Cross-Reference to Related Application
Field
[0002] The present invention relates to fluid control devices, such as valves. More specifically,
the present invention relates to a one-way valve assembly that provides a hermetic
and/or fluid resistant seal but which allows for the expulsion of gas and related
pressure from the interior of a receptacle.
Background
[0003] Various types of packaging options are available today and are often used by consumers,
industries, and numerous retailers to store food and other consumables for later use
or consumption. It is also important for specific food retailers to present a product
that appears attractive and desirable to consumers to increase product sales and promotion
of the particular brand.
[0004] Coffee beans have a tendency to release a significant amount of gas after the roasting
process when the coffee beans have already been placed in a sealed container. This
presence of excessive gas within the sealed container may result in the container
bulging and changing its shape or even bursting which makes the product unattractive
to consumers and directly impacts the manufacturer by decreasing the amount of sales
of those coffee beans. In addition retailers may also be impacted by having to clean
store or warehouse shelves and remove contaminants from other packages and products
that have burst due to excess gas within a container.
[0005] As a result of this tendency for roasted coffee beans to release gas, valves have
heretofore been applied to packages containing roasted coffee beans in order to release
this gas from the interior of the container to the external environment. In order
to provide a seal, an oil layer is sometimes applied to coffee valves by the converter
or roaster which adds additional protection to the container from the outside environment.
The oil layer is disposed between the valve assembly and the package. Currently, the
package converter applies the oil to the lower surface of the valve after manufacturing
of the package but before application of the valve to the package containing the coffee
beans. This is inefficient and can result in a large amount of waste and mess because
the converter may not correctly add the oil to the valve, in that too much (or too
little) oil may be applied. If the oil is not properly applied by the converter, the
valve may not operate correctly destroying the integrity of the package and potentially
limiting the freshness of product within the container.
[0006] A need exists in the marketplace for a valve assembly that has a controlled amount
of oil built into the valve assembly before application of the valve assembly to a
particular package containing product. Such a construction would help in reducing
waste and mess and stream line the manufacturing process. What is needed therefore
is a valve that has a pre-applied, predetermined amount of oil that would be applied
without the possibility of converter error.
Brief Summary
[0007] The embodiments of the present invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed
description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled
in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present
invention.
[0008] The present invention provides a multi-layer fluid control device having an adhesive
layer having a top and bottom face which may be adhered to a container. A base layer
overlies the first adhesive layer. A discontinuous second layer of adhesive surrounds
the perimeter of the base layer. A discontinuous fluid layer, such as a viscous solution,
e.g. oil, is provided within the perimeter of the base layer that is within the second
adhesive layer. A material layer is provided over the second adhesive layer and the
oil layer. A third adhesive layer overlies the material layer and provided over the
third adhesive layer is a continuous cover layer. The first adhesive layer, base layer,
and material layer have at least one aligned opening to allow for the expulsion of
air from the interior of a receptacle when the multi-layer control device is attached
to a receptacle.
[0009] The present invention also includes a method of constructing the multi-layer valve
assembly of the present invention. The method includes printing or otherwise providing
at least one registration mark either on a web or release liner or the first adhesive
layer. A first layer of adhesive is applied on the release liner and a base layer
is placed on top of the first adhesive layer. At least one opening is cut in the first
adhesive layer or alternatively the at least one opening is provided by pattern coating
the adhesive layer on the release layer or web. At least one opening in the base layer
is cut such that the openings of the base layer and first adhesive layer are aligned
with one another and are aided in their formation alignment through use of the registration
marks. A discontinuous second layer of adhesive is applied around the perimeter of
the base layer. Next, a discontinuous fluid layer is applied within the area of the
perimeter of the base layer. A material layer is provided over the second adhesive
layer and fluid layer. Lastly, at least one opening is cut in the material layer.
A third adhesive layer is provided over the material layer but does not cover the
at least one opening in the material layer. The final cut may be aligned with the
other openings using the registration marks. A cover layer is provided over the third
adhesive layer. If multiple openings are provided in the layers, then there is a single
opening that extends generally upwardly from the first adhesive layer to the beneath
the cover layer while the other openings have a terminus below the material layer,
thus forming a tortuous path for gas escape in the second adhesive layer (below the
material layer).
