Dispensing valve incorporating a metering valve

Abstract

A dispensing valve comprising a metering valve for a pressurized aerosol application. The dispensing valve comprises a mounting cup, a gasket, a valve body and a valve housing defining a cavity. The valve housing is captively retained by the mounting cup and a spring biasing the valve body against the gasket into a normally closed position. A lower portion of the valve housing communicating with the product to be dispensed. A valve stem is coupled to the valve body and an actuator is supported by the valve stem. The metering valve is delimited by a metering valve seat and a stop. A metering member is movable, within the metering chamber, to dispense a predetermined quantity of product. The metering valve seat comprising at least one micro vent which facilitates supplying air to the metering valve seat to break a seal formed by surface tension of the product to be dispensed.

Claims

1. A dispensing valve comprising a metering valve for use in a pressurized aerosol application, the dispensing valve comprising: a mounting cup supporting a gasket, and an opening extending through both the mounting cup and the gasket to facilitate receiving a valve stem; a valve housing defining a cavity, the valve housing being captively retained by the mounting cup, with the gasket sandwiched between the valve housing and the mounting cup, a valve body being accommodated within the valve cavity, and a spring being accommodated within the cavity and biasing the valve body against the gasket into a closed position for preventing flow through the dispensing valve; a lower portion of the valve housing comprising a passage which facilitates communication between the product to be dispensed and the cavity of the valve housing; the valve stem being coupled to the valve body, and the valve stem extending out through the opening formed in the gasket and the opening formed in the mounting cup; an actuator being supported adjacent a free end of the valve stem to facilitate dispensing product to be dispensed through the dispensing valve; and the metering valve comprising: a metering chamber delimited by a metering valve seat and a stop, and a metering member being movable, within the metering chamber, between the stop and the valve seat to facilitate dispensing a predetermined quantity of the product to be dispensed, and, following priming of the metering valve, a predetermined quantity of the product being dispensed from the metering chamber each time that the metering valve is actuated; and the metering valve seat comprising at least one micro vent formed therein to facilitate supplying unpressurized external air to the metering valve seat and breaking a seal formed by surface tension of the product to be dispensed and thereby releasing the metering member from its sealing engagement with the metering valve seat so that the metering member can move from the metering valve seat back into engagement with the stop for another dispensing cycle.

2. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1, wherein the metering chamber has a length of between 1.0230.100 inches and between 0.3340.100 inches and a diameter of between 0.140 inches and between 0.110 inches.

3. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1, wherein the metering chamber has a volume of between 50 and 100 microliters.

4. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1, wherein the at least one micro vent has a height of about 0.005 inches and a width of about 0.005 inches.

5. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1, wherein the metering member comprises a metering ball which has a diameter which is smaller than a diameter of the metering chamber so as to permit the metering ball to move to and fro, along the metering chamber, and dispense a pre-determined quantity of product to be dispensed, while also facilitating return of the metering ball back toward the stop of the metering chamber.

6. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 5, wherein the stop comprises a second valve seat for receiving and engaging with the metering ball when the dispensing valve is in the closed position.

7. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1, wherein a lower portion of the valve housing is configured to engage with and retain a component which assists with supplying the product to be dispensed into the cavity of the valve housing.

8. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1, wherein one end of a passage of the actuator communicates with an outlet chamber which accommodates a nozzle while an opposite end of the passage communicates with an external environment via an opening formed in an end wall of the actuator, and a plug member sealingly engages and closes the opening formed in the end wall.

9. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 8, wherein the plug member has an interference fit with the opening and forms a fluid tight seal upon engagement therewith, and an inwardly facing surface of the plug member forms the stop which prevents further movement of the metering member within the metering chamber.

10. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 8, wherein the passage accommodating the metering chamber is inclined with respect to the valve stem and forms an angle of between 100 degrees and 175 degrees with the valve stem, and the inclination angle is sufficiently sloped in order to assist with gradually returning of the metering member back into engagement, due to gravity, with the stop once the dispensing valve closes.

11. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1, wherein at least one radial bore is formed in a lower portion of the valve stem, and when the dispensing valve is in the closed position, the at least one radial bore is sealingly engages with the gasket so as to prevent any product to be dispensed from flowing into the at least one radial bore and the valve stem toward the metering chamber, but when the dispensing valve is in an open position, the at least one radial bore is spaced from the gasket so as to permit the product to be dispensed to flow through the at least one radial bore and the valve stem toward the metering chamber.

12. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing valve is a female valve; the valve stem is releasably engageable, by one of an interference and a friction fit, with a top recess formed within an upper surface of the valve body; and the metering chamber, the metering member, the metering valve seat and the stop are all accommodated within the valve stem, between the valve body and the actuator.

13. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 12, wherein a lower side wall of the valve stem has at least one stem orifice formed therein which permits the product to be dispensed to flow, when the dispensing valve is actuated, from the cavity into the valve stem and toward the metering chamber.

14. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 13, wherein the valve body supports a perimeter lip which is biased, by the spring, into sealing engagement with the gasket when the dispensing valve is closed, and when the perimeter clip is sufficiently spaced from the gasket, due to depression of the actuator and valve stem, the product to be disposed is able to flow flow through the dispensing valve to the metering chamber.

15. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1, wherein a coupling facilitates coupling of a free end of the valve stem with an inlet passage of an actuator, and the free end of the valve stem is matingly received by a first end of the coupling while an opposite vertically upper most end of the coupling is received and fits within the inlet passage of the actuator.

16. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1, wherein the metering chamber has a length of between 1.023 inches and between 0.334 inches, and a diameter of 0.127 inches, and the at least one micro vent has a height of about 0.005 inches and a width of about 0.005 inches.

17. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1, wherein the metering chamber is accommodated in one of the valve stem and the actuator.

18. The dispensing valve comprising the metering valve according to claim 1, wherein the metering chamber is located downstream of the spring accommodated within the cavity which biases the valve body against the gasket into a closed position for preventing flow through the dispensing valve.

19. A dispensing valve comprising a metering valve for use in a pressurized aerosol application, the dispensing valve comprising: a mounting cup supporting a gasket, and an opening extending through both the mounting cup and the gasket to facilitate receiving a valve stem; a valve housing defining a cavity, the valve housing being captively retained by the mounting cup, with the gasket sandwiched between the valve housing and the mounting cup, a valve body being accommodated within the valve cavity, and a spring being accommodated within the cavity and biasing the valve body against the gasket into a closed position for preventing flow through the dispensing valve; a lower portion of the valve housing comprising a passage which facilitates communication between the product to be dispensed and the cavity of the valve housing; the valve stem being coupled to the valve body, and the valve stem extending out through the opening formed in the gasket and the opening formed in the mounting cup; an actuator being supported adjacent a free end of the valve stem to facilitate dispensing product to be dispensed through the dispensing valve; and the metering valve comprising: a metering chamber delimited by a metering valve seat and a stop, and a metering member being movable, within the metering chamber, between the stop and the valve seat to facilitate dispensing a predetermined quantity of the product to be dispensed, and, following priming of the metering valve, a predetermined quantity of the product being dispensed from the metering chamber each time that the metering valve is actuated; and the metering valve seat comprising at least one micro vent formed therein to facilitate supplying external air to the metering valve seat and breaking a seal formed by surface tension of the product to be dispensed and thereby releasing the metering member from it sealing engagement with the metering valve seat so that the metering member can move from the metering valve seat back into engagement with the stop for another dispensing cycle; wherein the metering chamber, the metering member, the metering valve seat and the stop are all accommodated within the actuator.

