Vacuum demand valve

#The present invention relates generally to valves used in conjunction with fluid containers or tubing, and more specifically to a vacuum demand valve associated with a fluid container or within a tubing.

#In the medical field, beneficial agents are often delivered to patients through polymeric tubing. When the quantity of the beneficial agents must be tightly controlled, the beneficial agents are typically delivered intravenously via the tubing and regulated by a precision pump. Many times, however, the quantities of the beneficial agents introduced into the patient do not need to be tightly controlled. In these instances, the beneficial agents are typically introduced to the patient orally.

#Oral administration of the beneficial agents is also accomplished via polymeric tubing. To transfer the beneficial agent from a container to the patient, one end of a length of tubing is brought into contact with the beneficial agent while the other end of the tubing is inserted into the patient's mouth. The patient then provides the vacuum pressure required to draw the beneficial agent from the container, through the tubing, and into the patient's mouth.

#Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention attached to a fluid container;

#FIG. 2 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 1 in the closed condition;

#While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosures are to be considered as exemplifications of the principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

#Referring initially to FIGS. 1-26, a vacuum demand valve of present invention is disclosed, generally referred to with the reference numeral 10. In one preferred embodiment, the valve 10 may be embodied in a tubular structure and may be referred to as a tubing 10. The valve or tubing 10, which in one embodiment, could be a medical tubing 10, generally comprises an elongated sidewall 12, a proximal end 14, a distal end 16, an intermediate segment 18, and a valve member 20. The tubing 10 can generally be considered a housing of the valve. The elongated sidewall 12 has an inner wall 22 which defines a passageway 24 through which a flow of a flowable material, or fluid substance can travel. The intermediate segment 18 joins the proximal end 14 with the distal end 16. The distal end 16 is adapted for insertion into a user's mouth while the proximal end 14 is generally adapted for connection to a container. In one embodiment, the container can be a polymeric medical container 20 as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. It is understood, however, that the proximal end 14 can be connected to a further length of a medical tubing or inserted directly into a fluid carrying container without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should further be understood that the valve members 20 disclosed herein may be integrated directly with a fluid container. It should further be understood that the valves or components thereof disclosed herein may be produced from a flexibly polymeric material, such as the polymeric materials that are typically used in the production of medical tubing and containers.

#The valve member 20 is generally located within the intermediate segment 18 of the tubing 10 and regulates the flow of the fluid substance through the passageway 24 from the proximal end 14 to the distal end 16. The valve member 20 is biased in a closed condition (shown in, for example, FIG. 2) wherein the flow of the fluid substance through the passageway 24 is blocked or stopped by a portion of the valve member 20. An external force provided by a user actuates the valve member 20 from the closed condition to an open condition (shown, for example, in FIG. 3) so that an obstruction or restriction is removed from the passageway 24, and the fluid substance is allowed to flow through the demand valve 10 or tubing 10. The external force applied can be a partial vacuum pressure applied through the passageway 24. The vacuum pressure is preferably applied by the user drawing inward on the distal end 16 of the medical tubing, by mouth, similar to the manner in which a person would use a straw. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that the user may provide a positive force to a portion of the valve member 20 which would transfer the valve member 20 from the closed condition to the open condition. In either case, when the external force is removed from the valve member 20, the obstruction or restriction is restored, and the valve member 20 automatically returns to the closed condition. It is further understood that the partial vacuum can also be applied by a syringe, a pump, or other mechanical means.