[0010] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of making a
package having a one-way valve is disclosed and includes the steps of initially providing
a carrier web having a valve assembly. The valve assembly including; a first layer
of adhesive having a top and bottom face, a base layer having a perimeter, a second
layer of adhesive, an fluid layer, a material layer, a third adhesive layer, and a
cover layer, each of the first adhesive layer, base layer, and material layer having
at least one opening. Next, providing a package having an opening in an outer wall.
Then, placing the valve assembly on the outer wall such that the opening in the outer
wall is aligned with the at least one opening in the first adhesive layer and finally
filling the package with a gas emitting material.
[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood,
however, that the detailed description of the various embodiments and specific examples,
while indicating preferred and other embodiments of the present invention, are given
by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the
scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof,
and the invention includes all such modifications.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0012] These, as well as other objects and advantages of this invention, will be more completely
understood and appreciated by referring to the following more detailed description
of the presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, of which:
FIGURES 1a-1f depict individual layers of the multi-layered control device;
FIGURE 2 depicts a receptacle having a multi-layer control device of the present invention;
FIGURE 2a depicts a side angle of a receptacle having a multi-layer control device
of the present invention;
FIGURE 3 depicts a sectional view of the multi-layered control device of the present
invention; and
FIGURE 4 illustrates a method of constructing a multi-layered control device of the
present invention.
Detailed Description
[0013] The apparatuses and methods disclosed in this document are described in detail by
way of examples and with reference to the figures. Unless otherwise specified, like
numbers in the figures indicate references to the same, similar, or corresponding
elements throughout the figures. It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosed
and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, apparatuses,
methods, materials, etc. can be made and may be desired for a specific application.
In this disclosure, any identification of specific shapes, materials, techniques,
arrangements, etc. are either related to a specific example presented or are merely
a general description of such a shape, material, technique, arrangement, etc. Identifications
of specific details or examples are not intended to be, and should not be, construed
as mandatory or limiting unless specifically designated as such. Selected examples
of apparatuses and methods are hereinafter disclosed and described in detail with
reference made to FIGURES.
[0014] The present invention provides a multi-layer fluid control device that allows for
the expulsion of air, gas or other unwanted components from the interior of a container
while providing a protective seal and preventing unwanted components from the exterior
of a receptacle from entering the interior of a receptacle. Examples of unwanted components
include but are not limited to moisture, air, certain gases etc The protective seal
provided by the multi-layer control device of the present invention may be a hermetic
or water resistant seal while allowing the expulsion of excessive gas pressure from
the interior of a receptacle to which the multi-layer control device is attached.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the multi-layer fluid control
device is a one-way valve.
[0015] Referring now to the figures and initially to FIGURES 1a-1f, a first layer of the
multi-layer control device 100 having a discontinuous fluid layer is provided. FIGURE
1a illustrates the first layer of the multi-layer control device 100 of the present
invention. The first layer of the multi-layer control device is a first adhesive layer
10. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first adhesive layer 10 is adhered
to a receptacle having a wall structure. The first adhesive layer is preferably a
permanent pressure sensitive adhesive, which is generally recognized as safe ("GRAS")
for indirect food packaging. The wall structure of the receptacle has at least one
evacuation port 11 to allow the flow of excessive air or other unwanted components
from the interior of a receptacle to the receptacle's surrounding environment. In
another embodiment, the first adhesive layer 10 has at least one opening 11 to facilitate
the expulsion of air from the interior of the receptacle. As illustrated in FIGURE
1a, the first adhesive layer 10 may have a plurality of openings. While the base layer
has been shown as generally a triangular shape, it should be understood that other
configurations are acceptable. Likewise, while openings have been shown at each of
the corners of the triangle, other arrangements are possible.
[0016] A base layer 20 having a perimeter 22 which will be provided over the first adhesive
layer 10 as illustrated in FIGURE 1b. The base layer has at least one opening 21 or
a plurality of openings which correspond to the at least one opening 11 or plurality
of openings in the first adhesive layer 10. In an additional embodiment it is contemplated
where the at least one opening in the base layer 20 does not correspond (or is not
aligned with) to the at least one opening in the first adhesive layer 10.