20. A dispensing valve comprising a metering valve for use in a pressurized aerosol application, the dispensing valve comprising: a mounting cup supporting a gasket, and an opening extending through both the mounting cup and the gasket to facilitate receiving a valve stem; a valve housing defining a cavity, the valve housing being captively retained by the mounting cup, with the gasket sandwiched between the valve housing and the mounting cup, a valve body being accommodated within the valve cavity, and a spring being accommodated within the cavity and biasing the valve body against the gasket into a closed position for preventing flow through the dispensing valve; a lower portion of the valve housing comprising a passage which facilitates communication between the product to be dispensed and the cavity of the valve housing; the valve stem being coupled to the valve body, and the valve stem extending out through the opening formed in the gasket and the opening formed in the mounting cup; an actuator being supported adjacent a free end of the valve stem to facilitate dispensing product to be dispensed through the dispensing valve; and the metering valve comprising: a metering chamber delimited by a metering valve seat and a stop, and a metering member being movable, within the metering chamber, between the stop and the valve seat to facilitate dispensing a predetermined quantity of the product to be dispensed, and, following priming of the metering valve, a predetermined quantity of the product being dispensed from the metering chamber each time that the metering valve is actuated; the metering valve seat comprising at least one micro vent formed therein to facilitate supplying external air to the metering valve seat and breaking a seal formed by surface tension of the product to be dispensed and thereby releasing the metering member from its sealing engagement with the metering valve seat so that the metering member can move from the metering valve seat back into engagement with the stop for another dispensing cycle; wherein a coupling facilitates coupling of a free end of the valve stem with an inlet passage of an actuator and the free end of the valve stem is matingly received by a first end of the coupling while an opposite vertically upper most end of the coupling is received and fits within the inlet passage of the actuator; and the at least one micro vent extends along an inwardly facing surface of the coupling, between the coupling and the valve stem, to the metering valve seat, and the at least one micro vent extends along at least a portion of the metering valve seat to facilitate supplying the external air thereto.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a valve of a first embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with a mounting cup;

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with a mounting cup;

(3) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a valve of the prior art;

(4) FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with a mounting cup illustrating a semi-opened position;

(5) FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with a mounting cup illustrating a fully closed position;

(6) FIG. 4 is a side view of a second embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with a mounting cup illustrating a valve with the valve body tip extending beyond the valve housing;

(7) FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with a mounting cup illustrating a semi-opened position;

(8) FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with a mounting cup illustrating a fully closed position;

(9) FIG. 6 is a side view of the valve body of the second embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 7 is a side view of the valve body with an exemplary bore;

(11) FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of a third embodiment of the metering valve in a normally closed, unactuated position;

(12) FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the third embodiment of the metering valve in an initially actuated position;

(13) FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the third embodiment of the metering valve in an opened actuated position with the ball engaging with an upper valve seat to prevent further flow through the metering chamber;

(14) FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the third embodiment of the metering valve in a closed position with the ball still in engagement with the upper valve seat;

(15) FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the third embodiment of the metering valve in the closed position with the ball moving from the upper valve seat toward the lower valve seat;

(16) FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the third embodiment of the metering valve of the present invention in a closed unactuated position with the ball in engagement with the lower valve seat;

(17) FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the metering valve in a normally closed, unactuated position;

(18) FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the metering valve in an initially actuated position;

(19) FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the metering valve in the opened, actuated position with the ball engaging with an upper valve seat to prevent further flow through the metering chamber;

(20) FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the metering valve in a closed position with the ball still in engagement with the upper valve seat;

(21) FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the metering valve in the closed position with the ball gradually moving from the upper valve seat toward the lower valve seat;

(22) FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the metering valve of the present invention in a closed unactuated position with the ball in engagement with the lower valve seat;

(23) FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the metering valve in a normally closed, unactuated position, but primed for dispensing product to be dispensed;

(24) FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the metering valve in an initially actuated position;

(25) FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the metering valve in an opened actuated position with the ball engaging with an upper valve seat to prevent further flow through the metering chamber;

(26) FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the metering valve in a closed position with the ball still in engagement with the upper valve seat;

(27) FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the metering valve in the closed position with the ball moving from the upper valve seat toward the lower valve seat;

(28) FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the metering valve of the present invention in a closed unactuated position with the ball in engagement with the lower valve seat, but primed for dispensing product to be dispensed;

(29) FIG. 26 is an enlarged cross sectional view of area M of FIG. 20, showing a micro groove, channel or vent;

(30) FIG. 26A is a cross sectional view along section line 26A-26A of FIG. 26; and

(31) FIG. 26B is a cross sectional view along section line 26B-26B of FIG. 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(32) FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention depicting the valve 1 in conjunction with the mounting cup 5 for a product containing can or container (not shown) in a bag-on-valve system. The valve stem 7 is arranged parallel to and extends out of the valve housing 3 and through the mounting cup 5. The valve housing 3 has multiple sections or portions that correspond to different functions for the bag-on-valve application. A top portion of the valve housing is engaged with the mounting cup, by crimping, to secure the valve housing 3 to the mounting cup 5. The middle portion of the valve housing 3 accommodates a spring cavity 9, which generally houses a spring for controlling dynamic movement between the valve stem 7 and the valve housing 3. The spring normally biases the valve stem 7 away from a bottom portion 11 of the valve housing 3 into a closed position which prevents the discharge of product from the container. The bottom portion 11 of the valve housing 3 either engages with a dip tube, or as described in the first embodiment, with a product bag in the case of a bag-on-valve. According to the present embodiment, a top edge of the product bag (not shown) engages and seals with the bottom portion 11, along a fitment 13, and the valve 1 is utilized to dispense the contents or product to be dispensed from the bag. It is to be appreciated that the valve 1 can be a two-way valve which would allow for product to be dispensed to be inserted into the bag during a filling process as well as dispensed therefrom.

