WO2005108229A1

WO2005108229A1 - Non-mechanical dispensing valve

Info

Publication number: WO2005108229A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/015094
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert S. Luzenberg
Original assignee: Gls Closure Of Florida, Inc.
Priority date: 2004-04-30
Filing date: 2005-04-29
Publication date: 2005-11-17

Abstract

A valve closure is provided which does not require physical or mechanical actuation of the valve to start and stop the flow of a fluid through the valve. The valve closure alternatively functions as an applicator.

Description

NON-MECHANICAL DISPENSING VALVE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to fluid dispensing valves and more specifically to a fluid dispensing valve that prevents the flow of a fluid therethrough until a minimum pressure gradient across the valve is reached. More particularly, the valve requires no direct mechanical actuation in order to start and stop the flowing of a fluid. A myriad of packages exist for containing materials that flow (generally referred to herein as "fluids"), such as beverages, soaps, foods, powders and chemicals, among many others. These packages are filled with the fluids through openings, such as that provided at the finish area of bottles. These openings are then sealed for distribution of the packages. The sealing is generally done with a closure, of which there are a large number of different types. For example, many shampoo containers, lotion containers, hair styling products, and condiment containers and some toothpaste containers use a flip top closure. Other products, such as some toothpaste products, deodorants, perfumes, and after-shave lotions, are packaged in containers that include a removable cap, such as, for example, a threaded cap or a friction-fitting cap. Generally, two hands are required to open these types of closures. In the beverage industry, closures used for many packages, including bottles, are generally of the screw-on type, and may be repeatedly removed and resealed. Recently, however, an increasing number of beverage closures include dispensing valves that allow the beverages to flow through the closure for consumption, without removal of the closure. The most widely used dispensing closure is the push-pull dispensing closure, similar to that used on many liquid dish-washing soap packages. Instead of requiring several revolutions of the cap for its removal, the push-pull cap is opened by a swift pull of the cap. The most obvious benefits of the push-pull cap include that it is easier to open and close, and it minimizes the time required to open and close a beverage or dish-washing detergent bottle. In addition, in the case of a bottle containing a beverage, teeth can be used to pull the push- pull cap open; thus only one hand is necessary to open a beverage. Flip-top closures, removable closures and push-pull closures, however, have significant drawbacks. For example, each one requires the user to manually open the container by flipping the closure open, removing the closure or pulling the spout open and closed. Further, if the user does not return the closure to its sealing position, the package may leak, since the closures do not automatically reseal. Also, the push-pull component can separate from the closure and become a choking hazard, particularly for smaller children. One type of self-closing dispensing valve has been developed for use on some flexible condiment containers. In general, this self-closing dispensing valve is made of a resilient material having one or more slits or apertures. When the valve is closed, the resilient material is in a position such that the slits or apertures are closed. When pressure is applied to the container, the resilient material inverts or moves causing the slits or apertures to open. The self-closing dispensing valve has drawbacks. For example, over time the material may lose some of its resiliency. As a result, the slits may not fully close or seat, thus, the product could leak out of the container. Additionally, the self-closing valve requires more complicated manufacturing. First the valve is made, then the one or more slits are made in the valve. If the tolerances of the slits are too large, the slits will not close or seat and the product may leak out of the container. Further, this type of closure is limited to use with only a limited number of fluids meeting specific criteria. Thus, there is a need for improvement in the field of dispensing valve closures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a package for containing and dispensing a fluid such as, for example, a beverage. The package has a container with an opening and a chamber for holding the fluid. A dispensing valve is attached to the opening of the container such that a first side of the valve faces the chamber of the container. The valve has a second side opposite the first side. The dispensing valve has a porous plastic matrix with an internal network of passages and with pores on the exposed surface of the matrix. The passages and pores are arranged such that fluid can travel between them. The pores have an average size of about 20 to 200 microns. Passage of the fluid from the container through the dispensing valve is restricted until a sufficient pressure gradient is applied across the valve. A pressure gradient occurs when the pressure of the fluid on the first side of the valve is greater than the pressure on the second side of the valve, which passes some of the fluid from first side of the valve to the second side of the valve. In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a package for containing and dispensing a fluid that has a container with an opening and a chamber for holding the fluid. A dispensing valve is attached to the opening of the container such that a first side of the valve faces the chamber of the container. The