[0017] FIGURE 1c illustrates a second adhesive layer 30 that is provided discontinuously
around the perimeter 22 of the base layer 20. A fluid layer or an amount of fluid
40 is also provided discontinuously within the perimeter 22 of the base layer 20 and
on the base layer 20. The fluid layer is provided within the perimeter of the base
layer 20 in the areas not covered by the discontinuous second adhesive layer 30. The
fluid layer 40 and the second adhesive layer 30 do not cover the at least one opening
or plurality of openings in the first adhesive layer 10 and the base layer 20. It
is contemplated that the fluid layer 40 may be applied in an area substantially equal
to the area enclosed by the perimeter of the base layer. As used herein fluid layer
refers to fluid in a particular layer and may not be readily defined as a distinct
layer in the construction.
[0018] A material layer 50 will be provided over the discontinuous second adhesive layer
30 as well as the discontinuous fluid layer 40 as illustrated in FIGURE 1d. The material
layer 40 may cover some but not all of the plurality of openings in the base layer
20 and first adhesive layer 10. The material layer 50 has at least one opening 51
which corresponds to at least one opening 21 in the base layer 20 and the opening
11 first adhesive layer 10.
[0019] A "channel" 60, as illustrated in FIGURE 1e, is created and corresponds to the at
least one opening 11 in the first adhesive layer 10, the opening 21 in the base layer
20, and opening 51 in the material layer 50 to facilitate the expulsion of air from
the interior of a receptacle through the channel 60 out the side of the multi-layer
control device 100. The discontinuity of the second adhesive layer 30 and the fluid
layer 40 aid in facilitating the formation of a channel and providing a tortuous path
for the fluid or air egress. The fluid layer 40 further aids in providing a secure
seal once the gasses are expelled from the package. FIGURE 1e further illustrates
a third adhesive layer 70 which will be provided over the material layer 50 and does
not cover the at least one opening 51 in the material layer 50 so as to leave the
channel 60 open. The present invention contemplates that the third adhesive layer
70 may be applied around the perimeter of a cover layer 80 or a perimeter of the material
layer 50 on the opposite side from the second adhesive layer. It is further contemplated
that the third adhesive layer 70 covers the entire material layer 50 except for the
at least one opening 51 in the material layer 50 to allow for the channel formation
60. In FIGURE 1f a cover layer 70 having a perimeter 81 is provided over the third
adhesive layer 70, covering the channel 60 completely including the at least one opening
51 in the material layer 50.
[0020] The air from the interior of the receptacle is expelled out of the interior of a
receptacle and through a receptacle's at least one evacuation port and through the
channel 60 created by the at least one opening (11, 21, 51) in each of the first adhesive
layer 10, the base layer 20 and the material layer 50. If there are a plurality of
openings in the first adhesive layer 10 and base layer 20 as illustrated in Figures
1a and 1b, additional air may be expelled through these openings which create a channel
in addition to channel 60. This channel however may be covered by the material layer
50. Because these openings may be covered by the material layer 50, the pressure from
the air expelled through these openings not included in the main channel 60 will be
exerted on the material layer and will make its way via a tortuous pathway 402 illustrated
in FIGURE 3 over to the main channel 60 and will ultimately be expelled through a
gas exit way indicated by reference numeral 404 in FIG 3. The gas exit way is created
between the third adhesive layer 70 and the cover layer 80 by the buildup of pressure
underneath the cover layer 80. A portion of the cover layer will temporarily unseat
itself from the third adhesive layer to permit the passage of air through the channel
60 and out the gas exit way 404 and into the surrounding environment. Once the gas
is expelled, the cover layer 80 will reseat itself back onto the third adhesive layer
70 creating a reusable multi-layer control device.
[0021] The present invention further contemplates that the material layer 50 may have more
than one opening with each of the openings in the material layer 50 corresponding
to and aligning with a plurality of openings in the first adhesive layer 10 and the
base layer 20 creating more than one main channel 60 to facilitate the expulsion of
air from the interior of a receptacle to the surrounding environment. The openings
presently disclosed in the multiple layers of the multi-layer control device may be
referred to as apertures. The apertures may be circular in shape but different geometrical
shapes are contemplated by the present invention.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the perimeter 81 of the cover
layer 80 and the perimeter 21 of the base layer 20 and a perimeter of the material
layer 52 are aligned with one another and the layers of the multi-layer construction
are substantially juxtapositioned on one another. However, the present invention contemplates
that the multiple layers may be splayed slightly out of alignment from one another
or may be positioned so to accommodate packaging requirements or designs.