(33) The bottom portion 11 is better illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 2. The fitment 13 on the bottom portion 11 assists in the sealing engagement between the base or bottom portion of the valve housing 3 and the product bag B is more fully described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/667,423; the subject matter of which is herein incorporated by reference. This view also shows the entrance to cavity 15 of the valve housing 3 that receives the product to be dispensed from the bag when a user manipulates or operates the valve into an open position to dispense the product. The entrance to cavity 15 may or may not communicate with a dip tube 16 which extends downward into the lower edges and corners of the bag to facilitate complete product dispensing.

(34) A cross-sectional view of a conventional valve 2, according to the prior art, is shown FIG. 3. The valve 2 is secured to a mounting cup 5 and has a valve stem 8, a valve housing 4, a valve spring 6 and valve gasket 10. The valve 2 is actuated by depressing the valve stem 8 along axis A to a point below the seal of the gasket 10, against a restoring force supplied by the valve spring 6, so that product to be dispensed may commence flowing from the bag B through the product passage 12 and out from the valve container. The gasket 10 also seals the valve housing 4 to the mounting cup 5 to prevent leakage therebetween. The bag B is within the aerosol container 18. As noted above, the spring 6 normally biases the valve 2 in a normally closed position, as shown, with the opening to the product passage 14 being sealed by and against the gasket 10. According to the prior art, the product to be dispensed flows along the valve housing 4, up and around the valve stem 8 and into the product passage 12. The valve 2 may or may not include a dip tube 16 to assist with dispensing product from the bag B.

(35) FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the bag-on-valve embodiment which show the valve housing 3 engaged with the mounting cup 5. An inner gasket 29 is used to form a seal between the valve housing cavity 15, the valve stem 7 and the mounting cup 5. The valve stem 7 extends through the mounting cup 5 and out of the valve housing 3 and is axially biased into a closed position by spring 33. The valve stem 7 is provided with an end sealing portion 23 and a product entrance orifice(s) 21 located adjacent the end sealing portion 23 of the valve stem 7. The valve stem 7 is axially disposed along axis A through the valve and can be made of for example PET, PTFE or other polymer material well known in the art.

(36) The valve stem 7 defines a product passage 19 that extends substantially the entire length of the valve stem 7. The product passage 19 commences at a radial bore(s) 21 which is formed adjacent a lower end of the valve stem 7. As described in detail below, positioning of the radial bore(s) 21 near the lower end of the valve stem 7 permits a larger bore opening which permits a greater flow of the product content from the bag B and into the product passage 19 and out of the valve stem 7, in comparison to conventional valves, without unduly compromising the integrity of the valve stem 7.

(37) By depressing the valve stem 7 along the axis A, the valve is opened, as shown in FIG. 3A, and product is permitted to flow and is dispensed through a main opening O located at the uppermost end of the valve stem 7. A conventional nozzle, or some other conventional discharge or dispensing device, may be supported by the valve stem 7 and communicate with the main opening O for directing or controlling discharge of the product. At the opposing lower end of the valve stem 7, the end sealing portion 23 has a circumferential notch or channel 25 adjacent the tip 23 that receives a lower sealing ring 31, gasket, o-ring or some other type of seal including an overmolded seal. The valve housing 3 is formed with a respective ledge 26 on an inner wall to provide a sealing edge 24 against which the sealing ring 31 abuts to facilitate closing of the valve and preventing the flow of product to be dispensed from the product bag B while the valve is in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 3B.

(38) The valve stem 7 is accommodated within the valve housing 3 and biased into the closed position via the spring 33, or some another biasing device, which forces the valve stem 7 axially upward against the gasket and into the closed position with the sealing ring 31 closing the valve against the sealing edge 24. It is to be appreciated that although there is no radial opening or bore in the region of the inner gasket 29, the inner gasket 29 still provides a seal between the valve housing 3, the sliding valve stem 7 and the mounting cup 5 so as to prevent any leakage. The spring 33 maintains the valve stem 7 in the closed position so that the product in the product bag B cannot flow through the valve 1 and be discharged. The spring 33 has an upper end which typically axially engages the valve stem 7 at a lip or stop 27 that extends partially or completely around an outer wall of the valve stem 7. The lower end of the spring 33 is supported by the valve housing 3 at a circumferential edge 28 around the interior wall of the spring cavity 9. The bias provided by the spring 33 allows depression and movement of the valve stem 7 relative to the valve housing 3 so as to enable the valve 1 to be alternately moved between its opened and closed positions, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively.

(39) When the valve is in the open position shown in FIG. 3A, the product to be dispensed is permitted to flow out of the valve and into the environment. The product contents are able to flow from the product bag or container, in through the radial bores 21, along the valve stem 7 and out of the valve 1. The radial bores 21 are located at the lower end of the valve stem 7 adjacent the end sealing portion 23 of the valve stem 7. Although the drawings show two opposed radial bores 21, alternatively the valve stem 7 could have only one or more than two radial bore(s), either opposed or adjacent one another. The radial bores 21 are located immediately axially adjacent the lower sealing ring 31 and the end sealing portion 23 to allow substantially instantaneous flow of the product from the product reservoir through the valve stem 7 and subsequently discharged into the environment without having an intermediary chamber or circuitous flow path through the valve housing. Product ejection occurs when the valve stem 7 is depressed by a user into the open position, moving the valve stem 7 down relative to the valve housing 3 against the bias provided by the spring 33 thereby forcing the lower sealing ring 31 sufficiently away the ledge 26 so as to expose and facilitate direct communication and the radial bore(s) 21 and the fluid contents of either the bag B or the container.

(40) As noted above, FIG. 3A illustrates the open position of the valve 1 that allows the radial bores 21 to communicate directly with a pressurized flow of the product to be dispensed from the product reservoir. Previous valves have been known to locate such bores or openings at or near the upper portion of the valve stem, which limits the size of the passageway due to the inability to effectively shut off flow through a large passage. According to the present invention, flow of the product to be dispensed is interrupted by the lower sealing ring 31, which allows the passages or bores 21 to be significantly larger than passages in previous valves that are positioned near the upper portion of the stem, as opposed to near the lower sealing ring 31. The larger sized radial bores 21, which can be formed greater than 1.02 mm-1.52 mm (0.04-0.06 in.) in diameter, are formed closer to the lower sealing ring 31 and allow for a higher volume flow rate of product out of the product reservoir to the environment. As can be seen in the FIGS. 3A and 3B, the bores 21, have a significantly larger diameter than the thickness of the upper inner gasket 29. Because of this significantly larger diameter, relative to known smaller diameters of radial openings adjacent the inner gasket 29, the present invention permits a substantially larger flow rate of product to be dispensed to flow into the valve passage 19, when the valve stem 7 is in a semi or fully open position.