valve has a second side opposite the first side. The dispensing valve has a porous plastic matrix with an internal network of passages and with pores on the exposed surface of the matrix. The passages and pores are arranged such that fluid can travel between them. Passage of the fluid from the container through the dispensing valve is restricted until a sufficient pressure gradient is applied across the valve. A pressure gradient occurs when the pressure of the fluid on the first side of the valve is greater than the pressure on the second side of the valve, which passes some of the fluid from first side of the valve to the second side of the valve. The package can be advantageously used in some embodiments to contain and dispense a fluid having a viscosity higher than water, such as, for example, a deodorant, a toothpaste, a shampoo, a conditioner, a lotion, other cosmetic products, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise or other condiments. Another aspect of the present invention concerns a method for receiving a fluid from inside a package. A package is provided having a container with an opening and a chamber for holding the fluid. A dispensing valve is attached to the opening of the container such that a first side of the valve faces the chamber of the container. The valve has a second side opposite the first side. The dispensing valve has a porous plastic matrix with an internal network of passages and with pores on the exposed surface of the matrix. The passages and pores are arranged such that fluid can travel between them. The pores have an average size of about 20 to 200 microns. Passage of the fluid from the container through the dispensing valve is restricted until a sufficient pressure gradient is applied across the valve. A pressure gradient occurs when the pressure of the fluid on the first side of the valve is greater than the pressure on the second side of the valve, which passes some of the fluid from first side of the valve to the second side of the valve. The fluid is placed in contact with the first side of the valve. The fluid is pressurized. The fluid is received from the second side of the dispensing valve. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for receiving a fluid from inside a package. A package is provided having a container with an opening and a chamber for holding the fluid. A dispensing valve is attached to the opening of the container such that a first side of the valve faces the chamber of the container. The valve has a second side opposite the first side. The dispensing valve has a porous plastic matrix with an internal network of passages and with pores on the exposed surface of the matrix. The passages and pores are arranged such that fluid can travel between them. Passage of the fluid from the container through the dispensing valve is restricted until a sufficient pressure gradient is applied across the valve. A pressure gradient occurs when the pressure of the fluid on the first side of the valve is greater than the pressure on the second side of the valve, which passes some of the fluid from first side of the valve to the second side of the valve. The fluid is placed in contact with the first side of the valve. The fluid is pressurized. The fluid is received from the second side of the dispensing valve. The method can be advantageously used in some embodiments to dispense a fluid having a viscosity higher than water, such as, for example, a deodorant, a toothpaste, a shampoo, a conditioner, a lotion, other cosmetic products, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise or other condiments. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an article for controlling the dispensing of a fluid. The article has a porous plastic matrix which has internal passages and pores for passing a fluid. The pores have an average size of about 20 microns to 200 microns. A pressure differential across the matrix, not movement of the matrix, is required to pass the fluid from a first side of the matrix to a second side of the matrix. The matrix is configured for attachment to a container in a manner whereby fluid passing into or out of the container must pass through the matrix. Further forms, object, features, aspects, benefits, advantages and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be made and used, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying figures forming a part hereof. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a package incorporating a non-mechanical dispensing valve according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a bottom elevational view of the cap shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cap shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 A is a partial cutaway side elevational view of a package incorporating a non- mechanical dispensing valve according to another embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a different type of cap incorporating a non- mechanical dispensing valve. FIG. 5 A and 5B are perspective views of another cap incorporating a non-mechanical dispensing valve. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of yet another cap incorporating a non-mechanical dispensing valve. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a package incorporating a non-mechanical dispensing valve according to another embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the principles of the present invention as illustrated being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. The dispensing valve described herein exhibits the advantages of a push-pull dispensing valve, such as, for example, simplicity of manufacturing, low cost, and reliability; and also the advantages of a self-sealing dispensing valve, i.e., it is simple to use with one hand (without teeth) and yet does not spill if turned over. In addition, the dispensing valve described herein requires no moving parts, i.e., is able to allow or restrict the flow of a fluid therethrough without any direct mechanical actuation of the valve, which further simplifies manufacturing and improves safety of the valve. As discussed further below, a dispensing valve in accordance with the present invention comprises a porous plastic matrix defining an integral network of passages, and passes a fluid therethrough upon creation of a pressure gradient across the matrix in excess of a minimum pressure gradient necessary to pass the fluid, such as, for example, by simply squeezing the bottle or applying suction to the external side of the valve. When the pressure gradient is relaxed, the valve restricts fluid flow therethrough. While it is not intended that the present invention be limited to any theory whereby it achieves its advantageous result, it is believed that, in the case of a beverage or other aqueous fluid, the dispensing valve operates to allow or restrict the flowing of a fluid therethrough upon application or removal of a pressure gradient due to the surface tension of the fluid in the bottle or other container. Surface tension prevents the fluid from flowing through the dispensing valve until the pressure inside the container is increased to a level sufficient to overcome the surface tension of the fluid in the container, as described in more detail below. It is understood that a dispensing valve prepared for controlling the fluid flow of a fluid out of a bottle or other container or package will preferably be configured such that substantially all of the fluid held in the bottle will necessarily pass through the pores and internal passages. Thus, the dimensions of the pores and internal passages will have a significant effect on the functionality of the dispensing valve, and the preferred dimensions thereof for a given use will depend upon the characteristics of the fluid in the bottle or other container or package. Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a package 10 for containing and dispensing a fluid. Package 10 consists of a container 40, a dispensing valve 30 and a cap 20. Container 40 is generally cylindrical with a neck 42 that defines an opening 50. Additionally, outside of the neck 42 are threads 44 for securing cap 20. Although container 40 is described herein as generally representative of a water bottle, it is also contemplated that in other embodiments of the invention container 40 can have alternative shapes and hold other aqueous fluids or non-aqueous fluids. Examples of such other fluids include, but are not limited to soft drinks, fruit drinks, condiments, contact lens solution, lotion, deodorant, and perfume. In one embodiment of the invention, container 40 is made of a compressible, resilient material. An example of such a material is a thin plastic, such that container 40 can be squeezed to compress the volume of container 40. It is also contemplated that in other embodiments of the invention container 40 can be made of non-resilient materials, as well. As described below, non-resilient materials require a different mechanism for creating a pressure gradient in container 40, such as, for example, a piston-type pressurizing mechanism (not shown). Cap 20 is further illustrated in FIGs. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 shows a bottom elevational view of cap 20 with dispensing valve 30 secured therein. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of cap 20. Cap 20 has a shoulder section 28 and threads 22 that are configured to engage with threads 44 of container 40 to secure cap 20 to container 40. Additionally, cap 20 has a nozzle 24 and recess 26. Nozzle 24 further defines cap outlet 27. Recess 26 is designed and shaped to receive dispensing valve 30. In one embodiment, recess 26 holds dispensing valve 30 in place by friction. In other embodiments, dispensing valve 30 can be held in place by an adhesive, by retaining elements (not shown) molded into cap 20 or by other retaining structures, many of which are within the purview of a person of ordinary skill in the art. Dispensing valve 30 comprises a porous plastic matrix defining an internal network of passages. The matrix further comprises "pores" which pass through its exposed surfaces in fluid communication with the internal passages and also with the valve's environment. As used herein, the term "exposed surface" is intended to refer to a surface of an inventive valve that defines the pores, and through which a fluid passes as it enters the internal passages of the valve and as it leaves the internal passages. Stated alternatively, an exposed surface is defined with respect to an valve's macrostructure as a surface which defines the shape of the article and which generally defines the boundary between the valve and its environment, both its environment on the inside of the bottle or other container and its environment on the outside of the bottle or other container. An "internal passage" or an "internal network of passages" refers to the compositional microstructure of the dispensing valve, and refers to spaces defined internally, i.e., within the porous plastic matrix. As is readily understood by a person skilled in the relevant art upon review of the present specification in its entirety, characteristics of internal passages may be varied by varying, for example, the size of thermoplastic granule materials used to make inventive valves and/or the temperature and/or the pressure used in a molding process for making the valve. Although not limited to any particular shape, dispensing valve 30 is shown as being disk- shaped. Dispensing valve 30 is configured to have an outside perimeter such that it can be held in place in recess 26 by friction. Dispensing valve 30 is positioned between container 40 and outlet 27 so that any fluid dispensed from container 40 passes through dispensing valve 30. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 the dispensing valve 30 is maintained across the opening 50 of container 40 by cap 20. To remove the fluid stored in container 40, the fluid must pass through opening 50, dispensing valve 30, and then outlet 27. Incorporating dispensing valve 30 into the cap 20 allows the dispensing valve to be moved easily from one container to another. Alternatively, dispensing valve 30 can be attached directly to the container 40 across opening 50, for example by fiiction fitting the valve in position, by using an adhesive to attach valve 30 to container 40, or by using retaining elements (not shown) molded into the neck 42 of container 40, or by other retaining structures, thus eliminating the need for a cap 20. Referring to FIG. 3 A, dispensing valve 230 is attached to container 240 by being press-fit into place. Valve 230 is held in place by retaining elements 242 molded into neck 244 of bottle 240. Additional sealing components (not shown) can also be included, such as, for example, an adhesive or a gasket to prevent leakage of the fluid around valve 230. In another embodiment, dispensing valve 230 is integrally formed into neck 244 of container 240. In one manner of making dispensing valve 30, a granular thermoplastic polymer is molded at a predetermined temperature and pressure. The polymer may be one of a wide variety of thermoplastic polymers available commercially. However, in the situations where the dispensing valve is used for controlling the flow of fluids for consumption, such as beverages, it is understood that the polymer is preferably one that satisfies relevant safety requirements. A wide variety of molding techniques may be used in accordance with inventive methods, such techniques being known in the art. While it is not intended that the present invention be limited by any theory by which it achieves its advantageous result, it is believed that, as the polymer granules are heated, the outer surfaces thereof become softened or tacky. When this occurs, pressure exerted upon the mixture causes the polymer granules to contact one another and adhere together. Thereafter, when the article cools, the points of contact become relatively strong points of adhesion, thus providing a relatively strong composite that is resistant to dusting, crumbling, and breaking in the course of normal usage. It is understood that a wide variety of material specifications (such as polymer type, polymer size, and granule size distribution) and a wide variety of process parameters (such as temperature and pressure) may be used in accordance with the invention to provide articles having the desired characteristics. For example, inventive articles may be made in which the dimensions of the internal passages and the pores differ (thereby varying the rate a given fluid passes through the passages, the pressure required to initially force a given fluid into the passages, or the consistency of the fluids capable of entering the passages). Dimensions of the internal passages and of the pores of an inventive article may be varied, for example, by selecting thermoplastic polymer granules having larger or smaller granular sizes, by adjusting the process temperature or process pressure at which inventive articles are molded. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the pores have an average size of from about 20 to about 200 microns. In another embodiment, the pores have an average size of from about 40 microns to about 150 microns, i yet another embodiment, the pores have an average size of from about 134 microns to about 144 microns. It is understood that the dimensions of the internal passages will have a direct correlation to the sizes of the pores. Such embodiments are particularly suited for use in connection with water or other aqueous beverage. In another preferred embodiment, such as, for example, in an embodiment in which valve 30 is to be used in connection with a fluid having a significantly higher viscosity, the pores have an average pore size of greater than 200 microns. It is within the purview of a person of ordinary skill in the art to select an average pore size that is suitable for use with a given fluid, i.e., that is suitable for preventing passage of the fluid until a threshold pressure gradient is reached, and that will pass the fluid at an acceptable rate upon application of a pressure sufficient to exceed the threshold pressure gradient. Additionally, it is understood by a skilled artisan that different thermoplastic polymers or polymers having different molecular weights typically have different melting and solidifying characteristics. It is within the purview of a skilled artisan to select a polymer suitable for a given application and to vary dispensing characteristics in accordance with the invention without undue experimentation. Thermoplastic polymer granules used to make an inventive article preferably have a size distribution wherein at least about 90% of the granules are between about 30 and about 120 mesh. More preferably, at least about 90% of the granules are between about 50 and about 100 mesh, and most preferably, about 90% are between about 50 and about 70 mesh. It is understood that, where it is desired that the fluid be released relatively quickly through the dispensing valve, a larger granule size may preferably be selected and, where it is desired that the fluid be dispensed more slowly, a smaller granule size may preferably be selected. In addition, where it is desired to make a dispensing valve for use with water or other aqueous beverage, a relatively smaller granule size may preferably be selected compared to that selected to make a dispensing valve for use with a fluid having a significantly higher viscosity. During the molding of a dispensing valve article, upon application of pressure, each of the polymer granules is in contact with multiple