Self-cleaning shape memory retaining valve

Abstract

A shape memory retaining valve of various formations and material product flow distributions which in conjunction with, for example, a flexible walled container of material product such as a ketchup or mustard container from variations of valve shape, durometer of material forming the valve such as TPE, and valve configuration dispense material product in a valve formation directed manner to form creative shapes and dispersions. In one embodiment with a user squeezing, a container capped with the disclosed valve allows product such as mustard to dispense in a directed stream and with the snap of a cover cap over the valve, before the container walls are fully recovered, the inward airflow continues allowing the valve walls to completely recover initial shape memory. In another embodiment, the top cover cap can restrict the valve from opening out and a valve then can open inwardly automatically, letting air in when pressure from the flexible walled container reforms to its original shape. The valve can reform to initial shape without a cap as well due to unique material qualities. After dispensing, the valve snaps back almost immediately, thus cutting off the product flow caused by the rebound of the container walls reforming to the original molded state. During this transition of retraction to the concave position, leftover product within the center of the outer valve is drawn back and sucked into the main container in one embodiment. This self cleaning action is possible because of the valve's ability to open inwardly. Even with the cover cap in place.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.