(41) With reference now to FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B, a second embodiment of the present invention is discussed. It is noted that this second embodiment is not a bag-on-valve embodiment such that the fitment for a B-O-V valve is not used and the end sealing portion 23 extends directly into an aerosol container with pressurized fluid product (not shown). It is to be appreciated that a dip tube 16 could also be attached to the end of the valve housing 3 for conventional style aerosol container, as desired or necessary. FIG. 5A shows the second embodiment in an open position allowing the product to be dispensed in the product bag to communicate with the valve stem 7 through the bores 35. FIG. 5B shows the valve of the second embodiment in a fully closed position with the lower sealing ring 31 preventing the flow of the product to be dispensed into the valve stem 7. The bores 35 in this embodiment are shown having a circular profile as opposed to the straight or rectangular profile shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

(42) Another important aspect of the present invention is the shape of the bores 35 which can facilitate control over dispensing of product at a high flow rate through the valve.

(43) FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the valve stem 7 of the second embodiment with the bore 35 having a substantially circular shape. The bore 35 is a radial orifice in the sidewall of the valve stem 7, and adjacent the lower end thereof, which can have a diameter of between about 1.02 mm-3.81 mm (0.04-0.15 inches) and more preferably in the range of about 2.03 mm-3.05 mm (0.08-0.12 inches). It is to be appreciated that the larger bores 35 do not significantly affect the structural integrity of the valve stem 7 since the bores 35 are located close to the bottom end of the valve stem 7 where radial forces from depression and actuation of the valve stem 7 by a user are insignificant. That is, the bores 35 are located vertically below the spring 33. It is to be appreciated that axial forces can significantly damage the valve stem where the radial opening is located closer to the top end of the valve stem 7 which the user pushes adjacent the inner gasket 29 as in the known valves. The larger bores 35 permit a high amount of product volume to flow into and through the passage 19 of the valve stem 7 at a high flow rate and eventually be discharged into the environment.

(44) The radial bores or passages can be formed in any desired shape or size which facilitates the desired flow rate of the product. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the bores are designed to have a profile and area so that, depending upon how far the valve stem 7 is depressed relative to the sealing edge 24, a desired variable flow rate can be achieved which depends upon the extent that the bore 35 is exposed. Different shapes and sizes may be used for different products to achieve the desired product discharge results. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the valve stem 7 may have a radial bore 37 which is shaped as a polygon that gradually increases in area as the valve stem 7 and bore 37 are gradually moved axially relative to the sealing edge 24 of the valve housing 3. In the case of the polygon shown in FIG. 7, as the valve stem 7 is depressed axially downward relative to the sealing edge 24, a larger cross-sectional area of the polygon bore 37 becomes progressively exposed to the product to be dispensed in the container and thus permits an increase in relative product flow the more the valve stem 7 is depressed. The polygon and circular bores shown in these figures are merely two examples of the type of larger bore shapes, located near or adjacent the bottom end of the valve stem 7, that can readily facilitate dispensing of a larger volume of the product to be dispensed at increased flow rates.

(45) With reference now to FIG. 8, a metering valve 40, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, will now be described in detail. As generally shown, the metering device comprises a movable ball 42, or possibly a slidable piston or some other member, located within the valve stem 7. The metering valve 40 includes a conical or tapered lower ball seat or sealing rim 44 which tapers from the slightly larger diameter of the metering chamber 19 to a slightly smaller diameter of an axial inlet passage 46 that communicates with the radial bores 21 for delivering product to be dispensed from the container to the valve stem 7. In addition, the valve stem 7 also has a conical or tapered upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, located adjacent the outlet orifice 48, and the outlet orifice 48 has a slightly smaller diameter than a diameter of the metering chamber 19. The metering ball 42 has a slightly smaller diameter than the diameter of the metering chamber 19 so as to permit the metering ball to dispense a pre-determined quantity of product to be dispensed, while also facilitating return of the metering ball 42, as discussed below in further detail.

(46) A conventional coupling 52, or some other fitting, facilitates coupling/interconnection of an inlet passage 74 of an actuator 60 to the free upper end of the valve stem 7. Typically, the vertically upper most portion of the valve stem 7 is matingly received by a first end of the conventional coupling 52 while the opposite vertically upper most end of the conventional coupling 52 is received by a lower inlet passage 74 of the actuator 60. In this way, the outlet orifice 48, of the valve stem 7, is axially aligned with a vertical first passage 56 formed in the actuator 60. The product to be dispensed may be dispensed from the actuator 60 either radially, as shown, via a substantially horizontal second passageway 58 or substantially vertically (not shown) via a second passageway 58. The substantially horizontal second passageway 58 connects the first passage 56 with a discharge nozzle 62 of the actuator 60 and facilitates dispensing of the product as an aerosol mist, for example. The substantially vertical second passageway 58, on the other hand, is substantially vertically aligned with, or a continuation of, the first passage 56. An actuation or depression area 66 may be provided along a top surface of the actuator housing 64 in order to facilitate depression of both the actuator 60 and the valve stem 7 and actuation of the metered valve 40.

(47) An inwardly facing surface of both the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 and the conventional coupling 52 is typically provided with one, and possibly more, micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68. These micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 extend along the entire length of the conventional coupling 52 and at least a portion of the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 to facilitate supplying a small quantity of external air thereto and gradual release of the metering ball 42 from its sealing engagement with the upper sealing seat or rim 50. Once the metering ball 42 sealingly engages with the upper sealing seat or rim 50, the flow of additional product to be dispensed is discontinued. Thereafter, depression of the actuator 60 is discontinued while the surface tension of the product to be dispensed normally maintains engagement between the metering ball 42 and the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. Over the course of a few minutes or so, external air is permitted to flow into and along the micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68, formed along the length of the conventional coupling 52 and at least a portion of the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, and assist with gradually breaking the surface tension and thereby releasing the metering ball 42 from its sealing engagement with the upper ball sealing or sealing rim 50. Thereafter, the metering ball 42 gradually moves or drops, through the product, contained within the meter chamber 19, back into sealing engagement with the lower ball sealing or sealing rim 44. Further details concerning the other features of the micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 will be provided with respect to FIGS. 26-26B which are discussed below.

(48) The metering valve 40 of the present invention is different from metering valves according to the prior art where the metering device 42 is the only component within the valve stem 7. There are no complicated components or springs, but instead the sealing of the lower portion of the valve stem 7 is achieved by the sealing ring 31 positioned below the lower ball seat or sealing rim 44. The sealing ring 31 is located within an annular groove, which is formed in the valve stem 7 closely adjacent, but vertically below, the at least one radial bore(s) 21. The lower perimeter edge 26 of the valve housing 3 has a concave curvature 70 which is located to mate and sealingly engage with the sealing ring 31, when the valve stem 7, is in its normally closed position, as shown in FIG. 8.