other granules, preferably with three or more other granules. When the temperature of the mixture is raised to a satisfactory level for molding in accordance with the invention, and the outer surfaces of the polymer granules are softened to a tacky state, the points of contact between granules provide points of adhesion. Upon subsequent cooling of the article, the points of adhesion become strengthened to provide a relatively strong bond and provide an article having good tensile strength and powdering/crumbling resistance. For purposes of efficiency in making an inventive article, it is preferred that the polymer selected for use in accordance with the invention have a melting temperature of from about 115° F. to about 415° F., more preferably from about 190° F. to about 340° F. and most preferably from about 240° F. to about 290° F. In accordance with one preferred aspect of the invention, the thermoplastic polymer used to make an inventive article is polyethylene. It is also understood that the use of other advantageous thermoplastic polymers, such as, for example, polypropylene, may result in a different preferred range of temperatures and pressures. It is within the purview of a skilled artisan to determine the preferred ranges of temperature and pressure for a given thermoplastic polymer based upon the principles of the invention. It is understood that, where it is desired that the fluid be dispensed relatively quickly through the dispensing valve, or upon application of a relatively small pressure gradient, or where a more highly viscous fluid will be passed therethrough, a lower temperature and/or pressure may preferably be selected in the molding process to provide for a less dense valve having pores and internal passages with larger dimensions. In contrast, where it is desired that the fluid be dispensed more slowly, or upon application of a relatively high pressure gradient, or where the fluid has a very low viscosity, a higher temperature and/or pressure may preferably be selected in the molding process to provide for a denser valve having pores and internal passages with smaller dimensions. Of course, the dimensions of internal passages and pores can be controlled by controlling one of, or a combination of, thermoplastic polymer, granule size, process temperature and process pressure. As will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art, the amount of pressure required to pass fluid through an inventive valve is proportional to multiple factors, including, for example, pore size parameters, thickness of valve 30 and surface area of valve 30 (i.e., diameter if it is a disk) and physical properties of the fluid (i.e., surface tension and/or viscosity). It is also contemplated that the cap 20 can optionally include additional variations. As shown in FIG. 4, cap 20 includes a tamper evident seal 70. Tamper evident seals are well known by skilled artisans. Tamper evident seal 70 can be attached to cap 20 of a package 10 containing beverages to be consumed by a purchaser. Without a tamper evident seal 70, the purchaser would not know whether someone else had altered, consumed or otherwise emptied part of the beverage contained in package 10. The tamper evident seal 70 shown in FIG. 4 is representative of a plastic top commonly found on disposable beverage containers such as water bottles. Tamper evident seal 70 is physically removable from cap 20. Tamper evident seal 70 also attaches to the exterior of recess 26 by friction allowing it to be reattached to cap 20. Therefore, tamper evident seal 70 may be used as a stop for preventing fluid from exiting outlet 27 of cap 20 in the event container 40 is inadvertently pressurized prematurely. FIGS. 5 A and 5B illustrate another embodiment of cap 20 where the neck is expandable and collapsible. In the expanded position the neck forms a straw. The neck can also be collapsed to facilitate storing or refrigerating package 10. The ability to expand the neck or other conduit, as described below, to form a straw provides the advantage of allowing a driver to drink from the bottle without placing the bottle into his or her field of vision or having to tilt his or her head back, each of which creates a dangerous situation. Yet another embodiment of a cap and neck arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, nozzle 24 is connected to a conduit 80 that extends through cap 20 and into container 40. In this embodiment, the fluid contained in container 40 is acquired (i.e., a pressure gradient across dispensing valve 30 is created by creating suction at outlet 27. The fluid is then drawn up through the conduit 80 and out of outlet 27. Because all of the fluid exiting the package 10 must pass through the conduit 80, dispensing valve 30 is located inside or at an end of conduit 80. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the conduit can be affixed directly to a container in a manner similar to the manner in which valve 230 is attached to neck 244, as depicted in FIG. 3A. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for receiving a fluid from inside a package. The acquiring of a fluid from package 10 is described below within the context of consuming a beverage; however, it is contemplated that the principles of operation also apply to dispensing a variety of alternative fluids including, for example and without limitation, perfumes, contact lens solutions, after-shave lotions, deodorants, toothpastes, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, condiments and other cosmetic products or consumable products from their packages. While it is not intended that this invention be limited by any theory whereby it achieves its advantageous result, it believed that, in the case of water or other aqueous liquid, absent a pressure gradient across dispensing valve 30, dispensing valve 30 prevents the fluid from passing through its porous plastic