[0023] The base layer 20, the material layer 50 and/or the cover layer 80 of the present
invention in an exemplary embodiment is constructed out of a polyester such as polyethylene
terphthalate (PET). The present invention contemplates that the base layer 20, the
material layer 50, and/or the cover layer 80, do not need to be constructed out of
the same type of material and may be dissimilar materials. In one embodiment, the
base layer 10 and the cover layer 60 are constructed out of clear PET. However, the
present invention further contemplates that pigments may be added to the base layer
10 and cover layer 60 in order to provide a colored multi-layer construction 100.
In another embodiment the cover layer 80 is constructed out of foil laminate.
[0024] In the present invention the first layer of adhesive 10, the second layer of adhesive
30, and the third layer of adhesive 70 may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. The adhesive
may be a form of an epoxy adhesive which is a versatile adhesive that can be used
to join a variety of materials. Additionally, polyvinyl acrylate and toughened acrylics
would also serve as suitable adhesives for the present invention. However, it is contemplated
that the first and second layers of adhesive may also be a type of permanent adhesive
in order to facilitate permanent adhesion of a multi-layer control device to the exterior
surface of a receptacle. The adhesive that is selected is one that is generally recognized
as safe ("GRAS"). Additionally, the multiple layer of adhesive may be applied in a
pattern of water based adhesive dots. These dots may be tinted different colors. For
example the second adhesive layer 30 may include blue tinted water based adhesive
dots and the third layer 50 of adhesive may include red tinted water based adhesive
dots. The adhesive layers may be applied via printing or other methods known in the
art.
[0025] The present invention contemplates that the discontinuous fluid layer 40 may be a
low viscosity fluid such as an oil. More specifically the oil may be a mineral or
vegetable oil. Additionally, the fluid layer may also be another substance with a
viscosity similar to that of oil or lower than oil but yet one that is still flowable.
The fluid layer 40 of the present invention provides as a sealant to promote adhesion
of the cover layer to the multi-layer control device. The fluid layer 40 prevents
the entrance of unwanted components from the surrounding environment into the interior
of a receptacle.
[0026] FIGURE 2 illustrate the multi-layer control device 210 of the present invention adhered
to a receptacle 200. The receptacle 200 may be containers or packages that hold coffee
beans for example. The multi-layer control device is adhered over an evacuation port
(not shown) in the wall structure of the receptacle 200. Types of receptacles that
may utilize the multi-layer control device
210 of the present invention are numerous and may have many geometrical shapes and
the products contained within the receptacles can vary as well. The present invention
contemplates that the at least one opening 11 in the first adhesive layer 10 may be
aligned with the evacuation port in the receptacle in order to facilitate expulsion
of unwanted components but it is not required. In a preferred embodiment the openings
in the base layer 20 and the first adhesive layer 10 and the cover layer 80 are aligned
with the evacuation port in the wall structure of the receptacle 200. FIGURE 2 also
illustrates in phantom the gas egress opening and channel 212 and 214, respectively.
The opening 212 corresponds
[0027] to the opening in the material, base and adhesive layers allowing gas released from
the package to travel to the surface beneath the cover layer and exit the assembly.
[0028] FIGURE 2a illustrates a side view of a receptacle 602 having a multi-layer control
device 610 of the present invention. The receptacle 602 has a wall structure 601 wherein
the wall structure 601 has at least one evacuation port 611. The at least one opening
640 in the first adhesive layer is adhered over the at least one evacuation port 611
in the wall receptacle 601 of the receptacle 610. Excess air pressure 613 from within
a receptacle's interior passes through the at least one evacuation port 611 and through
the channel 615 of the multi-layer control device 610. The excess air exits into the
surrounding environment via the gas exit way 612. The gas exit way 612 is created
when the excess air 613 passes through the channel and pushes up on the second end
620 of the cover layer and the second end of the cover layer detaches from the third
adhesive layer 630. The first section 621 of the cover layer remains adhered to the
cover layer.
[0029] FIGURE 3 illustrates a sectional view of the multi-layer control device 410 of the
present invention. A first layer of adhesive 300 having a plurality of openings 360a,
360b, is provided. The first layer of adhesive 300 has a top 302 and a bottom face
301. The bottom face of the first adhesive layer 301 may be adhered to a release liner
prior to application to a receptacle having a wall structure with an evacuation port.