(49) As also shown in FIG. 8, prior to an initial priming of the valve, the metering ball 42 is located in its normal rest position in engagement with the lower ball seat or sealing rim 44. The metering chamber 19 of the valve stem 7, located between the upper and the lower ball seats or sealing rims 44, 50, is completely empty. In this closed position, the sealing ring 31 is in sealing engagement against the concave curvature 70 of the lower edge 26 of the valve housing 3 and prevents the product to be dispensed from communicating with the at least one radial bore(s) 21. In order to initially fill the metering chamber 19, the actuator 60 is at least partially depressed in order to move the valve stem 7 vertically downward. This causes the sealing ring 31 to move vertically downward away from and out of sealing engagement with the concave curvature 70 of the lower edge 26 to facilitate establishing communication between the product to be dispensed within the container and the radial bores 21, as shown in FIG. 9.

(50) Once this occurs, the product then immediately flows in through the at least one radial bore(s) 21 and in the inlet orifice of passage 46, as shown in FIG. 9. As product flows through the inlet passage 46, the product to be dispensed engages with a vertically lower surface of the ball 42 and rapidly forces the ball 42 out of engagement with the lower ball seat or sealing rim 44 and toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. As the ball 42 moves vertically upward toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, the product to be dispensed flows into and fills the metering chamber 19 of the valve stem 7. The product to be dispensed continues forcing the ball 42 through the metering chamber 19 until the ball 42 engages and abuts against the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. The metering chamber 19 is then filled with the product to be dispensed, as shown in FIG. 10, and the valve begins to close.

(51) During this initial priming of the valve 40, as described above, the metering chamber 19 is now completely filled with the product to be dispensed, however, no product has yet been dispensed through the nozzle of the actuator 60 because the valve stem 7 was initially empty and required initial priming of the metering chamber 19 in order to prime/fill the same. After completion of this initial priming step, the ball 42 still remains in abutting engagement against the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 so as to prevent the flow of any product to be dispensed past this seal.

(52) Next, the depression pressure of the actuator 60 is then removed so that the spring 33 biases the valve back into its closed position thereby preventing the flow of product to be dispensed into the at least one radial bore(s) 21. That is, the sealing ring 31 of the valve stem 7 is again brought back into sealing engagement with the concave curvature 70 of the lower perimeter edge 26 to prevent the flow of product to be dispensed into the at least one radial bore(s) 21, as shown in FIG. 11. The ball 42 is then permitted to be gradually released from its sealing engagement with the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, due to surface tension, by external air. The external air is permitted to flow into and along the micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68, formed along the length of the conventional coupling 52 and at least a portion of the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, and gradually break the surface tension, thereby releasing the metering ball 42 from its sealing engagement with the upper ball sealing or sealing rim 50, as shown in FIG. 12. The ball 43 eventually rolls or falls through the product filled metering chamber 19, due to gravity, back into sealing engagement with the lower ball seat or sealing rim 44, as shown in FIG. 13. Once the ball 42 is located in this position, the ball 42 eventually again rests and seals against the lower sealing rim 44, as shown in FIG. 13.

(53) When the ball 42 is in the position shown in FIG. 13, the metered valve 40 is now primed and ready to commence dispensing product. By depressing the actuation area 66, the actuator 60 is again at least partially depressed and moves the valve stem 7 vertically downward. This ensures that the sealing ring 31 moves vertically downward away from and out of sealing engagement with the concave curvature 70 of the lower edge 26 and facilitates communication between the product to be dispensed and the at least one radial bore(s) 21. Once this occurs, the product then immediately flows in through the at least one radial bore(s) 21 and the inlet passage 46, as shown in FIG. 9. As product flows through the inlet passage 46, the product engages with the ball 42 and forces the ball 42 out of sealing engagement with the lower ball seat or sealing rim 44 and toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. As the ball 42 moves toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, the product which is located within the metering chamber 19, between a vertically upper surface of the ball 42 and the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, is forced out through the outlet orifice 48. The product is then forced into the first and the second passages 56, 58 of the actuator 60 and out through the discharge nozzle 62 in a desired spray pattern 72, as generally indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 10.

(54) The product to be dispensed continues forcing the ball 42 along the metering chamber 19 and again fills the metering chamber 19, for a subsequent dispensing cycle, until the ball 42 engages with and abuts against the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, as shown in FIG. 11. As soon as this occurs, a pre-determined quantity of product to be dispensed will be dispensed from the actuator 60. Next, the ball 42 is then permitted to be gradually released from its sealing engagement with the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. This sealing engagement is typically maintained by the surface tension of the product to be dispensed. Eventually, the ball 42 will roll or fall, due to gravity, through the product filled metering chamber 19, as shown in FIG. 12, back into sealing engagement with the lower ball seat or sealing rim 44, as shown in FIG. 13. Once the ball 42 is located in this position, the ball 42 eventually again seals against the lower sealing rim 44 and is thereby ready for a subsequent dispensing cycle.

(55) Turning now to FIGS. 14-19, another embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail. As this additional embodiment is quite similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 8-13, similar or like elements are given the same reference numerals.

(56) According to this embodiment, the metering valve 40 is accommodated within the actuator 60, instead of the valve stem 7. Typically, the vertically upper most portion of the valve stem 7 is matingly received by and engages with a lower inlet passage 74 of the actuator 60 so that the outlet orifice 48, of the valve stem 7, is axially aligned with a vertical first passage 56 formed in the actuator 60. The product to be dispensed may be dispensed from the actuator 60, according to this embodiment, in a substantially horizontal discharge pattern. As shown, a second passage 58 is directly interconnected with the first passage 56. The second passage 58 communicates with actuator outlet 76 which accommodates a conventional discharge nozzle 62 and facilitates dispensing of the product to be dispensed as a desired aerosol mist, for example. As with the previous embodiment, an actuation or depression area 66 is provided along a top surface of the actuator housing 64 in order to facilitate depression of both the actuator 60 and the valve stem 7 in order to actuate the metered valve 40.

(57) As shown in the drawings, second passage 58 includes a conical or tapered upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, located adjacent the discharge nozzle 62 of the actuator 60. The metering ball 42 has a slightly smaller diameter than the diameter of the metering chamber 19, it is undersized by 0.002-0.010 mm. This permits the metering ball 42 to move to and fro, along the metering chamber 19, and dispense a pre-determined quantity of product to be dispensed, while also facilitating return of the metering ball 42, as discussed below in further detail, back toward the opposite end of the metering chamber 19.

(58) According to this embodiment, the second passage 58 extends completely through the end wall 78 of the actuator 60 and along a substantial portion of the length of the actuator 60 to a location closely adjacent an outlet chamber of the actuator 60. An opening 80, which is formed in the end wall 78 of the actuator 60, communicates directly with the external environment. A plug member 82 is received within and sealingly engages and closes the opening 80 formed in the end wall 78 of the actuator 60. The plug member 82 typically has an interference fit with the opening 80 so as to form a fluid tight seal when engaged therewith. An inwardly facing surface of the plug member 82 supports a post 84 and a free end of the post forms a stop surface or rim 44 which prevents further downward travel or movement of the metering ball 42 within the metering chamber 19. That is, the free end of the post 84 forms the lower ball seat or rim 44 which prevents further downward travel of the metering ball 42 within the second passage 58.

