The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 26, 1995
Filed:
Jun. 20, 1994
David L Feer, Dorchester, MA (US);
William A Pesa, Wooster, OH (US);
Rubbermaid Incorporated, Wooster, OH (US);
Abstract
A valve (18) is disclosed for venting a liquid dispensing container. The valve comprises a valve body upper end (76), an intermediate portion (78) adapted to mourn through a sidewall aperture, and a semi-spherical lower end portion (80). An air passageway (96) extends into the valve upper end (76), and through the portion (78) to the lower portion (80). A slit opening (94) extends through the lower portion (80) and communicates with the passageway (96). The slit widens to equalize pressure in the container, and annular shoulder surfaces (92) and internal surfaces (62) of the container sidewall are compressed together. When equalization in pressure has been achieved, the lower valve portion (80) decompresses and resumes its normal configuration whereby causing the slit (94) to close. Surfaces (92, 62) have a complimentary downward angle to facilitate the return of the lower portion (80) into its semi-spherical shape. A closure member (74) in the preferred form of a straw acts to cover the air passageway (96) in a storage configuration, whereby providing a redundant seal and preventing the escape of liquid upwardly through the valve (18).