Overlying the top face 302 of the first adhesive layer 300 is a base layer 310. The
base layer 310 has a plurality of openings 370a, 370b which correspond and align with
the plurality of openings 360a, 360b, in the first adhesive layer 300. The base layer
310 has a perimeter 311. Discontinuously overlying the perimeter of the base layer
310 is a second layer of adhesive 320. Also discontinuously and partially surrounding
the perimeter of the base layer is a fluid layer 380. The fluid layer 380 does not
cover the second adhesive layer 320 and is provided on the perimeter of the base layer
310 which is not covered by the discontinuous second adhesive layer 320. However,
the present invention does contemplate that the discontinuous fluid layer may overlie
the discontinuous second adhesive layer.
[0030] The present invention contemplates that the fluid layer 380 is not limited to the
perimeter 311 of the base layer 310. A material layer 330 covers the second adhesive
layer 320 and the fluid layer. The material layer 330 has at least one opening 390
which aligns with at least one opening (360b, 370b) in the first adhesive layer 300
and the base layer 310. The material layer 330 covers openings 370a and 360a in the
first adhesive layer 300 and the base layer 310 respectively. A third adhesive layer
340 is provided over the material layer 330. The third adhesive layer 340 may surround
the perimeter of the material layer 330 or the cover layer 350 that overlies the third
adhesive layer. The third adhesive layer 330 does not cover the at least one opening
390 in the material layer 330 with the at least one opening 390 in the material layer
330 being aligned with the openings 370b and 360b in the base layer 310 and the first
adhesive layer 300 respectively. A main channel 403 is created by the opening 360b
in the first adhesive layer 300, the opening 370b in the base layer 310 and the material
cover layer 390. The second adhesive layer 320 and the fluid layer 380, and the third
adhesive layer 340 facilitates the main channel's construction because they do not
cover the at least one opening forming the channel 403. A second channel smaller than
the main channel 405 is provided in the multilayer control device as a result of the
openings 360a in the first adhesive layer 300 and the opening 370a in the base layer.
The openings 360a and 370a are covered by the material layer 330. Air/gas 401b will
enter the openings 360a and 370a through at least one evacuation port in a wall structure
of a receptacle and travel through the second small channel 405. The air will travel
along a pathway 402 which connects with main channel 403 and will join with air 401a
that entered through the main channel 403. The combined air 401b and 401a will create
pressure underneath the cover layer 350. The cover layer 350 has a first 351 and second
end 352. Upon excess pressure from the combined air 401b and 401a from the main channel
403 the second end 352 of the cover layer 350 will separate from the third adhesive
layer 340 creating a gas exit way 404 for the expulsion of air pressure between the
second end 352 of the cover layer 350 and the third adhesive layer 340. The second
end 352 is moveable between an open and closed position. The second end 352 is in
the open position when expelling excess air pressure from within a receptacle's interior
and in the closed position when expulsion is complete. Once the air pressure is expelled
the second end 352 of the cover layer 350 will reseat itself on the third adhesive
layer 340. The ability of the cover layer 350 to reseat itself creates a reusable
valve.
[0031] It is contemplated that the multi-layer control device 100 of the present invention
is activated to release excess gas pressure from within the interior of a receptacle
when the pressure within the interior of a receptacle exceeds a specific level or
threshold. Thus, the multi-layer control device 100 of the present invention is designed
to be able to withstand a certain amount of internal positive pressure before it becomes
necessary to release air through the multi-layer control device100. For example, generally
when the internal pressure exceeds atmospheric pressure from about 689 pascals (Pa)
to 103421 Pa, the multi layer control device 100 of the present invention will release
internal pressure from a receptacle's interior. However the present invention contemplates
that the multi-layer control device of the present invention may be designed to respond
and release gasses into the outside environment to variable amounts of pressure that
are less than or significantly greater than - 689 Pa to - 103421 Pa wherein the variable
amounts of pressure are dependent upon product design or requirements.
[0032] FIGURE 4 illustrates a method of constructing the multi-layer control device of the
present invention. First, in step 410 a release liner is provided and in step 420,
the components of the assembly are generally constructed and include a first layer
of adhesive with a top face and a bottom face, a base layer with a perimeter, a second
layer of adhesive; a fluid or oil layer, a material layer a third adhesive layer and
a cover layer having a perimeter are provided. Next, in step 430 at least one registration
mark is printed on the web or release liner. A registration mark indicates where a
cut is made within the various layers which will result in an opening or aperture
in the present invention. It is also contemplated that a registration mark may be
used to signal where to cut, align and separate a plurality of multi-layer control
devices on a web from one another for individual utilization. The present invention
contemplates that a plurality of registration marks or a single registration mark
may be used. In another embodiment it is contemplated that the first layer of adhesive,
or the edges of the adhesive layer, may serve as the at least one registration mark.