(59) It is to be appreciated that the plug member 82 may alternatively comprise a cylindrical plug (not shown) which has a central aperture therein which extends longitudinally through the cylindrical plug and receives either a slidable or a rotatable post member (not shown), without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The central aperture and the post member may both be threaded so that rotation of the post member, within the central aperture and relative to the cylindrical plug, in a first direction gradually moves the stop surface or rim 44 of the post member toward the tapered upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 while rotation of the post member, within the central aperture and relative to the cylindrical plug, in an opposite second direction, moves the stop surface or rim 44 of the post member away from the tapered upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. Such adjustment of the free end of the post relative to the cylindrical plug, i.e., the stop surface or rim 44 of the metering ball 42, thereby facilitates adjustment of the dispensing volume of the metering chamber 19.

(60) Alternatively, the post member may be slidable relative to the central aperture and the cylindrical plug. Movement of the post member (not shown), within the central aperture, in a first direction moves the stop surface or rim 44 of the post member toward the tapered upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, while movement of the post member, within the central aperture, in an opposite second direction moves the stop surface or rim 44 of the post member away from the tapered upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. Such movement of the stop surface or rim 44 of the post member, in turn, varies the dispensing volume of the metering chamber 19.

(61) As shown, the second passage 58 is inclined and typically forms an angle of between about 100 degrees and 175 degrees with the first passage 56 and the valve stem 7. More preferably, the second passage 58 forms an angle of between about 110 degrees and 130 degrees with the first passage 56 and the valve stem 7. The inclination of the second passage 58 must be sufficient sloped in order to assist with gradually returning the ball 42 back into engagement, due to gravity, with the lower ball seat or rim 44 once the valve closes.

(62) As with the previous embodiment, an inwardly facing surface of the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 is provided with at least one, or possibly more, micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 which extend along the length of the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. The at least one, or possibly more, micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 (only diagrammatically shown) permits external air to flow into and along the micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 and facilitates gradual release of the metering ball 42 from its sealing engagement with the upper sealing seat or rim 50. Once the metering ball 42 sealingly engages with the upper sealing seat or rim 50, the flow of additional product to be dispensed from the metering chamber 19 is discontinued.

(63) Thereafter, depression of the actuator 60 is eliminated while the internal pressure and the surface tension of the product to be dispensed normally maintains engagement between the metering ball 42 and the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. Over the course of a few minutes or so, external air is permitted to flow into and along the at least one, or possibly more, micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. Such external air gradually breaks the surface tension and thereby releases the metering ball 42 from its sealing engagement with the upper ball sealing or sealing rim 50. Thereafter, the metering ball 42 gradually fall, moves or rolls, through the product contained within the meter chamber 19, back into engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44.

(64) At least one radial bore(s) 21 is formed in a lower portion of the valve stem 7. When the valve is in its closed position as shown in FIG. 14, the at least one radial bore(s) 21 is sealed engaged by the gasket 90 so as to prevent any product to be dispensed from flowing into the at least one radial bore(s) 21 and through the valve stem 7 toward the actuator 60.

(65) As shown in FIG. 14, prior to an initial priming of the valve, the metering ball 42 is located in its normal rest position in engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44. The metering chamber 19 of the actuator 60, located between the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 and the lower ball seat or rim 44, is completely empty. In this closed position, the at least one radial bore(s) 21 is sealed by the gasket 90 and thereby prevents the product to be dispensed from communicating with the at least one radial bore(s) 21. In order to initially fill the metering chamber 19, the actuator 60 is at least partially depressed in order to move the valve stem 7 vertically downward so that the at least one radial bore(s) 21 moves and is no longer sealed by the gasket 90. Such movement facilitates establishing communication between the product to be dispensed and the at least radial bore(s) 21, as shown in FIG. 15.

(66) Once this occurs, the product then immediately flows in through the at least one radial bore(s) 21 and in the inlet passage, as generally shown in FIG. 15. As product flows through the inlet passage, the product to be dispensed engages with a vertically lower surface of the ball 42 and forces the ball 42 out of engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44 and toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. As the ball 42 moves toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, the product to be dispensed flows into and commences filling the metering chamber 19 of the actuator 60. The product to be dispensed continues forcing the ball 42 along and through the metering chamber 19 until the ball 42 eventually engages and abuts against the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. As a result of such movement, the metering chamber 19 is then completely filled with the product to be dispensed, as shown in FIG. 16. Once this occurs, thereafter, the valve can now be closed.

(67) Following initially priming of the valve 40, as described above, the metering chamber 19 is now completely filled with the product to be dispensed, however, no product has yet been dispensed through the nozzle 62 of the actuator 60 because the metering chamber 19 was initially empty and required priming thereof. After completion of this initial priming step, the ball 42 still remains in abutting engagement against the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, typically due to surface tension of the product to be dispensed, so as to prevent the flow of any product to be dispensed past this seal.

(68) Next, the depression pressure of the actuator 60 is then removed or eliminated so that the spring 33 can bias the valve body 17 back into its normally closed position, thereby preventing the flow of any additional product to be dispensed into the at least one radial bore(s) 21, i.e., the at least one radial bore(s) 21 of the valve stem 7 is again sealingly engaged with the gasket 90 so as to prevent the flow of product to be dispensed into the at least one radial bore(s) 21, as shown in FIG. 17. The ball 42 is then permitted to be gradually released from its sealing engagement with the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 by external air which flows in through the nozzle 62 and the actuator outlet 76 of the actuator 60 toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. External air eventually flows along the at least one, or possibly more, micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 provided along a surface of upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 and breaks the surface tension of the product to be dispensed and thereby release the metering ball 42 from its sealing engagement with the upper ball sealing or sealing rim 50. As shown in FIG. 18, the ball 42 eventually and gradually falls, moves or rolls, due to gravity, through the product contained within the metering chamber 19 back into engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44, as shown in FIG. 19. Once the ball 42 is located in this position, the ball 42 eventually again rests against the ball seat or rim 44.

(69) When the ball 42 is in the position shown in FIG. 19, the metered valve 40 is now completely primed and ready to commence dispensing product. By depressing the actuation area 66, the actuator 60 is again at least partially depressed and moves the at least one radial bore(s) 21 of the valve stem 7 out of sealing engagement with the gasket 90 so as to facilitate communication between the product to be dispensed and the at least one radial bore(s) 21. Once this occurs, the product then immediately flows in through the at least one radial bore(s) 21 and the inlet passage, as shown in FIG. 15. As product flows through the inlet passage, the product travels along the valve stem 7, exits though the outlet orifice 48 and into the first passage 56. The product then flows through the first passage 56 and into the second passage 58 where the product forces the ball 42 out of engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44 and toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. As the ball 42 moves toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, the product which is located in the metering chamber 19, between a front surface of the ball 42 and the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, is forced out through the outlet chamber 76 and the discharge nozzle 62 of the actuator 60 in a desired spray pattern 72, generally indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 15.

