherein when the base is deformed from the first position, the sidewall is pulled away from the collar so as to allow fluid flow through the opening.
12. A humidifier water bottle assembly including a valve for discharging liquid therefrom, comprising:
a container defining a fluid outlet; and a flexible member having first and second ends, the first end being attached to the container;
the second end defining a stopper, extending through the outlet in a sealing relationship, the stopper being positioned to be displaced from the outlet when the container is received in a humidifier mechanism
a container defining a fluid outlet; and a flexible member having first and second ends, the first end being attached to the container;
the second end defining a stopper, extending through the outlet in a sealing relationship, the stopper being positioned to be displaced from the outlet when the container is received in a humidifier mechanism
13. The water bottle assembly of claim 12, wherein the bottle defines a second opening therethrough, and wherein the flexible member first end defines a bulb extending therefrom received in the second opening so as to seal the second opening and attach the flexible member to the container.
14. A valve for discharging liquid from a container having a wall defining thereon an outlet, comprising:
a cap removably attachable to the container so as to form a sealing relationship with the outlet, the cap defining a passageway therein; and a flexible member having first and second ends, the first end being attached to the cap;
the second end defining a stopper extending through the passageway in a sealing relationship, the stopper being positioned to be displaced from the passageway when the container is received in a humidifier mechanism
a cap removably attachable to the container so as to form a sealing relationship with the outlet, the cap defining a passageway therein; and a flexible member having first and second ends, the first end being attached to the cap;
the second end defining a stopper extending through the passageway in a sealing relationship, the stopper being positioned to be displaced from the passageway when the container is received in a humidifier mechanism
15. The valve of claim 14, wherein the cap defines a second opening therethrough, and wherein the flexible member first end defines a bulb extending therefrom received in the second opening so as to seal the second opening and attach the flexible member to the cap.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/091,178 | 2002-03-04 | ||
| US10/091,178 US6805336B2 (en) | 2002-03-04 | 2002-03-04 | Self-sealing dispensing valve for humidifier water bottles |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2418604A1 true CA2418604A1 (en) | 2003-09-04 |
Family
ID=27804104
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002418604A Abandoned CA2418604A1 (en) | 2002-03-04 | 2003-02-07 | Self-sealing dispensing valve for humidifier water bottles |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6805336B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2418604A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA03001891A (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20060290015A1 (en) * | 2005-06-23 | 2006-12-28 | Emerson Electric Co. | Humidifier and fluid dispensing valve therefor |
| US20100271902A1 (en) * | 2006-03-16 | 2010-10-28 | Murphy Braden | Apparatus and method for premixing lost circulation material |
| US20080062812A1 (en) * | 2006-03-16 | 2008-03-13 | Murphy Braden | Apparatus and method for premixing lost circulation material |
| US20080149665A1 (en) * | 2006-12-21 | 2008-06-26 | The Dial Corporation | Vapor-dispersing device with pressure-responsive valve |
| FR2956463B1 (en) * | 2010-02-16 | 2012-06-29 | Biomerieux Sa | VALVE DEVICE, MONO-BODY, MOLD BY INJECTION OF ELASTIC MATERIAL |
| DE102011119075A1 (en) * | 2011-11-21 | 2013-05-23 | Dräger Medical GmbH | Self-locking tee |
| KR102046476B1 (en) * | 2012-02-29 | 2019-11-19 | 웅진코웨이 주식회사 | Humidification apparatus capable of preventing water leak |
| JP6158599B2 (en) * | 2013-06-07 | 2017-07-05 | 積水樹脂株式会社 | Natural vaporizing humidifier |
| CN205196997U (en) * | 2015-11-04 | 2016-05-04 | 深圳市合元科技有限公司 | A reservoir and atomizer and electron cigarette for electron cigarette |
| CN108799524B (en) | 2018-08-27 | 2020-03-27 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Water outlet valve assembly and humidifier comprising same |
| KR102340052B1 (en) * | 2019-01-03 | 2021-12-16 | 코웨이 주식회사 | Humidifier |
| KR20200144003A (en) * | 2019-06-17 | 2020-12-28 | 코웨이 주식회사 | Air Cleaner Having Humidifying Function |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4728006A (en) * | 1984-04-27 | 1988-03-01 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Flexible container including self-sealing dispensing valve to provide automatic shut-off and leak resistant inverted storage |
| US5839614A (en) * | 1991-12-06 | 1998-11-24 | Aptar Group, Inc. | Dispensing package |
| US5482190A (en) | 1994-09-26 | 1996-01-09 | Emerson Electric Co. | Filling trough/dispensing cap |
| US5480588A (en) | 1994-12-05 | 1996-01-02 | Emerson Electric Co. | Humidifier with exposed spaced bottles |
| US5746359A (en) | 1996-06-06 | 1998-05-05 | Emerson Electric Co. | Air seal for humidifier water bottle |
| US6079823A (en) * | 1997-07-23 | 2000-06-27 | Marconi Data Systems Inc. | Ink bottle with puncturable diaphragm closure |
| GB9825121D0 (en) * | 1998-11-17 | 1999-01-13 | Crown Cork & Seal Tech Corp | Dispensing closures |
| US6176474B1 (en) | 1998-12-01 | 2001-01-23 | Emerson Electric Co. | Humidifier bottle with side fill/side dispensing cap |
| US6293437B1 (en) * | 2000-12-22 | 2001-09-25 | Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc. | Valve with rolling sleeve |
| US6405901B1 (en) * | 2000-12-22 | 2002-06-18 | Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc. | Valve with rolling sleeve |
| US6530504B2 (en) * | 2001-03-02 | 2003-03-11 | Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc. | Multiple orifice valve |
-
2002
- 2002-03-04 US US10/091,178 patent/US6805336B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2003
- 2003-02-07 CA CA002418604A patent/CA2418604A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-03-03 MX MXPA03001891A patent/MXPA03001891A/en active IP Right Grant
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| MXPA03001891A (en) | 2004-09-06 |
| US20030164559A1 (en) | 2003-09-04 |
| US6805336B2 (en) | 2004-10-19 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20110207 |