It is preferred that if the first adhesive layer will serve as the registration mark(s)
that the adhesive layer may be printed as a plurality of dots.
[0033] Still referring to FIGURE 4 in step 440, the first adhesive layer is applied on the
release liner and the base layer having a perimeter is placed on the top face of the
first adhesive layer. Next, in step 450, at least one opening in the first adhesive
layer and at least one opening in the base layer is cut in line using the at least
one registration mark on the release liner as a guide. In step 460, the second layer
of adhesive is discontinuously applied to surround the perimeter of the base layer.
In step 470 a discontinuous low viscosity fluid or oil layer is applied to the areas
of the perimeter of the base layer not covered with the second layer of adhesive.
Next, in step 480, a material layer is applied over the discontinuous second adhesive
layer and fluid layer. In step 490 at least one opening is cut in the material layer
so that the cut corresponds to the position of registration mark on the web or release
liner. The at least one opening in the material layer corresponds to and aligns with
the at least one opening in the first adhesive layer and the base layer. In step 500,
a third adhesive layer is applied over the material layer so as not to cover the at
least one opening in the material layer. Lastly, in step 501, a continuous cover layer
is provided over the third adhesive layer.
[0034] In one embodiment, the cutting of the openings in the layers may be accomplished
using a die cutter, punch, laser cutter or slitting device. The present invention
also contemplates that a laser cutter may be used to cut the openings in the different
layers.
[0035] The present invention contemplates that the multi-layer control devices of the present
invention may be constructed on a web that may be wound in rolls. It is also contemplated
that the multi-layer control devices of the present invention may be provided on individual
sheets, or in a cut sheet format rather than rolls.
[0036] The present invention further contemplates that the present invention may have layers
in addition or less than to those already disclosed. For example, a fourth adhesive
layer may be provided over the cover layer 80 over which another material layer may
be applied or the middle film layer may be omitted.
[0037] It will thus be seen according to the present invention a highly advantageous valve
has been provided. While the invention has been described in connection with what
is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiment, and that many modifications and equivalent arrangements
may be made thereof within the scope of the invention, which scope is to be accorded
the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent
structures and products.
[0038] The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to
determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of their invention as it pertains to
any apparatus, system, method or article not materially departing from but outside
the literal scope of the invention as set out in the following claims.
Embodiments of the invention will be described in the following clauses:
[0039]
- 1. A multi-layer control device comprising:
a first layer of adhesive having a top and bottom face with the top face adhered to
a base layer, the first adhesive layer having at least one opening;
the base layer having a perimeter and the base layer has at least one opening aligned
with the opening in the first adhesive layer;
a discontinuous second layer of adhesive provided over the base layer and surrounds
the perimeter of the base layer;
a discontinuous fluid layer provided within the perimeter of the base layer and is
not covered by the discontinuous second layer of adhesive;
a material layer provided over the discontinuous fluid layer and discontinuous second
layer of adhesive wherein the material layer has at least one opening;
a third adhesive layer provided over the material layer wherein the third adhesive
layer does not cover the at least one opening in the material layer; and
a continuous cover layer overlying the third adhesive layer and covering the at least
one opening in the material layer;
- 2. The multi-layer control device as set forth in clause 1, wherein the fluid layer
of is a low viscosity fluid.
- 3. The multi-layer control device as set forth in any one of clauses 1 or 2, wherein
the fluid layer is one of a silicone oil, vegetable oil or mineral oil.
- 4. The multi-layer control device as set forth in any one of clauses 1-3, wherein
the fluid layer creates a tortuous path.
- 5. The multi-layer control device as set forth in any one of clauses 1-4, wherein
the base layer is PET.
- 6. The multi-layer control device as set forth in any one of clauses 1-5, wherein
the material layer is PET.
- 7. The multi-layer control device as set forth in any one of clauses 1-6, wherein
the multi-layer control device is a one-way valve.
- 8. The multi-layer control device as set forth in any one of clauses 1-7, wherein
the multi-layer control device is adhered to a receptacle.