(70) The product to be dispensed continues forcing the ball 42 along the metering chamber 19 until the ball 42 engages with and abuts against the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, as shown in FIG. 16, and again fills the metering chamber 19, for a subsequent dispensing cycle. As soon as this occurs, a pre-determined quantity of product to be dispensed, from the metering chamber 19, was dispensed by the nozzle 62 of the actuator 60. Next, the ball 42 is then permitted to be gradually released from its sealing engagement with the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, typically maintained by the surface tension of the product to be dispensed. Eventually the ball 42 falls, moves or rolls, due to gravity, as shown in FIG. 18, through the product which is contained within the metering chamber 19 and back into engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44, as shown in FIG. 19. Once the ball 42 is located in this position, the ball 42 is again ready for a subsequent dispensing cycle.

(71) Turning now to FIGS. 20-25, another embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail. As this additional embodiment is quite similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 8-13, similar or like elements are given the same reference numerals.

(72) According this embodiment, the valve is a female valve and the metering device 40 is accommodated within a portion of a male valve stem 86 which is releasably engageable with a top recess 88 formed within an upper surface of the valve body 17. A top portion of the valve housing 3 engages with a gasket 90 and a mounting cup 5, via crimping process, to secure the valve housing 3 and the gasket 90 to the mounting cup 5. An internal portion of the valve housing 3 defines a cavity which accommodates a spring 92 which controls dynamic movement of the valve body 17 with respect to the valve housing 3. The spring normally biases the valve body 17 away from a base surface of the cavity into a closed, sealing position in which a perimeter lip 94 of an upper surface of the valve body 17 engages with a lower surface of the gasket 90 and forms a fluid tight perimeter seal therebetween so as to prevent the flow of product through the valve.

(73) A lower portion of the valve housing 3 is configured so as to engage with and retain a dip tube, a product bag, etc., or some other component, generally designated as element 16, which assists with supplying the product to be dispensed into the cavity of the valve. As noted above, a vertically lower portion of the male valve stem 86 is captively received and retained within the recess 88 formed in the upper surface of the valve body for securing the male valve stem 86 to the valve body 17, e.g., typically by an interference or friction fit. A lower side wall of the male valve stem 86 has at least one stem orifice 96 formed therein which permits the product to be dispensed to flow from the cavity defined by the valve housing 3 in through the stem orifice 96, into the male valve stem 86, and toward the metering chamber 19. Such flow occurs when the valve is actuated and the perimeter lip 94 of the valve body 17 is sufficiently spaced from the gasket 90 so as to permit product flow through the valve. As these and other features and components of a female valve are conventional and well known in the art, a further detailed discussion concerning the same is not provided.

(74) With reference now to FIG. 20, the metering valve 40 comprises a movable ball 42, or possibly a slidable piston or some other member, located within the male valve stem 86. The metering valve 40 includes a lower ball seat or rim 44, which transitions from the slightly larger diameter of the metering chamber 19 into the slightly smaller diameter of a supply passage 98 formed in a lower portion of the male valve stem 86.

(75) A conventional coupling 52, or some other fitting, facilitates coupling/interconnection of the upper free end of the male valve stem 86 with an inlet passage 74 of an actuator 60. Typically, the vertically upper most portion of the male valve stem 86 is matingly received by a first end of the conventional coupling 52 while the opposite vertically upper most end of the conventional coupling 52 is received by and snugly fits within the inlet passage 74 of the actuator 60. This ensures that the outlet orifice 48 is axially aligned with a vertical first passage 56 formed in the actuator 60.

(76) The product to be dispensed may be dispensed from the actuator 60 either radially, as shown, via a substantially horizontal second passageway 58 which connects the first passage 56 with a discharge nozzle 62 of the actuator 60 and facilitates dispensing of the product as an aerosol mist, for example. Alternatively, it may be dispensed from the actuator 60 substantially vertically (not shown) via the second passageway 58 which is substantially vertically aligned with, e.g., substantially a continuation of, the first passage 56. An actuation or depression area 66 may be provided along a top surface of the actuator housing 64 in order to facilitate depression of both the actuator 60 and the male valve stem 86, the valve body and actuation of the metered valve 40.

(77) The conventional coupling 52 has a conical or tapered upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, located adjacent the outlet orifice 48, and the outlet orifice 48 has a smaller diameter than a diameter of the metering chamber 19. The metering ball 42 has a slightly smaller diameter than the diameter of the metering chamber 19 so as to permit the metering ball 42 to dispense a pre-determined quantity of product to be dispensed, while also facilitating return of the metering ball 42 back to its normal rest position, as discussed below in further detail.

(78) As shown in FIG. 20, prior to an initial priming of the valve, the metering ball 42 is located in its normal rest position in engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44. The metering chamber 19 of the male valve stem 86, located between the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 and the lower ball seat or rim 44, is completely empty. In this closed position, the perimeter lip 94 is in sealing engagement against the gasket 90 and prevents the product to be dispensed from flowing from the cavity into the stem orifice 96. In order to initially fill the metering chamber 19, the actuator 60 is at least partially depressed in order to move the valve body 17 vertically downward so that the perimeter lip 94 is sufficiently spaced from the gasket 90 and thereby establishes communication between the cavity and into the stem orifice 96 so that the product to be dispensed can commence flowing, as shown in FIG. 21.

(79) Once this occurs, the product then immediately flows in through the stem orifice 96 and along the supply passage 98 of the male valve stem 86. As the product flows through the supply passage 98, the product to be dispensed engages with a vertically lower surface of the ball 42 and forces the ball 42 out of engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44 and toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, as shown in FIG. 21. As the ball 42 moves toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, the product to be dispensed flows into and fills the metering chamber 19. The product to be dispensed continues forcing the ball 42 along and through the metering chamber 19 until the ball 42 eventually engages and abuts against the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. As a result of such movement, the metering chamber 19 is then filled with the product to be dispensed, as shown in FIG. 22. Once this occurs, thereafter, the valve can be closed so that the perimeter lip 94 is again located in sealing engagement with the gasket 90 and thereby prevents the product to be dispensed from flowing out of the cavity into the stem orifice 96, as shown in FIG. 23.

(80) Once the metering ball 42 sealingly engages with the upper sealing seat or rim 50, the flow of additional product to be dispensed is automatically discontinued. Thereafter, depression of the actuator 60 is discontinued while the surface tension, of the product to be dispensed, normally maintains the sealing engagement between the metering ball 42 and the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. Over the course of a few minutes or so, external air is permitted to flow from the external environment into and along the at least one micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 to the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 and gradually break the surface tension and thereby release the metering ball 42 from its sealing engagement with the upper ball sealing or sealing rim 50. Thereafter, the metering ball 42 gradually falls, moves or rolls, through the product contained within the meter chamber 19, as shown in FIG. 24, back into sealing engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44, as shown in FIG. 25.