matrix due to the principle of surface tension. Applying this principle to the operation of package 10, the molecules at the surface of the liquid while it is in contact with dispensing valve 30 do not readily pass through dispensing valve 30. However, when the pressure of the fluid in contact with the surface of the dispensing valve 30 on the container 40 side is greater than the pressure on the outlet side of the dispensing valve (i.e., a pressure gradient exists across the dispensing valve 30), the fluid at the surface of the liquid passes through dispensing valve 30. When the pressure inside of container 40 is reduced, the pressure gradient no longer exists across the surface of the dispensing valve 30 and the fluid flow from container 40 through dispensing valve 30 is thereafter restricted by dispensing valve 30. Typically, the pressure in container 40 is increased by squeezing container 40. However, it is also contemplated that an external pressure source be used to increase the pressure inside container 40. Alternatively, the pressure gradient across the surface of the dispensing valve 30 so that fluid passes through the dispensing valve 30 can be created by lowering the pressure outside container 40 below the pressure inside container 40. Once again, when the pressure inside container 40 sufficiently exceeds the pressure on the opposite side of the dispensing valve 30, the forces between the surface molecules are overcome and the fluid passes through dispensing valve 30. The pressure outside the container is commonly lowered in situations where a beverage is consumed through a straw, such as the one shown in FIG. 6. By capitalizing on the surface tension of the fluid held within container 40, dispensing valve 30 requires no motion. Because the dispensing valve 30 does not expand, retract, open, reseat, or move, dispensing valve 30 is more functionally reliable than push-pull caps or other mechanical valves described in the prior art. Additionally, dispensing valve 30 does not require the creation or formation of a slit or aperture to be made, which simplifies manufacturing. In addition, it is believed that, in the case of a fluid with a relatively higher viscosity, absent a pressure gradient across dispensing valve 30, dispensing valve 30 prevents the fluid from passing through its porous plastic matrix due to the viscosity of the fluid, which prevents the material at the interface between the fluid and the dispensing valve 30 from readily passing through dispensing valve 30. However, when the pressure of the fluid in contact with the surface of the dispensing valve 30 on the container 40 side is greater than the pressure on the outlet side of the dispensing valve (i.e., a pressure gradient exists across the dispensing valve 30), the fluid at the surface of the liquid passes through dispensing valve 30. When the pressure inside of container 40 is reduced, the pressure gradient no longer exists across the surface of the dispensing valve 30 and the fluid flow from container 40 through dispensing valve 30 is thereafter restricted by dispensing valve 30. By capitalizing on the viscosity of the fluid held within container 40, dispensing valve 30 requires no motion, and does not require the creation or formation of a slit or aperture to be made, which simplifies manufacturing. In another embodiment, the dispensing valve 130 is at least partially exposed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the dispensing valve 130 is secured to the outside of cap 20 by friction. It is also contemplated that the dispensing valve 130 be secured directly to container 40, thus eliminating cap 20. Alternatively, the securing can be accomplished, for example, with adhesive, a threaded fastener, i.e. like those found on a bottle with a screw-on lid, or compression and expansion mechanism. The exposed dispensing valve 130 may be used as an applicator. For example, if container 40 contains, for example, a lotion or a liquid underarm deodorant, the lotion or deodorant can be excreted to the exterior of the dispensing valve by application of pressure on container 40 in the manner discussed above. The fluid can then be applied to the skin by placing dispensing valve 130 against the skin. If necessary, the fluid can be spread by moving the dispensing valve over the skin surface. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the exposed dispensing valve 130 is dome-shaped to facilitate dispensing and applying the liquid. As someone skilled in the art will recognize, different applications are better performed with differently shaped dispensing valves and other shapes are contemplated by the invention. Another benefit of the dispensing valve provided in accordance with the present invention is that while the pressure inside the container is returning to normal, i.e. equalizing with the pressure outside the container, liquid on the exterior of the dispensing valve is drawn back into the dispensing valve, leaving the exterior liquid free. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A package for containing and dispensing a fluid, comprising: a container defining a chamber in the container for holding a fluid and defining an opening; and a dispensing valve attached to the opening, the dispensing valve comprising a porous plastic matrix defining an internal network of passages and defining pores on an exposed surface of the matrix in fluid communication with the passages, the pores having an average size of about 20 microns to about 200 microns; wherein the valve has a first side oriented toward the chamber and a second side oriented opposite the first side; and wherein the valve prevents passage of a fluid from the container until a pressure gradient is applied across the valve sufficient to pass a portion of the fluid from the higher pressure first side through the porous plastic matrix to the lower pressure second side.