- 9. The multi-layer control device as set forth in any one of clauses 1-8, wherein
the bottom face of the first adhesive layer is adhered to a release liner.
- 10. The multi-layer control device as set forth in any one of clauses 1-9, wherein
the third adhesive layer surrounds a perimeter of the material layer.
- 11. A method of making a package having a one-way valve comprising the steps of:
providing a carrier web having a valve assembly;
the valve assembly including;
a first layer of adhesive having a top and bottom face, a base layer having a perimeter,
a second layer of adhesive, an fluid layer, a material layer, a third adhesive layer,
and a cover layer, each of the first adhesive layer, base layer, and material layer
having at least one opening;
providing a package having an opening in an outer wall;
placing the valve assembly on the outer wall such that the opening in the outer wall
is aligned with the at least one opening in the first adhesive layer; and
filling the package with a gas emitting material.
- 12. A multi-layer control device, comprising:
a first adhesive layer having a top and bottom face with the bottom face adhered to
a release liner and at least one opening wherein the top face is adhered to a base
layer, the base layer having a perimeter and at least one opening;
a discontinuous second adhesive layer provided over the base layer that surrounds
the perimeter of the base layer;
a discontinuous oil layer provided within the perimeter of the base layer that is
not covered with the second adhesive layer;
a material layer having a perimeter provided over the discontinuous oil layer and
second adhesive layer wherein the material layer has at least one opening;
a third adhesive layer provided over the material layer wherein the third adhesive
layer surrounds the perimeter of material layer; and
a cover layer having a first and second end with the second end being separable from
the third adhesive layer and moveable between an open and a closed position.
- 13. A receptacle having a valve, comprising:
a receptacle having a wall structure where the wall structure has an evacuation port;
a valve,
the valve comprising;
a first layer of adhesive having a top and bottom face where the bottom face is adhered
to the wall structure of the receptacle and the first layer of adhesive has an opening
that is in line with the evacuation port;
a base layer that overlies the top face of the first layer of adhesive where the base
layer has a perimeter and an opening;
a discontinuous second adhesive layer that surrounds the perimeter of the base layer;
a discontinuous oil layer that is within the perimeter of the base layer not covered
by the discontinuous second adhesive layer;
a material layer having at least one opening overlying the discontinuous second adhesive
layer and oil layer;
a third adhesive layer provided over the material layer wherein the third adhesive
does not cover the at least one opening in the material layer; and
a continuous cover layer having a first and second end overlying the third adhesive
layer wherein the second end of the continuous cover layer is moveable between an
open and closed position.
- 14. The receptacle as set forth in clause 13, wherein at least one of the first adhesive
layer, second adhesive layer, and third adhesive layer are pressure sensitive adhesive.
- 15. The receptacle as set forth in clause 13, wherein at least one of the first adhesive
layer, second adhesive layer, and third adhesive layer are permanent adhesives.
- 16. The receptacle as set forth in clause 13, wherein the third adhesive layer surrounds
a perimeter of the material layer.
1. A method of making a multi-layer control device forming a valve comprising:
Applying a first adhesive layer on a release liner;
Applying a base layer on the first adhesive layer, the base layer having a top face
and a bottom face, the bottom face of the base layer being disposed on the first adhesive
layer;
Applying a second adhesive layer to the top face of the base layer, the second adhesive
layer being applied discontinuously to the top face of base; and
Applying a fluid layer on the base layer, the fluid layer being disposed in an area
of the base layer not covered by the second adhesive layer.
2. The method of claim 1 comprising cutting at least one opening in the at least one
opening in the base layer.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2 comprising applying a cover layer such that the cover layer
overlies the second adhesive layer and the fluid layer.
4. The method of claim 3 comprising applying a material layer over the second adhesive
layer and the fluid layer prior to applying the cover layer, the material layer being
provided with at least one opening corresponding to and aligned with at least one
opening in the base layer and at least one opening in the first adhesive layer.
5. The method of claim 4 comprising applying a third adhesive layer over the material
layer such that the third adhesive layer does not cover the at least one opening of
the material layer.
6. The method as set forth in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the fluid layer of is a
low viscosity fluid.
7. The method as set forth in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the fluid layer is one of
a silicone oil, vegetable oil or mineral oil.
8. The method as set forth in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the fluid layer creates
a tortuous path.
9. The method as set forth in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the base layer is PET.
10. The method as set forth in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the material layer is PET.