(81) As shown in FIG. 20, prior to an initial priming of the valve, the metering ball 42 is located in its normal rest position in engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44. The metering chamber 19, located between the upper and the lower ball seats or rims 44, 50, is completely empty. In this closed position, the perimeter lip 94 is sealingly engaged with the gasket 90 and prevents the product to be dispensed from communicating with the stem orifice 96. In order to initially fill the metering chamber 19, the actuator 60 is at least partially depressed in order to move the male valve stem 86 and the valve body vertically downward. This ensures that the perimeter lip 94 correspondingly moves vertically downward away from and out of sealing engagement with the gasket 90 to facilitate establishing communication between the product to be dispensed and the stem orifice 96, as shown in FIG. 21.

(82) Once this occurs, the product then immediately flow in through the at least one stem orifice 96 and into the supply passage 98 of the male valve stem 86, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. As product flows from the cavity through the at least one stem orifice 96 and the supply passage 98, the product to be dispensed engages with a vertically lower surface of the ball 42 and forces the ball 42 out of engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44 and toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, as shown in FIG. 21. As the ball 42 moves vertically upward toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, the product to be dispensed flows into and fills the metering chamber 19 of the male valve stem 86. The product to be dispensed continues forcing the ball 42 through the metering chamber 19 until the ball 42 engages and abuts against the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, as shown in FIG. 22, so that the metering chamber 19 is then filled with the product to be dispensed and the valve can then be closed.

(83) After such initial priming of the valve 40, as described above, the metering chamber 19 is now completely filled with the product to be dispensed, however, no product has yet been dispensed through the nozzle 62 of the actuator 60 because the male valve stem 86 was initially empty and required priming of the metering chamber 19. After completion of this initial priming step, the metering ball 42 still remains in abutting engagement against the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 so as to prevent the flow of any product to be dispensed past this seal.

(84) Next, the depression pressure of the actuator 60 is then removed or eliminated so that the spring 33 biases the valve body 17 back into its normally closed position thereby preventing the flow of additional product to be dispensed from the cavity into the at least one stem orifice 96, i.e., the perimeter lip 94 of the valve body 17 is again brought into sealing engagement with the gasket 90 to prevent the flow of product to be dispensed into the at least one stem orifice 96, as shown in FIG. 23. The ball 42 is then permitted to be gradually released from its sealing engagement with the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 by external air which flows into and along the one or more micro grooves, channels or vents 68 and the external air eventually breaks the surface tension and thereby releasing the metering ball 42 from its sealing engagement with the upper ball sealing or sealing rim 50. The ball 42 eventually falls, moves or rolls through the product filled metering chamber 19, due to gravity as generally shown in FIG. 24, back into engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44, as shown in FIG. 25. Once the ball 42 is located in this position, the ball 42 eventually again rests against the lower ball seat or rim 44 and is ready for another dispensing cycle.

(85) Once the ball 42 is in the position shown in FIG. 25, the metered valve 40 is now completely primed and ready to commence dispensing product. By depressing the actuation area 66, the actuator 60 is again at least partially depressed and moves the valve body vertically downward so that the perimeter lip 94 moves vertically downward away from and out of sealing engagement with the gasket 90 so as to permit product flow from the cavity into the at least one stem orifice 96 and facilitate communication between the product to be dispensed and the supply passage 98 of the male valve stem 86. Once this occurs, the product then immediately flows in through the at least one stem orifice 96 and the supply passage 98 of the male valve stem 86, as shown in FIG. 21. As the product flows through the stem orifice 96 of the male valve stem 86, the product engages with the ball 42 and forces the ball 42 out of sealing engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44 and toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. As the ball 42 moves toward the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, the product which is located in the metering chamber 19, between a vertically upper surface of the ball 42 and the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, is displaced and forced out through the outlet orifice 48. The product is then forced out through the first and the second passages 56, 58 of the actuator 60 and through the discharge nozzle 62 for dispensing in a desired spray pattern 72, as generally indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 21.

(86) As the product to be dispensed forces the ball 42 along the metering chamber 19, additional product to be dispensed fills the metering chamber 19, for a subsequent dispensing cycle, until the ball 42 engages with and abuts against the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, as shown in FIG. 22. As soon as this occurs, a pre-determined quantity of product to be dispensed will be dispensed from the actuator 60. Next, depression of the actuator 60 is removed or eliminated and the metering ball 42 is then permitted to be gradually released from its sealing engagement with the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50, by external air which is permitted to flow to the at least one, or possibly more, micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 and break the surface tension and thereby releasing the metering ball 42 from its sealing engagement with the upper ball sealing or sealing rim 50. The metering ball 42 eventually falls, moves or rolls, due to gravity, through the product filled metering chamber 19 back into engagement with the lower ball seat or rim 44, as shown in FIG. 24. Once the metering ball 42 is located in this position, the metering ball 42 again rests against the lower ball seat or rim 44, as shown in FIG. 25, and is again ready for a subsequent dispensing cycle.

(87) As shown in FIGS. 26, 26A and 26B, the conventional coupling 52 has at least one, and possibly more, micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 formed in an inwardly facing surface thereof. The at least one, and possibly more, micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 extends continuously and uninterrupted along the inwardly facing surface, from a lower bottom edge of the conventional coupling 52 to and along at least a major portion of the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50. Each micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 typically has a height of between 0.002 inches and 0.010 of an inch, preferably about 0.005 of an inch, and a width of between 0.002 inches and 0.010 of an inch, preferably about 0.005 of an inch. Each micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68 has a cross-sectional flow area which is designed to permit external air to flow therealong to the upper ball seat or sealing rim 50 and eventually assist with breaking the surface tension seal achieved by the product to be dispensed, between the metering ball 42 and the upper ball seat or sealing ring rim 50. Such cross-sectional flow area is also designed to be sufficiently small so as to prevent any significant amount of the product to be dispensed from flowing out through the micro groove(s), channel(s) or vent(s) 68.

(88) The metering chamber 19 typically has a length of between 1.0230.100 inches and between 0.3340.100 inches and a diameter of between 0.140 inches and between 0.110 inches, preferably about 0.127 inches. The metering chamber 19 typically has a volume of between 50 and 100 microliters, depending upon the particular application. It is to be appreciated that the length and/or the diameter of the metering chamber 19 are designed or selected so as to accommodate the desired predetermined quantity of product to be dispensed during each dispensing cycle of the metering ball 42.

(89) Since certain changes may be made in the above described improved continuous dispensing actuator assembly, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all of the subject matter of the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be construed as limiting the invention.