2. The package of claim 1 , wherein the container having an opening comprises a bottle having a cap affixed thereto, wherein said opening passes through the bottle cap.

3. The package of claim 1 further comprising a tamper evident seal.

4. The package of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the second side of the dispensing valve is external to the container.

5. The package of claim 1 wherein the dispensing valve is attached to the exterior of the container.

6. The package of claim 1 wherein the container has a neck portion defining the opening, and wherein the valve is affixed to the neck of the container.

7. The package of claim 1 wherein the fluid is selected from the group consisting of a beverage, a perfume and a contact lens solution.

8. A package for containing and dispensing a fluid, comprising: a container defining a chamber in the container for holding a fluid and defining an opening; and a dispensing valve attached to the opening, the dispensing valve comprising a porous plastic matrix defining an internal network of passages and defining pores on an exposed surface of the matrix in fluid communication with the passages; wherein the valve has a first side oriented toward the chamber and a second side oriented opposite the first side; and wherein the valve prevents passage of a fluid from the container until a pressure gradient is applied across the valve sufficient to pass a portion of the fluid from the higher pressure first side through the porous plastic matrix to the lower pressure second side.

9. The package of claim 8 wherein the fluid has a viscosity higher than water.

10. The package of claim 8 wherein the fluid is selected from the group consisting of a deodorant, a toothpaste, a shampoo, a conditioner, a lotion, other cosmetic products, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and other condiments.

11. A method for receiving a fluid from inside a package comprising: providing a package containing a fluid, the package comprising: a container having an opening and defining a chamber in the container for holding a fluid; and a dispensing valve attached to the opening, the dispensing valve comprising a porous plastic matrix defining an internal network of passages and defining pores on an exposed surface of the matrix in fluid communication with the passages, the pores having an average size of about 20 microns to about 200 microns; wherein the valve has a first side oriented toward the chamber and a second side oriented opposite the first side; and wherein the valve prevents passage of a fluid from the container until a pressure gradient is applied across the article sufficient to pass a portion of the fluid from the higher pressure first side through the porous plastic matrix to the lower pressure second side; placing the fluid in contact with the first side of the valve; pressurizing the fluid; and receiving the fluid from a second side of the valve.

12. The package of claim 11 wherein the fluid is selected from the group consisting of a beverage, a perfume and a contact lens solution.

13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising consuming the fluid received from the second side.

14. The method of claim 11 , further comprising depressurizing the fluid within the package for stopping the flow of fluid to the second side of the valve.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the receiving comprises contacting the second side of the dispensing valve against a surface.

16. A method for receiving a fluid from inside a package comprising: providing a package containing a fluid, the package comprising: a container having an opening and defining a chamber in the container for holding a fluid; and a dispensing valve attached to the opening, the dispensing valve comprising a porous plastic matrix defining an internal network of passages and defining pores on an exposed surface of the matrix in fluid communication with the passages; wherein the valve has a first side oriented toward the chamber and a second side oriented opposite the first side; and wherein the valve prevents passage of a fluid from the container until a pressure gradient is applied across the article sufficient to pass a portion of the fluid from the higher pressure first side through the porous plastic matrix to the lower pressure second side; placing the fluid in contact with the first side of the valve; pressurizing the fluid; and receiving the fluid from a second side of the valve.

17. The package of claim 16 wherein the fluid has a viscosity higher than water.

18. The package of claim 16 wherein the fluid is selected from the group consisting of a deodorant, a toothpaste, a shampoo, a conditioner, a lotion, other cosmetic products, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and other condiments.